Coolpix AW130 Shock & Waterproof GPS Digital Camera (Orange) - International Version

The build appears quite robust, about twice the weight of my Sony Cyber Shot. To quote Arnold Schwarzenegger, "Weight is a sign of reliability." I also like that the lens is recessed fairly deeply within a bezel, which should provide a lot of protection. I've seen older Olympus models with a moving lens cover, and I've seen a lot of them which are broken.... All it takes is enough brackish water or a little dirt to jamb a moving lens cover so I'm glad Nikon chose to recess the lens instead of covering it. So far I've only used it once, but I'm quite pleased at the price. I used it on an 8 mile kayak trip with class II and III rapids in 40F water without any troubles. Considering that it was quite overcast, providing poor lighting, I was impressed with the quality of the pictures it took as well (see the attached picture). I apologize for the blurry smudges, that is user error, not product fault.... I do need to remember to blow droplets off the lens before taking pictures. After the initial setup, power on to taking pictures is less than a second. This is a major improvement over all other cameras I have owned or used in the past. This means that you can conserve your batteries and not watch that bird fly away while your camera is booting up. I had noticed that reviews on this camera and similar camera have around a 10% catastrophic failure rating due to water infiltration. Considering that when they fail like this, they seem to fail within the first month of use, it makes me think either user error or damaged gasket. Something I noticed was that there is a red mark on top of the battery door that one needs to pay attention... You can actually get the door to latch while this marking is still partially exposed! You must make sure that you press the door in hard enough while you are latching it to fully obscure this marking if you want reliable waterproofing. People not doing so may account for the majority of the aforementioned 10%. The battery life is impressive. I used this camera for half of a day, taking pictures and videos for almost the entire time, and the battery indicator still showed the battery fully charged. Considering that it was only 40F outside and it was getting splashed continuously by water that was 40F (at the most), keep in mind that low temperatures decrease battery output, I consider it impressive. Before I bought this camera, I was torn between the Nikon AW130 (this model) and the Olympus TG-860. They are both comparable as far as their specifications and I had dealt with Olympus cameras in the past. The deciding factor was that I'd seen many reviews stating how horrible Olympus customer support tends to be while Nikon tends to be quite friendly. Normally, I buy products assuming the warranty is worthless, but when dealing with a $230 camera with a 10% failure rate I did take it into consideration. The real test will be when I take this camera on my annual trip to Lake Superior for kayaking, camping, and snorkeling... Bad weather, rough water, and free diving... I may post another review afterward. A word of caution to anyone wanting an indestructible camera... This thing may be a beast, but it has moving parts so it can fail. I'd seen a lot of reviews where people ONLY brought ONE CAMERA and then complained that it failed during their trip. Bring two cameras, or if you are like me, bring three or four. They don't all have to be new, top-notch cameras either. My Sony is an older 12MP model that I bought for $1, add a sandwich bag and it is waterproof enough for kayaking and maybe an accidental dip although I wouldn't intentionally submerge it. It gives me a backup if I need it and is insignificant when packed in a hold on my sea kayak.

First problem was that the booklet that comes with the camera is short, and leaves much out (in fact, in regard to menus and settings, leaves most info out!). After I logged into Nikon on line to register the purchase, I saw the option to download the camera manual. I figured that it was the same inadequate booklet that came with the camera, but a pleasant surprise was that it was a complete manual, detailing all the things left out in the short 29 page booklet that comes with the camera. This has solved my main initial problem! Now I have a complete manual with detailed instructions. To be fair, Nikon has a sentence in the booklet advising to download the pdf, but it's an easily missed instruction. Camera has lot's of options and flexibility, but a feature I like most is that by setting the camera at "Scene," then when I point it at what I want to shoot, it automatically changes the setting to what it thinks is appropriate. It seems to get it right most of the time, as far as I can see. I point it toward the horizon, and the setting icon automatically changes to the landscape icon, with appropriate settings. Without taking a picture, I swing the camera one way to put a leaf 3 inches in front of the lens, and then it automatically changes the icon to Macro. Same thing for pointing at a person's face, it switches to Portrait. Makes it easy to get the right mode. Pictures look great, and it's easy to use. The Action mode to shake the camera either right/left or up/down to change settings works good, but in picture-taking mode, you still need use a button. For example, you can shake it to switch to video mode, but then you still need to press the action button on the side of the camera to start/stop taking video. Overall, I'm very satisfied.

We took the camera on our recent trip to the caribbean to use as our go to camera. It worked well underwater and took some excellent pictures. The only thing I would say to watch out for is, once you take pictures underwater, be sure to clean off the glass in front of the lens before taking other pictures, otherwise the water spots left behind may spoil your picture. It will be a great camera to take on campouts (scoutmaster here) and backpacking trips. My only gripe and this is minor (it might even be something that I am doing wrong) - it does not like any other wall chargers beside the one it comes with. It wouldn't charge from the usb ports built into my outlets. I have not attempted recharging the battery using my solar panel, but I am anxious to see if it will work as it will be the primary charging source on longer trips. Will update the review once I know.

This is an excellent product that I have had great experiences with. However, this product has been used and has been heavily worn and damaged. Although it is functional, it is questionable what it would do underwater, as I bought it for diving and damage can have a fatal impact on its waterproofness. I expected a new and unused product, as the price was higher than what I paid when buying an identical product in the past. It is a complete disappointment and I am afraid to use it for diving, that it will be destroyed. If it were possible, I would return this item, but I do not see such an option and it would probably be complicated and associated with the loss of a large part of the funds (transport and customs).

I have had a point and shoot digital camera since the first ones came out in the late 1990s. They have progressed from a lowly 3MP to the 16MP that is in this Nikon Coolpix AW130. Although the actual sensor is small compared with my 36MP Nikon D800e, I have found that the image quality is still excellent. I will be using this AW130 as my goto camera to take pics of engineering projects that I work on. I have used a Canon G12 for two years now to capture work pics, but I get tired of having to open and close the LCD back in order to see my capture results. The AW130 has a fixed LCD on the back which eliminates that hassle. The G12 also extends its lens from the camera body in order to capture images. The AW130 lens\zoom is all internal to the camera body. This eliminates the possibility of dust or water from getting into the lens and causing damage. I do a lot of hiking while shooting fine art pics that I sell through a gallery. Some of those locations are remote like the sand dunes in Death Valley, CA. Having a built-in compass and GPS-driven map feature will help me find my way back to my vehicle even in the dark. My wife likes that feature. I have tried the Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility (iOS) app on my iPhone5 to control the camera remotely. I like the feature as well as the ability to download images to the phone or upload images to the Internet. The feature works with my iPad as well and gives me an even larger viewing area. Great new toy opportunities. I am not keen on having a charging cord plugged into the open battery compartment, especially when I leave the camera on a countertop where it could be exposed to water or dust. Thus, I have ordered a Combo Kit Nixxell Battery (2pack) and charger for Nikon EN-EL12, MH-65. That kit will give me an external battery charger as well two spare batteries. Those could come in handy in places like Africa where there is a lot of dust and the need for multiple batteries when out on a shoot. (I use point and shoot sometimes to test composure for my larger Nikon cameras.)

Great camera! Quality of photos is superb. We bought this because the waterproof feature and the depth for our scuba diving excursions. We have received many compliments on the photos, look, and style of the camera. If I weren't so technically challenged, I'm sure I would LOVE the wi-fi connectivity feature so my pictures could be shared immediately. My only recommendation is to purchase an additional flotation strap, because like all cameras, this one will sink if the strap comes off your wrist while diving/snorkeling/swimming. The battery compartment, which is where the waterproofing happens, is quite secure. The locking mechanism for the compartment is the best I've seen among waterproof cameras. We've had two other cameras of similar style and this one definitely makes me feel most confident in the waterproofing aspect. At this price point, this camera can't be beat. I would even venture to say it's better than some made for underwater/diving cameras that cost 3-4 times as much. You won't be disappointed. We finally decided on it because the recommendation of a professional photographer for a point and shoot camera.

So far I am very pleased with this camera. Didn't really need a waterproof camera as I already have one of those, but this looks like it might work better if I decided to use it that way, so I can't comment on how it works in the water. I needed a camera more that was shockproof since I have gone through about 3 cameras because they get dropped. So far the pictures have been clear and as far as whether its easy to use, it is a bit more technical than my others or it is just something new and there is a learning curve. In response to those who are worried about dust etc. getting into the battery compartment and compromising the waterproofness, a small brush does come with it, but having used waterproof/underwater cameras for snorkeling before, it is well documented the user needs to brush/air blow out all areas of the camera that need to be opened before taking the camera underwater. My other waterproof cameras have a rubber ring that I silicone to insure a good seal. With this camera you need to be just as conscientious especially when locking up the battery door...it is tricky to do. Keeping it out of the sand is just a "duh" for any camera. I always carry a charged battery with me so I can switch out when the battery dies, which is seems to do faster than my other cameras, so I would certainly get the additional kit that provides additional battery and charger...both car and home. Use care and I am sure there won't be any problems with this camera.

* Update 4 Nov 2017* Came across camera while cleaning office, attempted to turn it on for sh*ts and giggles....and it actually turned on. Seems to work just fine now. Probably wont attempt to use it fully submerged anytime soon, but it is still a good point and shoot. I guess you have to let it dry out for over four months. lol. ********** Purchased in 2015 for a trip to Hawaii. This camera started out five stars, but now down to one. On recent trip to Montana the camera leaked while in about six inches of water during use. First indication was a gradual increase of condensation in the lense housing and then the back screen. Took it back home and checked the seal, no grains of sand or debris, seemingly a good seal. Since it is a few months out of warranty, and the fact that 'water damage' is not covered anyways, it is now a yellow paperweight. Pros: I loved this camera. I did multiple dives up to 30-40 feet in Hawaii, did a river tube trip, swam at the beach, all while taking both stills and video. Great quality for each. On land I had no complaints either. My favorite function was the ability to upload pictures from the camera to my ipad/iphone wirelessly. Super simple, easy, convenient. Since the Hawaii trip I've used it on multiple paddle boarding outings, river boarding, snow boarding, trips for work, family trips, ect. I estimate I put 2-3,000 shots through it, maybe 3-4 hours of video. Never an issue. Cons: The obvious failure of some part of the seal components on the camera. I religously cleaned the outside of camera with clean water (after being near salt water), cleaned the seal around the battery to ensure there were no particles to break that seal. Never dropped the camera, always stored in my home office. As you can see with othwr reviews, the warranty is absurd. My camera is out if warranty anyways. Sumary: Great while it works. Unpredicable failures for unknown reasons. I won't buy this product again, nor reccomend it.

Great camera. Perfect for taking camping!

La camára fué probada en mar y alberca, así como río subterraneos, en todas se obtienen imágenes de gran calidad mientras se tenga la suficiente luz, de no ser así es muy probable que se tengan problemas y salgan las fotos borrosas. La toma de video fué en Full HD, e igual es de gran calidad. El cámara como tal es de gran calidad, se siente sólida y segura. Para actividades acuáticas es muy recomendable el comprar alguna correa que flote.

Al mes y medio de compra, se abrió el cierre de la batería en medio mar. Se oxidó por dentro.

Aunque es point and shot, puede compensarse las exposiciones algunos pasos. El diseño industrial de la cámara es exquisito. La calidad Nikon de siempre y excelente calidad de imágenes. deberían vender una funda que no sea camuflaje, porque rompe con el hermoso diseño de la cámara. Mención especial merece la rapidez con que se enlaza al dispositivo móvil y la velocidad extraordinaria de transmisión de datos de la cámara al iphone 7.

Cómoda y práctica y con la garantía Nikon. Excelente calidad de imagen.