Sony Announced Its Smallest Action Camera HDR-AZ1
Sony Electronics has today announced its smallest and most capable POV camera to date, the Action Cam Mini, model HDR-AZ1.
Approximately 30% smaller than its Action Cam siblings and weighing in at just over 2 oz, the new model packs a variety of leading POV imaging technologies including SteadyShot image stabilization, a ZEISS Tessar Lens and an Exmor R CMOS sensor into an extremely portable body that is ready for any adventure.
Sony HDR-AZ1
“Sony continues to bring strong innovation to the POV camera market, delivering a professional quality video experience in a streamlined, compact design,” said Patrick Huang, director of the camcorder business at Sony Electronics. “The new Action Cam Mini takes this concept to a new level, opening up an unlimited range of creative possibilities for adventure junkies, action sports enthusiasts and more.”
The camera’s back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and premium ZEISS lens are paired with Sony’s powerful BIONZ X processor, producing extremely vivid, detailed images in all types of lighting conditions. Further, its advanced SteadyShot stabilization technology ensures that all content filmed is stable and free of vibrations or shakiness that is commonly experienced with competing POV cameras, and its huge 170° field of view offers the ultimate wide-angle experience.
The new HDR-AZ1 Action Cam Mini supports full HD video shooting in MP4 as well as the XAVC S codec, which records at high data rate of 50 mbps resulting in highly-detailed video content. It also offers 120 fps high frame rate recording for impressive slow-motion footage. The camera is splashproof (IPX4 equivalent) without any separate housing required, and comes supplied with a waterproof case certified at depths up to approximately 16 feet (5m).
New Live View Remote (RM-LVR2V) And Custom Editing Software
To complement the new Action Cam Mini, there is also a new compact Live-View Remote that will be offered in a kit with the camera (kit model HDR-AZ1VR). This handy wrist-mounted commander features an LCD screen with adjustable brightness for previewing and reviewing footage and adjusting all common settings while the camera is mounted. Additionally, the remote logs GPS data that’s transferred to the camera while you’re on the move, and can control up to five separate action cams simultaneously. There is also a longer strap compared to the original RM-LVR1 remote which extends possible uses..
To complement the new Action Cam Mini, there is also a new compact Live-View Remote that will be offered in a kit with the camera (kit model HDR-AZ1VR).
The intuitive new Action Cam Movie Creator post-shooting software offers a variety of user-friendly editing capabilities including the ability to overlay GPS info (distance and speed travelled) to add extra depth to videos. It’s a great way to re-trace every twist and turn of that bike trek or ride down the slopes.
Live Stream Capabilities With Ustream
The HDR-AZ1 is compatible with USTREAM services, allowing for live video streaming of all extreme adventures to friends, family and more. To notify intended audiences of live streaming, users can send a group message via SMS that the action is about to commence, and can also monitor number of viewers throughout the process. Streaming video can be recorded directly to an installed memory card as well.
New Mounts And Accessories For Action Cam
An expanded range of accessories gives more options than ever for using Action Cam Mini. New mounts include the VCT-BPM1 Backpack Mount that attaches the camera securely to a bag strap, and the BLT-CHM1 clip-on mount that fixes the camera directly to the brim of a hat. There is also a new VCT-QHM football helmet mount designed for quarterbacks that offers a truly unique POV for football training and practice.
Additional accessories include the NP-BY1 Rechargeable Battery Pack and the ACC-TRDCY Accessory Kit that combines a battery and USB charger.
Pricing And Availability
The new Sony Action Cam Mini, model HDR-AZ1, will be sold for about $250 and is packaged with a waterproof case (model SPK-AZ1) and a standard tripod mount. The Action Cam HDR-AZ1VR bundle adds the RM-LVR2V Live View Remote and will be sold for about $350.
The camera plus the Live-View Remote bundle will both be available this October at Sony retail stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.
Print this article
Related articles
- Sep 12, 2014
Sony Adds PXW-X200 To Its XDCAM Professional Camcorder Range
Sony’s new addition to its XDCAM range of solid state memory camcorders, the PXW-X200, incorporates an improved 1/2 inch-type Exmor 3CMOS sensor, a new 17x zoom lens and XAVC Intra/Long GOP recording with 4:2:2 10-bit sampling. In addition to XAVC Intra/Long GOP, the PXW-X200 also records in MPEG HD422 (50Mbps), MPEG HD420 (35/25 Mbps), MPEG IMX (50 Mbps) and DV (25 Mbps) formats... - Aug 29, 2014
Sony PXW-X500 Professional Camcorder Features Multi-Format Recording In XAVC, MPEG-4 SSTP, ProRes & DNXHD
Sony’s new PXW-X500 solid-state memory shoulder-mount professional camcorder offers superior picture quality with three-chip 2/3-inch type new CCD image sensors. Multi-format Recording: The PXW-X500 supports traditional and new recording formats, including SD formats such as MPEG IMX and DVCAM, HD formats such as MPEG-4 SStP and MPEG HD422, plus XAVC Intra 4:2:2 1080 59.94/60i and XAVC Long 4:2:2 1080 59.94/60p... - Jul 31, 2014
Sony Introduces New AS20 Action Cam
Building on its growing line of Action Cam POV (point of view) cameras, Sony today has introduced the new AS20 model to the US market. Featured on the new AS20 model, Sony’s unique SteadyShot electronic image stabilization works seamlessly to control camera shake and vibration, ensuring that all footage from the bike trail or ski slopes is smooth, crisp and free of the bumps or jolts that often experienced during POV video shooting... - May 8, 2014
Sony Organizes "Team Action Cam" To Promote Its Action Cams
Sony has reaffirmed their commitment to the action sports market with the launch of “Team Action Cam” – a range of action sports athletes across snowboard, ski, mountain bike, motocross and rallycross that represent Sony’s versatile Action Cam line. The formation of “Team Action Cam” aligns with the company’s aggressive marketing plans for 2014-2015 in the action sports industry, including resort partnerships, special event sponsorships, large-scale video production and the launch of the interactive microsite www.actioncambysony.com... - Jan 6, 2014
Sony Adds 7 New Models Into 2014 Handycam Lineup
Sony Electronics is expanding its Handycam line of camcorders with seven new models that make it even easier to capture and preserve irreplaceable memories in sharp full HD video with detailed still images. “The new CX900 camcorder carries on our legacy of balancing compact size and high-performance imaging, and the entire family of Handycam products capture uncompromised Full HD video and detailed stills that other camcorders, cameras, and smartphones just can’t match.”..
