A Waterproof, Interchangeable-Lens Camera
Photographers typically have two options when shooting underwater: double the size of their D-SLR with an expensive submersible housing or opt for a waterproof point-and-shoot with the image quality of, well, a point-and-shoot. Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, such as the Nikon 1 AW1, produce D-SLR–quality images minus the delicate moving parts of D-SLRs themselves. The compact internals allow engineers to ruggedize and seal the camera without adding much bulk. Internal Zoom When a lens zooms, small crevices between the stacked components open. The entire AW1 lens is enclosed in a sealed barrel. As the camera zooms—up to 27.5 millimeters—all the parts remain protected. Watertight Mount The lens mount on the AW1 is raised about six millimeters above the camera body. Lenses slip over it and into a groove in the housing. A greased rubber O-ring fills in any gap between the two pieces. Underwater Flash The AW1’s pop-up flash can illuminate up to 16 feet of seawater ahead of the ...