Nikon has released details of its new Nikon 1 AW1 Compact System Camera, which is waterproof to 15 metres and can withstand a 2 metre drop.
Front view of the new Nikon 1 AW1 in black with the 1 Nikkor AW 10mm f/2.8 lens. (Source: Nikon.)
The Nikon 1 AW1 boasts a CX-format image sensor developed by Nikon with no optical low-pass filter and an effective pixel count of 14.25-million pixels. The Advanced Hybrid AF System provides 73-point phase-detection AF and 135-point contrast-detect AF. Continuous shooting speeds of up to 15 fps with AF tracking and high-speed continuous shooting of full-resolution images at 60 fps when focus is locked. Burst depth is approximately 20 shots. The new EXPEED 3A image-processing engine is optimised for the camera and supports an ISO range of 160″“6400. The built-in flash has a guide number of approximately 5/16 (m/ft, ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F; at ISO160, Guide Number is approx. 6.3/20.7) and can also be used underwater.
Angled front view of the Nikon 1 AW1 in white with the 1 Nikkor AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. (Source: Nikon.)
A new action control function enables quick and easy switching between menu screens, while a Control lock function that prevents accidental operation when wearing gloves. The AW1 also has built-in electronic compass, altimeter, depth gauge, virtual horizon display and location data functions that can be used to create logs tracking depth or position. An Outdoor display option makes the display easier to read outdoors or wherever ambient lighting is bright.
Rear view of the Nikon 1 AW1. (Source: Nikon.)
Three underwater shooting modes are available: Standard, Scuba and Close up. Colours can be viewed and adjusted using the live view display and white balance and auto distortion control are available. A new Slow View function automatically buffers 20 frames at the moment focus is acquired, and then plays them back in a continuous loop at 5ø— slow motion while the shutter-release button is held down halfway. When the desired frame is displayed, pressing the shutter-release button the rest of the way down records the current frame to the memory card.
The new 1 Nikkor AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. (Source: Nikon.)
Announced concurrently with the Nikon 1 AW1 are two dedicated waterproof lenses: the 1 Nikkor AW 10mm f/2.8 (waterproof to 20m) and 1 Nikkor AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 (waterproof to 15m) , which have been designed for use exclusively with the Nikon 1 AW1. Both lenses are scheduled for release with the camera in October 2013. Pricing will be at dealers’ discretion. A filter for reducing condensation (Filter AW 40.5 NC) will become available at the same time. An underwater Speedlight for Nikon 1 cameras (SB-N10) is in development and scheduled for release in March 2014. For more information, visit http://mynikonlife.com.au/gear/nikon-1/nikon-1-aw1.
