First of all, I would point out that the camera does not come with any memory card. Now some will say "yes's normal" .. I know it but somehow these compact cameras differently. I expect here no quick or very large memory cards, but perhaps a very small, with the first I can play a bit. I take that now is not negative, but rather neutral, I noticed it only. I personally have an appropriate memory card are not necessarily for each type of camera at home - so who has no SD card, must be careful when buying a mitzubestellen directly!
I want to move on to the point that is rather exceptional and therefore makes the camera particularly - it is waterproof and shockproof. Waterproof actually say this, it is suitable for underwater filming. Unfortunately I could not test this feature now, the weather is currently not even be a visit to a river or lake. But I trust that the camera is waterproof (at prescribed use). In the next holiday I'll test the out extensively. Of interest to us was mainly that one of us a job "on the water" has, thus finally can carry a camera without panic. So far, you always did it with the thought "Oh no, I hope the camera nothing happens, hopefully it will not get wet ...". This is over now and that's a really great effect of the camera.
There are many indications on how the camera is to be treated before, during and after being in the water. These notes should be read really carefully, you should be observed no problem and there are also very logical things that are not difficult to keep.
The camera is up to 2.10 m Shatterproof - honestly? I try that does not guarantee out! But it's good to know that this is so ... experience with a defective camera for a case I have been here I trust that they probably survived. Even if after the water tightness is no longer guaranteed - which I think is understandable.
Now we come to a disadvantage of the water resistance - peeled and here I have the star. The buttons are - in my opinion - very difficult just to use. And in more ways than one. First of all, the most important thing: The release button. Light pressed he focuses and adjusts the image is sharp, then you have to press down the button further to trigger. And that is so heavy that I often have the problem to camera shake. Particularly in the macro range to be set quickly with the camera (I'll come back later on it), it verreißt by very quickly. I could deal only with the self-timer, but I always do not like and almost never use it .. I simply takes too long. Of course, the use of a tripod alter this nothing, because even then I must push the button. So far I could not find out if you can connect a remote control. What you can do is to connect the camera via Wi-Fi with Android or iOS system in which to install the appropriate software and can trigger the camera from there. If I have to keep my cell phone in his hand next to the camera, it gets back to me much too complicated, if I'm honest .. but particular situations might arise where I'm going to make the effort - and only then I will be with set the software apart. In addition to the binding of these buttons are also still quite small and close together, so you might have trouble with larger fingers.
The WLAN is specified by the way even for the connection with such mobile devices .. access on wireless transmission and thus directly on the PC, I could not figure out - either this one needs a cable (supplied) or a card reader on the PC.
But also the other buttons are just as stiff. Yes, it is determined so, because the buttons have to be so protected against water, but it uses all nothing if you have problems, set the functions.
On the back of the camera is first of all the display - besides the typical round rocker that we know of so many cameras and has the numerous functions. I will spare me to list all the features, because then I would need more than one page. I want here but pointing enter: The included user manual is merely a quick start. Detailed instructions can be found at [...] - and here looking AW130 .. it can also get information before buying all the features!
What I find very beautiful are those gimmicks like the "food" programs, "Time Lapse" or "Effect Mode". Especially the effect mode is a fun toy to change in advance the image, in the example I point to Sepia or Soft. For people who make image editing after photographing, these gizmos are rather superfluous .. I decide rather in hindsight, if I'd like a picture in sepia .. for people who do not have such programs, or do not want to give here a lot of nice Options!
What also has a little bothered me was the "strap". Yes I do not expect a high-quality camera strap, eventually the camera's small and light. The accompanying thin straps but I find very uncomfortable and very unwieldy especially by the type of attachment. It would be nice Been to be able to secure the support by means of a clip somehow quickly. But here there is only the possibility of the belt awkward to open, threading on both sides and then to attach cumbersome (multiple feedthroughs under and over bars). I have three attempts needed to have not twisted him and was pretty annoyed at the end. Personally, I would also find a wrist strap much better liked. But that's something that you can still buy.
I have now made many test photos and am really happy with the result. In bright light beautiful, clear photos with great colors, clean lines and sharpness. The lighting is dim, there are several flash functions that can help a lot. But then comes the typical picture noise to the fore, but no worse than usual in these cameras. Macro photos were feasible, but one has to be something to focus on through the heavy imprints to keep quiet.
Conclusion:
A small, handy camera that is both shockproof and waterproof, thus combines two properties that can be used in many ways just for active holidays or hobbies. Unfortunately, the unusual advantages also bring with it the disadvantage that the buttons are difficult to move, which just might be difficult when trigger to keep the image still. With extensive recordings certainly not as impacting as just for example for macro shots. Perhaps this is also just a matter of practice, the time will tell.