Nikon Coolpix A900 vs. Nikon Coolpix AW120: Practical Comparison From an Experienced Reviewer

Choosing the right camera comes down to your shooting style, environment, and how much gear you want to carry around. Both the Nikon Coolpix A900 and AW120 belong to Nikon’s compact lineup, but they target quite different users. I’ve spent hours testing both models, pushing them through diverse photography challenges - from cityscape strolls and nature outings to more demanding conditions. This hands-on insight will help you decide which compact Nikon fits your own creative journey.

First Impressions & Ergonomics: How These Compacts Feel in Hand

Handling is often underrated until you grab a camera and realize it either fits like a glove or feels like a brick.

• Nikon A900: The A900 has a noticeably chunkier body than the AW120 - 113x67x40mm compared to 110x66x26mm. It’s heavier too, at 289g versus 213g. For a compact camera, that extra heft isn’t a burden but does make it feel more substantial and stable, especially with long zoom shots. Its pronounced grip and slightly rubberized texture make it comfortable over prolonged use. The A900 also offers a tilting 3-inch screen which aids shooting at odd angles or selfies (though it lacks front-facing selfie-friendliness per se).

• Nikon AW120: The AW120 is slimmer and lighter - great for slipping into a pocket when weight is premium. It has fewer clubs for thumbs (fewer physical buttons and dials), streamlining its rugged “take-anywhere” appeal. The fixed OLED screen resists glare better outdoors but limits flexibility compared to the A900’s tilting screen.

Overall, if you prize a sturdy feel and more control, the A900 wins hands down on ergonomic comfort. But if ultralight and discreet is your goal, the AW120 can go places the A900 won’t quite fit as naturally.

Design & Controls: Which Camera Lets You Shoot Faster?

When speed counts, a logical layout and responsive controls prevent missed frames.

On top, the A900 offers exposure compensation, shutter & aperture priority modes, and a dedicated control ring on the lens for quick manual adjustment. The AW120 has pared down modes - no manual exposure or shutter priority and fewer customizable buttons.

• The A900’s control clubs give the enthusiast valuable tactile feedback when dialing in exposure or quickly switching focus modes. It caters to photographers who want something simple, but not simplistic.

• The AW120 keeps things barebones - single dial, fixed lens ring, and a simple pop-up flash - reflecting its rugged design ethos and likely use in adventure or travel scenarios where waterproofing matters more than control finesse.

If you prefer creative control or dabble in manual settings, the A900 is your better bet. The AW120’s simpler layout limits quick shooting options but makes it less intimidating for casual shooters.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras share the same 1/2.3" sensor size, a common compact sensor that’s less optimal for low light but keeps cameras pocketable and affordable.

• Resolution: The A900 boasts a 20MP backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, giving it a slight edge in light gathering and noise control compared to the AW120’s 16MP CMOS sensor. BSI improves efficiency by allowing photons easier access to circuits, a benefit especially in dim conditions.

• ISO Range: The AW120 pushes its ISO ceiling to 6400 but with noticeable noise above ISO 1600. The A900 tops out at ISO 3200 but tends to produce cleaner images across the range.

• Raw Support: Neither camera shoots RAW - a downside for serious image editors wanting maximum detail and dynamic control. If RAW capture is a non-negotiable, these models aren’t contenders.

• Color & Dynamics: In my tests, the A900’s images showed more vibrant, true-to-life colors and better highlight retention, an advantage for landscape and portraiture. The AW120 sometimes yields flatter images, likely a trade-off in processing to keep colors “safe” for jarring outdoor lighting.

In direct side-by-side tests, the A900 is clearly superior in resolution and basic image quality, but neither model matches larger-sensor compacts or mirrorless cameras. Still, for point-and-shoot convenience, the A900 edges ahead for image enthusiasts.

Display and Interface Usability

Both sport 3-inch screens at 921k-dot resolution, fairly standard for their classes, but the difference comes in screen type and flexibility.

• A900’s Tilting Screen: This adds versatility for shooting over crowds, from low angles, or for selfies (though it’s not officially selfie-friendly). The screen’s brightness adjustments and menu navigation proved intuitive.

• AW120’s Fixed OLED: Brighter and more contrast-rich, OLED is great in sunlight, a clear advantage for outdoor or adventure photographers. However, the screen does not tilt or rotate, a limitation when composing shots in cramped or awkward positions.

Neither camera has touchscreens, so menu navigation feels a bit old-fashioned. Both lack electronic viewfinders, which some consider a dealbreaker when shooting in bright light.

Zoom and Lens Performance: A Tale of Two Strategies

The lens is where these cameras truly diverge in purpose.

• Nikon A900: Its superzoom 24-840mm (35x optical zoom) lens is spectacular for photographers craving versatility without lugging extra glass. From wide landscapes to distant wildlife or architectural details, this lens spans an enormous range. Maximum aperture varies from f/3.4 at 24mm to f/6.9 at 840mm - typical for superzooms but signals low-light limitations at long focal lengths.

• Nikon AW120: Opts for a shorter 24-120mm (5x zoom) lens with a wider maximum aperture range of f/2.8 to f/4.9. The brighter aperture aids low-light shooting and better background separation. It also features a rugged, sealed construction matching the camera’s waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof claims.

For enthusiasts wanting reach and convenience without extra gear, the A900’s zoom is a huge asset. However, if you prioritize brighter optics and durability for action or underwater use, the AW120’s lens matches its rugged spirit.

Autofocus and Shooting Experience

Autofocus systems can make or break candid moments, especially with moving subjects.

• A900: Features contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, continuous AF, and tracking. The camera performs well for portraits with accurate eye detection and reliable tracking at moderate speeds. Its AF speed and accuracy are reasonable for its class though not on par with high-end models. Continuous shooting is 7fps, which suffices for casual action shooting.

• AW120: Uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection but lacks continuous AF and more advanced AF modes. AF speed is slower, and tracking moving subjects outdoors can require patience. The burst rate is similar (7fps) but with limited AF in continuous mode, making it less suited for fast action sports.

Build Quality and Durability: Adventure Ready or Studio Stable?

Nikon A900 front Nikon A900 screen back Nikon AW120 front Nikon AW120 screen back

This is where the AW120 shines.

• AW120: Designed specifically for rugged use - it’s waterproof up to 18m, dustproof, shockproof (drops up to 2m), and freezeproof down to -10°C. Ideal for underwater adventures, mountain hikes, or beach days where you don’t want to baby your gear.

• A900: Has no environmental sealing or weatherproofing. It’s a sophisticated compact aimed at general-purpose photography, so extra care is needed in harsh conditions.

If your photographic playground involves water, snow, or rough terrain, the AW120 is purpose-built to withstand it.

Battery Life and Storage: Real-World Endurance

Both cameras use the Nikon EN-EL12 battery pack but exhibit small differences.

• AW120: Rated for approximately 350 shots per charge, slightly better for longer excursions.

• A900: Rated at around 300 shots - not a deal-breaker but keep spares for extended shooting sessions.

Both use a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot and offer basic USB 2.0 and HDMI connectivity. The A900 includes Bluetooth and NFC wireless support, absent in the AW120 - a bonus for quickly transferring images when you don’t want to fiddle with cables.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

• A900: Shoots 4K UHD video at 30p/25p, a major plus at this price and category. It supports Full HD at higher frame rates for smoother video, although no external mic or headphone jack means audio control is limited.

• AW120: Limited to Full HD 1080p video at 30fps. No 4K means less future-proofing and lower resolution for video enthusiasts.

Neither camera has sophisticated video features like log profiles or advanced stabilization, but the A900’s 4K support adds value if you’re dabbling in multimedia content.

How They Handle Different Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• A900: Excellent at reproducing natural skin tones thanks to the newer sensor and processing engine. Eye detection and face priority AF help nail portraits with sharp eyes and flattering bokeh at telephoto focal lengths.

• AW120: The wider aperture at shorter focal lengths aids background separation, but limited zoom and AF modes reduce compositional flexibility.

Winner for portraits: Nikon A900.

Landscape Photography

• A900: Higher resolution and better dynamic range help capture detailed vistas. The tilting screen supports comfortable shooting from unique viewpoints. Lack of weather sealing means caution outdoors.

• AW120: Ruggedness wins outdoors in rough weather, but lower resolution reduces fine detail.

Landscape pick: If weather stays nice, A900; if rain or dust are threats, AW120.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• A900: Massive zoom range supports distant subjects, AF tracking is competent but not top-tier for fast action. Burst rate at 7fps is serviceable.

• AW120: Shorter zoom and slower AF makes it less ideal for wildlife or sports.

For wildlife and sports: A900 by a wide margin.

Street and Travel Photography

• AW120: Slimmer, lighter, and tough - great for travel and candid street shooting without fear of bumps or weather.

• A900: Bulkier but more versatile zoom and better image quality for varied travel conditions, though fragile.

Travel-friendly winner: AW120 for adventurous travelers; A900 for more predictable urban environments.

Macro Photography

Both feature close focusing distance at 1cm, enabling detailed close-ups.

• The A900’s higher resolution benefits macro shooters wanting tight detail.

• No focus stacking or manual focus capabilities on either camera limit macro creativity.

Night and Astrophotography

Limited by small sensors and lack of manual control.

• The A900's cleaner high-ISO images perform better in low light.

• Neither model excels in long exposures or astrophotography without accessories.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras have fixed lenses, which means no lens swapping.

The A900's enormous zoom makes it a one-lens-fits-all, whereas the AW120 focuses on ruggedness over focal length.

Connectivity and Extras

• The A900 supports Bluetooth and NFC for wireless image transfers plus USB and HDMI outputs.

• The AW120 has built-in GPS for geotagging - a boon for outdoor explorers tracking photo locations.

Final Value Assessment

• Nikon A900: Priced around $400, it offers fantastic zoom versatility, good image quality, basic manual controls, and 4K video. It’s ideal for enthusiasts wanting a pocket-friendly all-rounder for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and travel in fair weather. It lacks ruggedness, making it less suited for harsh environments.

• Nikon AW120: More affordable (~$350), with lower resolution and zoom but rugged waterproof construction. It caters to adventurers needing a go-anywhere camera immune to water, dust, and drops. The simplified controls suit casual shooters prioritizing durability over creative flexibility.

Who Should Buy Which?

Wrapping It Up: My Hands-On Verdict

After plenty of shooting sessions, I appreciate what each camera brings to the table.

The Nikon A900 feels like a serious superzoom compact, great for photographers wanting manual controls, expansive focal lengths, and decent 4K video in a pocket-friendly form. It’s perfect for urban explorers, wildlife enthusiasts, and content creators on a budget who can keep their camera safe from the elements.

The Nikon AW120 is a specialized tool for the outdoorsy cheapskate who prioritizes survivability over megapixels or zoom reach. It may not satisfy a pixel-peeper or pro needing RAW output and flexible controls, but it will keep shooting through rain, dirt, and snow when others pack up.

If I had only one, I’d lean toward the A900 for its all-around image quality and versatility. But if you’re hiking rugged trails or photographing marine life, the AW120 is the trusty sidekick you want at your side.

Thanks for reading this in-depth comparison! If you want me to cover more Nikon compacts or rugged cameras, just say the word. Meanwhile, happy shooting wherever your photo adventures take you.

Images Recap

• Size and ergonomics:
• Top controls:
• Sensor specs:
• Screen comparison:
• Sample photos:
  Nikon A900 front Nikon A900 screen back Nikon AW120 front Nikon AW120 screen back
• Overall scores:
• Genre performance: