Nikon CoolPix AW100 Digital Camera Is Built for theOutdoors: ABC News Gadget Guide

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Nikon's new Coolpix AW100 is not just for any amateur photographer, it's for the photographer whois also an amateur mountain biker, amateur snowboarder, or amateur bungee jumper. Boasting thatit's waterproof, freeze proof, and shockproof (all to a point) the camera's tag line is "Born to beextreme."

Tested in the untamed wilds of a New York office, the camera seems designed to be used outdoors,which also meant that a few of its more "rugged" features fell flat when inside.

The 'Extreme' Features:

One of the camera's highlighted features is its GPS function, which allows users to track on a mapprecisely where they took their last picture. It seems like a great idea for photos taken on a hikingtrip or getaway vacation, but it's less important if most of your photography involves the familyaround the fireplace. What's more, the GPS could never get a strong enough signal to give the exactcoordinates of a photo taken inside.

After a more successful GPS run, you can upload the photos and use Google Earth or Nikon's ownNX2 to track your vacation memories from above.

In addition to the GPS, there's also a more antiquated device if you lose your way: a compass.

While the compass and GPS tracking are not particularly useful to most city dwellers, the ActionButton will be helpful to anyone living in a cold climate. Nikon boasts that with the Action Buttonyou can use the camera easily, even when "treading water in a river." Realistically the Action Buttonwill let users navigate the menu even in gloves or mittens. After setting up the button on the side ofthe camera, you can simply shake the camera to navigate a secondary camera menu rather thanpressing a bunch of tiny buttons while your fingers freeze.

The Basic Features:

At 16 megapixels, the Coolpix AW100 can capture every moment of your outdoor adventures insharp detail.

The ISO of the camera goes up to 3200, which means even at night you can get some great shots ofa camping trip.

The video function is incredibly easy to use. Instead of having to switch settings, it simply requirespressing a different button on the back of the camera rather than the primary shutter button. Thecamera is able to shoot in 1080 HD, a format also used in many SLR cameras, and allows users toplay back video in slow motion or high speed.

List price: $379, though it can be had for $299 or less online.

There are a few fine-print details about the camera's durability. It is shockproof as long as it's notdropped from more than 5 feet, it's freezeproof down to 14 degrees fahrenheit and it's waterproofdown to a depth of 33 feet.

Sounds tough. But Nikon warns users not to "shock" the camera while underwater as the CoolPixAW100 can't handle too many extremes at once.

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