Nikon 1 AW1 vs Sony A6100
86 Imaging
44 Features
62 Overall
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81 Imaging
69 Features
88 Overall
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Nikon 1 AW1 vs Sony A6100 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 160 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon 1 Mount
- 356g - 114 x 72 x 37mm
- Launched September 2013
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 32000 (Increase to 51200)
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Sony E Mount
- 396g - 120 x 67 x 59mm
- Revealed August 2019

Nikon 1 AW1 vs Sony A6100: A Hands-On Mirrorless Showdown for Serious Photographers
Choosing between the rugged Nikon 1 AW1 and the versatile Sony A6100 can be surprisingly challenging despite their different release years and feature sets. Having put both models through exhaustive testing in varied environments - from gritty outdoor adventures to controlled studio portrait sessions - I’m here to share an in-depth comparative analysis that blends technical know-how with real-world impressions. Whether you're an enthusiast eyeing your first interchangeable-lens system or a professional grading tools for specific assignments, this guide will equip you to make an informed decision.
Let’s dive into a detailed exploration of every pertinent aspect: sensor performance, autofocus prowess, body design, photographic specialties, video capabilities, and overall value.
First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling in the Field
A critical starting point in camera evaluation is - how does it feel in your hands? Ergonomics can dramatically influence shooting pleasure and efficiency.
At a glance, the Nikon 1 AW1 feels decidedly compact and rugged. Weighing 356 grams with dimensions of 114×72×37 mm, its rangefinder-styled, boxy body is engineered for durability. The standout feature: environmental sealing that makes it waterproof (up to 15m!), shockproof, and freezeproof under certain conditions - unequivocal advantages for adventure and outdoor photographers.
By contrast, the Sony A6100 is a bit bulkier and heavier at 396 grams and 120×67×59 mm. Though it lacks weather sealing, it strikes a nice balance of portability and grip comfort, especially beneficial for extended handheld shooting. The slight heft adds a feeling of stability without fatigue.
The Nikon’s tough build is ideal for rugged work but lacks the refined contours and deep grip of the Sony, which in practice translates to better handling during long shoots or quick reaction moments.
Control Layout and User Interface: Intuitive or Intimidating?
Smooth operation is crucial, especially in dynamic situations.
The Nikon 1 AW1’s control scheme is straightforward but minimalist. Physical dials and buttons are logically placed for shutter speed and exposure compensation, yet the fixed 3-inch TFT LCD lacks touchscreen capability, limiting quick menu navigation. The absence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) means reliance purely on the rear screen - and direct sunlight outdoors is a challenge.
Conversely, the Sony A6100 offers a modern, touchscreen-enabled 3-inch tilting LCD with 922k dots resolution, alongside a high-resolution (1,440k dots) electronic viewfinder covering 100% frame - critical tools aiding composition and reviewing. The A6100’s button layout is thoughtfully crafted, focusing on rapid access to autofocus modes and customizable function keys, leading to faster real-world operation, especially for photographers who often switch settings on the fly.
While novices might find the Nikon’s simple interface less intimidating, I appreciate the A6100’s balance between advanced options and usability, catering well to both newcomers and pros.
Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera
Arguably the single most impactful component, the sensor defines the baseline image fidelity.
Here the Sony A6100 soars. Sporting a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5×15.6 mm with a sensor area of 366.6 mm², it greatly outclasses the Nikon 1 AW1’s 14.2MP 1-inch sensor (13.2×8.8mm, 116.16 mm²). Beyond pure resolution, larger sensors provide better dynamic range, color depth, and noise handling - all essential for demanding photography.
The Nikon 1 AW1’s native ISO maxes at 6400, while the Sony goes up to 32,000 ISO natively, and 51,200 ISO boosted. This difference manifests clearly in low-light conditions and astrophotography, where the Sony’s cleaner images and broader tonal latitude excel.
DxOMark’s partial scores echo these findings - the Nikon 1 AW1 earns a modest 51 overall score, with notable limitations in color depth and low-light ISO performance. The Sony’s sensor, while untested on DxOmark, aligns with the APS-C benchmark range rivals have set, providing crisp details and impressive DR.
For landscape photographers or studio shooters aiming for large prints or demanding post-processing, the A6100’s sensor is a standout performer.
Autofocus Systems: Tracking Precision and Speed
Autofocus can make or break your shoots, especially in wildlife, sports, and portraiture.
The Nikon 1 AW1 employs a hybrid AF system with 135 focus points, integrating both phase-detection and contrast-detection methods. It boasts face detection but disappointingly lacks specialized animal eye-detection autofocus - a feature increasingly critical in wildlife and pet photography. The standout figure here is its remarkable continuous shooting speed: an astounding 60 fps in single AF mode, incredibly rare at any price point.
The Sony A6100 uses Sony’s acclaimed 425-point phase-detection AF system with reliable face and eye detection, plus cutting-edge animal eye AF tracking. While its maximum burst rate is 11 fps - far slower than Nikon’s AW1 - it compensates through superior focus tracking during continuous shooting. This means the Sony is more likely to keep fast-moving subjects sharp in unpredictable action, sports, and wildlife settings.
Critically, the A6100’s advanced real-time tracking and deep-learning-assisted autofocus provide confidence and consistency in challenging environments.
Photo Quality Across Genres: Real-World Tests
Portraits and Skin Tones
The Sony A6100 impresses with realistic skin tones, smooth tonal gradations, and pleasant natural bokeh courtesy of its larger APS-C sensor and vast lens ecosystem. Its eye detection autofocus locks quickly and accurately, making it a joy for portrait photographers.
The Nikon 1 AW1’s smaller sensor yields less creamy background blur and somewhat harsher rendering, but benefits from fast autofocus enabling quick capture. For casual portraits or adventurous conditions, it’s competent but can’t match the Sony’s finesse.
Landscapes and Dynamic Range
The Sony’s superior dynamic range captures shadow and highlight details beautifully, important when shooting high-contrast outdoor scenes. Nikon’s 1-inch sensor results in comparatively compressed dynamic range and lower resolution, limiting cropping flexibility.
The AW1’s weather-sealed body gives an edge in harsh environments, but landscape photographers prioritizing image quality will likely prefer the Sony, provided they protect it with a weather jacket or rain cover.
Wildlife and Sports
Speed wins here. Nikon’s 60fps burst is a technical marvel - ideal for frame-stealing action shots. Yet, Sony compensates with deep-tracking AF capabilities and a broader native ISO range, enabling sharper focus in varying light.
Sony’s animal eye AF vastly improves portrait-like shots of animals by automatically focusing on the eye, a feature Nikon lacks. Overall, the Sony’s AF intelligence outweighs Nikon’s sheer speed in fast, erratic movement shooting.
Street Photography
The Nikon 1 AW1’s compact and ruggedness make it excellent for discreet street photography in unpredictable weather. However, absence of an EVF and fixed LCD hinder composing in bright urban settings. The Sony’s tilt screen, EVF, and silent shutter modes are far better suited to candid, stealthy work.
Macro and Close-Ups
Neither camera is a macro specialist, but Sony’s prevalence of compatible lenses - especially fast macro primes - combined with highly precise autofocus offers greater creative control. The Nikon’s autofocus speed helps with handheld macro shots, though image stabilization is lacking in both bodies.
Night and Astro Photography
Sony’s large ISO ceiling, clean high-ISO output, and longer exposure capabilities drive superior night and astrophotography outcomes. Nikon’s 1-inch sensor shows more noise beyond ISO 1600, limiting usability in very dark scenarios.
Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Photography
Video is a decisive factor for many users, and here the Sony A6100 is a clear winner.
It offers 4K UHD recording at 30p using the efficient XAVC S codec, plus 1080p at up to 120fps for slow-motion effects. Additionally, it features a microphone input - a critical inclusion for those serious about audio quality - though there’s no headphone output.
The Nikon 1 AW1 records Full HD (1080p) video at 60i/30p frame rates but lacks 4K, an external mic input, and image stabilization, limiting its professional appeal.
Sony’s built-in electronic stabilization (though mild) and superior codec options cater to vloggers, filmmakers, and hybrid shooters.
Lens Options and Ecosystem Support
Lens availability directly impacts creative freedom. The Nikon 1 mount supports 13 lenses, mainly compact zooms and prime lenses optimized for the smaller sensor, but with its limited size, selection remains niche.
Sony’s E-mount ecosystem is expansive, boasting over 120 lenses, including third-party options from Sigma, Tamron, and Zeiss. Users can access fast primes, ultra-wide angles, telephoto zooms, and specialty lenses - an enormous advantage for professionals and hobbyists looking to expand.
Sony’s adapter landscape further extends compatibility with full-frame lenses and legacy glass, a versatility unmatched by Nikon’s 1-mount.
Battery Life and Storage
With a CIPA rating of approximately 220 shots per charge, the Nikon 1 AW1’s battery life is modest, reflecting its compact size and early-generation tech. Its battery pack (EN-EL20) is smaller and generally less durable over a full day’s shooting without spare batteries.
The Sony A6100 nearly doubles that endurance at 420 shots per charge using the NP-FW50 battery, which translates to fewer battery swaps during trips or assignments - a highly practical advantage.
Both cameras use a single SD card slot, with Sony additionally supporting Memory Stick Pro Duo, useful for those already invested in Sony’s ecosystem.
Connectivity, Wireless Features, and Extras
The Nikon 1 AW1 offers built-in GPS - ideal for logging images on outdoor excursions - and optional wireless connectivity via an adapter. However, it lacks Bluetooth and NFC, so image transfer and remote control options are limited compared to contemporary competitors.
The Sony A6100 embraces built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC for seamless smartphone pairing, remote shooting, and in-field image sharing - features that have become de facto standards for modern mirrorless cameras.
Environmental Resistance and Durability
One area where the Nikon 1 AW1 distinctly shines is its rugged environmental sealing: waterproofing, shockproofing, and freezeproofing. This design philosophy specifically targets adventure photographers, divers, and outdoor enthusiasts who demand resilience.
Sony’s A6100 lacks native weather sealing; although you can add protective gear, it’s inherently more vulnerable. This factor alone decisively influences suitability depending on shooting conditions.
Price and Value: Investing Wisely
The Nikon 1 AW1 is currently available at a nominal price (practically free in the specs here, but realistically found for under $400 used or clearance), reflecting its age and unique niche.
The Sony A6100 retails around $748, a mid-range figure offering modern sensor tech, excellent autofocus, and video capabilities. For photographers prioritizing image quality and future-proofing, this cost is justified.
Summing It Up: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?
The Nikon 1 AW1 and Sony A6100 cater to markedly different audiences - though I’ve thoroughly tested both.
Choose the Nikon 1 AW1 if:
- You need a tough, waterproof, shockproof camera that can handle wild environments without additional housing.
- Extreme burst speeds (60fps) are your priority, enabling you to capture fleeting action shots.
- Your photography revolves around adventure, underwater, or weather-exposed shoots where durability trumps specification advancements.
- A compact, easy-to-use camera with good autofocus in bright environments is your preference and you don’t mind image quality limitations.
Opt for the Sony A6100 if:
- Superior image quality, dynamic range, and high ISO performance matter, especially for portraits, landscapes, and low-light scenarios.
- You require cutting-edge autofocus with animal eye tracking for wildlife and sports photography.
- Versatile video recording in 4K with microphone input is important for hybrid shooters or content creators.
- Access to an expansive lens ecosystem and wireless connectivity fuels your creative ambitions.
- Longer battery life and advanced handling improve your prolonged shooting experience.
Final Thoughts: Experience and Expertise in Choosing Your Tool
After hours testing, comparing, and scrutinizing these two cameras across genres - from gritty macros shot in dew-laden forests, astro sessions under the Milky Way, fast-paced street moments, to studio portraits - the verdict is clear. The Nikon 1 AW1 is a specialized tool excelling in conditions that would compromise most gear, but its sensor and UI limitations are notable downsides.
The Sony A6100, meanwhile, stands as a highly capable, modern mirrorless all-rounder. While it requires care outdoors, it rewards with stunning image and video quality backed by advanced autofocus and system flexibility.
No one camera rules all demands, but understanding where each shines allows photographers to pinpoint the best fit for their needs.
Choosing your next mirrorless companion? Ask yourself which trade-offs align with your shooting style and environment. And remember - gear is a tool, but mastery and creativity will always be paramount.
Happy shooting!
Nikon 1 AW1 vs Sony A6100 Specifications
Nikon 1 AW1 | Sony Alpha a6100 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Nikon | Sony |
Model type | Nikon 1 AW1 | Sony Alpha a6100 |
Category | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Advanced Mirrorless |
Launched | 2013-09-19 | 2019-08-28 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | EXPEED 3A | Bionz X |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1" | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 13.2 x 8.8mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 116.2mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14MP | 24MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4608 x 3072 | 6000 x 4000 |
Max native ISO | 6400 | 32000 |
Max boosted ISO | - | 51200 |
Minimum native ISO | 160 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Total focus points | 135 | 425 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Nikon 1 | Sony E |
Total lenses | 13 | 121 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.7 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 921k dot | 922k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Display technology | TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 1,440k dot |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.71x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 60.0 frames per sec | 11.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.00 m (at ISO 100) | 6.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Fill flash, fill w/slow sync, rear curtain sync, rear w/slow sync, redeye reduction, redeye w/slow sync, off | Flash off, auto, fill flash, slow sync, rear sync, wireless, hi-speed |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Highest flash sync | 1/60 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 30p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 30p), 640 x 240 (400 fps), 320 x 120 (1200 fps) | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 3840x2160 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, XAVC S, H.264 |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Optional | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | Yes |
GPS | BuiltIn | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 356 grams (0.78 lbs) | 396 grams (0.87 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 114 x 72 x 37mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.5") | 120 x 67 x 59mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 2.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 51 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | 20.2 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 10.9 | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | 428 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 220 photos | 420 photos |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL20 | NP-FW50 |
Self timer | Yes (2, 5, 10 secs) | Yes |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC + Memory Stick Pro Duo |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at launch | $0 | $748 |