Nikon J1 vs Nikon AW1

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Nikon J1 vs Nikon AW1

1 inch 116.2mm²
10.1 megapixels
ISO 100 - 3200

Go in depth with our full Nikon J1 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the J1.

1 inch 116.2mm²
14.2 megapixels
ISO 160 - 6400

Go in depth with our full Nikon AW1 Review.

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Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Nikon AW1

Bigger pixels
~ 3.41 vs 2.86 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Wider angle kit lens
27 mm vs 30 mm
Capture more of the scene with the included lens

Nikon AW1 advantages over Nikon J1

Waterproof
Yes vs No
Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
In-camera panoramas
Yes vs No
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
AW1 test data on DxO Mark J1 test data on DxO Mark

428 vs 372 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Built-in GPS
GPS vs None
Geotag your photos
More dots on screen
921k vs 460k dots
Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
More pixels
14.2 vs 10.1 megapixels
Higher resolution photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

On-sensor phase detect
Both provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
Slow-motion videos
Both provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Eye-level viewfinder
Neither provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Neither provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Tiltable Screen
Neither provide
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Built-in Wi-Fi
Neither provide
Share your photos wirelessly
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Top deck display
Neither provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
External Mic Jack
Neither provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Hot shoe
Neither provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read J1 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read AW1 User Reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon J1

Kit with 10-30mm Lens

Kit with 10-30mm Lens
Kit with 10-30mm and 30-110mm Lenses
Kit with 10mm and 10-30mm Lenses

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon AW1

Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Black)

Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Black)
Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Silver)

Review Excerpt

Very small body, with solid feel; Fast AF; No-nonsense interface. Excellent video capture, Good picture quality.
Body could be smaller for sensor size; High ISO isn't as good as other compact system cameras; Battery life below average; Weak flash; Confusing controls.
Read our Nikon J1 Full Review

We haven’t finished our review of the Nikon AW1, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
See our Nikon AW1 First Shots

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon J1

Nikon J2

$500
1 inch

$550
1 inch

Less expensive
More dots on screen

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon J2

Nikon AW1

Nikon J2

$797
1 inch

Waterproof
In-camera panoramas

$550
1 inch

Bigger pixels
Wider angle kit lens

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Nikon J2

Compared to Nikon V2

Nikon J1

Nikon V2

$500
1 inch

Less expensive
Bigger pixels

$900
1 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon V2

Nikon AW1

Nikon V2

$797
1 inch

Waterproof
In-camera panoramas

$900
1 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Nikon V2

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon J1

Nikon J3

$500
1 inch

Bigger pixels

$617
1 inch

Higher effective ISO
More dots on screen

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon J3

Nikon AW1

Nikon J3

$797
1 inch

Waterproof
In-camera panoramas

$617
1 inch

Wider angle kit lens

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Nikon J3

Compared to Nikon S1

Nikon J1

Nikon S1

$500
1 inch

Wider angle kit lens

$199
1 inch

Less expensive

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon S1

Nikon AW1

Nikon S1

$797
1 inch

Waterproof
In-camera panoramas

$199
1 inch

Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Nikon S1

Compared to Nikon V3

Nikon J1

Nikon V3

$500
1 inch

Bigger pixels
Fast startup

$1197
1 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
Touchscreen

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon V3

Nikon AW1

Nikon V3

$797
1 inch

Less expensive
Waterproof

$1197
1 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
Touchscreen

Compare Nikon AW1 vs Nikon V3

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