Nikon 1 AW1 underwater camera unveiled with two new lenses

Nikon 1 AW1 has been announced as the world’s first waterproof digital interchangeable lens camera along with a pair of new rugged lenses.

Underwater photography is nothing new. SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses are no longer a novelty, as the Nikonos has been around from the 1960s. However, it is time for underwater ILCs to enter the digital era. Just like it was expected, the Nikon 1 AW1 underwater camera has been unveiled today as the first digital interchangeable lens camera capable of going underwater, without the need of extra accessories.

The rumored Nikon underwater camera is now official as 1 AW1. It is a mirrorless shooters with interchangeable lens support that goes to depths of up to 49 feet.

Nikon 1 AW1 rugged camera becomes official

The new Nikon 1 AW1 is not only waterproof, but it is shockproof and freezeproof as well. It is a truly rugged system aimed at photographers who like to go outdoors and not worry about dropping or submerging their device even when temperatures are well below 0-degrees Celsius.

The Japanese manufacturer says that the AW1 can withstand depths of up to 49 feet, drops from up to 6.6 feet, and temperatures down to 14-degrees Fahrenheit or -10 degrees Celsius.

A pop-up flash is available in the camera and, believe it or not, it is also waterproof. It might not necessarily provide a lot of light underwater, but the company is not willing to let users risk damaging the shooter by accidentally launching the flash below several feet of water.

Nikon 1 AW1 back sports a 3-inch LCD screen and the menu control buttons.

Nikon 1 AW1 underwater camera specs are similar to the J3 MILC ones

Nikon 1 AW1 specs are reminiscent of the 1 J3 ones. The camera features a 14.2-megapixel 1-inch-type CMOS sensor and it is powered by the EXPEED 3A processor. The ISO sensitivity reaches a maximum of 6400 and a minimum of 160.

Users will be able to frame their photos and videos on a 3-inch 921K-dot LCD screen. Since this can be considered an action camera, it supports a maximum shutter speed of 1/16000th of a second so that photographers will not miss any of their shots.

The device is also packing USB 2.0 and HDMI ports, an AF assist lamp, full HD video recording at 60fps / 30fps, continuous shooting mode of up to 15fps, and an Advanced Hybrid Autofocus technology with 73 AF points.

Nikon rugged camera comes packed with multiple location features, such as a GPS and an altimeter.

AW1 makes sure you are always aware of your whereabouts while shooting RAW photos

If you are worried about your geographical position, then you will be able to take advantage of the integrated GPS, depth gauge, altimeter, compass, and horizon indicator. All of these features will reveal the precise longitude and latitude details of your location.

Nikon 1 AW1 is a rugged camera which supports RAW files. It performs really well both in and out of the water. Photos and videos are stored on a SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card, while the Li-ion battery is rechargeable.

Nikon introduces 1 Nikkor AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 and 10mm f/2.8 lenses

This new shooter has been announced alongside two new waterproof and shockproof lenses. They are fully compatible with the 1 AW1 and they will become available on the same day as the camera.

The 1 Nikkor AW 10mm f/2.8 lens provides a 35mm format equivalent of 28mm and it will be released this October for $199.99.

The 1 AW1 camera is compatible with the brand new Nikon 10mm f/2.8 wateproof lens, which provides a 35mm equivalent of 28mm.

On the other hand, the 1 Nikkor AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens offers a 35mm equivalent of 30-74mm. This unit is part of the base kit with the 1 AW1 camera, which costs $799.95, and will not be sold separately. It is available for pre-order for $996.95 at Amazon.

Nikon 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens is part of the 1 AW1 base kit. It is a rugged lens and will offer a 35mm format equivalent of 30-74mm.

Users can opt to buy a two-lens kit, which will cost them a total of $999.95, when it becomes available in early October. It can already be pre-ordered at the same retailer for $996.95.

Nikon has confirmed that all 1-system lenses will work with the AW1 camera. However, users will not be able to take such combination underwater. Unfortunately, the AW lenses are not compatible with other 1-system mirrorless cameras, so it remains to be seen whether the company will launch even more AW optics soon.