Nikon launches the world’s first waterproof /shockproof interchangeable lens camera: Introducing the Nikon 1 AW1 compact system camera. (19.09.2013)

Nikon today announces the world’s first waterproof/shockproof interchangeable lens camera the Nikon 1 AW1 compact system camera.

Waterproof (to 15 m)², shockproof (from heights of up to 2 m)³, freeze-proof (to -10°C), and fully dustproof⁴, the Nikon 1 AW1 keeps on performing regardless of what Mother Nature might have in store. Launching together with two equally handsome water/shock/freeze-proof 1 NIKKOR AW lenses, this system camera captures the best of the action in any environment, and it won’t look out of place at a chic city event either. Small enough to carry with ease, fast enough to leap into action in the blink of an eye, and so handsome it will turn heads anywhere, it is the stylish person’s answer to capturing high-quality photos and movies literally anywhere.

The amazingly quick and precise Nikon 1 advanced hybrid AF (autofocus) system ensures that every picture is spot-on, and every movie looks smooth and natural. The 14.2-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor offers an ISO range that goes up to 6400 for beautiful low-light detail. And when things really get going, the Nikon 1 AW1 enables carefree shooting at its best: With an adventure-proof build and continuous shooting speeds of up to 60 fps, and 15 fps with autofocus⁵, you can capture every step of the action without worrying about the camera getting dusty, wet, or knocked out of your hands.

An irresistible combination of robust functionality, classic minimalist design, and incredibly fast performance, the Nikon 1 AW1 camera and 1 NIKKOR AW lenses ensure that no one has to compromise on still image or movie quality, let alone their sense of style, just because they like a little adventure.

Jordi Brinkman, Product Manager, Nikon 1 Compact System Cameras, Nikon Europe, says: “We’re excited about the possibilities of the new AW system to bring the unique Nikon 1 advantage anywhere. Its water/shock/freeze-proof construction and good looks means you can feel confident of shooting high-quality photos and movies in so many different environments. You can change lenses for a different perspective and be in control of the action whether you’re underwater, in the mountains, or off on an evening out. It’s the perfect system for people who expect equipment to perform well no matter what.”

Adventure-proof and looking good

The new Nikon 1 AW1 offers a brilliant chance to satisfy an urge for the finer things in life without worrying about the elements or the occasional bump. From a day out sailing to a night about town; from the ski slopes to a weekend in Milan or the safari holiday of a lifetime, the waterproof, shockproof, freeze-proof, and dustproof construction keeps this camera protected and ready for every stylish adventure. The pop-up flash is waterproof to the same depth as the camera, so you can capture naturally coloured images of underwater environments. A solid stainless steel front panel lends a touch of class to the clean, minimalist lines of the camera body, which is available in black, white, and silver. 

1 NIKKOR AW new lenses

Launching alongside the camera, the dedicated 1 NIKKOR AW 11–27.5mm f/3.5–5.6 zoom lens and 1 NIKKOR AW 10mm f/2.8 wide-angle lens are as handsome and robust as the camera. Water- shock- and freeze-proof, these lenses ensure versatility, precision, and style are yours wherever you go. On land or underwater, they enable great photos and movies to be captured literally anywhere.

Fully protected

You can’t see it, but it’s there: A built-in toughness that you can rely on in any environment.

Rubber sealing at critical points on the camera—as well as an O-ring for the lens mount ensure water doesn’t enter the camera’s inner workings. The double-locking battery and USB/HDMI compartment covers reduce the chances of accidental opening. The anti-slip grip ensures a firm hold, even in challenging conditions like surging surf, wild winds, or just when shooting with wet hands.

Incredible speed, superior image quality

Action doesn’t wait, and with the Nikon 1 AW1 you don’t need to either. Nikon’s EXPEED 3A dual-processing engine powers continuous shooting at 15 fps with autofocus, and up to 60 fps with fixed-point AF, giving you the ability to capture high-quality images of even super-fast action.⁵ The advanced hybrid AF system boasts fast phase-detection AF for high-speed movement, and contrast-detect AF for capturing subtle details. The CX-format CMOS sensor offers a 14.2-megapixel resolution, and the ISO range goes up to 6400 for beautiful low-light detail even when shooting at speeds of up to 60 fps.

Environmental sensing functions

In-camera environmental sensing functions help keep track of adventures and ease shooting in challenging conditions. Support for GPS and GLONASS allows exact location information to be stored the image data (EXIF). A dual altimeter/depth gauge tracks altitude or depth underwater with data recorded in 1 m increments⁶; an electronic compass confirms orientation and can record the direction the camera is pointing when you take the shot.⁷ To keep the camera level and avoid sloping lines, the virtual horizon will confirm the camera’s position.

Effortless outdoor shooting

Action Control adds a whole new dimension to shooting ease and makes it simple to operate the camera even when wearing gloves. Simply press the Action button, then tilt the camera to the left or the right to change shooting mode, adjust settings, review photos and movies, and enable or disable the Outdoor display mode. When enabled, the camera menus become clearer and easier to read: A real plus when shooting in bright sunlight or murky underwater conditions.

Movie magic

The Nikon 1 AW1 makes it possible to capture Full HD 1080p movies underwater, in freezing temperatures, and in the middle of the action. The phase-detection AF system and smooth, silent autofocus transitions make footage look natural and sound great. Shoot in Movie Mode and you can take a full-resolution photo while filming. Select Advanced Movie Mode and you can change manual exposure settings in order to set shutter speed and aperture, or you can film with a smaller frame size and achieve dramatic effects in extreme slow motion.

Nikon 1 innovations

Best Moment Capture offers two incredible solutions that put an end to bad timing and missed opportunities: Slow View captures up to 20 continuous shots and simultaneously displays them in slow motion on the LCD screen, so you can select the exact moment you want to keep. Smart Photo Selector takes up to 20 high-resolution images and recommends up to five of the best. Nikon’s unique Motion Snapshot makes it easy to show more of a moment. One click is all it takes to record an easy-to-share ‘living image,’ which preserves a moment in time as a short, slow-motion movie that ends with a photo.

Creative freedom

Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, or easily enhance photos in camera. Creative Mode lets you apply filters and effects to photos before you shoot, or access PSAM shooting modes for total control. Options include underwater settings that help reproduce colours beneath the ocean, lake, or pool in all their natural beauty. Live Image Control is an incredibly instinctive way to adjust settings to freeze action, tweak lighting, or blur backgrounds. Simply adjust the control bars that appear next to your image until it looks the way you want.

1 NIKKOR lenses

Aside from the new 1 NIKKOR AW lenses, the complete range of regular 1 NIKKOR lenses is compatible with the Nikon 1 AW1. All 1 NIKKOR lenses deliver the kind of high-performance optics you’ve come to expect from Nikon, and they are all optimized for movie recording. Their compact size and light weight contribute to the Nikon 1 system’s convenient portability, without sacrificing image quality. And for even more possibilities, you can use a NIKKOR lens in combination with the FT1 mount adapter.⁸

Instantly share adventures

Don’t wait to share your adventures! Nikon’s small WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter makes it quick and simple to send high-quality images directly from the camera to a smartphone or tablet⁹ for easy sharing, or in order to preview images on a larger screen. You can even use the adapter to control the camera remotely via your device.

Waterproof accessories

Keep the Nikon 1 AW1 safe and within reach using the water-resistant AN-N3000 camera strap or the AH-N6000 hand strap. Carry both the camera body and one of your 1 NIKKOR AW lenses in the CF-N7000 water-resistant soft case. Get a firm, comfortable grasp even when you’re shooting in extreme environments with the GR-N6000 Grip. Use the CF-N6000 silicone jacket to protect the edges of the camera from scratches and keep it looking good as new.

NIKON underwater adventures

As the world’s first water/shock/freeze-proof camera system, the strong and irresistible Nikon 1 AW1 is the latest addition to Nikon’s range of waterproof products. The WP-N2 is a compact diving case for Nikon 1 cameras that lets you capture the wonders you see as far down as 40 m beneath the ocean’s surface.¹⁰ The COOLPIX S31 is a fun family camera packed with easy-to-use features. The COOLPIX AW110 is a tough compact digital camera designed to let you capture and share extreme adventures.

Included accessories / software

• EN-EL20 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
• MH-27 Battery Charger
• USB cable
• Strap for on-land use
• BF-N2000 Body Cap
• PA-N1000 O-Ring Protector
• WP-G1000 Silicon grease
• ViewNX 2 software
• Short Movie Creator software

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¹ Among digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of August 9, 2013; based on Nikon research

² In-house tests have demonstrated JIS/IEC Class 8 (IPX8) waterproof performance; with a waterproof 1 NIKKOR lens attached

³ Has passed in-house tests 3 to MIL-STD-810F Method 516.5: Shock standard; with a waterproof 1 NIKKOR lens attached. Shockproof performance not guaranteed when the built-in flash is raised.

⁴In-house tests have demonstrated JIS/IEC Class 6 (IP6X) dustproof performance; with a waterproof 1 NIKKOR lens attached

⁵ Based on Nikon performance tests, the Nikon 1 AW1 can shoot full-size images at approximately 60 fps for up to 20 frames, when focus mode is set to AF-S, and focus and exposure for the first frame is fixed. With autofocus tracking on, you can shoot at approximately 15 fps for up to 22 frames.

⁶ The dual function altimeter/depth gauge provides approximate information. It should not be used to determine precise measurements.

⁷ Directional information is recorded as EXIF data and only when using the 1 NIKKOR AW 11–27.5mm f/3.5–5.6 zoom lens, or the 1 NIKKOR AW 10mm f/2.8 wide-angle lens. Note: The compass provides approximate information. It should not be used to determine precise locations.

⁸ NIKKOR lenses mounted on the FT1 mount adapter have a 2.7x focal length crop factor, so you get a resulting angle of view that’s over twice as long. For accurate information about compatibility with F-mount NIKKOR lenses, please refer to the manual.

⁹ Compatible with smart devices using Android™ OS and iOS. A Wireless Mobile Utility that can be downloaded free from Google Play™ and iTunes® must be installed on the smart device prior to use.

¹⁰ The WP-N2 waterproof case is compatible with the Nikon 1 S1 and the Nikon 1 J3 together with the 1 NIKKOR 10–30mm lens. For the Nikon 1 J1 and the Nikon 1 J2, the WP-N1 waterproof case is available and compatible with the 1 NIKKOR 10–30mm lens.

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