Nikon 1 AW1 vs Panasonic Lumix GX850: A Detailed Comparison for the Informed Photographer

Choosing between the Nikon 1 AW1 and the Panasonic Lumix GX850 involves evaluating two mirrorless cameras launched in different eras, intended for overlapping but distinct uses. Despite both positioning as entry-level mirrorless systems with rangefinder-style bodies, their differing sensor sizes, autofocus mechanisms, durability, and video capabilities contribute to fundamentally different strengths and weaknesses. This review provides a thorough, methodical comparison informed by hands-on testing spanning portrait, landscape, wildlife, and video applications, with an eye toward professional workflows and serious enthusiast demands.

Unpacking the Basics: Size, Build, and Handling

While both cameras adopt the compact rangefinder-style mirrorless design, their physical dimensions, ergonomics, and robustness set the stage for varied user experiences.

• Nikon 1 AW1: Measuring 114 x 72 x 37 mm and weighing 356 grams, the AW1 is notably bulkier but built explicitly for durability. Featuring an environmentally sealed, waterproof (up to 15 meters), shockproof, and freezeproof body, it targets users requiring ruggedness for outdoor or harsh conditions. The fixed 3-inch TFT LCD has a modest 921k-dot resolution and no touchscreen interface. There is no dedicated viewfinder.

• Panasonic GX850: Smaller and lighter at 107 x 65 x 33 mm and 269 grams, the GX850 prioritizes portability and usability in urban or studio environments. It includes a tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD with 1,040k-dot resolution, enhancing flexibility and self-portrait framing. The GX850 lacks any weather sealing or physical ruggedization and does not include an electronic viewfinder.

The AW1’s robust construction confers distinct practical advantages for travel and adventure photographers requiring resilience to shocks and moisture. Conversely, the GX850’s compact profile and responsive touchscreen appeal to street, travel, and portrait photographers who prioritize ergonomics and interface sophistication over ruggedness. The absence of an integrated viewfinder on both models somewhat limits precise outdoor framing when used in strong daylight.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Core Technical Divide

At the heart of still image performance lies a substantial disparity in sensor design and resolution, with pronounced impacts on image fidelity, noise handling, and dynamic range.

• Nikon 1 AW1 Sensor: Features a 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm) CMOS sensor with 14 megapixels and an anti-alias filter. The smaller sensor size restricts light-gathering capacity, limiting dynamic range and high-ISO performance despite EXPEED 3A processing. The DxOMark overall score of 51 reflects modest color depth (20.2 bits), dynamic range (10.9 EV), and low-light ISO performance (score 428, approx ISO 800 noise-equivalent).

• Panasonic GX850 Sensor: Utilizes a larger Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels and notably no anti-alias filter, facilitating sharper details. Its Venus Engine yields a significantly higher DxOMark overall score of 73, bolstered by superior color depth (23.2 bits), dynamic range (13.3 EV), and low light ISO results (score 586, roughly ISO 1250 noise-equivalent).

In controlled lab and field tests, the GX850 delivers cleaner images with better tonal gradation, richer color fidelity, and more latitude for post-processing compared to the AW1. The latter’s smaller sensor size also manifests in less convincing bokeh rendition, which impacts portrait aesthetics and subject separation. Landscape photographers benefit from the GX850’s broader dynamic range to capture wide tonal variations.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) is a key determinant of suitability across genres, particularly for wildlife, sports, and street photography.

Nikon 1 AW1

• Employs a hybrid AF system combining contrast- and phase-detection with 135 focus points.
• Offers continuous AF, single AF, tracking, and selective AF modes.
• Headlined by rapid burst rates of up to 60 frames per second with fixed focus, extremely helpful for fast-moving subjects.
• Does not include eye or animal eye AF detection.
• Lack of a touchscreen limits intuitive AF point selection.

Panasonic GX850

• Uses contrast detection AF with 49 focus points and touch AF selection on a responsive touchscreen.
• Provides face detection and eye detection AF modes, significantly enhancing portrait autofocus precision.
• Burst rate peaks at 10 fps, adequate for many sports and wildlife scenarios but less competitive for extreme-fast action.
• Incorporates focus bracketing, stacking, and post-focus shooting capabilities - features that improve macro and still life workflows.

Testing notes: Nikon’s hybrid system, combined with the higher max burst frame rate, excels in rapid subject tracking, though autofocus accuracy in low contrast or dim light occasionally falters. The GX850’s touch-enabled eye AF system offers superior face detection and focus accuracy for portraits. However, it sacrifices speed and buffer depth compared to the AW1. The AW1’s lack of touchscreen AF controls can be a workload challenge in rapid street or wildlife shooting.

Build Quality and Environmental Resilience

Photography environments range broadly; durability and sealing often determine camera longevity and reliability.

• Nikon 1 AW1: Designed for extreme conditions, it is waterproof to 15m without housing, shockproof from 2m drops, and freezeproof down to -10°C. This effectively expands its usability for adventure, underwater, and outdoor sports photographers who otherwise rely on bulky protective gear.

• Panasonic GX850: No official weather or shock sealing, making it vulnerable to moisture and physical impacts. Careful handling indoors and during mild conditions is advised.

The AW1’s ruggedness is unmatched in this comparison, endorsing it as an “expedition-ready” option. For dedicated landscape and travel photographers operating in challenging conditions, this feature alone justifies consideration. Conversely, users shooting controlled environments or prioritizing comfort and weight will find the GX850 more agreeable.

Ergonomics and Interface: Controls, Displays, and Usability

Comprehensive use tests reveal how design influences workflow efficiency.

• Nikon 1 AW1: Fixed LCD with 921k dots; lacks touchscreen, limiting interactive focusing and menu navigation. Physical controls are minimal and non-illuminated, which can impede adjustments in low light. No top display panel to quickly check settings; users rely solely on rear screen and minimal buttons. No EVF means reliance on LCD under strong sunlight is challenging.

• Panasonic GX850: Features a tilting 3-inch touchscreen (1,040k dots) enabling touch AF, menu navigation, and swipe gestures. The articulating screen is selfie-friendly, crucial for vloggers and social photographers. Controls are responsive but basic; no dedicated top info display; no EVF. The touchscreen markedly accelerates AF area selection and exposure adjustments.

The GX850's touchscreen interface streamlines many shooting tasks, whereas the AW1’s physical buttons and fixed screen impose workflow compromises, especially for those who require quick AF point changes or selfie angles.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens availability and variety critical for creative flexibility and system longevity.

• Nikon 1 AW1: Nikon 1-mount with a limited but dedicated lineup of 13 official lenses. These include wide-angle, telephoto zooms, and special purpose lenses such as underwater housings. The system’s 2.7x crop factor means focal lengths multiply substantially, for example, a 10mm lens behaves like a 27mm equivalent. While this benefits telephoto reach, it limits wide-angle coverage and depth of field control.

• Panasonic GX850: Micro Four Thirds mount, supported by over 100 native lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties. The 2.1x crop factor offers more balanced focal length equivalence, including plentiful wide aperture primes and macro lenses. Lack of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) means lens stabilization becomes pivotal.

The breadth and maturity of the Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem provide GX850 users near-limitless creative options, from macro to ultra-wide. Nikon’s proprietary 1-mount is more niche, restricting versatility but including optics suited for rugged use.

Battery Life and Storage

Endurance impacts shooting duration in field or event situations.

• Nikon 1 AW1: Rated at 220 shots per charge using EN-EL20 battery. Single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Battery life is somewhat limited for extended excursions but acceptable for its sensor class.
• Panasonic GX850: Slightly lower rating at 210 shots per charge. Supports microSD alongside SD cards, adding flexibilities in card choice. Also a single slot system.

Neither camera excels in battery longevity; however, their compact form factors limit battery size. Photographers intending extensive shooting should plan additional batteries. Neither offers dual card slots for backup or overflow, a consideration for professional reliability.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Modern workflows demand seamless transfer and remote operation capabilities.

• Nikon 1 AW1: Wireless connectivity is optional via accessory - does not include built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. GPS is integrated, providing automatic geotagging, useful for travel and landscape photographers mapping shot locations.

• Panasonic GX850: Features built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and remote shooting app support. No GPS or Bluetooth. The Wi-Fi functionality supports live view remote control, facilitating tripod or selfie shooting.

The GX850 caters better to social media-oriented or remote control workflows, while the AW1’s built-in GPS complements outdoor adventurers’ logistical needs.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Features

Content creators demand camera versatility beyond stills.

• Nikon 1 AW1: Offers Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording at 60i and 30p, plus high-speed recording modes for super slow motion (up to 1200 fps at reduced resolutions). Formats include MPEG-4 and H.264. No external mic input or headphone jack.
• Panasonic GX850: Supports 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) recording at 30p and 24p at 100 Mbps with MP4 and AVCHD formats. Full HD up to 60p. Also supports 4K photo mode, enabling 8 megapixel still extraction from video clips. No microphone or headphone ports.

Nikon 1 AW1 screen back Panasonic GX850 front Panasonic GX850 screen back

GX850’s 4K capability and 4K photo extraction significantly elevate video and hybrid use cases over the AW1, whose video features capture slow motion better but lack resolution and bit rate sophistication. Both bodies lack external audio inputs, limiting professional audio capture unless an external recorder is used.

Real-World Use Across Photography Genres

Assessing model suitability requires testing under discipline-specific conditions.

Portrait Photography

• Nikon AW1: Constrained by smaller sensor and lens ecosystem, skin tonality rendering is softer with acceptable but less nuanced bokeh. Face and eye detection AF available but less reliable. Fixed LCD limits posing ease.

• Panasonic GX850: Larger sensor plus eye detect AF dramatically improve portrait sharpness and subject isolation. Tilting touchscreen enables easy self-portraits. No in-body stabilization lessens sharpness at slower shutter speeds without stabilized lenses.

Recommendation: GX850 is preferable for portrait specialists requiring nuanced skin tones and precise focus.

Landscape Photography

• Nikon AW1: Weather sealing supports use in demanding environments; however, smaller sensor restricts detail and dynamic range. Limited wide-angle lens availability limits creative framing.

• Panasonic GX850: Superior sensor and greater dynamic range enable richer landscapes. Lack of weather sealing requires caution in harsh conditions. Extensive wide-angle lens offerings including fast primes.

Recommendation: GX850 excels in image quality and lens flexibility; AW1 wins for rugged conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Nikon AW1: Exceptional burst shooting (up to 60fps at fixed focus) and numerous AF points enable capturing fast action; rugged body survives outdoors. The 2.7x crop factor extends telephoto reach, though image quality softens toward longer focal lengths.

• Panasonic GX850: Lower burst rate (10fps) and fewer focus points reduce tracking capability, though touch AF aids focus placement. Sensor size benefits image quality at telephoto but shorter reach than the AW1’s crop.

Recommendation: AW1 better for fast-action, outdoors wildlife and sports; GX850 suited more for slower-paced shooting.

Street and Travel Photography

• Nikon AW1: Bulkier and heavier, but robust construction offers peace of mind in varied environments. Non-touch interface limits quick adaptations.

• Panasonic GX850: Compact, lightweight, and silent electronic shutter (up to 1/16,000 sec) enables discreet shooting with low shutter noise. Touchscreen boosts versatility for street portraits and travel vlogging.

Recommendation: GX850 leads for urban and travel users prioritizing discretion and interface ease.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

• Nikon AW1: No built-in stabilization and fewer macro lens options limit macro precision. The small sensor hampers noise control at high ISOs needed for astrophotography.

• Panasonic GX850: Supports focus bracketing, stacking, and post-focus for macro depth of field extension. Better high ISO handling facilitates low light and astrophotography work, though no native long exposure modes exist.

Recommendation: GX850’s computational focus enhancements and sensor advantage favor macro and night photography enthusiasts.

Professional Application and Workflow Integration

Neither camera targets the high-end professional market, but their raw file support and ergonomics impact usability in serious workflows.

• Nikon AW1: Supports proprietary Nikon NEF raw files but limited by sensor size and processing power when handling extensive post-processing. Absence of robust connectivity and buffer limitations restrict event or studio use.

• Panasonic GX850: Standard RW2 raw files with larger dynamic range and color depth better suited for extensive editing. Wi-Fi support enhances image transfer workflows. Lack of dual card slots and modest battery life limit professional resilience.

Performance Ratings Summary

The Panasonic GX850 scores higher in overall image quality, video, and versatility, while the Nikon 1 AW1 leads in durability, speed, and rugged application niches. The choice ultimately hinges on whether physical robustness or imaging quality is paramount.

Final Considerations and Recommendations

Who Should Buy the Nikon 1 AW1?

• Adventure, underwater, and extreme environmental photographers valuing waterproofing and shock resistance.
• Wildlife and sports enthusiasts requiring ultra-fast burst rates and extended telephoto reach.
• Users accepting a smaller sensor and limited focusing conveniences in exchange for physical durability.

Who Should Buy the Panasonic Lumix GX850?

• Urban, street, and travel photographers seeking a compact, lightweight system with excellent image quality.
• Portrait and macro photographers benefiting from eye-detection AF, touchscreen handling, and lens ecosystem.
• Hybrid shooters and content creators wanting 4K video recording and 4K photo extraction.
• Photographers prioritizing color depth, dynamic range, and extensive after-processing flexibility.

Conclusion

The Nikon 1 AW1 and Panasonic GX850 represent contrasting philosophies within the entry-level mirrorless category. The AW1’s rugged build and fast continuous shooting cater to outdoor adventurers and action photographers, albeit at the cost of lowered image fidelity and interface convenience. The GX850’s larger sensor, touchscreen interface, and 4K video capabilities meet the needs of creative and hybrid users who prioritize image quality and versatility in controlled or mild environments.

Prospective buyers must weigh the importance of environmental resilience versus imaging performance and consider their primary disciplines. Those seeking a specialized rugged camera may favor the AW1, while the majority of photography enthusiasts and semi-professionals will find the GX850’s sensor advantages, autofocus sophistication, and video specs better aligned with their creative goals.

By rigorously isolating feature sets and field performance through empirical and workflow-based testing, this analysis empowers photographers to place each camera within the context of their unique shooting requirements and priorities.