Sony has launched two robust action cameras that are 4K or HD capable. The FDR-X3000R and the HDR-AS300 Action Cams have either the patented Balanced Optical SteadyShot or BOSS feature in tow.
The two Action Cams are slated to ship this month in the U.S. and are the first action cameras from a major company to imbibe optical image stabilization (OIS) as opposed to older Action Cam models deploying electronic image stabilization (EIS). The feature is the same as those available on Sony Handycam camcorders.
The Japanese company's market research has shown that consumers are drawn to its action cams primarily because of the SteadyShot functionality, which is its number one feature. Therefore, the inclusion of a novel stabilization system in the 4K FDR-X3000R and the FHD HDR-AS300 is a perfectly sensible move.
The Action Cam FDR-X3000R was debuted by the company on Sept. 1 at the IFA, in which the company shared the pricing and availability details for the UK and Australia. Now, the Action Cam is all set to make its way to the U.S.
The BOSS technology from Sony basically operates by moving the lens and sensor units at the same time, which aids in countering vibrations. This process, in turn, results in a smooth video sans the need for any digital enhancements to the image or cropping.
"Designed with the changing real world usage model in mind, the addition of BOSS into this new model means that the user doesn't have to worry about a jerky or jumpy video; they can focus on the activity they are participating in," says Sony.
An advantage of BOSS over EIS is that one can activate the feature in practically any mode. This includes the 4K mode for the X3000R, as well as high-speed shooting modes.
This aspect gives the two new Action Cam's an edge over the company's previous models, as well as those from other OEMs. To illustrate our point, GoPro does not offer stabilization in its action cams at all and Garmin only offers EIS, which while effective for 1080p is useless for 4K.
Sony's new action cams do not offer a built-in LCD because of their shape; however, the company will offer a Live-View Remote to consumers, which is not only compact, but has a mountable design.
Users will be able to attach the live-view remote to the Action Cam if they want to use it as a handheld. This is made possible by the AKA-FGP1 finger grip from the company, which basically transforms the X3000R or AS300 into tiny camcorders.
The AS300 weighs just 3.9 ounces (109 g), by comparison the X3000R weighs 4.1 ounces (114 g). Both cams sport a 1/2.5 (7.20 mm) type back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and are able to snap 12-megapixel still image photos. Both the Action Cam's are dust and waterproof as well.
Both new cameras will begin shipping by the end of this month. Customers will have the option of buying them as kits with the new Live-View Remote, or as the camera body alone. The FDR-X3000R will retail for $550 for the kit or $450 by itself, while the HDR-AS300 kit will go for $450 and the body-only option will be just $300.
The 4K FDR-X3000R is priced at $399.99, which is just $100 more than the $299.99 price for the HDR-AS300. Buying the HDR-AS300 and the 4K FDR-X3000 bundled with the Live-View Remote Kit will cost consumers $449.99 and $549.99, respectively.
