Sony’s recently announced Action Cam model – HDR-AS30V – is an ultra-compact point-of-view HD shooting solution shipping with a ruggedized, waterproof housing that is 35% lighter and 25% smaller than its predecessor. For the first time, Action Cam has GPS and captures sharp 11.9-megapixel still photos in addition to its Interval Still Recording mode for impressive time-lapse photography. A back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS sensor grabs even more light for beautiful images and with six recording modes, from Full HD 1920×1080 60p/50p to HD SLOW 4x 1280×720 120p, it’s perfect for all types of adventures. Built-in Wi-Fi® allows users to instantly share their Action Cam content to a smartphone or tablet (using Sony’s free PlayMemories MobileTM) 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 waterproof controller has a color LCD and synchs wirelessly to the video camera, for hands-free operation when Action Cam is mounted in hard-to-reach places. And with NFC one-touch connection support, it’s even easier to synch with compatible Android devices to operate the camera.
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. With on-board GPS, Map View displays location and trail information while Multi View reads speed information to create an exciting speedometer-style video overlay. Sony is also excited to announce its partnership with Kinomap, a geo-location video community where people can upload and share videos taken with the new GPS-enabled Action Cam.
Two-Screen Multi View combines video files captured simultaneously with two different cameras and after a video is shot, Movie Rotation can turn the file clockwise or counterclockwise every 90° if the video was taken from left-to-right, in reverse, or upside down. And in addition to the HDR-AS30V, new mounts were launched including a Chest Mount Harness (AKA-CMH1), Roll Bar Mount (VCT-RBM1), Universal Head Mount Kit (BLT-UHM1), Action Monopod (VCT-AMP1), Underwater Housing (MPK-AS3), Float Mount (AKA-FL2), and Accessory Kit (ACC-DCBX). Sony has alsocollaborated with K-Edge to deliver two Action Cam mounts designed for bike enthusiasts. The new mounts are made of anodized 6061 T6 Aluminum for a rugged, light solution allowing uncompromised performance.
Sony’s HDR-AS30V and its new mount offerings will be available for about $299.99 at http://store.sony.com, Sony retail stores and other authorized retailers nationwide in late September/early October. The K-Edge mounts will be offered as a bundle with the camera for $399.99 or individually through K-Edge. Follow #ActionCam on Twitter for the latest Action Cam news.
The Kinomap geo-location video community is free; the company’s training app – Kinomap Trainer – is available for $11-65 depending on the length of subscription and allows cycling enthusiasts to train indoors using their home trainer by choosing among the biking videos uploaded on the Kinomap community. Visit www.kinomap.com for more information.
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.