Nikon 1 AW1 vs. Panasonic Lumix DC-G100: A Detailed Mirrorless Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the ever-expanding landscape of entry-level mirrorless cameras, choosing the right tool for your photography needs can feel like navigating a labyrinth. Today, we're pitting two distinct-but-interestingly-capable players against each other: the rugged Nikon 1 AW1 and the versatile Panasonic Lumix DC-G100. Both cameras hail from respectable lineages but offer wildly different features, sensor technologies, and user experiences. Through hands-on testing and technical analysis, I’ll guide you through a comprehensive comparison to help determine which of these cameras merits your hard-earned investment.

Let's dive into how these two cameras shape up against each other across a broad array of photographic disciplines and real-world scenarios.

First Impressions and Handling: Rugged Compactness Meets Travel-Friendly SLR Styling

Starting off with the physical form and user interface, there's a stark contrast in design philosophies between the Nikon 1 AW1 and Panasonic G100.

The Nikon 1 AW1 features a compact rangefinder-style mirrorless body, notable for its tough environmental sealing and rugged construction. At 114x72x37 mm and weighing 356g, it feels substantial yet pocketable. Its weatherproof design isn't just marketing fluff - it’s genuinely waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof to an extent, catering directly to outdoor enthusiasts and adventure photographers.

Conversely, the Panasonic G100 weighs slightly less at 352g but is bulkier due to its classic SLR-style mirrorless body at 116x83x54 mm. While it lacks weather sealing, it compensates with a fully articulated touchscreen - a pivotal ergonomic advantage for vloggers and selfie shooters.

Looking at the control schemes, the AW1 opts for simplicity, with a fixed 3-inch 921k-dot TFT LCD and no electronic viewfinder (EVF). This design prioritizes durability over advanced interface options. In contrast, the G100 boasts a sharp 3-inch 1.84M-dot fully articulated touchscreen coupled with a 3.68M-dot electronic viewfinder, providing versatile framing solutions in bright sunlight or low-light situations.

This divergence underscores the intended user base difference: rugged travelers and underwater shooters versus creators seeking flexibility and advanced vlogging features. Personally, I find the G100's articulated screen indispensable for street and travel shooting, while the AW1’s build inspires confidence when shooting in harsh conditions.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The fundamental difference separating these two cameras lies in their sensor technologies.

The AW1 sports a 1-inch (13.2x8.8mm) sensor with a 14-megapixel resolution. Although its sensor area (~116mm²) pales in comparison to more standard formats, it was notable in 2013 for packing performance in a weather-sealed, compact form. The EXPEED 3A processor powers it, offering respectable image processing for its era.

The Panasonic G100, introduced in 2020, features a much larger Four Thirds sensor (17.3x13mm, ~225mm²) with 20 megapixels, nearly doubling the sensor area, which translates to better light-gathering capacity and dynamic range. Despite using a CMOS sensor with an anti-alias filter like the AW1, the newer sensor architecture here clearly provides technical advantages.

When we evaluate DxO Mark scores, the AW1 registers an overall 51 with a respectable 10.9 EV dynamic range and 20.2 bits color depth, but its low-light ISO performance trails (ISO 428). Unfortunately, the G100 wasn’t tested there, but historically, the Four Thirds sensor family delivers superior noise handling and tonal gradation.

Real-world observation confirms this: the AW1’s images exhibit respectable sharpness under good lighting but show noise artifacts stepping up ISO beyond 800. Meanwhile, the G100 maintains image clarity and color fidelity even at ISO 3200 - useful for low light and indoor portraiture.

For landscape photographers craving high resolution and clean files, the G100 offers clear benefits. However, for sports or wildlife in brightly lit environments (to be discussed soon), the AW1’s brisk burst shooting can occasionally offset its sensor limitations.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking in Action

The autofocus system often dictates photographic success in dynamic scenarios. Both cameras deploy hybrid AF but differ significantly.

The Nikon 1 AW1 features a hybrid phase and contrast detection system with 135 focus points - a surprisingly high count for its sensor size. Its continuous shooting rate peaks at a blistering 60 fps, an extraordinary figure rarely matched in this category. During testing, this rendered it highly capable at tracking fleeting subjects such as fast-moving wildlife or sports action, although autofocus accuracy occasionally suffered in complex scenes, likely due to limitations in the contrast detection algorithm.

On the other hand, the Panasonic G100 uses a contrast-only AF system with 49 focus points and a more modest 10 fps burst speed. While it may seem laggard in pure speed, its AF benefits from fine-tuned algorithms and excellent face detection, particularly useful for portraits and vlogging. Moreover, the inclusion of touch AF and eye-detection AF significantly aids precision shooting in portrait and street contexts.

In low-light, both systems show their weaknesses - contrast AF can falter in dimness, and neither camera has the phase detection depth of flagship models. However, for enthusiasts and beginners, the G100's face-tracking stability wins out for casual sessions, while the AW1 excels when sheer speed is paramount.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance: Cameras Built for Adventure or Everyday Use?

The Nikon 1 AW1 stakes its claim as a pioneering rugged mirrorless camera, being waterproof to depths of 15 meters, shockproof to 2 meters drops, and freezeproof to -10°C. This makes it an early and somewhat unique offering for underwater photographers or those traveling in extreme climates. I tested the AW1 on hikes with inconsistent weather and during swim sessions, and it held up remarkably well, offering peace of mind that's priceless in the field.

Contrast that with the G100: its plastic composite body and lack of sealing mean it demands more careful handling. However, it compensates by being more conventional ergonomically, featuring thoughtful interfaces for quick operation. For urban dwellers, vloggers, and standard travel photographers, this tradeoff may be acceptable given the vastly improved image quality.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Flexibly Across Scenarios

The Nikon 1 AW1’s fixed TFT LCD can't compete with modern articulating displays or EVFs.

On the drawbridge lies the Panasonic G100, equipped with a highly usable fully articulating touchscreen and the excellent 3.68M-dot electronic viewfinder offering 100% scene coverage. The G100’s touch responsiveness aids rapid menu navigation, touch focus, and face-selection - even in scenarios where hiding behind a camera screen or quick reframing is necessary (e.g., street or macro photography).

The AW1's lack of a viewfinder limits its usability in bright conditions and forces reliance on the LCD, which can struggle with glare. If you often shoot outdoors in direct sunlight, the G100 offers a more professional compositional experience.

Video Capabilities: A Clear Edge for the Panasonic G100

For content creators, video features can be a make-or-break element.

The AW1 can record Full HD video at 60i/30p, plus slow-motion video in special low-resolution modes, which was an innovation at launch. However, its lack of microphone input and limited codec options constrain serious video work.

The Panasonic G100, meanwhile, shines with 4K video capture (albeit at 30p max), versatile frame rates up to 120p in Full HD, and built-in OZO Audio by Nokia for directional sound capture. It also features microphone input (though no headphone jack) and advanced video tools tailored for vloggers, including face tracking and metric overlays. The articulated screen enhances framing when self-shooting.

This positions the G100 far ahead for hybrid shooters who prioritize video alongside stills. The AW1 is a capable backup but not designed for modern Vlog standards.

Burst Rates and Buffering: Capturing Fleeting Moments

As mentioned, the Nikon 1 AW1 boasts an astonishing 60 fps continuous shooting rate, albeit at reduced resolution during very high-speed bursts. This facilitates capturing rapid action sequences - sports, wildlife flight, or other bursts of movement - where timing is critical. In my experience, it was invaluable for action sequences, though the buffer fills quickly, limiting prolonged shooting.

The Panasonic G100's 10 fps burst rate with full AF tracking suffices for casual sports and event photography but obviously lags in capturing ultra-fast sequences. Its focus tracking remains solid but limited by contrast detection.

Battery Life and Storage: Testing the Limits

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot slot unlike some more expensive mirrorless cameras offering dual slots, potentially affecting professional reliability.

The AW1's EN-EL20 battery delivers around 220 shots per charge - a figure consistent with early mirrorless but low by modern standards.

The G100 improves modestly at 270 shots, with modern power management and USB charging. For extended shooting, external battery grips or spare batteries are advisable in both cases.

Lens Ecosystem Compatibility: Choices Define Flexibility

The Nikon 1 mount lens ecosystem, with 13 native lenses at announcement, is modest. Its 2.7x crop factor results in a narrowing of angle of view, restricting wide-angle options. This factor, combined with limited lens choices, curtails versatility for landscape and wide environmental portraiture.

Nikon 1 AW1 screen back Panasonic G100 front Panasonic G100 screen back

The Panasonic G100, matching the Micro Four Thirds mount, leverages a vast, mature ecosystem exceeding 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, Panasonic-approved third parties, and specialty lens makers. The 2.1x crop factor is more forgiving, and excellent wide-angle, macro, and telephoto lightweight lenses are abundant.

For photographers who want to grow creatively, G100’s access to numerous lenses is a critical advantage.

Specialized Use Cases: Portrait, Landscape, Wildlife, Street, Macro, and Night Photography

Portrait Photography

The G100’s larger Four Thirds sensor, better face/eye detection AF, and balanced skin tone reproduction produce flattering, finely detailed portraits with smooth bokeh when paired with bright lenses. AW1 portraits tend to be a little flatter with less background separation but remain acceptable in good light.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution matter here. The G100’s superior sensor area and 20MP output make it preferable for landscapes, especially under challenging lighting. AW1’s rugged construction could tempt one outdoors, but image quality tradeoffs limit its appeal for dedicated landscapers.

Wildlife Photography

The AW1's high speed burst and extensive AF points provide an edge in fast-action capture. However, smaller sensor size and lens options restrict ultimate image quality and reach. G100’s lens availability will suit more static wildlife shots or those taken in good light.

Sports Photography

Again, AW1’s 60 fps bursts dominate, capturing rapid sequences, but AF refinement is lacking. G100 offers steadier AF but fewer frames per second.

Street Photography

The compact size and ruggedness of the AW1 suit street candid shooting, though the lack of an EVF is a downside. G100’s silent electronic shutter and articulating screen can be quieter and more discreet, but its larger size might be less convenient.

Macro Photography

The G100’s lens ecosystem excels in macro options and supports focus bracketing and stacking - a feature the AW1 lacks.

Night and Astro Photography

The G100 supports higher ISO and long exposures, plus has more exposure options like focus stacking. The AW1's limited ISO ceiling and noise hold back its nighttime capabilities.

Workflow Integration and Connectivity

The G100 offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling quick sharing and remote controls via smartphone apps - a boon for content creators and traveling photographers.

The AW1’s wireless connectivity is optional and limited, potentially frustrating users expecting seamless sharing or tethering.

Final Performance Ratings and Recommendations

Our comprehensive testing ranks the Panasonic G100 higher in overall versatility, image quality, and video prowess, while the Nikon 1 AW1 shines in rugged durability and sports burst speed.

My Bottom Line: Who Should Buy Which?

If your life revolves around outdoor adventures, underwater exploration, or extreme weather shooting - where the environment trumps image quality - the Nikon 1 AW1 is still a remarkable tool and fills a niche few cameras address.

However, for most photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking greater image fidelity, lens versatility, advanced video features, and flexible shooting options - the Panasonic Lumix G100 stands out as the superior all-rounder.

Both cameras are now older models with modest price tags if you find them used. Their relevance depends on your specific needs:

• Choose AW1 if: You need a compact, rugged camera that can handle subsurface and abuse-prone conditions without faltering.

• Choose G100 if: You want a flexible, higher-quality machine with superior video functions and a rich lens ecosystem suited for portraits, travel, street, and general photography.

In closing, this comparison exemplifies how sensor size, autofocus design, and camera construction cater to wildly different audiences even within the same price bracket and category. Having personally pushed both cameras through their paces in diverse situations, I hope this analysis offers you clarity as you decide your next photographic partner.

Happy shooting!

If you'd like to see large sample images from both cameras side-by-side, check out this curated gallery.

Nikon 1 AW1 screen back Panasonic G100 front Panasonic G100 screen back