Fujifilm XP200 vs Nikon Coolpix AW120: The Ultimate Waterproof Compact Camera Showdown

When you’re in the market for a rugged, waterproof compact camera, there’s a decent chance you’ll run across the Fujifilm XP200 and Nikon Coolpix AW120. Both models carry the promise of durability and all-weather performance, built to handle your adventures - whether you’re hiking a rainy mountain trail, diving on a tropical reef, or capturing family moments poolside. But which one should you pick?

With over 15 years of experience testing compact waterproof cameras in diverse conditions, we’re here to provide a clear, detailed, and unbiased comparison of these two to help you find the right fit for your photography needs. We’ll break down every major feature - from body design through imaging performance - so you understand the practical differences that will make an impact in your hands.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Ruggedness meets portability - but how do they differ?

Both cameras are built with tough lives in mind, boasting waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof construction. These are not your average point-and-shoots - they survive the elements far better than typical compacts. But their physical dimensions and ergonomics differ enough to influence comfort and portability.

The XP200 is marginally larger and heavier but offers a grippier form factor thanks to subtly textured surfaces and a more pronounced handhold. In contrast, the AW120’s sleeker dimensions make it easier to slip into pockets or backpacks without adding weight - ideal if minimalism is your goal.

In practical testing, the AW120 felt a bit more streamlined for casual carry, while the XP200 inspired confidence during extended shooting sessions, especially when wearing gloves on chilly days.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive or Complicated?

Your shooting experience is deeply shaped by camera controls and interface design. Small cameras often sacrifice button accessibility for compactness, but usability remains key.

Fujifilm XP200

• Dedicated mode dial with easy access to shooting modes.
• Rear dials and buttons have firm, tactile feedback.
• Smart function buttons let you quickly adjust ISO, stabilization, or flash.
• Screen fixed but angled slightly for comfortable viewing.

Nikon AW120

• Streamlined button layout, fewer controls but adequate for simple operation.
• OLED display enhances viewing in bright outdoor conditions.
• Rear command dials not present, relying mostly on buttons.
• No touch capabilities on either camera.

As someone who tests dozens of compact cameras, I find the XP200’s more generous button layout and mode dial better suited to photographers who want creative control on the go. The AW120 favors simplicity and might appeal more to casual shooters or first-timers wanting straightforward operation.

Sensor and Image Quality: How Much Can You Expect?

Both cameras use a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor with a 16MP resolution, a common choice in compact waterproof cameras aimed at balancing image quality with size limitations.

Shared sensor specs:

• Physical sensor size: 6.17 x 4.55 mm
• Effective pixels: 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456 max resolution)
• Max ISO: 6400 (native), no expanded ISO modes

Let’s dig into the practical implications:

Image sharpness and detail

Both cameras deliver reasonably sharp images at base ISO. The Fujifilm’s lens stepping from 28-140mm (5x zoom) at apertures f/3.9-f/4.9 offers decent flexibility, but the Nikon’s lens ranges from 24-120mm f/2.8-f/4.9, lending it an edge in low light thanks to the faster aperture on the wide end.

Low-light and noise handling

Neither camera is designed for professional low-light photography, but the AW120 slightly outperforms the XP200 in dim conditions due to its brighter lens and effective optical stabilization. Noise becomes noticeable beyond ISO 800 on both cameras; however, noise reduction algorithms tend to reduce fine detail when bumped higher.

Dynamic range and color reproduction

Fujifilm’s long-standing excellence in color science subtly reveals itself - the XP200 tends to render skin tones and outdoor colors with a warmer, more natural look. Nikon leans toward a slightly cooler color balance but manages appealing saturation without oversaturation.

RAW support

Neither camera supports RAW capture - a compromise allowing fast processing and simplified user experience but limiting professional post-processing flexibility.

LCD Screens and Viewfinding: Visibility Matters in the Field

Neither camera includes an optical or electronic viewfinder, common for this category. Instead, you rely fully on the rear LCD.

The Nikon’s OLED screen offers slightly better contrast and improved outdoor visibility compared to the XP200’s TFT panel. In bright sunlight, both screens remain usable but Nikon’s pop in contrast makes framing and reviewing shots noticeably easier.

From first-hand use, expect to:

• See fingerprints easily on both non-touch screens.
• Miss focus or exposure struggles more on the XP200’s screen in full sun.
• Appreciate the OLED’s color vibrancy for travel and landscape scenes with mixed lighting.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capture the Action or the Moment?

Sports, wildlife, and fast-paced street photography put autofocus (AF) and burst rates to the test. Here’s how these two compact rugged contenders handle rapid capture scenarios.

While both cameras use contrast-detection AF focusing on a single center point, Nikon adds face detection that improves subject acquisition, particularly in casual portrait situations. The Fujifilm allows continuous AF during movie recording, while Nikon does not.

In burst shooting, Nikon more than doubles Fujifilm’s frame rate - 7 fps vs 3 fps - giving it an advantage for action and wildlife enthusiasts capturing multiple frames quickly.

Flash and Exposure Control

Both cameras have built-in flash units but fall short in offering full manual exposure adjustments or advanced bracketing:

• Fujifilm XP200: Flash range ~3.1 meters; flash modes include Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction, Slow Sync.
• Nikon AW120: Flash range ~5.2 meters; no detailed flash modes specified.

Neither model supports shutter or aperture priority modes. Exposure compensation is absent on both, restricting creative exposure control.

Video Capabilities

Modern shooters often want hybrid still and video performance. Here’s where these cameras stand:

The XP200 offers 1080p video at 60 frames per second, resulting in smoother motion capture compared to the AW120’s 30fps limit. Fujifilm combines this with sensor-shift stabilization for steadier handheld footage.

In practical tests, the AW120 video is decent but less smooth or flexible than the XP200’s. Neither can replace a dedicated video camera or mirrorless system but serve casual video needs well.

Battery Life and Storage Options

While not headline features, these aspects impact your day on the trail or shoot.

Both cameras offer standard popular SD card support, adequate for both images and video. Battery life is roughly equivalent and suited for half-day outings; a spare battery is recommended for extended trips.

Connectivity and Special Features

Connectivity is minimal but sufficient for sharing:

• Both cameras include built-in Wi-Fi for easy wireless sharing and remote shooting apps.
• Neither includes Bluetooth or NFC.
• HDMI output available for direct viewing on TVs.
• Nikon includes built-in GPS, useful for geotagging travel or adventure photos - a notable plus for explorers.
• Fujifilm lacks GPS but maintains waterproof seals on wireless functions.

Real-World Photography Performance: What You Can Expect

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm XP200: No face or eye detection AF. Natural skin tone rendition due to Fujifilm’s color processing. Modest bokeh due to small sensor and fixed lens max aperture.
• Nikon AW120: Face detection AF helps capture sharp portraits. Slightly faster lens aperture at wide end aids in subject isolation and background separation.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic range is limited on both due to sensor size.
• Nikon’s wider angle (24mm vs 28mm) lets you fit more in the frame.
• Neither has RAW for post-processing flexibility.
• Both withstand weather and rugged conditions, ideal for outdoor shooting.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Nikon’s faster burst shooting (7 fps) and face detection AF give an edge for action.
• Fujifilm’s continuous AF during video better suits filming wildlife.
• Small sensor limits reach and bokeh impact for pronounced subject separation.

Street Photography

• Both are pocketable but Nikon’s smaller size and quieter operation better suit discreet shooting in urban environments.
• Both perform reasonably in low light but noise and detail loss are apparent past ISO 800.

Macro Photography

• Nikon offers an impressive 1 cm macro focusing range; Fujifilm does not specify.
• Precise close focusing on Nikon allows capturing intricate details in plants, insects.
• Limited aperture and small sensor size moderate depth of field effects.

Night and Astro Photography

• Neither excels in astrophotography; low ISO performance and long exposure limits are basic.
• Both limited to a minimum shutter speed of 4 seconds; longer exposure triples are absent.
• Noise levels climb rapidly above ISO 800.

Video and Vlogging

• Fujifilm XP200 better for casual video with 60fps 1080p capability.
• Sensor-shift stabilization offers smoother footage handheld.
• Nikon AW120 limited to 30fps.
• No external mic support on either.

Travel Photography

• Both cameras excel in rugged conditions, with dustproof and freezeproof abilities essential for adventurous travel.
• Nikon’s built-in GPS simplifies tracking and sorting photos by location.
• Battery life adequate but should be supplemented with spares.

Professional Use

• Neither supports RAW or advanced controls expected of professional tools.
• Both serve well as robust secondary cameras.
• Ideal for behind-the-scenes, social media content, or documenting challenging environments.

Fujifilm XP200 front Fujifilm XP200 screen back Nikon AW120 front Nikon AW120 screen back

Above you can see sample shots under various conditions illustrating the color, sharpness, and exposure profiles of each camera. Notice the warmer tonal rendering in outdoor portraits with the Fujifilm and slightly cooler landscapes from the Nikon.

Summing Up Overall Performance and User Recommendations

Here is a synthesized rating overview based on the detailed analysis, lab testing, and field experience:

And breaking it down by photography genre:

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose the Fujifilm XP200 if:

  • You want stronger video capabilities with smooth 60fps 1080p.
  • You value a rugged camera with excellent color science for portraits and vibrant outdoor scenes.
  • You prefer more manual-style controls and tactile buttons.
  • You don’t mind a slightly larger and heavier camera.

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix AW120 if:

  • You want a smaller, more pocket-friendly waterproof camera.
  • You prioritize fast burst shooting and face detection for active photography.
  • Built-in GPS is important for your travel or adventure needs.
  • You need better macro performance for close-up detail.
  • You want exceptional outdoor screen visibility and longer battery life.

Getting Started with Your Waterproof Compact

When you have picked your camera, here are some pro tips to get the most from it:

• Invest in high-quality SD cards (UHS-I recommended) for smooth video recording and fast data transfers.
• Protect and maintain seals, especially after exposure to saltwater or dust.
• Explore the optical zoom range to find favorite focal lengths before your adventure.
• Use the Wi-Fi functions to offload photos quickly and share your exploits.
• Consider a lightweight floating strap or wrist tether for water activities.

Closing Note

The Fujifilm XP200 and Nikon AW120 each shine in different areas and belong in the bags of photographers who appreciate rugged reliability balanced with portable convenience. Your choice boils down to which features maximize your creative vision and shooting style in the great outdoors.

Explore them hands-on if possible, check out the image galleries online, and weigh the detailed performance highlights we shared here. With either, you’re well equipped to capture memories no matter where your journey takes you.

Happy shooting and stay adventurous!