Sony slims down its Action Cam, intros wearable Live-View Remote (eyes-on)
Sony has released camcorders and cameras for a variety niches here at IFA, including a new HD action cam, the HDR-AS30V. It's immediately noticeable that the second-gen model is 25 percent smaller and 35 percent lighter than the original, making it even less cumbersome when clipped onto a helmet -- especially compared to a GoPro. As far as the layout goes, not much has changed; you'll find USB, line-in and HDMI ports at the bottom, with the power and record buttons still on back. The rear panel also opens up to give you access to a microSD card slot and the battery compartment. The side features the same basic info LCD with two selection buttons, so you'll still make need to make use of its onboard WiFi and a smartphone -- or the new Live-View Remote (details in a bit) if you need a viewfinder.
You'll find stereo mics and a fixed Carl Zeiss lens at the front with a 170-degree viewing angle, though you'll only get a 120-degree field of view with SteadyShot enabled. Lastly, there's the obligatory tripod mount at its underside. The new bits are essentially a backlit Exmor R CMOS censor, GPS and NFC. Full HD videos can now be captured at 1080/60p (last year's model topped out at 30p), while 720/120p and 720/60p settings are available for slow-mo videos. As a bonus, it can also take 11.9MP images and shoot at interval timing. Using Sony's PlayMemories Home app, you'll be able to sync up video from two of the new Action Cams, rotate the orientation of your clips, and add overlays based on GPS data.
To go alongside the recorder, Sony's introducing an optional wearable Live-View Remote for $150. The waterproof accessory attaches to your wrist and lets you control the camera and monitor your shots. New mounts will also be available, including a Universal Head Mount Kit (BLT-UHM1), Chest Mount Harness (AKA-CMH1) and a Roll Bar Mount (VCT-RBM1). As you'd expect, the Action Cam comes with a variety of adhesive mounts, along with a waterproof enclosure. Expect to hit the trails with this shooter by the end of the month for $300, while last years WiFi-equipped version gets a price drop to $200. We'll be sure to follow up once we have more details.
Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Show full PR text
SONY TAKES THRILLS TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND EXPANDS ACTION CAM LINEUP OF PREMIUM POINT-OF-VIEW VIDEO CAPTURE DEVICES
New Model Offers High-Performance Features Including Easy Share via Wi-Fi and NFC One-Touch Remote, GPS, Slimmer Housing, High Res Photos, and Optional Wearable Live-View Remote
SAN DIEGO, September 4, 2013 – Sony today announced a new Action Cam model to complement its current line of wearable point-of-view video cameras designed for filming adventures in premium full HD 1080p. From muddy bike treks to surfing the pipeline, Action Cam HDR-AS30V captures once-in-a-lifetime experiences with crisp movie clips and detailed still photos.
ADVANCED DESIGN & OPTICS
Embodying Sony's industry-leading image quality, the new Action Cam weighs in at approximately three ounces (with battery) and ships with a ruggedized, waterproof housing that is 35% lighter and 25% smaller than its predecessor. The slim design relieves wind and water pressure when you're cycling, jet-skiing or barrelling downhill and offers an ultra-compact point-of-view shooting solution.
For the first time, Action Cam has GPS on board and can capture sharp 11.9-megapixel still photos in addition to its Interval Still Recording mode for impressive time-lapse photography. And now the back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS sensor grabs even more light for beautiful images and Full HD footage. There's also a choice of recording modes: Full HD (1920x1080 60p/50p and 1920x1080 30p/25p) for fast-moving action, STD HD (1280x720 30p/25p), SD VGA (640x480 30p/25p) and two slow-motion modes for tracking a golf swing or BMX flip - HD SLOW 2x (1280x720 60p) and HD SLOW 4x (1280x720 120p).
SIMPLY VIEW & SHARE
Built-in Wi-Fi® works with Sony's free PlayMemories Mobile™ application that allows users to instantly share their Action Cam content to a smartphone or tablet for easy upload and also allows control of the camera with any compatible device, including the new Live-View Remote (RM-LVR1). This optional wristwatch-style controller is waterproof and synchs wirelessly to the video camera, for hands-free operation when Action Cam is mounted in hard-to-reach places like helmets, kayaks or surfboards. Monitoring the Action Cam to ensure optimal shot framing is simple on the remote's color LCD screen. The start/stop recording function and photo/movie modes are accessible from the remote as well. And with NFC One-Touch Remote support, it's even easier to connect to Xperia® phones, tablets and other compatible Android devices to operate the camera.
"Action Cam is the only mountable video camera that embodies Sony's legendary digital imaging quality." said Hidenori Toyoda, director of the camcorder business at Sony Electronics. "With improvements in optics, accessories and post-shooting software, our Action Cam portfolio offers the total solution for POV video capture."
ON-BOARD FEATURES
All Action Cam models offer Sony's hallmark SteadyShot™ image stabilization to deliver stunningly smooth video and an ultra-wide angle Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar lens to capture all the action in a 170-degree field of view (120° with SteadyShot on), perfect for panoramic landscapes, dramatic ski slopes and more. The camera also features expandable memory with a Memory Stick Micro™ and Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a built-in stereo microphone to capture all the exciting sounds of your adventure, and an HDMI® output (HDMI not included).
POST-SHOOTING TOOLS
After shooting, there are several new, simple ways to enjoy and play back the day's excitement. Transfer footage to a Mac® or PC via Wi-Fi then use the latest version of Sony's free PlayMemories Home™ application to edit files and post to social sharing sites like Facebook® and YouTube™. Using data captured with Action Cam's built-in GPS, Map View displays location and trail information. Multi View reads speed information recorded by GPS, creating an exciting speedometer-style video overlay. Two-Screen Multi View combines video files captured simultaneously with two different cameras, creating a split-screen composite that combines multiple points of view. And after a video is shot, Movie Rotate can turn the file clockwise or counterclockwise every 90° if the video was taken from left-to-right, in reverse, upside down, or when portrait orientation is preferred.
GROWING MOUNT OPTIONS
In addition to the adhesive mounts supplied with Action Cam, Sony offers a wide range of mounting attachments to suit all types of activities, everything from a surfboard mount to the popular dog harness. Fresh additions to help adrenalin-junkies get even more enjoyment from the Action Cam include a new Chest Mount Harness (AKA-CMH1), Roll Bar Mount (VCT-RBM1), and Universal Head Mount Kit (BLT-UHM1).
AVAILIBILITY
The new HDR-AS30V point-of-view video camera from Sony will be available in late September for a suggested retail price of $299.99, while the current HDR-AS15 model will be offered at a reduced price of $199.99. These cameras and their accessories will be sold at http://store.sony.com, Sony retail stores and other authorized retailers nationwide. For images and information, please visit www.sony.com/news. Find out more through http://blog.sony.com and make sure to catch what people are saying about #ActionCam online.
# # #
