Nikon AW100 vs Nikon D6

On this page, we will be contrasting the Nikon AW100 and Nikon D6, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Pro DSLR and they are both built by Nikon. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the AW100 (16MP) and D6 (21MP) and the AW100 (1/2.3") and D6 (Full frame) have different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The AW100 was introduced 9 years earlier than the D6 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Nikon AW100 being a Compact camera and the Nikon D6 being a Large SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the AW100 grades against the D6 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix AW100 & Nikon D6. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon AW100 Gallery & Nikon D6 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Nikon AW100 enjoys exterior measurements of 110mm x 65mm x 23mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Nikon D6 has measurements of 160mm x 163mm x 92mm (6.3" x 6.4" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 1270 grams (2.80 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon AW100 and Nikon D6 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the AW100 against the D6.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the AW100 and D6 is 93 and 50 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizing only by reading through technical specs. The visual here might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the AW100 and D6.

As you have seen, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The AW100 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Nikon D6 will give you extra detail using its extra 5 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The older AW100 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.