Action camera sony hdr. SONY HDR-AS30VW Action camera for all occasions. Ergonomics and control components

With the development of technology and the advent of truly compact rugged cameras, extreme sports and outdoor activities have turned from private exploits into real spectacles. After all, now the whole world can watch your achievements, previously available only to extreme friends, - special thanks to free video hosting sites. Big sports also received their dividends, which began to actively use action cameras in the process of broadcasting competitions. But just a few decades ago, in order to record, for example, onboard video from a motorcycle, a very heavy box had to be attached to the unfortunate rider, which complicated the process of controlling the equipment and made the already heavy helmet heavier, which increased the risk of neck and head injuries in the event of a fall. Now a camera that records Full HD video with GPS data, is equipped with a stabilization system and is trained to do interval shooting, even fits in the palm of a child! Today we’ll talk about just such a little one - Sony HDR-AZ1.

⇡ Specifications

	SonyHDR-AZ1
Image sensor	Exmor R, back-illuminated CMOS, 1/2.3"
Effective sensor resolution	11.9 MP
Image Stabilizer	electronic, SteadyShot system
CPU	Bionz X
Video format	MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264) XAVC S (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)
Photo format	JPEG
Frame size	up to 4608 × 2592
Video resolution	up to 1920×1080, 60p
Excerpt	1/30 - 1/10,000 s (30 fps)
Lens	Zeiss Tessar, f/2.8
Focal Length (35mm): video photo	17.1 mm (170°), 21.8 mm (120°)
Minimum illumination	6 lux
White balance	auto
Memory card	Memory Stick Micro - Mark 2 (MP4 format) Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC - Class 4 and above (MP4 format) Micro SDXC - Class 10 (XAVC S format)
Interfaces	microUSB
Wireless modules	Wi-Fi, NFC
Nutrition	Li-ion battery NP-BY1, 640 mAh, 3.7 V
Dimensions	24.2 × 36 × 74 mm
Weight	63 grams (with battery)
Current price	22,000 rubles (in AZ1VB configuration)

⇡ Contents of delivery

Like most action cameras, the AZ1 has several configuration options, mainly differing in the set of mounts. Taking into account the expected conditions of the gadget test (more on that below), the editorial office received the AZ1VB version - the so-called bicycle kit, for installing the camera on two-wheeled vehicles.

In the package, the camera is mounted on a plastic podium and hidden in a shockproof waterproof box. The case, called SPK-AZ1, was designed specifically for this model and is not suitable for other devices in the Sony action camera line, as it has different dimensions. The box can withstand a drop from a height of 1.5 m and is ready for diving to a depth of 5 m - which, of course, is not particularly impressive. On the other hand, most people do not dive to great depths without scuba gear, and there are other Sony models for deep-sea photography. For example, the top-end X1000VR with a special diving attachment AKA-DDX1K is capable of diving to depths of up to 60 m! And SPK-AZ1 is more likely a protection against short-term and not particularly desirable immersion than a full-fledged solution for underwater photography.

As befits such an accessory, in which an action camera spends most of its difficult extreme life, the SPK-AZ1 is endowed with almost all controls for the gadget. Moreover, they are large enough that you can work with them even with a gloved hand.

At the bottom of the box there is a large tripod thread, which makes it possible to use any tripods, holders, suction cups, mounts and other accessories on the market. Unlike proprietary connection types, tripod threads significantly increase the number of options for mounting a Sony action camera. It’s nice that the standard tripod thread is included in the basic package of the kit, and is not included in the category of add-ons and accessories. The AZ1 camera itself has a small diameter thread on the bottom, which is only suitable for attaching a special adapter pad to a normal large thread... This was probably done due to the small dimensions of the camera.

The case opens at the front, from the lens side. The fastening is tight, as it should be in a protective box.

The action camera is made in the form of a compact cylinder, flattened on the sides, and has miniature dimensions: 24.2 × 36 × 74 mm. Moreover, with the complete battery installed, the device weighs only 63 grams! On the right side of the device there are buttons for turning on/off and connecting AZ1 via Wi-Fi, a small LCD screen that displays a minimum of information, speaker slots and logos (one of which indicates the presence of an NFC module).

Almost the entire left side of the AZ1 is dedicated to the battery compartment. The Sony action camera itself is protected from splashes according to the IPX4 standard, which in many situations allows you to use the device without additional protection in the form of a case - the battery cover is supplemented with a sealing gasket and is securely fixed with a sliding button-lock.

The battery here, of course, is removable, and its capacity, alas, is as meager as the size of the camera itself - only 640 mAh! This is almost half the battery of Sony's previous action camera, the AS100V.

On the top edge of the Sony AZ1 there is a large recording on/off button, a sliding lock key, and two indicator lights. On the narrow back of the action camera, in addition to the battery compartment release button, there was room for two plugs (also with rubber seals). Behind one is a microUSB connector, behind the other is an input for installing memory cards (MicroSD or Sony Memory Stick) plus a Reset key, which can only be pressed with a thin, sharp object. The Sony AZ1 has neither an HDMI output nor a microphone input - another sacrifice to the god of compactness.

“Two for the price of one” - this is about the Sony HDR-AZ1. The action camera comes with a gadget control panel, made in the form factor of a protected wristwatch to be worn on the wrist. As expected, the remote control is packaged in a separate box.

There are few controls here, and they are all intuitive. Unlike the camera, the remote has a full color display on which you can even view the footage. Although it is, of course, not the best suited for these needs, it is needed primarily to control the few settings of the Sony HDR-AZ1. The remote control also contains a GPS module, which the manufacturer moved here from the camera itself, so that the navigation chip does not consume the already meager energy reserves of the AZ1 battery. I also note that the control panel is waterproof and can withstand immersion to a depth of 3 m, plus you can simultaneously connect up to five action cameras to it.

Hidden under the waterproof cap at the end of the remote control is a microUSB connector used to charge the battery and synchronize with a PC (for example, to update software), as well as a device reset button. The battery in the remote control is non-removable.

As usual, the action camera comes with an impressive amount of waste paper: instructions for the AZ1 itself, accessories, etc.

And finally - a whole scattering of fasteners included in the AZ1VB package (including a head strap).

Many modern users document everything that happens to them - from breakfast to a walk. Hobby photography has become a popular hobby, and it's no surprise that smartphone users want to take clear, bright photos.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology is designed to capture vibrant photos and videos even in poor lighting or strong backlight conditions. It's used across all Xperia models for both photography and video, ensuring you get realistic, natural-looking shots every time.

What is HDR?

Dynamic range is the ratio of brightness between the lightest and darkest subject in a photograph. Often, without the use of HDR technology, the light areas in the image turn out to be pale, and the dark areas appear darker than we see them with the naked eye. With HDR, photos taken in less-than-ideal conditions, such as indoors or at dusk, become more vibrant. The human eye can discern a wide range of exposures, whereas cameras often focus on either the dark or light areas of a photo. When using HDR, lighting effects are balanced, causing the image to capture more detail and make objects appear more realistic.

How it works?

Xperia smartphone cameras take multiple photos at different exposures and overlay them on top of each other, resulting in an image with high dynamic range. The purpose of this technology is to convey in photographs what we see with the naked eye. Xperia smartphones are also capable of shooting HDR video - in the Z series, when shooting video, the camera shoots several videos at the same time, which are then superimposed on each other to create video with optimally balanced contrast.

Even if the subject is standing in front of a brightly lit window, the photo or video taken with your Xperia smartphone will have contrast. Previously, this effect was achieved manually by combining several photographs taken at different exposures in a special photo processing program that “stitched” them together. Now Sony's unique technology in Xperia smartphones does this for you.

How is this pworks in Xperia X

The HDR camera on Xperia X smartphones is powered by a range of technologies: a 23 MP camera with G Lens optics, as well as BIONZ™ image processing technology. You can appreciate the quality of the shots taken on a bright 5-inch display with a resolution of 1080p (Full HD).

HDR technology is mainly intended for shooting stationary objects in difficult lighting conditions. If you want to shoot moving subjects, Predictive Hybrid Autofocus takes your photos to the next level by tracking and predicting your subject's movement to prevent blur.

With a dedicated camera button on Xperia devices, coupled with fast autofocus and transition from standby to shooting mode in just 0.6 seconds, you'll always be able to capture even the most fleeting moment in the perfect photo.

The new brainchild of Sony is the HDR-AS20 action camera, which is designed for fans of extreme sports. The device allows you to capture the best moments of stunts and adventures, saving them in high quality. The video camera will be nearby in any situation. The model will withstand a fall from a height of up to 2.5 meters, immersion to a depth of up to 5 meters, and shooting during a snowstorm or rain.

Action camera Sony HDR-AS20

The Sony HDR-AS20 captures your adventures in strange and dangerous places around the world. The camera can be mounted on a surfboard or to a helmet. The ability to control multiple cameras simultaneously allows you to create a realistic story. And the main thing is that the shooting will be of high quality - on the screen the adventures will look the same as in life. This is facilitated by the high resolution of photographs and videos in Full HD format.

Equipment

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Specifications

Video review:

Lens with panoramic capabilities

The Sony HDR-AS20 action camera features a wide-angle lens that won't miss a single detail. The Vario-Tessar lens features a multi-layer coating - this gives good contrast, clarity, and no glare. Its peculiarity is its 170-degree field of view, which is closest to the usual human view.

The fisheye effect does not appear, as happens with other models. This opens up another opportunity for the owner of an action camera - shooting amazing panoramic scenes. You won’t just take photos or videos of surfing, skiing, or kayaking. A video camera will be able to convey the atmosphere of the moment.

Traffic and low lighting are no problem!

The device will not disappoint with its shooting quality – neither in wide-angle format (170 degrees) nor in standard format (120 degrees). Even low lighting will not spoil the picture. The matrix was created specifically for Sony cameras - its design allows you to place a layer of internal wiring behind the photocell. This increases sensitivity to light and reduces noise levels. The image remains as clear as in daytime. Even at dusk, you can create videos in Full HD format.

Camera video shooting test:

Will the subject or camera be in motion when shooting? This is not a hindrance! Camera shake won't reduce quality either. While driving, a special SteadyShot stabilizer will work and the effect of shaking will be reduced. Sudden jumps, vibrations, wave impacts or strong winds are not a hindrance. Video recording is carried out at a high bitrate of 28 Mbit/s, which provides greater detail during dynamic scenes. Lenses used are from the famous company Zeiss, a world leader and winner of several awards for achievements in science.

Shooting remotely: remote control

The most interesting thing is that you can control several cameras at the same time. This is facilitated by Wi-Fi and a remote control that fits comfortably on your hand. The portable remote control is also interesting as a separate accessory.

This is a waterproof bracelet that attaches to your wrist. You can easily check the shooting angle, stop or resume recording, change the mode. And all this while surfing or kayaking, because five cameras are controlled simultaneously with one hand. This allows you to shoot videos with your participation without doing it yourself.

Remote control for 5 cameras Sony-HDR-AS20

The device is mounted on a tripod, the remote control is attached to the wrist - and you can move on to tricks. Wi-Fi allows you to use the device remotely.

Shooting can be quite long - the battery allows you to shoot for 150 minutes (using Wi-Fi). It turns out 2.5 hours of full-fledged action video. If Wi-Fi is working, you can record for 130 minutes. Using the free Sony PlayMemories Home application, the video can be published on the Internet, for example, on social networks.

Video background and other features

Another beauty of the Sony HDR-AS20 is the ability to add background audio. The video will be accompanied by realistic sound, which will make recording your adventures even more interesting.

Thanks to Action Cam Movie Creator, you can edit the footage. You can select background music, add GPS data, combine videos, or slow down/speed up the video. This makes you feel like a professional video editor.

Compact camera: always at hand

With all its capabilities, the Sony HDR-AS20 action camera weighs a little - 83 g.

An aerodynamic body is provided to reduce wind resistance. When you're biking downhill or skydiving, the aerodynamic features allow the equipment to cut through the airflow without impeding your movement.

In a protective case with such a device you can go down to a depth of 5 meters - it is waterproof.

Sony never ceases to delight users with its products. The range of video cameras is actively expanding, new and unusually functional devices are appearing. Their capabilities are sufficient to effectively resolve all tasks posed by users, including highly specialized ones.

Photo action camera Sony HDR AS50

The Sony hdr as50 action camera is no exception. It has excellent technical performance, and its use is possible even in the most severe and extreme conditions. An excellent choice for those who lead an active lifestyle and want to leave memories of the most interesting and significant moments of their travels. The device turned out to be quite interesting and is definitely worth getting to know it more closely.

Packaging and equipment

The device comes in a small package. In addition to the camera itself, inside the box there is:

• Battery module;
• MicroUSB cable;
• Aquabox;
• Operating manual;
• Fixing platform.

For its price range, the device has quite good equipment. The aquabox deserves special attention. Thanks to it, it is possible to use the camera at a depth of about 60 m. No water protection offered in devices from other manufacturers can be compared with this indicator. The presence of a box allows you to protect the device from various third-party influences and loads. It can be used not only in fresh water, but also in salt water.

Specifications

Promo video from Sony:

Design

The action camera is characterized by a simple and uncomplicated design. The manufacturer's main emphasis is on the performance and functionality of the device. Although from the point of view of appearance there are no minor complaints. The body is flat and elongated in length, the front edge contains a lens and microphones with the ability to actively eliminate extraneous noise.

The outer covering is tactilely pleasant and provides comfortable contact with the hands. Even with prolonged use, the slightest discomfort does not occur. All elements are located in places familiar from previous models, which eliminates problems during use and eliminates long and painful getting used to the device.

It is worth noting the presence of three indicators for monitoring the status of the device. They are located on the front, back and top edges of the video camera. Thanks to them, you can control the recording process, regardless of what position the device is in.

Ergonomics and control components

There was a place for the battery compartment on the right side under the cover. Ports for integrating third-party devices and the charging module have been moved to the bottom edge of the camcorder. Moreover, these are two separate sockets, which makes it possible to shoot even while charging the device. Competitors cannot boast of such luxury.

On the top edge there are buttons to turn on and activate/stop recording. Their operation is confident and problem-free. Even when operating with gloves, there are no problems or difficulties.

The left side is left to other control elements. There is a menu button, keys for navigating through it and a small screen. All of them are slightly pressed inside the body, which eliminates unexpected operations when the aquabox is activated. This arrangement does not in any way affect the ease of use.

Screen and control interface

The display diagonal is only 1.2 inches. It has a monochrome design and does not act as a viewfinder. Its main task is to display data useful to the user. By default, the following are presented:

• The codec involved in the work;
• The resolution in which the recording takes place;
• Recording duration and memory capacity;
• Modes that are activated when shooting.

The action camera functions are controlled using keys located next to the screen. Regardless of the activated mode, the camera always shows the owner the state of the memory and the number of photos or video volume that the used drive can hold.

The menu is made in page format. It is easy to understand and quite convenient, and using it is much more comfortable than working with a touch screen.

Lens and its features

The basis of this action camera is an 11.1 megapixel CMOS matrix. It is complemented by illumination of the rear formation, and the ZEISS Tessar lens makes it possible to shoot in high quality and with increased clarity. The integrated Steady Shot image stabilization system is quite powerful and eliminates the appearance of “shake” even under the most difficult shooting conditions.

Sony HDR-AS50 allows users to independently adjust the angle of frame capture. It can be wide or narrow to optimally display whatever scene you're shooting. This eliminates the appearance of distortions in the frame and guarantees a higher quality of the resulting image. There is also an improved zoom with 3x magnification for trouble-free shooting of distant objects.

Filming and aspects of its implementation

The camcorder offers high-quality motion recording without the least amount of defects and distortion. The interval shooting function allows you to create photos with a resolution of up to 8 megapixels.

This makes it possible to obtain a high-quality time-lapse video based on them during subsequent processing. Moreover, its resolution can be 4K, although the camera itself only records in Full HD format. Preparing time-lapse is also possible in FHD format using the Action Cam App.

Video recording takes place at a bitrate of 50 Mbit/s. The XAVC S format used ensures ideal display of even the most complex objects and the movements they make. To capture the most interesting moments, you can use the slow-motion shooting format, which allows you to get video in cinematic quality.

Detail and stereo sound

The latest variation of the BIONZ X processor is responsible for processing the user-filmed material. Thanks to its work, the picture acquires a high level of detail and a clear transmission of texture. All details in the frame look incredibly realistic, noise and defects are kept to a minimum, the color gamut is completely natural, and all shades have the most accurate gradation.

The presence of a stereo microphone allows you to record ambient sounds on two tracks at once. This provides the audio with not only volume, but also excellent sound during further viewing of the received content. The sound is clear, has excellent frequency balance and reduced noise.

Multimedia capabilities

The material shot on this action camera can be processed using the Action Cam Movie Creator application offered by Sony. Using the program is very simple, it has a wide range of functionality and extensive capabilities for video editing and editing.

Action Cam Movie Creator App

Thanks to the Highlight Movie Maker application, it is possible to activate the option for face recognition and then automatically combine the most successful frames. The resulting video can not only be viewed, but also sent to friends for review.

The Motion Shot LE option allows you to create a composite frame of a moving object. The user can independently select the speed interval he requires during continuous shooting. The following values ​​are available: 8 frames/1 sec., 5 frames/2 sec. and 2 frames/5 sec.

For lovers of slow-motion filming, the video camera provides the opportunity to film it in HD format. Recording speed 120 fps. This allows you to get a realistic and detailed display of the smallest fragments and details, even when showing dynamic scenes.

Additional functionality

As an additional functionality, live broadcasting of captured video is possible. For this, the Ustream resource is used, which allows you to view content in real time. The sound and image quality is at a very high level.

Control of several cameras at once is also available. It is possible to use up to 5 such devices at a time. The Live-View remote control is designed to control them. For the same purpose, you can use specialized software PlayMemories Mobile

Those who do not want to miss a significant moment can use the loop recording function. Its duration can be set independently by the user in accordance with the parameters offered by the camera.

Instead of a conclusion

The manufacturer's Sony HDR-AS50 action camera turned out to be quite successful. It is characterized by a thoughtful design, well-implemented ergonomics, excellent functionality, excellent technical performance, high quality sound and pictures when shooting. And it can be operated in a variety of conditions, including underwater at a depth of up to 60 m. The indicator is more than worthy and definitely deserves praise.

The reasonable price tag of the device is also pleasing, which makes its acquisition possible for anyone who wishes. From the point of view of the balance of cost and functionality, this offer is one of the most profitable among the entire range that is presented today on the domestic market.

Video reviews:

The market for POV or action cameras continues to grow while the market for traditional video cameras is rapidly shrinking. Naturally, a company like Sony couldn’t stand aside and recently introduced two new action cameras – the 4K camera FDR-X1000V and the Full HD Sony Action Cam HDR-AS200V. The 4K format has not yet become truly widespread, so it’s more interesting how the new Full HD camera, which will be discussed in the review, will perform.

The HDR-AS200V is the direct “successor” of the HDR-AS100V, which was described in great detail and quality in this article. Therefore, I will try to pay more attention to the differences between the new model and the previous one and, at the same time, from its competitors.

Packaging and equipment.

At the time of writing the review, the cost of the HDR-AS200VR package is 23,990 rubles, let's see what Sony offers for this amount.
In addition to the camera itself, the kit includes: underwater housing (SPK-AS2) + Velcro mount (VCT-AM1) + tripod + remote control (RM-LVR2), USB-Micro USB cable, battery for video camera, tripod adapter, user manual , stickers with Action cam logos.

The most interesting addition is undoubtedly the Live Remote 2.
As the name suggests, Sony is introducing the second version of this device. To work with miniature cameras that do not have their own viewfinder display, you can use a smartphone with the appropriate application, but the optimal solution, in my opinion, is to use such a remote control. What can LVR2 do? Enough:
Record video or photo
Viewing footage
Setting video parameters: resolution, recording speed, color palette, etc.
Time code setting (XAVC shooting mode)
Setting up GPS
Setting up the connection of additional devices
Customizing the screen of the remote control itself

Some menu items are intuitive, but to understand all the settings, both the remote control and the camera itself, you need to study the instructions.
One of the interesting features for shooting an interesting video is the ability to connect up to 5 Sony Action cam devices to the remote control, and not necessarily the same ones.

Let's move on to the camera itself. Visually, it is almost no different from the entire line of Sony action cameras, with the exception of mini models. This is the same compact and streamlined design characteristic of the Sony action cam line, the quality of materials and workmanship is at a high level. For owners of previous versions of action cam, everything will be in the usual places, and for others it will not be difficult to understand the control buttons. The camera menu is designed in a minimalist style, typical of monochrome LCD displays. The names of menu items are in English and are also abbreviated, which can cause some inconvenience. The interface as a whole is not the most ergonomic and setting all the parameters to your taste will require patience, since in some sections of the menu you cannot take a “step back”; when you try to return to the previous page, you find yourself in the main menu. Fortunately, there are few such items and after getting used to it it doesn’t cause any trouble, but this is another argument in favor of purchasing a remote control, because It makes controlling the camera much more convenient.
In addition to the remote control, you can use a smartphone to control the image by installing the appropriate official application. If your smartphone supports NFC, connecting and setting up the camera is done by touch. Otherwise, settings are made via a direct Wi-Fi connection.

SHOOTING MODES AND QUALITY

The HDR-AS200V is capable of shooting video in seven different modes:

PRO (XAVC S 60p/ 30p/ 24p) 50Mbps
PS (1080 60p), 28Mbps
HQ (1080 30p), 16Mbps
HS120 (720 120p), 28Mbps
STD (720 30p) 6Mbps
VGA (480 30p) 3Mbps

PS 1080 XAVC S 60p 50Mbps A “flagship” shooting mode that provides the best quality footage and records in the “professional” XAVC format. To make this format available for recording, you must purchase a micro SD card in SDXC format. With an SDHC card, this mode will not be available, even if the speed class of the card is high.
Here is an example of shooting at 60 fps. Pay attention to the operation of the stabilization system; while driving there is a lot of shaking and vibration, but stabilization allows you to view the video quite comfortably. At the same time, the feeling of dynamics remains. Also, due to the frame rate of 60 frames, the video turns out very clear and smooth (when played on a suitable device). The video was not subjected to any additional processing, only time trimming.

To mount the camera on the helmet, a proprietary accessory was used - BLT-UHM1, or simply a head mount. I found it more convenient than the rigidly mounted GoPro platform.

HQ (1080 30p), 16Mbps– recording modes that are less demanding on the storage medium are also better suited for uploading videos to YouTube and other resources due to their relative “lightness”

HS120 (720 120p), 28Mbps– slow motion mode with HD ready quality. The video was not processed in any way, except for slowing it down by 4 times using the standard YouTube editor.

HS240 (VGA 240p) Maximum slow motion, 240 frames per second, the quality is low, but sufficient for comfortable viewing. The video was slowed down 8 times using the YouTube editor.

Proprietary camera software allows you to perform simple video editing, as well as utilize the capabilities of the built-in GPS to quickly create interesting videos.

Like most other POV cameras, the AS200 can operate in camera mode; there are few photo settings, which is understandable in a device designed for video shooting.

RESULTS

To summarize, we can say that the Sony HDR-AS200 does not bring revolutionary changes compared to the HDR-AS100 or its competitors, but there is clear progress in video quality, flexibility of settings, and functionality. Optical stabilization works flawlessly and allows you to share recorded video without additional processing. The sound, traditionally for the Sony action cam line, pleases with its naturalness and clarity, thanks to the built-in stereo microphone. The updated remote control also expands shooting capabilities and simply makes working with the camera much more comfortable. In general, Sony has released a very worthy product that can easily compete with the market leader in “sports” cameras with the same video settings, and is a better deal at the price.