• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • 75.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Sigma DP3 Merrill advantages over Nikon AW1

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.00 vs 2.86 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

Nikon AW1 advantages over Sigma DP3 Merrill

  • 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
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 220 vs 97 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    37 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 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
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

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
  • 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
  • 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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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon AW1

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J2

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Nikon J2
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
Nikon AW1
Nikon J2
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Wider angle kit lens

Compared to Nikon V2

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Nikon V2
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • On-sensor phase detect
Nikon AW1
Nikon V2
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Nikon J3

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Nikon J3
  • $899
  • 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 V3

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Nikon V3
  • $899
  • 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 Nikon J5

Sigma DP3 Merrill
Nikon J5
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
Nikon AW1
Nikon J5
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Bigger pixels
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
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