New Nikon rugged underwater camera

Nikon has launched the world's first rugged, waterproof and shockproof compact system camera that uses interchangeable lenses—the Nikon 1 AW1.

Also with it the company has announced two lenses NIKKOR AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 and 1 NIKKOR AW 10mm f/2.8. Both unfortunately have no vibration reduction (VR) feature.

The camera and lenses can be waterproof when combined together (up to 49 feet), freeze proof (down to 14° F) and shockproof (up  to 6.6 feet). So, here is a another choice for amateur photographers or professionals who are looking for an all-weather camera. But, who all should be the buyers. 

Nikon 1 configuration

In Firm language Nikon now has three interchangeable lens system camera line-ups based on the sensor size and other features: Nikon FX, DX and the CX. FX uses the biggest sensor among these—as big as the 35 mm film. The CX format uses the smallest sensor (13.2 x 8.8mm) with a 2.7 times crop factor which is just a quarter of the DX format sensor. As per Experts bigger the sensor size, the better the image quality. (Even the iPhone 5S has increased its sensor size!) But unlike the FX and DX, the CX format cameras do not have the reflex mirrors which make them much smaller devices and easy to carry. They also use separate lenses though the DSLR lenses can be attached to them with the help of adapters. 

The CX system came with another set of goodies. When it was publicized two years ago, the company had said the system can achieve the world's fastest autofocus speed, with 10 fps burst speed (15 fps now) powered its by hybrid autofocus. It also had the world's fastest continuous shooting speed (60 fps) among all cameras using interchangeable lenses. 

As far as shooting capabilities and internals are concerned, the  Nikon 1 AW1 uses the CX system  found on Nikon 1 J3 introduced in January, this year. The camera has the 14.2 megapixel High-Speed AF CX-format CMOS sensor found on the J3 and is powered by the new EXPEED 3A image-processing engine. It can shoot 1080p full HD video with 30/60/400 and 1200 FPS options and built-in stereo sound.

The quick hybrid auto focus can be used for shooting stills or video.  It has an ISO range of 60-6400. The model comes with built-in GPS with compass, altimeter, and depth meter. 

Using the WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter (sold separately) the user can share the pictures or video to other devices like smartphone or share it through the internet. 

It has most of the features one would expect from a camera of this nature.

Conclusion 

The Nikon 1 AW1 kit with 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens sells for for $796.95. 

The camera may not qualify as a genuine under water shooter as it is waterproof only up to  up to 49 feet (15 meters). The legendary Nikonos film cameras were able to go down up to160ft (50m). 

If you are looking better image quality, then decent DSLRs may be available for less money with the added advantage of having a huge number of lenses to choose from. But then they will be heavier and bulkier to carry compared with the new series of cameras.

If you just want the faster frame rate and other features found on AW1, you may opt for the Nikon J3, which is essentially the same camera for a few hundred dollars less. But it will not have any weather sealing.

If you are searching for a tough camera that can withstand some rough handling then the Nikon AW1 is the solution. 

Yes, it is the “adventure-proof” camera.

Some trial images officially published by Nikon: http://bit.ly/19nWkLf