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  • BLOG

Nikon AW100 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Nikon AW100

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    Main Features

    • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 125 - 3200
    • 28-140 mm F3.9-4.8 Zoom Lens
    • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
    • 3.0fps continuous shooting
    • Built-in GPS
    • 178g. 110 x 65 x 23 mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    • Replaced by Nikon AW110
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Nikon AW100 Overview

    First introduced in August 2011 , Nikon Coolpix AW100 is a 16.0MP Waterproof camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, weather sealed body and 5.0x zoom 28-140 mm F3.9-4.8 lens. Nikon later replaced AW100 with AW110. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these cameras:
    Compare Nikon Coolpix AW100 vs Nikon AW110

    Nikon AW100 Review - Click for Table of Contents

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

    Nikon AW100 is a member of Nikon's AW series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Nikon AW Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Nikon AW130
    Compare
    2015 16.0MP - 1/2.3' 7.0 fps 110 x 66 x 27mm 221g
    Nikon AW120
    Compare
    2014 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 7.0 fps 110 x 66 x 26mm 213g
    Nikon AW110
    Compare
    2013 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 8.0 fps 110 x 65 x 25mm 193g
    Nikon AW100
    2011 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 3.0 fps 110 x 65 x 23mm 178g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Nikon AW130 vs AW120 vs AW110 vs AW100


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Nikon AW100 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon AW100 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Water Proof
    Shock Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Full HD Video
    Built-in GPS
    178g Light Body
    Environmental Sealing
    Panorama Shooting
    240fps High Speed Video
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon AW100 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 RAW Shooting
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200
    Only Unknown Focus Points
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
    No Manual Focusing
    No Manual Exposure
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.90
    Slow Lens at Tele: f4.80

    Report a correction


    Nikon AW100 Physical Specs
    Nikon AW100 weighs 178 g (0.39 lb / 6.28 oz) and has external dimensions of 110 x 65 x 23 mm (4.33 x 2.56 x 0.91″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, its weight is about average in its class. On the other hand, with a thickness of only 23mm, it is quite small, 5mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Nikon AW100
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Nikon AW100
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Nikon AW100 with the dimensions:

    Nikon AW100 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon AW100 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon AW100, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon AW100 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon AW100 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Nikon AW100 with its main competitors:

    Nikon AW100 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs AW100 Thickness vs AW100
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Nikon W300
    Compare
    231g 53g heavier 29mm 6mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Nikon AW130
    Compare
    221g 43g heavier 27mm 4mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Nikon AW110
    Compare
    193g 15g heavier 25mm 2mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Nikon AW120
    Compare
    213g 35g heavier 26mm 3mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Nikon S33
    Compare
    221g 43g heavier 27mm 4mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Olympus TG-6
    Compare
    253g 75g heavier 32mm 9mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Panasonic TS30
    Compare
    142g 36g lighter 20mm 3mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Fujifilm XP90
    Compare
    203g 25g heavier 28mm 5mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Nikon AW100 has environmental sealings (waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, freezeproof)

    Nikon AW100 Lens

    Nikon AW100 features a 28-140 mm F3.9-4.8 5x zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 28mm and 140mm reach on tele gives a lot of flexibility and satisfy most of your needs.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    AW100
    Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    AW100
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.90 at 28mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end and neither at tele end with its f4.80.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    AW100
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    AW100
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    Nikon AW100 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon AW100 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels. AW100 has a native ISO range of 125 - 3200 but unfortunately, Nikon AW100 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Olympus XZ-1 in the same price range.

    Nikon AW100 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero9 Black with its 23.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon AW100 vs GoPro Hero9 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Waterproof cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon AW100's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon AW100 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon AW100 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Nikon AW100 LCD

    Nikon AW100 has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 460k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Unfortunately Nikon Coolpix AW100 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Waterproof Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    AW100 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder.

    Nikon AW100 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect AW100 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Nikon AW100 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Nikon W300
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 280shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Nikon AW130
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 370shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Nikon AW110
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 250shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Nikon AW120
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 350shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Nikon S33
    Compare
    1280 x 720 220shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Olympus TG-6
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 340shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Panasonic TS30
    Compare
    1280 x 720 250shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Camera Fujifilm XP90
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 210shots Yes No No

    Nikon AW100 Video Features

    With Nikon AW100, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Nikon AW100 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.

    High-Speed Video

    AW100 features a high speed mode where it captures videos at 240fps which helps to create slow motion videos. If you shoot a video at a frame rate of 240fps and play it back at 24fps, the video will be 10x slower and longer than normal.

    AW100 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a None speaker. On the other hand, Nikon AW100 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Samsung PL120 in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Waterproof Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Waterproof Cameras with Headphone Port

    Nikon AW100 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Nikon AW100 can shoot continuously at max speed of 3 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately AW100 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Nikon AW100 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    What type of Photography is Nikon AW100 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon AW100 in 5 different photography areas.

    Nikon AW100 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon AW100 has a score of 10 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theAW100.
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No Image Stabilization
    No RAW shooting capability
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon AW100 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon AW100 for Street Photography

    Nikon AW100 has a score of 29 for Street Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Street We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Street Photography list and consider these alternatives over theAW100.
    Live-view
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Small Body
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Image Stabilization
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.90
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon AW100 for Street Photography

    Nikon AW100 for Sports Photography

    Nikon AW100 has a score of 17 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theAW100.
    Environmental Sealings
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
    140 mm Tele Lens
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
    Unknown Focus Points
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Image Stabilization
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon AW100 for Sports Photography

    Nikon AW100 for Daily Photography

    Nikon AW100 has a score of 56 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    178g
    Environmental Sealings
    5.0X Optical Zoom
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon AW100 for Daily Photography

    Nikon AW100 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon AW100 has a score of 22 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theAW100.
    Built-in GPS
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Environmental Sealings
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon AW100 for Landscape Photography
    Nikon AW100 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon AW100 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon AW100 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Nikon AW100

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon AW100 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon W300
    Nikon W300
    Compare
    Nikon AW130
    Nikon AW130
    Compare
    Nikon AW110
    Nikon AW110
    Compare
    Nikon AW120
    Nikon AW120
    Compare
    Nikon S33
    Nikon S33
    Compare
    Olympus TG-6
    Olympus TG-6
    Compare
    Panasonic TS30
    Panasonic TS30
    Compare
    Fujifilm XP90
    Fujifilm XP90
    Compare

    Nikon AW100 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Nikon AW100 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Nikon AW100's price range.

    Nikon AW100 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Nikon AW100 has an Overall Score of 37/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Nikon Coolpix AW100 is ranked #262 out of 631 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Waterproof), and ranked #845 out of 1244 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #845 out of 1244 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #262 out of 631 in Top Ranking Waterproof Cameras
    #61 out of 76 in Top Ranking Waterproof Cameras
    #348 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #23 out of 76 in Lightest Waterproof Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(178g)
    #515 out of 917 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen

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

    Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon AW100
    Does the Nikon AW100 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon AW100 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon AW100 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon AW100 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon AW100?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon AW100?
    is the Nikon AW100 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon AW100 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon AW100 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon AW100?
    What is the Weight of Nikon AW100?
    What are the Dimensions of Nikon AW100?
    Nikon Coolpix AW100 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon Coolpix AW100
    Announced 2011-08-24
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Number of Lenses
    Lens Focal Range 28-140 mm (5x)
    Max Aperture F3.9-4.8
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT LCD
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 460k 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 4s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation n/a
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range n/a
    Flash Modes n/a
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 16 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3456
    Max Native ISO 3,200
    Min Native ISO 125
    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 Unknown
    Number of Cross Focus Points 0
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720 (60 fps),640 x 480 (120 fps), 320 x 240 (240 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 178g
    Physical Dimensions 110 x 65 x 23mm
    Battery Model EN-EL12
    Other Features
    Self Timer n/a
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS Built-in
    Storage Type SD / SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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