Nikon Coolpix AW120 and S32 waterproof cameras make a splash

Nikon has announced the Coolpix AW120 and S32 waterproof cameras. The AW120 features a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3-inch OLED screen and a wide-angle 24-120mm equivalent image stabilized zoom. It’s waterproof down to 18m (59ft), shockproof from a height of 2m (6.6ft) and freezeproof down to -10C/+14F. It also comes with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. The S32 has a 13.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, 2.7-inch LCD display and 30-90mm equivalent lens. It’s waterproof down to 10m (33ft) and shockproof from a height of 1.5m (5ft). The AW120 will sell for $349.95 and the S32 for $129.95. Both will be available in March. 

Jump to:

• Press Release (AW120)
• Press Release (S32)
• Specifications

Press Release:

THE WATERPROOF, SHOCKPROOF AND FREEZEPROOF NIKON COOLPIX AW120 IS AN EXCITING OPTION FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO TAKE PHOTOS WHEN THEY’RE IN THE ACTION, INSTEAD OF WATCHING IT

Beneath Its Durable Exterior, the COOLPIX AW120 Sports Incredible Image Quality and Useful Features Fit for Life’s Adventures

MELVILLE, NY (February 6, 2014) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the rugged COOLPIX AW120 for those who demand as much from their camera as they do from their adventure. Waterproof (up to 59 feet, 18m), shockproof (up to 6.6 feet, 2m) and freezeproof¹ (down to 14°F, -10°C), the AW120 can handle practically any condition above or below sea level. Equipped with GPS technology, the COOLPIX AW120 lets the user track their exploration down to the exact longitude and latitude of where an image was captured. Explorers can also stay connected when they’re “off the grid” with built-in mapping and an Electronic Compass to help navigate the unknown. Built-in Wi-FiⓇ connectivity² allows the user to seamlessly transfer images or HD video of any adventure to compatible smart devices for easy sharing of quality imagery to their social networks, friends and family.

“The new COOLPIX AW120 is uniquely designed for Nikon’s thrill-seeking consumers who are living life to the fullest, and need a camera to keep up,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “We’ve incorporated useful features and technology while still providing the image quality that Nikon has become synonymous with, so users can spend less time navigating their camera and more time navigating their adventure.”

The COOLPIX AW120 features a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor that helps preserve adventurous moments that are worth reliving in stunning photos and Full HD 1080/60i video. Furthermore, a wide angle 5x (24-120mm) optical zoom lens and 10x Dynamic Fine Zoom* with Hybrid Vibration Reduction (VR), a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture and about 6.9 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting ensure that photos and videos are captured in clear detail, despite the distance or tumultuous climate the explorer may be in. Knowing that operating a camera should not stop an excursion, the COOLPIX AW120 sports an intuitive graphic user interface and Nikon’s Action Control function that allows seamless operation with gloved hands. To help frame stunning photos and HD videos, the COOLPIX AW120 sports a bright 3.0-inch (7.5cm) high-resolution OLED monitor as well.

Additionally, the AW120 can be mounted to a new chest harness that allows the user to securely fasten the camera around their chest, which is helpful when capturing exciting stills and videos from a unique in-the-action point of view. The COOLPIX AW120 can also be fitted with optional silicone jackets that provide a second layer of protection as well as a stylish new look. The silicone jackets will be available in several different colors including Black, Orange, Blue and Khaki. 

Price and Availability

The COOLPIX AW120 will be available in March 2014 in Orange, Blue, Black and Camouflage for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $349.95**. 

* Dynamic Fine Zoom magnification is calculated from the full-wide end of optical zoom.

¹ nikonusa.com/aw120info

² Cameras having Wi-Fi® capability can only be used with a compatible iPhone®, iPad®, and/or iPod touch® or smart devices running on the Android™ operating system. The application can be downloaded free of charge from Google Play™ or the Apple App Store. 

For use with Android or iOS mobile devices, please refer to mobile device compatibility and available features at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nikon.wu.wmau&hl=en (Android) or https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/wireless-mobile-adapter-utility/id554157010 (iOS).

Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google, Inc. 

iPhone, iPad and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. 

Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. APP Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

Wi-Fi® and the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED logo are registered trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

** SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

All Nikon trademarks are trademarks of Nikon Corporation.

Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

Press Release:

SIMPLE, YET STURDY: THE ENTIRE FAMILY CAN CAPTURE PRECIOUS MOMENTS WITH THE NEW NIKON COOLPIX S32 

Waterproof and Shockproof, the Family-Friendly COOLPIX S32 is a Must-Have for Every Family Moment

MELVILLE, NY (February 6, 2014) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the family-friendly COOLPIX S32, a fun and durable compact camera that practically anyone in the household can use. Ready to endure the elements of nearly any family outing, this sturdy point-and-shoot is waterproof (up to 33 feet, 10m) and shockproof¹  (up to 5 feet, 1.5m). The S32 also includes a 2.7-inch (6.7cm) LCD display with an intuitive graphic user interface that makes photography easy for every family member, and the durable body will help ease worried parents’ minds. 

“Every day can seem like an adventure for busy families, so Nikon designed the COOLPIX S32 to be tough and easy-to-use,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “With Nikon’s trusted image quality, capturing memorable photos and HD videos will be one less thing parents have to worry about.”

Users can relive the memories of a family vacation through beautiful photos and Full HD (1080p) videos thanks to the S32’s 13.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and 3x optical zoom that help to deliver clear images and video, rain or shine. The family can enjoy their favorite moments together with unique playback options, including an in-camera slide show. From taking the first photo of an annual vacation to laughing over a short video at the end of a fun day, the COOLPIX S32 makes photography a family affair. The S32 also includes user friendly features like Motion Detection, Smart Portrait System, as well as Scene Modes and Effects, which will help capture and create that special moment with ease, regardless of which family member is behind the camera.

Price and Availability

The COOLPIX S32 will be in available in March 2014 in White and Blue for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $129.95*.

¹ nikonusa.com/s32info

* SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

All Nikon trademarks are trademarks of Nikon Corporation.

Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

Nikon Coolpix AW120 and S32 specifications

Comments

Interesting that the S32, which is supposed to make photography easy for all family members, has a slower lens, a smaller sensor, and no physical image stabilisation at all. The manufacturers do so much cost-cutting with these “family-friendly” models, that they’re almost useless for their intended purpose.

What I wonder is if AW120 will actually work!? Huge number of us had LCD failures in strange ways…LCD was not working except when I started to record video, then it worked perfectly or complete failure.

Also 18m depth was a joke….already at 16m the display was so bent inwards, that plastic already touched the LCD module itself…

Nikon lost my trust on this and lets see what first “beta” users will report…

S32 – Under $60.00 in less than 6 months at retailers, just watch.

Will there be an update for the AW1? I want one with a EVF ala 1/V2.

I have the AW110 and it’s an decent rugged compact and I’m not enthused on the 120 as an upgrade. To make a difference, they should have made the sensor bigger (1/1.7″)

But I want a AWx with a EVF. There was also a rumor I read a while back that they will make the 10-100VR in a rugged version. Maybe Nikon will come out with both very soon!

DPR, you have a mistake in your spec table for AW110, it starts from f/2.8, not f/3.9 like AW110.

Yeah, this brief is woefully lacking that spec. This makes the second reasonably bright water proof on the market (the wg-3 and TG-2 use the same lens.) That should be highlighted front and center.

Oops, I meant AW120.

“This makes the second reasonably bright water proof on the market (the wg-3 and TG-2 use the same lens.)”

Technically, it would make it 7th, but not so bright – TG-1, TG-2, WG-3, WG-3 GPS, WG-4, WG-4 GPS use the same lens which is also a whole stop faster. But really, f/2.8 is closer to Panasonic TS4’s f/3.3 than to these cameras’ f/2.0. Unfortunately, that Oly lens is still in the class of its own. 🙁 If only Olympus would release TG-3 putting 1/1.7″ sensor (in MAR mode) with 5-axis stabilization and TruePic VII behind that lens… I would preorder (going on vacation soon).