Quick notes
- If you’re looking for a camera that can take great photos and videos in even the most challenging conditions, the Nikon AW120 or AW130 is a great choice.
- Both the AW120 and the AW130 are excellent underwater cameras, but the AW130 has a few additional features that may make it a better choice for underwater photography.
The Nikon AW120 and AW130 are two of the most popular underwater cameras on the market. Both cameras are waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, making them ideal for capturing adventures in harsh conditions. But what are the key differences between these two cameras? And which one is right for you?
Build Quality and Design
The AW120 and AW130 are both well-built cameras, but the AW130 has a slightly more rugged design. It features a reinforced body and a larger lens barrel, which makes it more resistant to damage. The AW130 also has a more comfortable grip, making it easier to hold onto when shooting in slippery conditions.
Image Quality
The AW120 and AW130 both have 16-megapixel sensors, but the AW130 has a slightly larger sensor. This gives the AW130 a slight edge in image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The AW130 also has a wider dynamic range, which allows it to capture more detail in high-contrast scenes.
Lens
The AW120 and AW130 both have 5x optical zoom lenses, but the AW130 has a wider focal length range. The AW130’s lens can zoom from 24mm to 120mm, while the AW120’s lens can only zoom from 28mm to 140mm. This gives the AW130 a wider field of view, which is ideal for shooting landscapes and group photos.
Features
The AW120 and AW130 both have a variety of features that make them ideal for underwater photography. These features include:
- Waterproof to 100 feet (30 meters)
- Shockproof to 7 feet (2 meters)
- Freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius)
- Built-in GPS for geotagging photos
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for sharing photos and videos
The AW130 has a few additional features that the AW120 does not have. These features include:
- A built-in flash
- A self-timer
- A time-lapse mode
Price
The AW120 is typically priced around $300, while the AW130 is typically priced around $400. This makes the AW120 a more affordable option, but the AW130 offers a few additional features that may be worth the extra cost.
Which Camera Is Right for You?
The AW120 and AW130 are both excellent underwater cameras. The AW120 is a more affordable option, but the AW130 offers a few additional features that may be worth the extra cost. If you’re looking for a camera that can take great photos and videos in even the most challenging conditions, the Nikon AW120 or AW130 is a great choice.
Nikon AW120 vs AW130: Key Differences
| Feature | AW120 | AW130 |
| — | — | — |
| Price | $300 | $400 |
| Sensor | 16 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
| Lens | 5x optical zoom (28mm-140mm) | 5x optical zoom (24mm-120mm) |
| Waterproof | 100 feet (30 meters) | 100 feet (30 meters) |
| Shockproof | 7 feet (2 meters) | 7 feet (2 meters) |
| Freezeproof | 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius) | 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius) |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No | Yes |
| Self-timer | No | Yes |
| Time-lapse mode | No | Yes |
Key Points
The Nikon AW120 and AW130 are both excellent underwater cameras. The AW120 is a more affordable option, but the AW130 offers a few additional features that may be worth the extra cost. If you’re looking for a camera that can take great photos and videos in even the most challenging conditions, the Nikon AW120 or AW130 is a great choice.
Popular Questions
Q: Which camera is better for underwater photography, the AW120 or the AW130?
A: Both the AW120 and the AW130 are excellent underwater cameras, but the AW130 has a few additional features that may make it a better choice for underwater photography. These features include a built-in flash, a self-timer, and a time-lapse mode.
Q: How deep can I dive with the AW120 or AW130?
A: Both the AW120 and the AW130 are waterproof to 100 feet (30 meters). This makes them ideal for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other underwater activities.
Q: Can I use the AW120 or AW130 to take photos on land?
A: Yes, both the AW120 and the AW130 can be used to take photos on land. However, they are not as well-suited for land photography as they are for underwater photography.