Nikon waterproof camera – The Coolpix series
Buying a Nikon waterproof camera is the best decision if you love spending time outdoors including being in and around water. The Coolpix series with the latest W150 and W300 models are perfect for those who live an active lifestyle and are highly recommended for snorkeling and diving! Let us help you with this comparison to decide what model suits your needs the most!
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What Nikon waterproof camera is the best?
The name Nikon is a well-known and trusted brand in photography and you won’t be disappointed if you decide to buy any model of the Nikon waterproof camera series. Reliability, durability and outstanding photo quality; these features describe Nikon cameras as the best. If it comes to the waterproof compact camera line, Nikon offers different models to satisfy customers’ various needs.
The most affordable is the Nikon W150 waterproof compact camera. Easy operation and the waterproof feature of up to 33 feet make it a great camera for snorkeling. The big brother, the Nikon W300 represents the most advanced waterproof compact camera in the Coolpix series. It is perfect for diving too being waterproof up to 100ft.
Our first serious underwater camera was a compact Nikon Coolpix AW120 that we have been using for long years and were extremely satisfied with it. Based on our very positive experience, we highly recommend Nikon waterproof camera models for snorkeling and diving. Unfortunately, both the W300 and W150 were discontinued. They are still available at some sellers or in renewed condition so with a bit of luck you are still able to buy these models.
If you don’t find any or want to check out a similar model, we recommend considering the Olympus Tough series. We have a separate article where you can read about it and see some Olympus TG-6 sample images.
Nikon Coolpix W300 vs W150
The Coolpix W300 and Coolpix W150 are both popular Nikon waterproof camera models amongst outdoor adventurers. Learn from this comparison table what is the difference between the Nikon Coolpix W300 and W150 models! For a detailed description of both models, keep reading below the table!
Nikon Coolpix W300 waterproof camera
The Coolpix W300 was introduced in 2018 and replaced the popular Nikon Coolpix AW130 bringing some new features. The improvements made Coolpix W300 is currently the best Nikon waterproof camera that you can take snorkeling, diving, surfing, skiing, wherever you go. With the waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof, and sandproof features it will withstand the harshest weather conditions.
The 16 MP low-light sensor and advanced f/2.8 NIKKOR zoom lens take care of bright and sharp images. The 5X optical Zoom helps you to capture the smallest details. The new Vibration Reduction mode helps to avoid blurry photos. Use the fast autofocus and continuous shooting modes for moving scenes!
Choose the Auto Scene Selector and let the Nikon W300 decide what settings to use, or select a scene from the 20 pre-programmed one! Enjoy 4K Ultra HD or 1080p full HD outstanding video quality with stereo sound. The Coolpix W300 Nikon waterproof camera lets you take still photos while video recording too so you never miss a moment! With the Short Movie Show function, it is quick to create 30-sec clips with special effects and music for easy social share.
Being an outdoor camera, easy operation is crucial. With the extra-large grip, dedicated tool buttons and smart button placement Nikon made function access and one-handed shooting easy even while wearing gloves. Nikon W300 waterproof compact camera features built-in GPS, compass, altimeter, depth gauge, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that all support advanced outdoor usability.
Read our underwater compact cameras article where you can compare the Nikon Coolpix W300 waterproof compact camera with its main competitors like Olympus TG-6 and Fujifilm FinePix XP130! No matter what model you buy, learn how you can use it for the longest time from our waterproof camera cleaning and maintenance guide!
Nikon Coolpix W300 features
- 16MP photo quality
- 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor
- 5X optical zoom, 4X digital zoom
- NIKKOR Lens with Vibration Reduction
- 4K Ultra HD or 1080p Full HD videos
- 3.0-inch LCD has an anti-reflective coating
- waterproof up to 100 ft (30 m) IPX8 rating
- shockproof up to 7.9 ft (2.4 m)
- temperature range 14 to 104 Degree F (-10 to +40 Degree C) on land
- temperature range 32 to 104 Degree F (0 to 40 Degree C) underwater.
- Short Movie Show function
- Time-lapse and Super lapse
- built-in GPS, altimeter, compass, depth gauge
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Nikon SnapBridge app
- Bright LED Light
- 20 scene modes for best results
Tip: Nikon Coolpix AW130 and Nikon Coolpix AW120 are still available as new. It might be worth checking the prices, maybe you find a great deal on these previous models!
Nikon Coolpix W150 waterproof camera
Take beautiful pictures on land and in the sea too with the new Nikon Coolpix W150 waterproof compact camera! The Coolpix W150 is the newer version of the Nikon Coolpix W100 and S33 that was an absolute favorite of snorkelers. Thanks to similar and some advanced new features, the W150 continues its success and remains an affordable and reliable Nikon waterproof camera model for snorkeling and outdoor use.
Your photos will be always clear and sharp thanks to the 13.2MP image sensor and advanced zoom functions. Large shutter buttons and 4 large extra buttons next to the screen provide you with a logical and easy operation.
The Nikon W150 was designed for underwater use! Enjoy natural colors in your underwater photos and videos. A special face framing automatically takes photos when spotting someone. Therefore, it is a great camera even for kids that they can take to pool parties! Transferring and sharing your photos and videos was never so easy! Using the built-in Wi-Fi, NFC or Bluetooth modes and the Nikon SnapBridge app, you can upload your footage in seconds ready to share!
In total, the Coolpix W150 is a very durable camera that is great for kids and adults for land and underwater use. Easy to use, features a great price point. If you are looking for a Nikon waterproof camera, give a check to this model!
Tip: learn how to take superb underwater images by reading our snorkeling photography guide!
Nikon Coolpix W150 main features
- 13.2MP 1/3.1″ CMOS sensor
- Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 fps
- 3X optical zoom, 4X digital zoom
- ISO 125-1600
- target finding AF
- 2.7″ LCD screen
- Waterproof up to 33′ (10 m) IPX8 rating
- Dust and sand-proof
- Shockproof to 6ft/1.8 m
- Freezeproof to 14°F (-10 C)
- built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for instant image transfer and geotagging
- 18 shooting modes
- VR image stabilization to compensate camera shake
- underwater face framing – face detection even underwater
- Add Clarity underwater image correction function
Here you can check the video quality of the Nikon AW120 waterproof compact camera (all videos were taken in 1080/30p, without post-processing)
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