San Diego, CA—Sony launched a line of wearable point-of-view (POV) video cameras for action sports filming in Full HD 1080p. Weighing approximately three ounces (with battery), the initial offering, the Action Cam HDR-AS10, is an ultracompact POV shooting solution for adventures on the mountain, in the water and anywhere else the action happens.
Shipping with a rechargeable battery, adhesive mounts and a waterproof case featuring a universal tripod mount, the HDR-AS10 is built to handle extreme environments. Within the case, the camera is waterproof down to 197 feet and has a shock-resistance rating for up to five foot drops, plus dirt- and dust-resistant seals that help make it impervious to mud, snow, rain and grime.
Sony will add a Wi-Fi version of the HD video action camcorder, the HDR-AS15, to its lineup as well. Built-in Wi-Fi works with the free PlayMemories Mobile application that allows users to instantly share their content to a smartphone and control the camera with any compatible device. Additionally, Wi-Fi mobile phones and tablets running the app can pull optimized movies and photos from the HDR-AS15 without requiring a special cable. Once copied, shooters can use an available 3G or 4G cell network to upload their photos and video to share via e-mail or social media networks.
“Only Sony can deliver a technology-packed point-of-view action camera that provides simple operation, high-quality content and Wi-Fi capability in a durable package,” said Hidenori Toyoda, director of the camcorder business at Sony Electronics. “And with various mount options, the Action Cam lineup is so versatile it can easily keep up with even the most extreme lifestyle.”
The video camera’s compact, lightweight body houses a 16 megapixel Exmor R CMOS image sensor engineered for low-light sensitivity with reduced grain; an ultra-wide-angle Carl Zeiss Tessar lens to capture the action in a 170º wide field of view; Sony’s SteadyShot image stabilization, designed to compensate for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver smooth video; and new Sony technology said to add roll stability for smoother video capture.
The mountable models also provide five video modes; a class-exclusive 4x slow mode in 720p HD; HD Slow 2x (1,280×720, 60p) and HD Slow 4x (1,280×720, 120p), which shoot in slow motion for studying a golf swing, for example; Full HD (1,920×1,080 30p); STD HD (1,280×720, 30p); and SD VGA (640×480, 30p). And, when interval still recording mode for photo capture is activated, the device automatically takes still images at preset intervals for time-lapse photography.
The cameras also feature: simple operation via a large start/stop button; expandable memory with a Memory Stick Micro and microSD/SDHC card slot; a built-in stereo microphone; and HDMI output to share video on an HDTV. (HDMI cable required, not included).
In addition to the adhesive mounts to secure the Action Cam to flat and curved surfaces, Sony will offer the following attachments: a waterproof head mount kit to use with the included waterproof case and which can also be secured to a pair of goggles; a headband mount to use without the waterproof case for skateboarding or other street sports; a handlebar mount to attach the camera to any bike or bar apparatus; and a suction cup to mount the device in/on a vehicle for a variety of motor sports or other smooth, nonporous surfaces.
Following the camera’s launch, Sony plans to expand the portfolio of compatible accessories to include: a tilt adapter to adjust the device’s angle up or down on mounts for more viewpoint options; a handheld grip with LCD screen that adds a camcorder-style 2.7-inch, rotating LCD for playback and monitoring during filming and self-recording; antifog sheets to help stop condensation buildup in the waterproof case; a replacement door pack with three housing door options for various environments (HD dive housing, a door with a flat lens for diving/underwater focus; HD skeleton housing, a door with opening over the microphone for improved audio; and a replacement HD housing, a door with a curved lens for scratch replacement.
Sony’s HDR-AS10 Action Cam and the HDR-AS15 Action Cam with Wi-Fi ship this month for $199.99 and $269.99, respectively. sony.com
