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Nikon 1 AW1 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Nikon 1 AW1

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    Main Features

    • 14MP - 1" CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 160 - 6400
    • 3" Fixed Type Screen
    • 60 fps continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • 1,200 fps High-Speed Video
    • Built-in GPS
    • 356g. 114 x 72 x 37 mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Nikon 1 AW1 Overview

    First introduced in September 2013 , Nikon 1 AW1 is a 14.0MP Entry-Level Mirrorless camera with a 1" (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and Nikon 1 lens mount.

    Nikon 1 AW1 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Nikon 1 AW1 has an Overall Score of 61/100 and ranked #124 out of 211 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 10 Mirrorless), and ranked #290 out of 1220 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Nikon 1 AW1 Physical Specs
    Nikon 1 AW1 weighs 356 g (0.78 lb / 12.6 oz) and has external dimensions of 114 x 72 x 37 mm (4.47 x 2.81 x 1.46″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 442g, Nikon 1 AW1 is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 37mm, it is also quite small, 13mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon 1 AW1
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    Thickness Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon 1 AW1
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    Here is the front and top view image of Nikon 1 AW1 with the dimensions:

    Nikon 1 AW1 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon 1 AW1, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon 1 AW1 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon 1 AW1 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Nikon 1 AW1 with its main competitors:

    Nikon 1 AW1 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs 1 AW1 Thickness vs 1 AW1
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Nikon 1 J5
    Compare
    231g 125g lighter 32mm 5mm thinner
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Nikon 1 V1
    Compare
    383g 27g heavier 44mm 7mm thicker
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Sony A6000
    Compare
    344g 12g lighter 45mm 8mm thicker
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Nikon 1 V3
    Compare
    381g 25g heavier 33mm 4mm thinner
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Olympus TG-6
    Compare
    253g 103g lighter 32mm 5mm thinner
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Nikon W300
    Compare
    231g 125g lighter 29mm 8mm thinner
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Olympus TG-5
    Compare
    250g 106g lighter 32mm 5mm thinner
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Nikon 1 V2
    Compare
    278g 78g lighter 46mm 9mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Nikon 1 AW1 has environmental sealings (waterproof, shockproof).

    Nikon 1 AW1 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon 1 AW1 has a 14.0MP 1" (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features EXPEED 3A processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3072 pixels with aspect ratios of 3:2 and 16:9. 1 AW1 has a native ISO range of 160 - 6400 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Nikon 1 AW1 is not the highest resolution 1 inch Sensor camera. Nikon 1 J5 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon 1 AW1 vs Nikon 1 J5 or take a look at Highest resolution Mirrorless cameras list.

    Nikon 1 AW1 DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Nikon 1 AW1 sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 51 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Nikon 1 AW1 here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon 1 AW1's 1" sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon 1 AW1 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon 1 AW1 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Nikon 1 AW1 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Nikon 1 AW1 has a Nikon 1 lens mount and currently there are 13 native lenses available for this mount. Although limited in number and versatility, Nikon 1 mount provides the compact and lightweight lenses that the system promises. With an adapter, you can mount Nikon F lenses and thanks to focal length multiplier of 2.7x, some of these lenses will give you a very long focal length reach.

    Nikon 1 AW1 doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 7 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization. There are also 2 lenses with weather sealing for 1 AW1 that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

    Here are some of the most popular Nikon 1 AW1 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Nikon 1 Mount Lenses for Nikon 1 AW1
    Model Focal Length on 1 AW1 Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 70-300mm f4.5-5.6
    189-810mm 1" 560gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon 1 Nikkor 18.5mm f1.8 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor 18.5mm f1.8
    51.3mm 1" 70gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm f3.8-5.6 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm f3.8-5.6
    81-297mm 1" 180gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 10-100mm f4.5-5.6 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 10-100mm f4.5-5.6
    27-270mm 1" 298gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon 1 Nikkor 10mm f2.8 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor 10mm f2.8
    27mm 1" 77gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 6.7-13mm f3.5-5.6 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 6.7-13mm f3.5-5.6
    18.9-35.1mm 1" 125gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon 1 Nikkor 32mm f1.2 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor 32mm f1.2
    86.4mm 1" 235gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.6 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.6
    27-81mm 1" 115gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Nikon 1 AW1 Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Nikon 1 AW1 LCD

    Nikon 1 AW1 has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Nikon 1 AW1 back view and LCD

    1 AW1 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Mirrorless camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Sony Alpha A7R II (Compare) or Nikon Z5 (Compare).
    If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

    Nikon 1 AW1 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect 1 AW1 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Nikon 1 AW1 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 220 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 369 shots, Nikon 1 AW1 has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend 1 AW1 owners to buy some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon 1 AW1
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Samsung NX mini with its 650shots is the model with longest battery life among Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon 1 AW1 vs Samsung NX mini or take a look at Longest Battery Life Mirrorless cameras list.

    Nikon 1 AW1 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Nikon 1 J5
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 250shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Nikon 1 V1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 350shots No No No
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Sony A6000
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 360shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Nikon 1 V3
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 310shots Yes No No
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Olympus TG-6
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 340shots Yes No No
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Nikon W300
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 280shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Olympus TG-5
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 340shots Yes No No
    Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Nikon 1 V2
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 310shots No No No

    Nikon 1 AW1 Video Features

    With Nikon 1 AW1, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60i,30p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Nikon 1 AW1 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    1 AW1 also a high speed mode where it captures videos at 1,200 fps for ultra slow motion videos. 1 AW1 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
    Nikon 1 AW1 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Mirrorless camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Sony Alpha A7R II or Nikon Z5 in a similar price range.

    Nikon 1 AW1 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Nikon 1 AW1 can shoot continuously at max speed of 60 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately 1 AW1 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Nikon 1 AW1 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 135 points to choose from.

    Nikon 1 AW1 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Nikon 1 AW1 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon 1 AW1 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Full HD Video
    Built-in GPS
    Face Detection Focusing
    135 Focus Points
    921k dots LCD Resolution
    60.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    356g Light Body
    Environmental Sealing
    Panorama Shooting
    1,200 fps High Speed Video
    Flash Sync Port
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon 1 AW1 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Viewfinder Option
    x magnification - Small Viewfinder
    Low Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
    Low Battery Life: 220 shots
    Poor Low Light Performance
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Nikon 1 AW1 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon 1 AW1 in 5 different photography areas.

    Nikon 1 AW1 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon 1 AW1 has a score of 39 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over the1 AW1.
    Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
    Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    No Image Stabilization
    No Built-in Viewfinder

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon 1 AW1 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon 1 AW1 for Street Photography

    Nikon 1 AW1 has a score of 54 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Medium sized Body
    Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon 1 AW1 for Street Photography

    Nikon 1 AW1 for Sports Photography

    Nikon 1 AW1 has a score of 71 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 60.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    135 Focus Points
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Poor Battery Life: 220 shots
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon 1 AW1 for Sports Photography

    Nikon 1 AW1 for Daily Photography

    Nikon 1 AW1 has a score of 64 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Environmental Sealings
    Medium size Body
    Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
    356g

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon 1 AW1 for Daily Photography

    Nikon 1 AW1 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon 1 AW1 has a score of 38 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over the1 AW1.
    Live-view
    Built-in GPS
    Environmental Sealings
    Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
    Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon 1 AW1 for Landscape Photography
    Nikon 1 AW1 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon 1 AW1 compares with other Mirrorless cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon 1 AW1 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Nikon 1 AW1

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon 1 AW1 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon 1 J5
    Nikon 1 J5
    Compare
    Nikon 1 V1
    Nikon 1 V1
    Compare
    Sony A6000
    Sony A6000
    Compare
    Nikon 1 V3
    Nikon 1 V3
    Compare
    Olympus TG-6
    Olympus TG-6
    Compare
    Nikon W300
    Nikon W300
    Compare
    Olympus TG-5
    Olympus TG-5
    Compare
    Nikon 1 V2
    Nikon 1 V2
    Compare

    Nikon 1 AW1 Alternatives in DSLR Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Nikon 1 AW1 with DSLR Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked DSLR cameras in Nikon 1 AW1's price range.

    Pentax K-1
    Pentax K-1
    Compare
    Nikon D750
    Nikon D750
    Compare
    Nikon D810
    Nikon D810
    Compare
    Nikon D500
    Nikon D500
    Compare
    Canon 90D
    Canon 90D
    Compare
    Canon 6D MII
    Canon 6D MII
    Compare
    Nikon D800E
    Nikon D800E
    Compare
    Sony A77 II
    Sony A77 II
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon 1 AW1
    Does the Nikon 1 AW1 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon 1 AW1 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon 1 AW1 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon 1 AW1 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon 1 AW1?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon 1 AW1?
    is the Nikon 1 AW1 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon 1 AW1 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon 1 AW1 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon 1 AW1?
    What is the Weight of Nikon 1 AW1?
    What are the Dimensions of Nikon 1 AW1?
    Nikon 1 AW1 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon 1 AW1
    Announced 2013-09-19
    Body Type Rangefinder-style mirrorless
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Nikon 1
    Number of Lenses 13
    Focal Length Multiplier 2.7×
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT LCD
    Screen Size 3"
    Screen Resolution 921k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 60.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 5.00 m (at ISO 100)
    Max Flash Sync 1/60s
    Flash Modes Fill flash, fill w/slow sync, rear curtain sync, rear w/slow sync, redeye reduction, redeye w/slow sync, off
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 51
    DxO Color Depth 20.2
    DxO Dynamic Range 10.9
    DxO Low Light ISO 428
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size 1"
    Sensor Dimensions 13.2 x 8.8 mm
    Sensor Area 116.16mm2
    Sensor Resolution 14 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3072
    Max Native ISO 6,400
    Min Native ISO 160
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 135
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60i, 30p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 30p), 640 x 240 (400 fps), 320 x 120 (1200 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Optional
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 356g
    Physical Dimensions 114 x 72 x 37mm
    Battery Life 220 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model EN-EL20
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2, 5, 10 secs)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS BuiltIn
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC card
    Storage Slots 1


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