• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon S6500 advantages over Nikon AW130

  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 120 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Lighter weight
    153g vs 221g
    Lighter weight

Nikon AW130 advantages over Nikon S6500

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 370 vs 150 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon S6500

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon AW130

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic SZ8

Nikon S6500
Panasonic SZ8
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon AW130
Panasonic SZ8
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in GPS
  • $226
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Samsung WB50F

Nikon S6500
Samsung WB50F
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon AW130
Samsung WB50F
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in GPS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus

Compared to Samsung WB35F

Nikon S6500
Samsung WB35F
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon AW130
Samsung WB35F
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in GPS
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus

Compared to Nikon AW120

Nikon S6500
Nikon AW120
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in GPS
Nikon AW130
Nikon AW120
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Nikon W300

Nikon S6500
Nikon W300
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Lighter weight
  • $387
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Shoot 4K video
Nikon AW130
Nikon W300
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $387
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Bluetooth
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