Nikon's new waterproof camera

The One-Series AW1 is the world’s first waterproof, shockproof, digital interchangeable lens camera.

The Nikon One-Series AW1 is set to appeal to amateur and professional photographers alike who have a passion for scuba diving or even just holidaying by the sea, and to extreme sports enthusiasts, plus the skiing and snowboarding community.

The world’s first waterproof digital interchangeable lens camera, this Nikon's water resistance -- unlike a bunch of high-end smartphones from Sony, LG and Samsung that have launched over recent months -- isn’t limited to half an hour at a depth of half a meter. It’s waterproof up to a depth of 15 meters (49 feet), shockproof and can withstand temperatures as low as -10° C (14° F), meaning that it will still be in full working order when water becomes snow and snow becomes ice.

There are currently two specially made lenses -- equally shock, freeze and water-resistant --  available for the camera; one a 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 unit (essentially a zoom lens) will come as standard, while a 10mm f/2.8 lens fast, wide-angle counterpart can be bought separately or as part of a more expensive two-lens kit package. Both have a special rubber ring that forms an air and watertight bond with the camera when attached. The One-Series AW1 is also compatible with all existing 1 NIKKOR lenses, and with Nikon 1 accessories, as well as wide range F- Mount NIKKOR lenses via an adaptor. However don't forget that only the specially made lenses that come with the camera offer any form of water or shock resistance.

Other nice touches include GPS for automatically tagging photos plus an altimeter and depth gauge for knowing exactly how far above or below sea level you are, plus there’s an accelerometer that allows functions and modes to be selected through moving the camera rather than by having to change grip or position in order to select a button. This is especially beneficial for singlehanded use. And of course, as is now expected, the camera can film full HD video as well as capturing 14.2-megapixel still images.

The Nikon One-Series AW1 will launch in the US in October, priced at $799.99 for the single-lens kit and for $200 more with both lenses included.