Nikon 1 AW1 Announced - Press Release, Full Specification and Videos

The world’s first*¹ digital camera with interchangeable lenses and 2 dedicated lenses that can all be used underwater

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Nikon 1 AW1, advanced camera with interchangeable lenses. The Nikon 1 system proposes new forms of imaging expression, and the Nikon 1 AW1 is the world’s first*¹ digital camera with interchangeable lenses that is waterproof to 15 m (JIS/IEC Class 8 (IPX8) equivalent) and can withstand the shock of a fall from up to 2 m (MIL-STD-810F Method 516.5: Shock standard compliant).

The Nikon 1 AW1 is the perfect compact size for taking everywhere, with the same concept as all Nikon 1 cameras are based, and supports the world’s fastest*¹ high-speed continuous shooting rate of approximately 15 fps*² with AF tracking and high-speed continuous shooting of full-resolution images at approximately 60 fps*³ when focus is locked. It is also waterproof to 15 m and can withstand the shock of a fall from a height of up to 2 m. It has a stylish and elegant design that is perfect for everyday use around town, and just as with other Nikon 1 cameras, it supports a variety of 1 NIKKOR lenses as well as F-mount NIKKOR lenses (Mount Adapter FT1 required). When used with the dedicated 1 NIKKOR AW 10mm f/2.8 and 1 NIKKOR AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lenses—the world’s first*⁴ waterproof and shockproof lenses to be released at the same time as the Nikon 1 AW1—the places and situations in which photography is possible are expanded to include more outdoor scenes, such as in the mountains and at the beach.

The Nikon 1 AW1 is equipped with an action control function that enables quick and easy operation such as switching between menu screens, and a Control lock function that prevents accidental operation when wearing gloves, as well as 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. It also offers a number of unique functions that make outdoor shooting easier, including an Outdoor display option that makes the display easier to read outdoors or wherever ambient lighting is bright. A new Underwater creative mode that makes it easy for anyone to enjoy underwater photography has been added. Users can choose from three underwater options: Standard, Scuba, and Close up. What’s more, colors can be viewed and adjusted using the live view display to achieve desired colors. A number of functions convenient for underwater photography have also been added, including Underwater options for white balance and auto distortion control.

• *1Among digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of September 9, 2013. Statement based on Nikon research.
• *2Approximately 22 shots per burst of continuous shooting possible. Statement based on Nikon research.
• *3Approximately 20 shots per burst of continuous shooting possible. Statement based on Nikon research.
• *4Among lenses for digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of September 9, 2013. Statement based on Nikon research.

Nikon 1 AW1 Primary Features

1. The world’s first*¹ waterproof, shockproof digital camera with interchangeable lenses

The Nikon 1 AW1 maintains waterproofing to 15 m (JIS/IEC Class 8 (IPX8) equivalent) with rubber seals between the front and rear body covers, and an O-ring on the mount. It can also withstand the shock of a fall from up to 2 m (MIL-STD-810F Method 516.5: Shock standard compliant). When used with the dedicated 1 NIKKOR AW 10mm f/2.8 and 1 NIKKOR AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lenses—the world’s first*² waterproof and shockproof lenses to be released at the same time as the Nikon 1 AW1—the camera becomes an outdoor model that can be used in situations and places never before possible, such as at the beach and while participating in winter sports. With everyday use, the camera supports a wide variety of lenses, including 1 NIKKOR lenses and various F-mount NIKKOR lenses (optional Mount Adapter FT1 required), so users can enjoy using lenses that best respond to specific subjects or achieve the desired creative results.

• *1Among digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of September 9, 2013. Statement based on Nikon research.
• *2Among lenses for digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of September 9, 2013. Statement based on Nikon research.
1. Functionality suited to outdoor use as well as an elegant design that attracts attention

Adoption of non-slip materials on the grip achieves a secure hold on the camera with shooting, and large, well-spaced buttons on the top of the camera ensure simple and convenient operation, both of which are necessary with outdoor use. Stainless steel on the front surface of the camera body increases strength and prevents rust, not only helping to make the camera shockproof, but also giving it an elegant appearance with a sense of presence that will attract the attention of others when used around town. The Nikon1 AW1 is available in a silver that makes the most of the stainless steel base, leather-tone black, and glossy white.

3. A CMOS sensor, AF system, image-processing engine, and no optical low-pass filter for high-speed recording of high-resolution movies and still images
   • The super high-speed AF CMOS Sensor for the world’s shortest shooting time lag*¹

The super high-speed AF CMOS sensor is a CX-format image sensor developed by Nikon. It offers 73-point phase-detection AF and 135-point contrast-detect AF, as well as the world’s shortest shooting time lag*¹. With an effective pixel count of 14.25-million pixels that the Nikon 1 AW1 has, it offers superior performance at high sensitivities with support for ISO 160-6400. It also supports high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 15 fps*² with AF tracking and high-speed continuous shooting of full-resolution images at 60 fps*³ when focus is locked.
What’s more, in order to assure the best possible image definition, there is no optical low-pass filter.

• *1Tested using the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 at the wide-angle position in Single-point AF mode. Among digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of September 9, 2013. Statement based on Nikon research.
• *2Approximately 22 shots per burst of continuous shooting possible. Statement based on Nikon research.
• *3Approximately 20 shots per burst of continuous shooting possible. Statement based on Nikon research.
• The Advanced Hybrid AF System, which offers both superior speed and accuracy

The camera is equipped with the Advanced Hybrid AF System, which utilizes both phase-detection AF and contrast-detect AF. Phase-detection AF offers fast focusing and superior tracking of moving subjects. Contrast-detect AF offers superior performance with shooting in dark or dimly lit surroundings. This allows users to capture those once-in-a-lifetime shots of moving subjects, or pets or children whose movement cannot be predicted.

• The new EXPEED 3A image-processing engine for faster image processing and even better image quality

The camera is equipped with the EXPEED 3A image-processing engine, optimized exclusively for Nikon 1 cameras, for extremely fast image processing. Still images exhibiting superior image quality can be captured while recording full-HD movies without interrupting movie recording. The combination of super high-speed AF CMOS sensor, 1 NIKKOR lenses that take advantage of the optical technologies resulting from a long history of NIKKOR lens development, and the EXPEED 3A image-processing engine ensure high-speed processing as well as still images with superior image quality and movies with equally superior picture quality.

4. Convenient features and functions for use outdoors and in the water
   • Action control for quick and simple operation

The action control function modes enable quick and simple operation. Change shooting modes, scroll through images in playback mode, fast-forward or rewind movie playback, or toggle Outdoor display on or off by simply holding down the action button on the rear of the camera and tilting the camera left or right.

• A Control lock function that prevents accidental button operation

This function can be used to prevent accidental camera operation that often occurs when gloves are worn, such as when participating in winter sports, by disabling selected buttons. Users can choose to enable or disable any or all of the following buttons: playback zoom in button, playback zoom out/thumbnail button, playback button, delete button, action button, and/or display button.

• Acquisition and display of various types of information for outdoor shooting

The Nikon 1 AW1 is equipped with an electronic compass, altimeter, depth gauge, virtual horizon display, and location data functions that can be used to create logs tracking depth or position.

• Outdoor display for sharper and clearer viewing outdoors

When Outdoor display is enabled, the High contrast display is activated and Display brightness is set to Hi. This preserves monitor visibility under glaring outdoor shooting conditions.

• Underwater creative mode with 3 options

A new Underwater creative mode with three options has been added. Users can choose from three Underwater options—Standard, Scuba, Close up—to easily achieve the desired results. What’s more, colors can be previewed and adjusted with shooting using the live view display.

• Underwater mode

Standard: Standard processing for shooting along the shore or in shallow water.
Scuba: Suited to deeper waters, such as when scuba diving.
Close up: Use for underwater close-ups (close-up flash photography).

• White balance (Underwater)

When Underwater is selected for White balance, the blue or green cast that frequently occurs with underwater shooting is automatically corrected for natural reproduction of colors.

• Auto distortion control (Underwater)

The pincushion distortion that occurs with underwater shooting is automatically reduced.

• Built-in flash that supports i-TTL flash control and can be used underwater

The built-in flash, with its guide number of approximately 5/16 (m/ft, ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F; at ISO160, Guide Number is approx. 6.3/20.7), can also be used underwater. A manual pop-up flash with a head that rotates on two axes has been adopted for the Nikon1 AW1.
We also plan to release the optional Underwater Speedlight SB-N10 next spring. The SB-N10 is compatible with the Nikon 1 AW1 and all Nikon 1 waterproof cases.

5. Advanced functions unique to the Nikon 1 system for capturing unexpected, once-in-a-lifetime shots
   • Slow View for recording the perfect moment

This function is extremely convenient for capturing moving subjects with which it is difficult to gauge the best time to press the shutter-release button. When Slow View is enabled, the camera automatically buffers 20 frames at the moment focus is acquired, and then plays them back in a continuous loop at 5x 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.

• Smart Photo Selector for certain capture of the best shot

When the shutter-release button is fully pressed, the camera buffers 20 frames at high speed beginning before, and ending after, the shutter-release button was pressed. It then identifies images blurred by camera shake or subject movement, or those in which the primary subject is out of the frame, and automatically selects the best image. Users can specify whether the camera saves just the best shot, or saves the best shot and an additional four best shot candidates.

• Motion Snapshot, Nikon’s exclusive form of imaging expression that combines a movie with a still image

By simply pressing the shutter-release button, this function records a still image and a brief slow-motion movie vignette beginning just before, and ending just after, the shutter-release button was pressed. The electronic vibration reduction (e-VR) function built into the camera is supported and can be used to digitally process movie portions to reduce the effects of camera shake. In playback mode, the ‘down’ button on the multi selector can now be pressed to easily play back all Motion Snapshot slow-motion movies in succession.

Nikon 1 AW1 Full specification