Sony Announces Action Cam HDR-AS30V

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.

Sony Action Cam HDR-AS30V

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 (1920×1080 60p/50p and 1920×1080 30p/25p) for fast-moving action, STD HD (1280×720 30p/25p), SD VGA (640×480 30p/25p) and two slow-motion modes for tracking a golf swing or BMX flip – HD SLOW 2x (1280×720 60p) and HD SLOW 4x (1280×720 120p). And now the camera can capture images upside-down*, which is useful when the Action Cam is inversely mounted.

Simply View & Share

Built-in Wi-Fi allows users to instantly share their Action Cam content to a smartphone or tablet (using Sony’s free PlayMemories Mobile) 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 connection support, it’s even easier to synch with 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 USB 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 Rotation 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), Universal Head Mount Kit (BLT-UHM1), Action Monopod (VCT-AMP1), Underwater Housing (MPK-AS3), Float Mount (AKA-FL2), and Accessory Kit (ACC-DCBX).

Pricing And 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.