Nikon AW1: rugged, waterproof, and with interchangeable lenses

[haven]

Nikon just introduced the AW1, a mirrorless camera system that is waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. The AW1 might be a good choice if you're planning to encounter difficult environmental conditions on your next adventure. Or if you're the type who doesn't feel like babying your photographic gear.

The AW1 features a 1 inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm) CMOS sensor of 12 megapixels. The camera has interchangeable lenses. (No, you can't change lenses under water!) In keeping with its mission as an adventure companion, the AW1 can record data from its GPS receiver, altimeter, and depth meter.

The AW1 costs a reasonable $800, including a 30-74mm equivalent waterproof zoom lens. A 27mm equivalent waterproof prime lens is an option for $200 more.

Here's the Nikon press release .. http://www.nikon.com/news/2013/0919_nikon1_01.htm
DP Review has a first impressions article .. http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikon-1-aw1

 

[graynomad]

Shame it's a Nikon

I think I'm getting close to using something lie this, the big SLR kit is getting too much like hard work.

 

[spikemd]

I just saw this and am very impressed. I bought a V1 last year when prices dropped and really like the camera. It is so much smaller than my D50 full size dslr and takes impressive pictures. The video is outstanding. A few gripes with the V1 is that ergonomically it is harder to hold in one hand and that it doesnt have a built in flash. The newer version V2 adressed some of the issues. I was probably waiting for a V3 but this new AW1 may win me over.

I was planning on holding off but my wife just broke the lens on the D50 (second lens we have broken) so I am going to jeed a replacement soon. Right now I have a Fuji waterproof camera that is decent in the water but thats about it. This nikon has everything I am looking for plus can get beat up by by my kids and will be impervious to dust and water which is something I always encounter on the trail.

Exciting!

 

[photo_i]

Shame it's a Nikon

I think I'm getting close to using something lie this, the big SLR kit is getting too much like hard work.

Canon man?

Yes, my camera bag weighs more than 10 kg, but if I wanna print large size photos then I just can't go with point-n-shoot thingy. If my goal was just a web pics then heck yeah, save the back pain and go light! ")

 

[spikemd]

Forgot to mention that I also have 3 Nikon1 lenses that I can use with the AW1 but they aren't waterproof like the dedicated lenses.
This is not a point and shoot camera. The lenses are very high quality.

It is a great system that is smaller than the 4/3s cameras and rivals the DSLRs in picture quality. I will take the portability and video capabilities ivwr the small loss in clarity. But it is hard to distinguish unless you enlarge them significantly.

 

[photo_i]

I will take the portability and video capabilities ivwr the small loss in clarity. But it is hard to distinguish unless you enlarge them significantly.

That was exactly my point - it all depends on the reason behind taking pictures.

 

[graynomad]

Canon man?

Since 1975 and till the day I die...or until something better comes along

it all depends on the reason behind taking pictures.

I haven't sold a print for years, these days most pics just wind up on the web or a computer or in a magazine, none of which need huge files or $10,000 cameras. Even my panos (some 1GB in file size) wind up as a 2000px-wide jpeg.

The writing is definitely on the wall for my DSLR gear, but I have so much invested in it (especially the lenses) that I don't know how I would ever change. Maybe if Canon bring out a good small-format body that still uses EOS lenses.

 

[photo_i]

The writing is definitely on the wall for my DSLR gear, but I have so much invested in it (especially the lenses) that I don't know how I would ever change. Maybe if Canon bring out a good small-format body that still uses EOS lenses.

It's the glass that weighs the most, not the body. I always feel sorry for wild life photographers who have to carry Hubble telescopes around.

 

[graynomad]

wild life photographers who have to carry Hubble telescopes around

That would be me a lot of the time, although my 400/4 isn't too bad (1.9kgs). I think my bodies are about 1.5kgs each.