Nikon’s new underwater/waterproof camera comes in some dazzling colours
The new Nikon CoolPix W150 is a low-cost waterproof/underwater camera designed to be affordable and simple to use for beginners and families. It’s a refresh of the existing W100 model with few substantial differences but some pretty eye-catching colour schemes, and like a junior version of the Nikon Coolpix W300 currently in our best waterproof cameras buying guide.
Underwater point and shoot cameras are great for family pool parties, vacations or just general use. The CoolPix W150 can be used down to a depth of 10m, but it’s also shockproof and can withstand a drop of up to 1.8m. It’s freezeproof down to -10 degrees and dustproof too.
Inside its got the same 13.2-megapixel 1/3.1-inch sensor as the Coolpix W100 and the same 3x optical zoom lens on the front. Round the back, there’s a large, anti-reflective LCD screen designed for visibility underwater, and there’s a new Underwater Face Framing mode which takes up to four pictures each time it sees a face.
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The Coolpix W150 is shockproof, but we aren't. That's one heck of a colour scheme.
Nikon CoolPix W150 features
The small sensor and simple point and shoot operation mean this is a camera for casual use rather than expert photographers, but Nikon has tried to increase the fun value with a ‘Fun Variety menu’ with interactive features. It's also available in a wide range of colours and designs, including a very fetching pink version that's set to be a strong candidate for our best pink camera guide (which is a real thing!).
You wouldn’t expect 4K video at this price, but the Coolpix W150 can shoot full HD 1080p video at up to 30fps, with stereo sound.
The new Nikon Coolpix W150 is also compatible with Nikon’s SnapBridge wireless connectivity system, via free Android and iOS SnapBridge apps.
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Nikon Coolpix W150 - five color options
Nikon Coolpix W150 - five color options
Nikon Coolpix W150 - five color options
Nikon Coolpix W150 - five color options
Nikon Coolpix W150 - five color options
Prices have not yet been confirmed, but the previous Nikon CoolPix W100 currently sells for around £139/$157.
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You might also want to take a look at our best waterproof camera buying guide, which covers not just point and shoot cameras but GoPros and other action cams too.
Rod is an independent photography journalist and editor, and a long-standing Digital Camera World contributor, having previously worked as DCW's Group Reviews editor. Before that he has been technique editor on N-Photo, Head of Testing for the photography division and Camera Channel editor on TechRadar, as well as contributing to many other publications. He has been writing about photography technique, photo editing and digital cameras since they first appeared, and before that began his career writing about film photography. He has used and reviewed practically every interchangeable lens camera launched in the past 20 years, from entry-level DSLRs to medium format cameras, together with lenses, tripods, gimbals, light meters, camera bags and more. Rod has his own camera gear blog at fotovolo.com but also writes about photo-editing applications and techniques at lifeafterphotoshop.com
