Sony FDR-X3000R and HDR-AS300R Action Camera
Sony has announced two new action cams, the
FDR-X3000R and the HDR-AS300R. The key difference between the two is that the
former records in 4K UHD whereas the latter in Full HD.
The key feature of the two new cameras is the
optical image stabilization that Sony calls Balanced Optical SteadyShot or
B.O.SS. This features a camera and lens assembly that are joined together and
move simultaneously so you get smoother footage.
The cameras include an Exmor R CMOS sensor with a
BIONZ X image processor. The video is captured in 4K at 100Mbps or 1080p at
50Mbps. The 4K model can shoot 120fps video in 1080p whereas the Full HD model
can record it in 720p. There's also a new Zeiss Tessar lens with reduced barrel
distortion compared to other action cameras.
Both the cameras are splash proof and can be water
proof with the supplied Underwater Housing up to 60 meters. You also get an optional
unique Live-View Remote unit. Since the cameras themselves don't have a screen
on it, you control them through this watch like accessory that can be worn on
the wrist or attached to a tripod or the camera case. It presents access to all
the functionality and also a convenient way to reach them when the camera is
located in a hard to reach location.
The Sony FDR-X3000 is priced at US$ 400 and the Sony
FDR-X3000R with the Live-View Remote for US$ 550. The HDR-AS300 is priced at US$ 300
and the HDR-AS300R with the remote for US$ 450. They will be available late
September in North America.
