Nikon's New Adventure Camera, "Nikon 1 AW1", Is Built Like a Brick

It looks like the new trend in consumer grade interchangeable lens cameras is to "proof" them of external environment.  Nikon made a big surprise announcement with its latest ILC model, "Nikon 1 AW1".   It's waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof.  I'm guessing it must also be dustproof if it can take all that beating no problem.

We have recently seen the newest MFT flagship from Olympus, OM-D E-M1 which can hold on its own when it comes to toughness, but it's not shockproof like the one from Nikon.

With either of its specialty lenses attached, the camera can dive to depths as deep as 49 feet, survive drops up to 6.6 feet and function perfectly fine in temperatures as low as 14 degrees. It's important to note that the camera only maintains its toughness with these two specialty lenses, though you can use others.

The camera can do all of this without any kind of special housing or extra equipment —aside from the specialty lenses— similar to the company's waterproof point-and-shoot, the AW110.

Photographers who want to shoot while snorkeling, rafting, skiing, or just splashing about in the water, are normally limited to using a tough compact camera, or shelling out for an expensive underwater-housing for their DSLR. The Nikon 1 AW1 can now remove all that limitation with ease.

The body of the Nikon 1 AW1 looks quite rugged, made of a smooth plastic, with a milled protrusion on the front of the camera providing grip. The top of the camera has just the flash, shutter, power and buttons to quickly record video.

On the back the AW1 lacks any kind of mode dial, opting instead for a four-way directional pad, playback zoom and menu controls, allowing fewer opportunities for the elements to slide into and compromise/corrupt the buttons. The AW1 will also give users the ability to lock out key functions, so that you don't accidentally press a button while snorkeling or dogsledding (if that's your thing).

Using a 14.2-megapixel image sensor, the AW1 can manage 15 frames per second continuous shooting (with autofocus) and 60 fps shooting with focus locked on the first frame. You also get 1080p HD video and 400- and 1200-fps slow motion video. For the adventuring types, there's a built-in GPS, altimeter, depth gauge, virtual horizon and electronic compass.

Beginning in October, the Nikon 1 AW1 will be available as a one-lens kit with the AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 for a suggested retail price of $799.95. You can also opt for a two-lens kit that has both AW lenses for an MSRP of $999.95. Both kits will be available in three different colors, including black, silver and white. You'll also be seeing accessory kits, filters to cut down on condensation on the lens and more. The adventurer in you should like this product.

You can pre-order this camera now and be the first person to own the world's first commercially available digital interchangeable lens camera which is waterproof and shockproof.

world's first commercially available digital interchangeable lens camera which is waterproof and shockproof.