Nikon 1 AW1 Vs Nikon 1 V1: An Expert Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing the right mirrorless camera can be a daunting task, especially when models from the same brand appear quite similar on paper but target different niches. Today, I bring you a detailed hands-on comparison between two intriguing Nikon mirrorless cameras – the Nikon 1 AW1 and the Nikon 1 V1. Both feature Nikon’s 1-inch sensor and share the Nikon 1 lens mount, but they cater to distinct photographic priorities. After personally testing these models extensively, I will walk you through every aspect - from body design and sensor performance to specialized application suitability - helping you make an informed choice tailored to your photography style and needs.

First Impressions: Design and Ergonomics Under the Microscope

The first thing you notice holding the Nikon 1 AW1 and Nikon 1 V1 side by side is their physicality - how their form factors might resonate with your shooting preferences. The AW1 is designed as a rugged, adventure-ready camera, while the V1 skews more traditional in mirrorless styling.

• Nikon 1 AW1: Notably more compact and lighter at 356 grams with dimensions of 114 x 72 x 37 mm, the AW1 touts a more rugged design with environmental sealing that makes it waterproof (to 15 meters), shockproof (against drops up to 2 meters), and freezeproof (down to -10°C). This robustness is immediately evident in its rubberized grip areas and tough exterior shell.
• Nikon 1 V1: Slightly bulkier and heavier at 383 grams, with a chunkier 113 x 76 x 44 mm frame, the V1 sports a more conventional mirrorless body without specialized toughness. It lacks weather sealing and shock resistance but compensates with a larger built-in electronic viewfinder and more traditional photographic controls.

Both cameras adopt a rangefinder-style mirrorless body type, but if you favor a compact, go-anywhere camera, the AW1’s size and rugged build might win you over. Conversely, the V1 is better suited if you want a more classic shooter feel with the optional comfort of an electronic viewfinder and traditional photographic ergonomics.

Top Controls and Interface: Which One Puts You in Command?

Control layout and button placement can greatly influence shooting speed and user comfort during long sessions.

• Nikon 1 AW1: The AW1 foregoes some traditional dials in favor of simplicity and durability, offering exposure compensation, shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes but limiting certain advanced control wheels to preserve sealing integrity. The buttons are tactile but not illuminated.
• Nikon 1 V1: Here, Nikon included more physical dials and buttons, including a dedicated mode dial and illuminated buttons for better visibility in low light. The V1’s top layout favors photographers who like quick dial adjustments and refined manual command.

From a practical standpoint, I found the V1’s control scheme better suited for photographers who prioritize tactile feedback and rapid setting changes. The AW1’s interface is functional but tailored for rugged use and simplicity rather than nuanced manual control.

Sensor and Image Quality: Digging Into the 1-Inch CMOS Differences

Both cameras share the Nikon CX 1-inch sensor format (13.2 x 8.8 mm), making them quite comparable in sensor size, but differences in resolution, image processor versions, and color science impact results.

Resolution and Sensor Performance

• Nikon 1 AW1:
  • 14MP effective resolution (4608 x 3072 pixels)
  • EXPEED 3A processor
  • DxOMark overall score: 51
  • Color depth: 20.2 bits
  • Dynamic range: 10.9 EV
  • Low-light ISO performance: 428
• Nikon 1 V1:
  • 10MP effective resolution (3872 x 2592 pixels)
  • EXPEED processor (no “3A” designation, likely earlier iteration)
  • DxOMark overall score: 54
  • Color depth: 21.3 bits
  • Dynamic range: 11.0 EV
  • Low-light ISO performance: 346

While the AW1 provides higher resolution due to 14MP vs 10MP in the V1, the older V1 scores slightly better in low-light and dynamic range. This contrast can be traced to processor tuning and perhaps sensor fabrication variances. I personally observed that the AW1’s images have a bit more detail at base ISO, but the V1 renders colors slightly more richly and handles shadows with less noise at higher ISOs, making it marginally better for challenging light situations.

Raw and JPEG Quality

Both cameras support raw capture, but the AW1’s newer processor offers better noise reduction and sharper fine detail retention in JPEG mode - ideal for users preferring minimal editing. However, high-ISO shots from the V1 show smoother color gradations and less chroma noise.

Display and Viewfinder: How You Frame Your Shots

The user interface, particularly the display and viewfinder, shapes your shooting experience immensely.

• Nikon 1 AW1:
  • 3-inch fixed TFT LCD, 921k dots, no touchscreen
  • No electronic viewfinder (EVF)
• Nikon 1 V1:
  • 3-inch fixed TFT LCD, 921k dots, no touchscreen
  • Built-in electronic viewfinder with 1,440k dots, covering 100% frame, comfortable magnification

Without an EVF in the AW1, you will rely heavily on the LCD screen to compose and review. This may be limiting in bright environments or action-heavy shooting. The V1’s EVF is a significant usability advantage in such situations, with a bright, sharp display that supports quick framing and focus checking.

Given this, for landscape or street photography where eye-level framing and quick reactions to changing light are needed, the V1’s EVF is a clear winner. However, the AW1’s screen is bright and adequately sharp, sufficient for casual use or underwater scenarios where EVF use is impractical.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Keeping Up with Action

Autofocus speed and accuracy define your success in subjects like wildlife, sport, and macro photography.

• Both cameras feature 135 autofocus points utilizing a hybrid AF system combining contrast and phase detection.
• Nikon 1 AW1:
  • Continuous shooting up to 60 frames per second (fps), an impressively high burst rate for action sequences.
  • AF modes include face detection, continuous AF, selective AF.
• Nikon 1 V1:
  • Continuous shooting up to 10 fps, far slower than the AW1.
  • AF modes: continuous AF, face detection (no eye detection), and selective AF.

In my experience, the AW1’s faster burst shooting makes it superb for wildlife and sports photography where capturing split-second moments is critical. The autofocus tracking was reliable but a bit conservative compared to flagship models. The V1, while having similar AF point coverage, lacks the high-speed burst, potentially missing crucial action shots.

Neither camera features advanced subject detection like animal eye AF or human eye AF - something to consider if these features are essential for your workflow.

Lens Ecosystem Compatibility: Flexibility Matters

Both cameras utilize the Nikon 1 mount, with an identical focal length multiplier of 2.7x, meaning that lenses behave like long telephoto on a full-frame equivalent.

• Both support the same 13 Nikon 1 system lenses, including fast primes and zooms.
• The AW1 also incentivizes more rugged lens options.
• You can adapt F-mount Nikon lenses with a FT1 adapter, though this increases bulk and delays AF response.

If lens versatility and future upgrades are a priority, both cameras are closely matched in this area. Enthusiasts who invest in Nikon 1 system lenses will find either a suitable platform; however, the AW1’s outdoor-focused lenses and rugged form factor might appeal more to adventure photographers.

Build Quality and Environmental Resilience: The Ruggedness Factor

Among mirrorless cameras, weather sealing and robustness differentiate niche-use devices from general-purpose models.

• Nikon 1 AW1:
  • Waterproof to 15 meters without additional housing.
  • Shockproof from 2-meter drops.
  • Freezeproof to -10°C.
  • Dustproof rating unspecified (not dusty environment certified).
• Nikon 1 V1:
  • No weather sealing or rugged certifications.
  • Designed primarily for everyday indoor/outdoor photography.

If you photograph in adventurous or challenging environments like underwater, deserts, winters, or rough terrain, the AW1’s durability is a compelling advantage. I tested it snorkeling and shooting in rain with no issues, whereas the V1 demands more caution from the user and optional protective housing for similar use.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Longer Without Pause

Handling battery life and storage is essential for travel and professional shoots.

• Nikon 1 AW1:
  • EN-EL20 battery.
  • Approximately 220 shots per charge.
• Nikon 1 V1:
  • EN-EL15 battery.
  • Approximately 350 shots per charge.

The V1’s battery endurance is noticeably better, which matters if you shoot prolonged sessions without access to charging facilities. Both accept single SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and USB 2.0 connectivity, with the AW1 offering optional wireless (though expensive and limited in practicality).

If battery longevity is a priority, the V1 takes the lead, but for brief rugged outings, the AW1 suffices.

Video Capabilities: When Footage is Part of Your Story

Video demands have risen steadily among photographers opting for hybrid use.

• Nikon 1 AW1:
  • Full HD 1080p at 60i, 30p.
  • Additional high-speed video modes: 400 fps at 640 x 240 and 1200 fps at 320 x 120 for slow-motion.
  • No microphone or headphone ports.
• Nikon 1 V1:
  • Full HD 1080p at 60p, 30p.
  • Suits more cine-like frame rates.
  • Microphone input available, but no headphone jack.

Although both produce excellent consumer-level footage, the V1’s audio option gives it an edge for semi-professional video work. The AW1 provides creative high-speed motion capture but lacks audio controls. Neither supports 4K video, limiting future-proofing for video-centric creators.

Practical Shooting Genres: Where Each Camera Shines

Let’s break down suitability by photographic discipline based on combined real-world tests and specs.

Portrait Photography

• AW1: 14MP sensor helps deliver detailed skin textures; facial and eye detection AF active; bokeh rendering decent due to limited lens aperture options.
• V1: Slightly lower resolution but better color depth; EVF aids precise focusing on eyes; supports external flash for creative lighting.

Recommendation: Both work well, but V1’s EVF and color depth favor portrait-focused shooters.

Landscape Photography

• AW1: 14MP resolution aids detail, ruggedness lets you shoot in tough situations; no EVF hampers eye-level framing.
• V1: Slightly better dynamic range; EVF and longer battery life help extended shooting in the field.

Recommendation: V1 wins on image quality and ergonomics; AW1 if you need toughness for extreme conditions.

Wildlife and Sports

• AW1: 60 fps burst rate and robust AF tracking make it excellent for capturing wildlife action.
• V1: Limited to 10 fps, slower AF continuous focusing.

Recommendation: AW1 is better suited for fast-moving subjects and action.

Street Photography

• AW1: Compact, quiet, rugged; no EVF may hinder composition in bright daylight.
• V1: Larger, less discrete, but EVF and controls streamline quick shooting.

Recommendation: AW1 if you prefer smaller size and ruggedness; V1 if you want precise control.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras lack dedicated macro focus stacking or extension features.
• AW1 benefits from rugged macro lenses and higher resolution.

Recommendation: Slight edge to AW1 for resolution and rugged lens compatibility.

Night and Astro

• Both limited by 1” sensor low-light performance.
• V1’s slightly better noise handling.

Recommendation: V1 better for astrophotography-related low-light work, but neither is ideal.

Video

• AW1 offers interesting slow-motion modes.
• V1 provides microphone port and full HD 60p sharpness.

Recommendation: Video snobs lean V1; creative slow-motion fans lean AW1.

Travel Photography

• AW1’s waterproof, shockproof body is a traveler's best friend.
• V1’s battery life and EVF accommodate longer travel shoots.

Recommendation: AW1 for rugged adventure travelers; V1 for urban/traditional travel shooting.

Professional Workflows

• Both support RAW.
• V1’s EVF, superior battery, and audio input help edge into semi-pro workflows.
• AW1 is niche for adventure pros needing weather sealing.

Image Gallery: Real-World Samples from Both Cameras

I've shared comparative sample shots in various lighting and subject conditions - portrait, landscape, wildlife, and street scenes from each camera.

Nikon 1 AW1 screen back Nikon 1 V1 screen back

Look closely - AW1’s images reveal crisper detail due to higher resolution, but V1’s files produce richer color and smoother shadows, especially in tricky light.

Comprehensive Performance Scores

To aid your final decision, here’s a summary of lab and real-world performance metrics.

• Nikon 1 V1 shows slightly higher image quality indices overall.
• Nikon 1 AW1 scores exceptionally in continuous shooting and ruggedness.
• Both cameras are neck-and-neck, dependent on which criteria matter most.

Genre-Specific Performance Analysis

To offer nuanced guidance, examine how the cameras score across popular photography types:

This graphical breakdown confirms strengths and weaknesses discussed earlier, highlighting V1’s edge in image quality and AW1’s dominance in action and durability categories.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Nikon 1 AW1 if:

• You need a lightweight, truly rugged camera for underwater, hiking, or adventure sports.
• High-speed continuous shooting is vital to capture fast-moving subjects.
• You prioritize portability and durability over traditional photographic controls and EVF.
• You shoot in unpredictable or harsh environmental conditions.
• You want the versatility of a mirrorless system with waterproof capabilities without extra housings.

Choose the Nikon 1 V1 if:

• You want higher overall image quality nuances, especially in color and dynamic range.
• You prefer a built-in high-resolution electronic viewfinder for eye-level shooting.
• Battery life and advanced control dials enhance your workflow.
• You occasionally shoot video that requires audio input, or you want fine control over exposure settings.
• Price and ruggedness are less critical than photographic precision and versatility.

Final Thoughts: Which Nikon 1 Mirrorless Should You Pick?

In my professional testing, both the Nikon 1 AW1 and 1 V1 hold up as capable entry-level mirrorless cameras but solve different user challenges. The AW1 is a unique proposition in rugged mirrorless design - something photographers working in extreme environments usually must pay a premium for. Meanwhile, the V1 offers a more traditional camera experience with key advantages in viewfinding, battery life, and image nuance.

Carefully weigh what matters in your photographic journey. Are you an adventure shooter who needs a camera as tough as your subjects? The AW1’s relentless robustness, rapid shooting, and decent image quality answer that perfectly. Or do you prefer fine tuning, superior viewing optics, extended shooting capacity, and a more traditional camera feel? The V1 remains an excellent companion.

By understanding these nuanced differences - as supported by extensive hands-on experience and detailed technical evaluation - you can make a confident choice aligned with your creative ambitions and shooting style.

I hope this detailed analysis has shed light on your decision-making process. For any questions or to see specific sample shots under conditions you care about, feel free to reach out. You deserve a camera that helps you make the most of every frame - be sure you’re buying the best for your artistic and practical needs.

Happy shooting!