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MACRO: The Nikon AW100 has an impressive close-focus of 1cm. You need to apply firm pressure with the shutter release, so at such magnification - and despite Nikon's anti-blur measures - you'll need to support the camera well in order to prevent camera shake.
FOG: As with every other compact worth its salt, the Nikon Coolpix AW100 features a range of digital filters and creative effects that can be applied to JPEGs you've already shot. The new Nikon Coolpix features an option to remove fog from an image. It brightens images and boosts contrast, as shown in this misty forest scene.
WEATHERPROOF: The Nikon Coolpix AW100 is a camera that you can handle confidently in wet conditions. There are no moving parts on the body, apart from a satisfyingly chunky knob that locks the sealed battery and memory card chamber door. The battery life is rated at a useful 250 shots, although the passive GPS system will use some charge even when the camera's switched off.
ACCURATE: In dull, overcast conditions, colours are accurate rather than punchy. However, there are few other cameras you'd trust in the salt spray on a Welsh beach in autumn. Rather than a wrist strap, the Nikon Coolpix AW100 comes with an adjustable neck strap. This, combined with the camera's light weight compared to other tough compacts, means it's easy to take anywhere.
ZOOM: The Nikon Coolpix AW100's 28mm-140mm zoom offers a decent reach at each extreme for enjoyable landscape and travel photography. For added versatility, the Nikon can shoot both 180 and 360 degree sweep-style panoramas, with the camera stitching everything together automatically. The results are pretty good, too.
VIBRATION REDUCTION: Even at ISO 200, images are a little noisy. However, the hybrid VR system (Lens-Shift and Electronic Vibration Reduction) does mean that you can stick to the Nikon Coolpix AW100's lower sensitivities for longer when light levels drop.
RETOUCH: The Nikkor ED glass lens is capable of resolving subtle details - individual raindrops are visible on this car, even though it was shot at ISO 400. The included filter holder means you can attach 40.5mm optical filters from the likes of Hoya and B+W, such as a polarising filter, to cut through glare and improve colour saturation.
WIDE ANGLE: Nikon Coolpix AW100 at 5mm (28mm equivalent).
TELEPHOTO: Panasonic FS22 at 25mm (140mm equivalent).
