• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon AW1 advantages over Ricoh WG-30w

  • Slower slow-motion
    1200 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.86 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Ricoh WG-30w advantages over Nikon AW1

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 300 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Lighter weight
    194g vs 313g
    Lighter weight
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Waterproof
    Both provide
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • 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
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon AW1

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Ricoh WG-30w

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax WG-2 GPS

Nikon AW1
Pentax WG-2 GPS
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Lighter weight
Ricoh WG-30w
Pentax WG-2 GPS
  • $450
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Nikon V2

Nikon AW1
Nikon V2
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
Ricoh WG-30w
Nikon V2
  • $450
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon AW1
Nikon J3
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens
Ricoh WG-30w
Nikon J3
  • $450
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion

Compared to Nikon V3

Nikon AW1
Nikon V3
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
Ricoh WG-30w
Nikon V3
  • $450
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion

Compared to Olympus TG-870

Nikon AW1
Olympus TG-870
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Ricoh WG-30w
Olympus TG-870
  • $450
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas
Compare Other Cameras?