Sony 4K: The Action Camera Using Image Stabilisation Technology

Sony has created a fantastic camera for people who’ve used the Go Pro and want to mix things up.

The Action Cam FDR-X3000 is one of the best I’ve ever used. It’s Sony’s first POV camera to feature the innovative Balanced Optical SteadyShot (BOSS) image stabilisation technology (for both the FDR-X3000 4K model and HDR-AS300 Full HD model).

What makes the FDR-X3000 so special is the camera’s lens and sensor are joined internally and moved together to make up for inconsistencies when the camera shakes when it’s being used in excessive motion.

This means that whether you’re shooting handheld or during a fast-paced sport it won’t get ‘the shakes’ along with the motion. It’s great when paired with a POV action camera design as it ensures captured video footage is smooth and stable.

The Action Cam also has full pixel readout without pixel binning technology, with very high resolution and accurate colours in both 4K (FDR-X3000 only) and Full HD videos. This means the camera can read and process data from all of the sensor’s pixels, producing highly detailed video content with minimal noise and ‘jaggies’ in a variety of formats.

I love that there are built-in stereo mics with wind noise reduction as it works to reduce the impact of wind interference. There’s also stereo microphone input for advanced recording.

Whether you’re shooting handheld or during a fast-paced sport it won’t get ‘the shakes’ along with the motion.

Design

Similar to the previous model, (the FDR-X1000V,) the FDR-X3000 is available in a glossy white finish and it’s nice and light, weighing 114g which is pretty remarkable when you think about all the additional technology it carries.

I’m thankful the camera body is splash proof but it needs to be in a special waterproof case if you want to go swimming or take it underwater (it’s water-resistant to 60 metres).

The FDR-X3000 features a new ZEISS Tessar lens with significantly less lens distortion than previous models. They are also equipped with a back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and an acclaimed BIONZ processor, ensuring that video quality remains consistently strong.

The FDR-X3000 camera only weighs 114g.

Live-View Remote and user interface

The compact Live-View Remote is about 30 per cent smaller than the previous version and comes with a mountable design which acts as an extension of the camera. It’s able to control several capabilities, including shooting settings, start/stop recording and power on/off. It also can be attached to various optional accessories such as Finger Grip (AKA-FGP1) or Handlebar Mount (VCT-HM2) using supplied mount adaptor, or worn as a wristband using the supplied belt. Users can also utilise Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile application – available for both Android and iOS – to control the new Action Cam with a smart device.

Sony has worked on extensive feedback from athletes, filmmakers and casual users, so its new cameras and Live-View Remote all feature a more in-depth user interface and menu system, giving a wide variety of camera settings that makes it easier to navigate menus and customise settings. If you switch Wi-Fi to ‘high power mode’, the communication distance between the camera and Live-View Remoteix connected via Wi-Fi can be extended.

The camera can be attached to various optional accessories such as Finger Grip or Handlebar Mount.

Additional features

• The FDR-X3000 includes a unique Time-lapse Capture feature that shoots still images in pre-set intervals that can later be transformed into a 4K time-lapse movie utilising the Action Cam Movie Creator software. The Action Cam App can also create time-lapse movies in Full HD.
• There’s also a built-in GPS. Location tracking and speedometer can be indicated on the movie when Action Cam Movie Creator is used.
• An updated version Sony’s own in-built movie creator – Highlight Movie Maker, which now utilises face detection technology, automatically assembles footage into a video highlight package and pairs it with custom music.
• The new cameras also give users the option to adjust the field angle of a shot with “wide”, “medium” and “narrow” choices available.
• An enhanced 3x smooth zoom allows shooters to get even closer to the action during movie recording.

Pricing and availability

The new Sony FDR-X3000 is available for $649, (the HDR-AS300 is available for $499.) Both models are also sold in a kit with the new Live-View Remote for $899 (FDR-X3000R) and $749 (HDR-AS300R). The new AKA-FGP1 finger grip is sold for $29, and the AKA-MCP1 lens protector is sold for $49.

More information on Sony.com.