What you need to know about Nikon Coolpix AW100 rugged camera

Overview

Nikon Coolpix AW100 is the new rough and tough kid on the block. Built for adventurers the new model promises to be as tough as you can get. This means it can survive under water, or in harsh freezing conditions if you happen to be shooting in Alaska and even withstand some rough handling if you have a habit of dropping your camera quite often. Although there are other rugged cameras available in the market, it's the first time Nikon's making an entry to this category of rugged cameras.

Nikon Coolpix AW100

Pricing and availability

Available in black, camouflage and brilliant orange, the camera can be ordered from any online retailer or also obtained from a local dealer for a price tag of $379.

What's great

Rough and tough: Coolpix AW100 is a camera that can handle it all, whether it's the underwater life that you want to capture or the vast white stretch of snow. And if you also happen to be someone who trips quite often while taking the perfect shot, then you would be glad to know that like you your camera too can withstand the shock. On the specs sheet all the ruggedness amounts to waterproof up to a depth of 33 feet, freeze-proof at temperatures as low as 14ºF and also shockproof from a fall of 1.5 meters.

Improved image quality: There are quite a number of cameras under the label rugged but what makes Coolpix AW100 different is the image quality it offers. A 16-megapixel backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor along with EXPEED C2 image processing system you can be assured of a superior image quality even in low light conditions.

Anti-blur technology: Being an adventure-friendly camera, it's quite impossible that you would want to miss out on action scenes while on the go. For this, Coolpix AW100 uses three different ways to ensure that you get blur-free images. The Hybrid Vibration Reduction technology cuts the camera shake, a high ISO of up to 3200 minimizes the chances of ending up with a blurred image of fast moving objects while the Best Shot Selector automatically selects the sharpest image out of the 10 sequential shots.

NIKKOR wide-angle 5x zoom lens: The 5x optical zoom lens (35mm equivalent of 28-140mm) with image stabilization allows you to shoot in various angles, from the 28mm wide angle to the 140 mm telephoto. Thus, you can make use of any of the angles or even take exquisite panoramic pictures (even at 360º) with the camera.

Full HD Movie Recording: Nikon Coolpix AW100 also lets you record movies in full HD (1080p) resolution and even has a dedicated movie record button, which many rugged cameras lack. The camera also allows you to zoom in optically on the action while you record and if you wish you can also take pictures of the action while you record. For more fun and creativity, it also has the option to shoot videos in slow or fast motion at recording speeds of 15 to 240fps.

Action Control: For moments that require sudden action from you, Nikon has added Action Control. This feature lets you assign a specific action when you shake the camera. For instance, if you have assigned the camera to go into macro mode when you shake it, it would do just that without you having to remove the gloves. It's a feature that could surely come in handy under freezing conditions or during rains.

GPS and electronic compass: With Coolpix AW100 you can also geotag your images right there on the camera. It saves up all the information about latitudes and longitudes in the EXIF data. That's not all you can also use the compass to locate yourself or track your route with the help of Nikon ViewNX2 software included within the camera. The mapping also works when not in use, which means you can also use it to keep a track of your route to adventure.

Lightweight: With so many features, Nikon Coolpix AW100 is surprisingly lightweight, a perfect companion for your outdoor trips. It weighs about 178 g or 6.3 ounces and quite comfortable in the palm of your hand for quick shots.

What's not so great

Nikon's Coolpix AW100 performs well in almost all categories with little to complain. However, at the lowest of ISO settings you might experience some noise in the pictures that you take. But, this nifty nuisance cannot out do the excellent set of features that the camera has.

Having so many features, Nikon Coolpix AW100 comes at a heavy price tag and it wouldn't be wrong to say that it is one of the most expensive in the category of rugged cameras. The price tag can be a deterrent factor for many shutterbugs who would want to lay their hands on this great camera.

Things to watch out for

As the Coolpix AW100 is priced high, you can also take a look at other rugged cameras such as Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3, Olympus Tough TG-310 or Sony Cyber-shot TX10, compare the features and then take your pick depending upon your personal preferences.

Verdict

Nikon Coolpix AW100 is an excellent camera with a number of useful features and an outstanding image quality. If you are not constrained by budget then, this is an absolutely recommended one for all the shutterbugs.

Further readings or Word around the web

ePhotozine writes,

The Coolpix AW100 is remarkably good for Nikon's first venture into the rugged camera market. Its main strength is its range of features. Not only is is waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof, it comes with built-in GPS, full 1080p HD video recording and much more. Although one of the more expensive rugged cameras available, the camera produces good images and videos and therefore takes its place in our Top 7 Cameras For Active Photographers.