Nikon Underwater Cameras - Capturing The Underwater World
I know what you're thinking, Nikon underwater cameras? Really? Well, yes! Want to capture the underwater world with clarity - Nikon has a camera for you. The two most popular types of Nikons are the AW1 and AW130.
These cameras boast convenience and reliability in a compact package. The AW1 is equipped with a seven function waterproof periscope and an LCD display that is 100% viewable in each of it's nine different modes. It captures the vibrant colors of our oceans floor as well as the crystalline clarity found near coral reefs and shipwrecks alike. The AW130 takes on the same mission for a smaller, simpler package. It uses a one button interface that is easily controlled without the need for gloves. It can be set to capture images of up to 1,500 images in a single charge.
The AW130 and AW1 must be used with an external power source as they have no built in batteries. I personally use the D5300 for underwater photography so that you do not have to purchase and carry around extra batteries or chargers. With this camera there are several different options depending on what your needs are and your budget range is. These cameras all have the same exact body style only differing in their intgrated capabilities.
The first camera is called D5300, this camera will run you about $800 . This model boasts a 24.2 MP sensor that can capture high quality images as well as video and has a built in GPS. It is waterproof to a depth of 33 feet without a housing or case. If you are diving deeper than 33 feet then you will need to purchase a separate underwater housing for it. It's small and compact design makes it easy to carry around when diving as it weighs only about 14 ounces. It also features built in wi-fi, Bluetooth and NFC capabilities.
Next is the D3300 which will also run you about $800 . This model is the entry level for Nikon's line of underwater cameras. It has a slight drop in image quality as well as only having 24.2 MP but still produces very high quality images for the price. This camera can capture images at a depth of 49 feet without housing or case. Just like the D5300 - if you need to dive deeper than 49 feet then you will need to purchase an additional underwater housing for it to go with your camera. This camera weighs only about 13 ounces and has all of the same features as it's big brother, picture sharing, GPS etc. It is also small and compact which makes it easier to carry around while diving as it only weighs 14 ounces.
The D3200 is the third and final model of underwater cameras by Nikon. It has the same image quality as the D3300 and goes down to 49 feet without housing like the D3300. It is however waterproof up to a depth of 65 feet without housing or case. It weighs about 13 ounces just like both of its siblings. This camera has all of the same features as well but still does not have built in wi-fi, Bluetooth or NFC capabilities that are found in the higher end models.
Now there are three last models of Nikon underwater cameras that are worth mentioning, these last three models are about $600. The N70 is a compact camera and will go down to 50 feet without housing. It also has wi-fi, Bluetooth and NFC capabilities built in. It weighs only 10 ounces though it doesn't have as many features as the more expensive cameras. This camera is a lot of fun to tinker around with as well as just having a good time underwater! The D5300DX is an AW130 with wi-fi, Bluetooth and NFC integrated just like the N70 model but its bigger brother, the D5300. The last model worth mentioning is the D3100. This camera will go down to the same depth as the D5300 but doesn't have any wi-fi, Bluetooth or NFC capabilities .
In conclusion, Nikon has a lot of affordable underwater cameras in its collection. Each of these models is very well equipped to both capture images and video while diving and also have a good time! [END OF ARTICLE]
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments you may have. I can be reached at: mwneuman@gmail.com .
Posted by Michael at 11:57 PM
Thanks for the article, Mike! I'm very excited to see what the AW120 will deliver. My big question -- do you know if/when Nikon will release a version of the AW100 without GPS? It's nice to have, but is also an easy way to drive up cost and make any waterproof camera system more expensive than it needs to be. Reply Delete
Thanks for the comment. I don't believe that Nikon has any plans of releasing any other cameras without GPS. The AW100 already has a lot of technology built into it as is so it already drives up the cost enough as is. Keep in mind that even if you don't use the GPS, you will still have to pay for it. Delete
Thanks so much for this article! I know that Nikon has a lot of underwater cameras but this really helped me make my decision on which camera to purchase. The new AW120 looks amazing and now that I know it doesn't have GPS built in I'm more inclined to get one now! Reply Delete
Glad that the article helped you. These cameras are fantastic and come in at a fantastic price. The best part about them is all of the technology and features they have while still being relatively inexpensive compared to other high end cameras with similar features. All of these cameras are incredible and they all come with a waterproof housing which makes them even better. Delete
Hi there, how much do these cameras cost in order to register them in Europe? Reply Delete
The price varies from camera to camera but it's somewhere around $200-$300 depending on which model you choose. I would suggest doing some research on each camera to learn more about the different options available because it really will help you make the best decision for your needs. Keep in mind that if you are planning on purchasing an underwater housing for these cameras then it will also increase the price considerably because all of the new housings are not cheap either.
Conclusion
When it comes to underwater cameras, there are a lot of brands out there that produce quality products. The Nikon D5300 is the latest addition to their underwater lineup and is the newest and most advanced model to date. This particular camera will run you about $800 and it is definitely worth keeping your eyes out for in stores or online in case it becomes space available. In my opinion, I think Nikon has made a fantastic camera for an amazing price so if you are looking for an underwater camera then the Nikon D5300 will be a great purchase.