Sony’s latest action cams have something that top-end models like the compact GoPro Hero4 Black don’t—optical image stabilization. Balanced Optical SteadyShot (B.O.SS) is the marquee feature in the 4K shooting FDR-X3000R and the 1080p HDR-AS300R, both announced today, which sets Sony’s cameras apart in a crowded action cam market.
Adding stabilization necessitates a new lens design, of course. Both models sport a new Zeiss Tessar wide-angle lens, which is married to a BSI Exmor R CMOS image sensor with a native 16:9 ratio. Video is compressed using XAVC S, which delivers excellent quality at high bit rates—100Mbps for 4K and 50Mbps for 1080p. The FDR-X3000R sets itself apart from its sibling by supporting slow-motion 120fps capture at 1080p; the HDR-AS300R is limited to 720p if you want to crank the frame rate that high.
Because the lens is optically stabilized, its field of view isn’t limited when SteadyShot is enabled. But you can opt for a medium or narrow setting if the ultra-wide lens is just too wide for a particular shot. Both models also offer zoom, but bear in mind that it is of the digital variety, so expect footage to suffer when using the feature.
Both cameras ship with wristwatch Live-View Remote. It sports a color LCD that lets you preview your framing and controls to adjust recording settings. It’s similar to remotes bundled with older Sony cameras but is 30 percent smaller. To communicate with the remote—or your smartphone—the action cameras include Wi-Fi, as well as GPS to add location data to your videos.
Both models are protected from splashes without a case, and include an underwater housing that lets you take them as deep as 197 feet (60 meters). Other features include time-lapse capture, automatic video editing using the Highlight Movie Maker function, and manual exposure control.
The FDR-X300R is priced at $400 ($550 CA) on its own or at $550 ($700 CA) with the Live-View Remote. The HDR-AS300R is $300 ($400 CA) by itself and $450 ($550 CA) with the remote. Both will ship in late September, along with some new accessories and mounts for the Sony system.
Additionally, Sony has a new pair of lenses for its mirrorless camera system. Announced last week, the FE 50mm F2.8 Macro covers a full-frame image sensor and can focus close enough to capture objects at life-size (1:1) magnification. It ships at the end of September and is priced at $500 in the US market and $650 in Canada.
It’s joined by a high-end APS-C zoom, intended for cinema use. The E PZ 18-110mm F4 G OSS cover a 6.1x range and its parfocal design ensures that the plane of focus stays the same as the zoom is adjusted—a must for cinematographers. It can be paired with either of Sony’s mirrorless teleconverters, supports focus gear systems, and has an iris that can be set to turn freely without f-stop clicks. It will be available at the end of November for $3,500 in the US and $4,500 in Canada.
Source: B2C
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