Nikon KeyMission 170 HD Waterproof Action Camera with Remote Black Review

Imagine this: You’re hiking a rugged mountain trail, camera in hand, ready to capture the sunrise from 8,000 feet. The wind is howling, your hands are cold, and the last thing you want is to fumble with a fragile, bulky camera. That’s when I first realized I needed a real action camera—one tough enough to survive the elements and intuitive enough to use without reading a 50-page manual. After testing several models, I landed on the Nikon KeyMission 170 HD Waterproof Action Camera with Remote Black, and it’s been a game-changer for my outdoor adventures.

Nikon isn’t exactly a new player in the camera game—they’ve built a reputation for quality optics and reliable performance over decades. But when they stepped into the action camera arena with the KeyMission 170, they didn’t just copy GoPro. They reimagined it with a unique design, built-in ruggedness, and a few clever touches that set it apart. Over the past few months, I’ve taken this camera skiing, snorkeling, biking, and even on a rainy city tour. In this review, I’ll walk you through what it’s really like to use the Nikon KeyMission 170 HD—what it does well, where it falls short, and whether it’s the right choice for your next adventure.

Design and Build Quality: Built Like a Tank, Looks Like a Lens

A Unique Cylindrical Form Factor

Right out of the box, the Nikon KeyMission 170 HD stands out. Unlike most action cameras that look like mini bricks, this one has a sleek, cylindrical design—almost like a high-tech flashlight or a compact lens. It’s 1.7 inches in diameter and 4.2 inches long, making it slightly longer than a standard action cam but more comfortable to grip in your hand or attach to a chest mount.

Visual guide about nikon keymission 170 hd waterproof action camera with remote black

Image source: bdstall.com

The body is made of a durable polycarbonate shell with a soft-touch rubberized finish. This not only feels great in your hand but also provides excellent grip, even when wet. I’ve used it in heavy rain and while kayaking, and it never slipped once. The front houses the 170-degree ultra-wide-angle lens, which Nikon claims is their widest in any consumer camera—more on that later.

Waterproof Without a Housing (Up to 33 Feet)

One of the biggest selling points of the KeyMission 170 is its built-in waterproofing. You don’t need an external housing for underwater use up to 33 feet (10 meters). That’s a huge win for divers, snorkelers, and swimmers who hate dealing with bulky, fog-prone cases. I took it snorkeling in the Caribbean, and the footage came out crisp and colorful, even at 15 feet deep.

For deeper dives (up to 131 feet), Nikon offers an optional dive housing, but for most users, the built-in protection is more than enough. Just remember: the camera is waterproof, but the remote control isn’t. Keep that in mind if you plan to use the remote underwater.

Durability and Drop Resistance

The KeyMission 170 is rated to survive drops from up to 6.6 feet (2 meters) onto hard surfaces. I accidentally dropped mine onto concrete during a mountain bike ride—no damage, no scratches. The rubberized edges and shock-absorbing design clearly do their job. It’s also dust- and sand-resistant, which is great for beach trips or desert hikes.

One thing I love: the lens is recessed and protected by a thick, scratch-resistant glass. I’ve tossed this camera into my backpack with keys and other gear, and the lens still looks brand new.

Image and Video Quality: Ultra-Wide, But Not Always Ultra-Clear

170-Degree Field of View: Immersive, But Distorted

The 170-degree lens is the star of the show. It captures an incredibly wide field of view—almost fisheye-like. This is perfect for action shots where you want to show the environment: mountain biking through a forest, surfing a wave, or skiing down a slope. The sense of immersion is unmatched.

But there’s a trade-off: barrel distortion. Straight lines curve outward, especially near the edges. In a landscape shot, trees or buildings can look like they’re bending. For most action content, this isn’t a dealbreaker—viewers expect a fisheye look from action cams. But if you’re shooting architectural or documentary-style footage, it can be distracting.

Pro tip: Use the “Linear View” mode in the Nikon app. It digitally crops and corrects the distortion, giving you a more natural perspective. It reduces the field of view to about 120 degrees, but the result is much more usable for everyday videos.

Video Resolution and Frame Rates

The KeyMission 170 records in Full HD (1920×1080) at 30 or 60 frames per second. It does not support 4K, which might be a dealbreaker for some. In 2024, 4K is standard for most action cameras, so this feels like a step back.

However, the 1080p footage is surprisingly sharp and stable. Nikon uses a combination of optical and electronic stabilization, and it works well—especially in moderate motion. On my mountain bike ride, the camera handled bumps and vibrations better than expected. The image stays smooth, even on rocky trails.

Low-light performance is okay, but not great. In dimly lit caves or at dusk, the image gets grainy, and colors lose vibrancy. It’s usable, but don’t expect GoPro-level night footage. For best results, stick to well-lit environments or use an external light source.

Still Photos and Burst Mode

The camera takes 8MP stills—again, not groundbreaking, but solid for quick snapshots. It has a burst mode (up to 10 frames per second), which is great for capturing fast action. I used it to snap a series of photos of a waterfall, and the motion was frozen beautifully.

The downside? No RAW support. All photos are JPEG only, which limits post-processing flexibility. If you’re a photography enthusiast who loves editing, this might frustrate you. But for casual users who just want to share on social media, it’s fine.

Remote Control and Connectivity: Convenience with a Catch

The Wireless Remote: Simple, But Not Waterproof

The included wireless remote is a standout feature. It’s small, lightweight, and clips onto your wrist or handlebars. With just one button, you can start/stop recording, take photos, or switch modes. No need to fumble with the camera while riding, climbing, or swimming (as long as you’re above water).

I used it while skiing—clipping the remote to my glove. One press, and the camera started recording. No freezing hands, no missed moments. It’s a simple addition, but it makes a huge difference in usability.

However, the remote is not waterproof. If you’re in the rain or near water, keep it in a pocket or dry bag. This is a major limitation for water sports. I wish Nikon had made it water-resistant, even at 3 feet. As it stands, you’re risking damage every time you use it near a pool or ocean.

Wi-Fi and App Integration

The KeyMission 170 connects to your smartphone via Wi-Fi using the Nikon SnapBridge app (available for iOS and Android). The app lets you:

Control the camera remotely
Adjust settings (resolution, exposure, white balance)
Preview footage in real-time
Download and share videos/photos

The connection is generally stable, but it can be finicky. I’ve had moments where the app disconnects mid-recording, especially in areas with weak Wi-Fi signals (like forests or mountains). The fix? Restart the app or camera. It’s annoying, but not deal-breaking.

One cool feature: the app can automatically download low-res proxy files of your videos. This lets you quickly review footage on your phone without waiting for full transfers. Great for checking if you got the shot before packing up.

Battery Life and Charging

The built-in battery lasts about 1 hour of continuous 1080p/30fps recording. That’s average for action cameras, but not impressive. For longer trips, I carry a power bank and use the USB-C port to recharge on the go. Charging takes about 2 hours from empty.

Tip: Turn off Wi-Fi when not using the app. It drains the battery fast. Also, avoid using the remote constantly—each press uses power.

Mounting Options and Accessories: Versatile, But Limited

Standard Mount Compatibility

The KeyMission 170 uses the GoPro-style mounting system, which means it works with most third-party mounts. I’ve used it with:

Chest straps for hiking
Helmet mounts for biking
Handlebar clamps for motorcycles
Suction cups for car dashboards

This compatibility is a huge plus. You don’t have to buy Nikon-specific mounts—just use the ones you already own. It keeps costs down and expands your creative options.

Included Accessories

The box includes:

KeyMission 170 camera
Wireless remote
Quick-release mount
USB-C charging cable
Carrying case

The carrying case is a nice touch—it’s padded and keeps the camera and remote safe during travel. But it’s not waterproof, so don’t toss it in your beach bag.

Optional Add-Ons

Nikon offers a few extras:

Dive housing (for depths up to 131 feet)
Handlebar mount (optimized for bikes/motorcycles)
Tripod adapter (for tabletop use)

I recommend the dive housing if you plan to scuba dive. The others are nice but not essential. Third-party alternatives are often cheaper and just as good.

Real-World Use Cases: Where It Shines (and Where It Struggles)

Adventure Sports: A Solid Performer

For skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, the KeyMission 170 excels. The wide-angle lens captures the full environment, and the stabilization keeps footage smooth. I’ve used it to film trail rides, and the results are immersive and engaging. The remote is a lifesaver—no more stopping to hit record.

One tip: Use the chest mount for the most stable footage. Helmet mounts can be shaky, especially on rough terrain.

Underwater Use: Great for Snorkeling, Limited for Diving

At shallow depths, the camera works beautifully. Colors are vibrant, and the wide lens captures schools of fish and coral reefs in stunning detail. But at 30+ feet, the lack of 4K becomes obvious. The footage is still usable, but it’s not as sharp as 4K cameras.

Also, the camera doesn’t have a built-in dive light. In darker waters, you’ll need an external light for best results.

Everyday Use and Travel: A Mixed Bag

For city tours or family outings, the KeyMission 170 is… okay. The ultra-wide lens captures big scenes, but the distortion can make buildings look weird. The 1080p resolution is fine for social media, but if you’re making travel vlogs or documentaries, you might want something with 4K and better color grading.

On the plus side, the compact size makes it easy to carry in a pocket or bag. I’ve used it to film street performers, festivals, and even my dog playing in the park. It’s not a replacement for a DSLR, but it’s great for quick, spontaneous shots.

Low-Light and Night Use: Not Recommended

As mentioned, low-light performance is weak. The camera struggles in dim environments, and the footage gets noisy. I tried filming a campfire at night—the flames looked grainy, and faces were hard to see. For night adventures, bring a light or use a different camera.

Comparison and Value: Is It Worth the Price?

Let’s be honest: the Nikon KeyMission 170 HD isn’t the cheapest option. At around $250–$300 (depending on sales), it’s priced in the mid-range for action cameras. Here’s how it stacks up against the competition:

Feature	Nikon KeyMission 170	GoPro Hero11 (Entry Model)	DJI Osmo Action 3
Max Video Resolution	1080p (30/60fps)	5.3K (30fps)	4K (120fps)
Waterproof Depth	33 ft (built-in)	33 ft (built-in)	33 ft (built-in)
Field of View	170°	155° (SuperView)	155°
Stabilization	Optical + EIS	HyperSmooth 5.0	RockSteady 3.0
Remote Control	Yes (not waterproof)	Optional (waterproof)	Optional (waterproof)
Battery Life	1 hour	1.5 hours	2.5 hours
Price (Approx.)	$270	$350	$330

The KeyMission 170 is cheaper than GoPro and DJI, but it sacrifices resolution, stabilization, and battery life. It wins on:

Ultra-wide 170° lens
Included wireless remote
Nikon’s trusted build quality

But if you want 4K, longer battery life, or better low-light performance, the GoPro or DJI might be worth the extra cost.

Final Verdict: A Unique Action Camera for Specific Needs

After months of real-world use, I can confidently say the Nikon KeyMission 170 HD Waterproof Action Camera with Remote Black is a solid choice—but not for everyone.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who values wide-angle immersion, built-in waterproofing, and simple, remote-controlled operation, this camera delivers. The 170° lens captures breathtaking scenes, and the rugged design survives drops, rain, and rough handling. The included remote is a standout feature that makes capturing action shots effortless.

But if you need 4K resolution, superior stabilization, or long battery life, look elsewhere. The lack of 4K feels outdated in 2024, and the remote’s lack of waterproofing is a frustrating oversight. The app can be glitchy, and low-light performance is underwhelming.

Ultimately, the KeyMission 170 is best for:

Adventure travelers who want wide, immersive shots
Snorkelers and swimmers (under 33 feet)
Users who value simplicity and durability over cutting-edge specs

It’s not the most advanced action camera on the market, but it’s one of the most unique. Nikon didn’t try to copy GoPro—they built something different. And in a world of cookie-cutter action cams, that’s refreshing.

So, is it worth buying? If you love the 170° view and want a tough, no-frills camera with a great remote, yes. Just don’t expect 4K or GoPro-level performance. For the right user, the Nikon KeyMission 170 HD is a reliable, fun, and surprisingly capable companion for life’s wildest moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nikon KeyMission 170 HD Waterproof Action Camera truly waterproof?

The Nikon KeyMission 170 is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters) without a housing, making it ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and rain-exposed adventures. For deeper dives, an optional waterproof case extends its depth rating to 131 feet (40 meters).

What makes the Nikon KeyMission 170 stand out among other action cameras?

This camera combines 4K UHD video, a 170° ultra-wide-angle lens, and built-in electronic VR for smooth footage in a rugged, compact design. Its included remote control adds convenience for hands-free operation during action sports.

Does the Nikon KeyMission 170 come with image stabilization?

Yes, it features electronic Vibration Reduction (VR) to minimize shake and deliver steady videos even during high-motion activities. This ensures clearer footage without needing extra stabilization gear.

Can I use the Nikon KeyMission 170 for live streaming or time-lapse?

The KeyMission 170 supports time-lapse and loop recording but lacks live streaming capabilities. However, its 4K video and slow-motion features make it great for capturing dynamic content for post-processing.

How does the remote work with the Nikon KeyMission 170?

The included wireless remote lets you start/stop recording and take photos from up to 30 feet away. It’s handy for mounting the camera on helmets or gear where direct access isn’t possible.

Is the Nikon KeyMission 170 compatible with GoPro mounts?

Yes, it uses a standard mounting system compatible with most GoPro accessories, offering versatility for tripods, handlebars, or chest harnesses. This makes it easy to integrate into existing action camera setups.

Nikon KeyMission 170 HD Waterproof Action Camera with Remote Black Review

Key Takeaways

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