• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 115.3mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Nikon AW120 advantages over Nikon S2

  • Less expensive
    $350 vs $450 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 270 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen

Nikon S2 advantages over Nikon AW120

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.85 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • 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 JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 6.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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

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Buy the Nikon AW120

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Buy the Nikon S2

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon A1300

Nikon AW120
Canon A1300
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $134
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Nikon S2
Canon A1300
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $134
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon A1400

Nikon AW120
Canon A1400
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $336
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Nikon S2
Canon A1400
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $336
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Pentax Q7

Nikon AW120
Pentax Q7
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Nikon S2
Pentax Q7
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Pentax Q-S1

Nikon AW120
Pentax Q-S1
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Nikon S2
Pentax Q-S1
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Nikon AW130

Nikon AW120
Nikon AW130
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Slow-motion videos
Nikon S2
Nikon AW130
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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