The Nikon AW1 might look look as awesome as the Nikonos, Nikon’s previous waterproof camera (pictured below), but it is the first interchangeable-lens camera I can remember since that iconic design that can be taken underwater without a housing. And having tried out underwater photography with an iPhone and a blurry-lensed case this summer, I can totally see the appeal of doing it with a proper camera.
The AW1 is one of Nikon’s One-series of cameras, but to use it underwater you’ll obviously have to pair it with a waterproof lens, of which Nikon has released two: an 11–27.5mm ƒ3.5–5.6 and 10mm ƒ2.8.
The whole kit is not only waterproof down to 49 feet (15 meters), but also shock and freezeproof, so you could drop it into a bucket of water and freeze it, and it’ll come out just fine.
Better still is the demographic Nikon is chasing with this camera. This is copied right from the press release:
The Nikon 1 AW1 offers an exciting new option for the family who seeks both exhilaration and a durable yet versatile camera. [emphasis added]
The camera will cost $800/€800 in a kit with the zoom, and $1,000/€1,020 if you add in the 10mm.
Source: Nikon
Via: DP Review
