Are you struggling to find a good waterproof or action camera? Are you unsure which features to look for with these kinds of cameras?
If so, read my Nikon waterproof camera review for some ideas.
Here I will review my top selection of Nikon waterproof camera that are all high-quality models you can take with you in pretty much any occasion. Look through the reviews of each model to see what features these Nikon action cameras have and what you should be looking for. Stick by the end of the article since I will leave links for some similar articles but featuring different brands.
About Nikon Brand
Beginnings Of Nikon
Nikon was founded in 1917 but not as a single company. In fact, it was established when three leading optical manufacturers at the time formed and integrated a single optical company. Since then Nikon has been a globally growing company that branched out in making different products.
Multifaceted Manufacturer
Besides being a manufacturer of optical lenses, Nikon has much more to offer. In the past 100 years, they also started making inspection equipment, lenses, binoculars, microscopes, measurement instruments, rifle scopes, spotting scopes, and other optical equipment.
Importance In Digital Photography Development
I bet you didn’t know that Nikon was the brand that made some of the first digital cameras for NASA and that were used in the Space Shuttle ever since 1991. Besides SLRs cameras, Nikon was one of the first brands that introduced budget-friendly DSLR cameras in the 2000s.
Customer’s Support
Nikon is a big corporation so getting around their website isn’t the easiest. On the other hand, a good thing is that each category of product has a separate website with customer’s support. You can find easily their number based on the country you come from and also consult online troubleshooters as well as video tutorials to help.
Online Retailer Purchasing Conveniences
All of the Nikon waterproof cameras I reviewed are available on Amazon. I choose this online retailer since it has one of the largest offers comparing to other websites. Also, you can see that a lot of items are discounted and come with free and rather fast shipping.
Best 7 Nikon Waterproof Camera Models
Nikon 1 AW1 Digital Waterproof Camera
Full Resistance Camera
Nikon 1 AW1 is the right camera to take with you during plenty of activities. This is the world’s first shockproof, waterproof and interchangeable lens camera! This Nikon underwater camera is waterproof up to almost 50 feet and shockproof up to 6.6 feet.
High-Speed Shooting
If you desire to shoot some fast-moving events, Nikon 1 AW1 action camera is perfect for it. It is one of the fastest capturing cameras that can shoot at 15 FPS with full autofocus or at 60 FPS with fixed focus. This way you can be sure that no moments will pass uncaptured.
Records Full Hd Videos
It is rather easy to find a good image quality digital camera, but it isn’t as easy to find a small camera that captures high-quality videos. Nikon AW1 can shoot full HD 1080p videos. What is even better is the fact that it can shoot images while recording a video at the same time.
Technical Specifications
You should also know that this Nikon waterproof camera features an AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 1 NIKKOR lens with a 2x optical zoom. It also has a 1-inch 14.2 Mpx CMOS image sensor that makes ensures excellent image quality in most conditions.
Nikon Action Camera And Accessories
If you decide to order Nikon 1 AW1 you will also get some accessories to complement your camera. Some of them are a Nikon camera strap, USB cable, rechargeable Lithium battery, battery charger, body cap, O-ring with protector and a user manual with an explanatory CD.
- Nikon waterproof camera
- Comes with an interchangeable lens
- Captures fast movements
- Shots full HD videos
Nikon COOLPIX AW100 Digital Waterproof Camera
Colorful Design And Lcd Screen
Nikon Coolpix waterproof AW100 is a small camera that comes in three different colors to choose from. You can go for classic black, bright orange or even a camouflage print model. Either one you choose from comes also with a 3-inch TFT-LCD display.
5x Zoom Glass Lens
This Nikon Coolpix AW100 digital action camera has an attached 5 times Zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens. It can zoom in carefully to even the smallest details. The autofocus is also a great feature of the Nikon AW100 camera.
Battery Life
Nikon waterproof camera has a great battery life that will last you for hours and hours of continuous usage. The battery is removable so once it is empty you need to take it out of the camera and charge it using the provided external battery adapter.
16.0-MP Action Camera
This model takes great quality pictures and that under almost any conditions. The pictures come out sharp and bright thanks to the 16 megapixels CMOS sensor that is effective even in low light dimmed environments.
Add Points Of Interest To Your Photos
Nikon Coolpix waterproof AW100 camera comes with built-in GPS and compass. This is a good feature since it memorizes the locations where your photos were taken. Also, you can add these locations, landmarks and other location information to your photos.
- 16-megapixel camera
- Waterproof up to 33 feet
- GPS and e-compass
Nikon COOLPIX AW130 Digital Waterproof Camera
Nikon AW130 is a step up from the Nikon AW1 camera. The differences between the two Nikon action cameras aren’t that significant but can mean something to a camera enthusiast. To the newer model, Nikon AW130, they added also wifi and NFC for instant file transfer. Other features are identical to the previous model.
Nikon COOLPIX S33 Digital Waterproof Camera
Nikon Coolpix S33 is another camera in this Nikon Coolpix series. It is slightly less quality than the previous two models but it is still worth considering. It has a 13.2-MP CMOS sensor and makes full HD 1080p videos. Unlike the Nikon Coolpix AW100 that has a 5x wide-angle NIKKOR glass zoom lens, this model has a 3x lens.
Nikon Keymission 170 4k Action Camera
Mini Camera Design
Nikon Keymission 170 4k action camera has a mini camera design. It is pocket-sized with only 2.6 x 1.7 x 1.8 inches and fits any purse, pocket or palm. Plus the camera weighs only about a pound so it is also lightweight.
Great Image Quality
Nikon Keymission 170 4k action camera has an amazing picture quality thanks to multiple characteristics. First of all the camera shoots through a NIKKOR quality lens with an f/2.8 aperture. The camera also has integrated electronic vibration reduction that stabilizes the picture.
Records Slow Motion Videos In Full HD
Nikon as a brand is known for high-quality cameras that deliver great image quality, but also the video one. This model captures videos with a resolution up to 4K at 30fps and Full HD 1080p at 120fps. But this camera can also record slow-motion video in full HD which is rare for action cameras.
No Need For Additional Camera Protection
Nikon Keymission 170 action camera is designed to be resistant in itself, without the need of purchasing separate Nikon underwater housing or similar protections. The camera is waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof.
Additional Information
Some extra things you should know about Nikon Keymission 170 is that it has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features so you can control the camera directly from your Smartphone. The camera also comes with remote control for distance using as well as different types of camera mounts.
- 170 degrees shooting angle
- Built-in stereo microphone
- 10 mounting accessories provided
- Slow-motion videos in 4k full HD
Nikon Keymission 360
Nikon Keymission 360 is the second model in the Nikon Keymission camera series. Its main difference to the previous model is that it has a 360-degree field of view since it has two lenses, one on each side of the camera. Like the previous version, it is also waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof and it also shoots 4k HD videos.
Nikon Keymission 80
Nikon Keymission 80 is the most portable out of the three cameras and can be attached to your backpack or clothing with clips. Like the previous versions of Nikon Keymission, it has a 25 mm NIKKOR lens that captures good quality shots even in low light conditions. Plus it has a vibration reduction or image stabilization. The difference is that it also features a selfie front camera.
Nikon Underwater Housing
Not every Nikon action camera is waterproof. In case you end up like a camera that isn’t waterproof, don’t worry, you can purchase Nikon underwater housing. This is external protection that goes over your camera and makes any camera model waterproof. You can search through Amazon to find Nikon underwater housing like the Nikon D750 underwater housing and for many other models.
Conclusion: How To Decide What Nikon Action Camera To Purchase?
Make sure to read more about Nikon 1 AW1 camera if you are looking for a camera that won’t disappoint with image quality and also provided accessories. Nikon Keymission 170 4k action camera is a great model if you like to capture wide-angle scenes and if you need a portable camera that is however waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof.
To see my last year’s favorites, read this article called the best action camera. If you are looking for high-quality HD cameras, you may like a 4k 60fps action camera review. For even more models like some of the Nikon waterproof cameras, you can read a waterproof action camera.