The Nikon 1 AW1 has the same technical specifications as the Nikon 1 J3 with the exception of the newly added GPS functionality (different size and weight as well). Basically for $300 more than the J3 you are getting a waterproof camera and lens (no VR) kit with GPS capabilities and I think this is a pretty good deal considering that the WP-N2 underwater housing for the J3 costs between $530-$730 (you can go down up to 130ft/40m with the housing compared to 49ft/15m with the AW1). Here is the detailed AW1/J3 comparison:
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| Model | Nikon 1 AW1 | Nikon 1 J3 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon 1/Nikon Waterproof 1 Mount | Nikon 1 mount |
| Effective Pixels | 14.2million | 14.2million |
| Sensor Size | 13.2mmx8.8mm | 13.2mmx8.8mm |
| Image Sensor Format | CX | CX |
| File Format | Compressed 12-bit NEF (RAW) JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx 1:4), normal (approx 1:8), or basic (approx 1:16) compression NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats | Compressed 12-bit NEF (RAW) JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx 1:4), normal (approx 1:8), or basic (approx 1:16) compression NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats |
| Picture Control | Standard Neutral Vivid Monochrome Portrait Landscape Selected Picture Control can be modified User-customizable Settings | Standard Neutral Vivid Monochrome Portrait Landscape Selected Picture Control can be modified User-customizable Settings |
| Storage Media | SD SDHC SDXC | SD SDHC SDXC |
| Card Slot | 1 Secure Digital (SD) | 1 Secure Digital (SD) |
| Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution | 15frames per second with AF; 30/60 fps with focus locked on first frame | 15frames per second with AF; 30/60 fps with focus locked on first frame |
| ISO Sensitivity | 160-6400 | 160-6400 |
| Focus Modes | Auto (AF) Auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A) Single-Servo AF (AF-S) Continuous-Servo (AF-C) Full-time Servo (AF-F) Manual Focus (MF) | Auto (AF) Auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A) Single-Servo AF (AF-S) Continuous-Servo (AF-C) Full-time Servo (AF-F) Manual Focus (MF) |
| Flash Compensation | -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV | -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV |
| White Balance | Auto Incandescent Fluorescent Direct Sunlight Flash Cloudy Shade Preset Manual Underwater All except preset manual with fine tuning | Auto Incandescent Fluorescent Direct Sunlight Flash Cloudy Shade Preset Manual Underwater All except preset manual with fine tuning |
| Movie | HD: 1920 x 1080/60i HD: 1920 x 1080/30p HD: 1280 x 720/60p HD: 1280 x 720/30p Slow-motion: 640 x 240/400fps Slow-motion: 320 x 120/1200fps Motion Snapshot: 1920 x 1080/60p (plays at 24p) Audio file format: ACC Movie file format: MOV | HD: 1920 x 1080/60i HD: 1920 x 1080/30p HD: 1280 x 720/60p HD: 1280 x 720/30p Slow-motion: 640 x 240/400fps Slow-motion: 320 x 120/1200fps Motion Snapshot: 1920 x 1080/60p (plays at 24p) Audio file format: ACC Movie file format: MOV |
| Monitor Size | 3.0in. diagonal | 3.0in. diagonal |
| Monitor Resolution | 921,000Dots | 921,000Dots |
| Monitor Type | TFT-LCD with brightness adjustment | TFT-LCD with brightness adjustment |
| GPS | Yes (Built-in) | — |
| Battery / Batteries | EN-EL20 Lithium-ion Battery | EN-EL20 Lithium-ion Battery |
| Battery Life (shots per charge) | 220shots (CIPA) | 220shots (CIPA) |
| AC Adapter | EH-5b AC Adapter Requires EP-5C Power Supply Connector | EH-5b AC Adapter Requires EP-5C Power Supply Connector |
| Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth) | 4.5in.(113.5mm)x2.9in.(71.5mm)x1.5in.(37mm) Excluding projections. | 4.0in.(101mm)x2.4in.(60.5mm)x1.1in.(28.8mm) Excluding projections. |
| Approx. Weight | 11.1oz.(313g) camera body only | 7.1oz.(201g) camera body only |
| Price | $796.95 with 11-27.5mm lens (no VR) | $496.95 with 10-30mm VR lens |
