Camera Update: Nikon Adds All-Weather AW100 to their Coolpix Lineup

The Nikon Coolpix AW100 is Nikon’s first ruggedized compact digital camera

Able to weather the extremes of moisture, shock and temperature, Nikon’s latest addition to the Coolpix line features GPS in-camera mapping and an electronic compass. With an aperture range of f/3.9-4.8 and a top shutter speed of 1/1500 sec. it has modest performance, but really delivers with a capture rate of 7.1 fps for a total of three frames; enough to get the shot under challenging conditions.


The AW100 is available in three colors; orange, blue and a particularly professional looking black spatter-paint finish. The standard control layout does not break any new ground, although it has taken on a somewhat cubist appearance. However, a new feature called Action Control does, allowing the user to control the camera through movement, perfect for use with heavy gloves. The zoom control, usually concentric with the shutter, has moved to the back panel.

The control layout is standard fare, which is a good thing.

The ability to capture HD video with stereo sound and high speed slow motion effects round out the feature set to make this camera the idea take-along for vacations and trips. It even has the ability to use 40.5mm screw in filters with an available adapter.