• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Ricoh GR advantages over Nikon AW1

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.81 vs 2.86 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Better color depth
    23.6 vs 20.2 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    972 vs 428 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.5 vs 10.9 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 290 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/4000 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1229k vs 921k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    300 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon AW1 advantages over Ricoh GR

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon AW1

Review Excerpt

  • The most compact APS-C camera on the market; Bright, sharp 28mm f/2.8 prime lens with almost no distortion; Excellent image quality; Extremely customizable; Fast autofocus; Strong built-in flash plus hot shoe.

  • Fixed prime lens is not for everybody; Crowded and small controls; Burst performance is limited; Muted colors and cool white balance; Has issues with moire and false color.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J3

Ricoh GR
Nikon J3
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
Nikon AW1
Nikon J3
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens

Compared to Nikon Coolpix A

Ricoh GR
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Bigger RAW buffer
Nikon AW1
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon V3

Ricoh GR
Nikon V3
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
Nikon AW1
Nikon V3
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Ricoh GR II

Ricoh GR
Ricoh GR II
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Nikon AW1
Ricoh GR II
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Ricoh GR
Fujifilm X70
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Integrated ND filter
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Nikon AW1
Fujifilm X70
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in GPS
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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