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  • BLOG

Nikon AW130 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Nikon AW130

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    Main Features

    • 16MP - 1/2.3' CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 125 - 6400
    • 24-120 mm F2.8-4.9 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
    • 7.0fps continuous shooting
    • and FHD at 60fps Video Recording
    • Built-in Wireless
    • Built-in GPS
    • 221g. 110 x 66 x 27 mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    • Replaced Nikon AW120
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Nikon AW130 Overview

    First introduced in February 2015 , Nikon Coolpix AW130 is a 16.0MP Waterproof camera with a 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, weather sealed body and 5.0x zoom 24-120 mm F2.8-4.9 lens. Nikon replaced the older AW120 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
    Compare Nikon Coolpix AW130 vs Nikon AW120

    Nikon AW130 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 AW130 is the latest 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
    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
    Compare
    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 AW130 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon AW130 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Image Stabilization
    Full HD Video
    Built-in GPS
    Face Detection Focusing
    921k dots LCD Resolution
    1/4000s High Shutter Speed
    7.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    Long Battery Life (370 shots)
    221g Light Body
    Environmental Sealing
    Timelapse Recording
    24mm Wide Angle Lens
    Fast 2.80 Lens at Wide
    Remote control with a smartphone
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon AW130 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    No Manual Focusing
    No Manual Exposure
    Slow Lens at Tele: f4.90

    Report a correction


    Nikon AW130 Physical Specs
    Nikon AW130 weighs 221 g (0.49 lb / 7.80 oz) and has external dimensions of 110 x 66 x 27 mm (4.33 x 2.6 x 1.06″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 27mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Nikon AW130
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Nikon AW130
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Nikon AW130 with the dimensions:

    Nikon AW130 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon AW130 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon AW130, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon AW130 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon AW130 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Now let's compare Nikon AW130 size with the camera that it replaced: Nikon AW120. Nikon AW130 has the same height and width with Nikon AW120. On the other hand, with a thickness of 27mm, it is 1mm thicker.


    Nikon AW130 vs Nikon AW120 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
    Comparison image of Nikon AW130 and Nikon AW120 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Nikon AW130 with its main competitors:

    Nikon AW130 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs AW130 Thickness vs AW130
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Nikon W300
    Compare
    231g 10g heavier 29mm 2mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Nikon AW120
    Compare
    213g 8g lighter 26mm 1mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Nikon AW100
    Compare
    178g 43g lighter 23mm 4mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Olympus TG-6
    Compare
    253g 32g heavier 32mm 5mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Nikon AW110
    Compare
    193g 28g lighter 25mm 2mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Olympus TG-4
    Compare
    247g 26g heavier 31mm 4mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Fujifilm XP130
    Compare
    207g 14g lighter 28mm 1mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Olympus TG-5
    Compare
    250g 29g heavier 32mm 5mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Nikon AW130 has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Nikon AW130 will serve you well.

    Nikon AW130 Lens

    Nikon AW130 features a 24-120 mm F2.8-4.9 5× zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end, while 120mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is also well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    AW130
    Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    AW130
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    With a max aperture of f2.80, this lens is fast on wide end, but only moderately fast at the tele end with max aperture of f4.90.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    AW130
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    AW130
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    AW130 is equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds.

    Nikon AW130 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon AW130 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9. AW130 has a native ISO range of 125 - 6400 but unfortunately, Nikon AW130 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 (Lumix DMC-TZ100) or Nikon Coolpix P7800 in the same price range.

    Nikon AW130 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 AW130 vs GoPro Hero9 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Waterproof cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon AW130's 1/2.3' sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon AW130 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon AW130 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Nikon AW130 LCD

    Nikon AW130 has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch 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 AW130 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Nikon Coolpix AW130 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.


    AW130 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder.

    Nikon AW130 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Thanks to the built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity feature, Nikon AW130 lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our AW130. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect AW130 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Nikon AW130 Battery

    Nikon AW130 is powered by EN-EL12 battery which provides a battery life of 370 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 256 shots, Nikon AW130 has a good battery life for its class.

    Battery Life Comparison in Waterproof Cameras

    Nikon AW130
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Olympus TG-4 with its 380shots is the model with longest battery life among Waterproof cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon AW130 vs Olympus TG-4 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Waterproof cameras list.

    Nikon AW130 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Nikon W300
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 280shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Nikon AW120
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 350shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Nikon AW100
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Olympus TG-6
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 340shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Nikon AW110
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 250shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Olympus TG-4
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 380shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Fujifilm XP130
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 240shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Camera Olympus TG-5
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 340shots Yes No No

    Nikon AW130 Video Features

    With Nikon AW130, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60i,50i,30p,25p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Nikon AW130 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.

    AW130 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Nikon AW130 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7800 or Nikon Coolpix P7100 in a similar price range.

    Also read:

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

    Nikon AW130 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Nikon AW130 can shoot continuously at max speed of 7.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately AW130 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Nikon AW130 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    Nikon AW130 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    What type of Photography is Nikon AW130 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon AW130 in 5 different photography areas.

    Nikon AW130 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon AW130 has a score of 24 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 theAW130.
    Image Stabilization
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    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 AW130 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon AW130 for Street Photography

    Nikon AW130 has a score of 55 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 Waterproof Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Small Body
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    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 AW130 for Street Photography

    Nikon AW130 for Sports Photography

    Nikon AW130 has a score of 21 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 theAW130.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 7.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    Wireless Connection
    Image Stabilization
    120 mm Tele Lens
    Focus Points
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon AW130 for Sports Photography

    Nikon AW130 for Daily Photography

    Nikon AW130 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
    221g
    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 AW130 for Daily Photography

    Nikon AW130 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon AW130 has a score of 19 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 theAW130.
    Built-in GPS
    24 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 AW130 for Landscape Photography
    Nikon AW130 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon AW130 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon AW130 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Nikon AW130

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon AW130 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon W300
    Nikon W300
    Compare
    Nikon AW120
    Nikon AW120
    Compare
    Nikon AW100
    Nikon AW100
    Compare
    Olympus TG-6
    Olympus TG-6
    Compare
    Nikon AW110
    Nikon AW110
    Compare
    Olympus TG-4
    Olympus TG-4
    Compare
    Fujifilm XP130
    Fujifilm XP130
    Compare
    Olympus TG-5
    Olympus TG-5
    Compare

    Nikon AW130 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Nikon AW130 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Nikon AW130's price range.

    Nikon AW130 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Nikon AW130 has an Overall Score of 41/100 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 AW130 is ranked #166 out of 631 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Waterproof), and ranked #715 out of 1244 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #715 out of 1244 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #166 out of 631 in Top Ranking Waterproof Cameras
    #47 out of 76 in Top Ranking Waterproof Cameras
    #244 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #56 out of 76 in Lightest Waterproof Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(221g)
    #402 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 AW130
    Does the Nikon AW130 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon AW130 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon AW130 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon AW130 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon AW130?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon AW130?
    is the Nikon AW130 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon AW130 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon AW130 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon AW130?
    What is the Weight of Nikon AW130?
    What are the Dimensions of Nikon AW130?
    Nikon Coolpix AW130 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon Coolpix AW130
    Announced 2015-02-10
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Number of Lenses
    Lens Focal Range 24-120 mm (5×)
    Max Aperture F2.8-4.9
    Macro Focus Range 1cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3.00"
    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 4s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation n/a
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 5.20 m (at Auto ISO)
    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'
    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 6,400
    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
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60i ,50i, 30p, 25p), 1280 x 720 (30p, 25p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 221g
    Physical Dimensions 110 x 66 x 27mm
    Battery Life 370 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model EN-EL12
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 secs)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS Built-in
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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