Review of the best Sony action cameras in 2022

The three-dimensional camcorder is being replaced by a miniature action camera capable of capturing dynamic scenes. It can be mounted on a tripod, helmet, sports equipment, etc. The camera is protected from aggressive environments. It is especially convenient to use when traveling, hiking, cycling, and for this you do not need to involve someone as an operator. One of the functions allows you to take slow motion. All this is true for Sony action cameras, the advantages and disadvantages of which will be discussed below.

General description of action cameras

Among the main advantages that distinguish action cameras from ordinary ones are:

• wide viewing angle - the entire surrounding space enters the frame, including filming yourself (in a conventional camera, the face occupies half the frame);
• models with different video modes and the ability to adjust the frame rate and bit rate (the number of bits for processing transfer);
• shockproof and waterproof body, although the lens remains glass and unprotected;
• the presence of an aquabox for immersing the camera in water.

What to look for when choosing a camera?

It should be based on the main advantages:

• the camera should be compact, light, the hand will not get tired when shooting;
• the presence of a replaceable battery - this will provide a long period of autonomous operation or a high-power battery;
• the presence of a Wi-Fi module allows for remote control and transmission of information to a mobile device.

Characteristics

For any buyer, the main indicator of a camera is a good picture with simple controls.

• Good resolution is one of the main functions responsible for quality.

1. HD is shooting at a resolution of 1024×720 pixels, at the moment this is not considered sufficient for quality;
2. Full HD guarantees 1920×1080 MP, which is the standard;
3. A resolution of 3840×2160 MP is possible in 4K (Ultra Full HD) format used for professional video. The cost of such a camera is much higher and a more reliable flash drive is required. The captured video can be viewed on a TV that supports 4K resolution.

• FPS - a parameter that shows the number of frames per second, is important for creating dynamic frames. The higher the number of frames, the more comfortable it is to watch the video, the picture is smoother. Preferably at least 25 fps. To shoot fast scenes, the speed must be at least 50 frames. At 120 fps, you can create a slow motion video;
• to create a smooth picture, you need a stabilization system. There are two of them in the action camera: optical and digital.This function smoothes vibration during shooting, removes shaky images during playback, thereby reducing processing time;
• select the type of memory card. Commonly used are SD and Micro SD. For Full HD resolution, you need at least 32 GB, and for 4K format, you need a card with a capacity of 128 GB or more;
• Most cameras do not have a display due to their small size. Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth sensors are used to play video, set parameters, transfer captured information for processing. Special applications allow a smartphone or tablet to perform display functions. Some cameras are sold with an external wrist display;
• various accessories are provided for mounting the camera on various surfaces, as well as for immersion in water. Sometimes, special autoboxes may be included in the kit to protect against water. It is believed that there should be a lot of mounts.

Sony was one of the first companies to understand the prospects for the production of video cameras for shooting dynamic shots. Due to the high experience in the development of new technologies and a large range of components of our own production, action cameras have won a secure place in the high price segment.

Best Sony Action Cameras

Sony FDR-X3000R is the most popular

The camera operates on the basis of the CMOS Exmor R matrix, which has high light sensitivity and advanced technologies, which makes it possible to perform high-quality shooting in the dark, at night. The fast BIONZ X and ultra-sensitive processor, wide-angle ZEISS Tessar lens helps to process 4K video at 30fps. In Full HD mode at 120 fps, there is the possibility of a slow motion effect, changing color parameters, white balance, exposure, brightness, balance.

Camera shake during shooting is compensated by the Balanced Optical SteadyShot system. A nearby running engine negatively affects the quality of the picture, defocusing is possible. The Motor Vibration Absorber attached to a bike accessory (VCT-HM2) or handlebar (VCT-RBM2) will fix this problem.

Includes Live‑View Remote Control (Model RM-LVR3). It is fastened to the wrist or fixed by a fastener, in particular a finger rest. On the remote control are buttons to turn on the camera, thereby saving energy. The PlayMemories Mobile app helps you control the camera from your smartphone. Information transfer is possible via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth V4.1 Device weight 46g.

The lens is splash-proof, the housing is shockproof, the camera placed in the aquabox will allow you to make video, plunging to a depth of 60 m. Camera interface:

• micro HDMI sockets;
• USB multi/micro;
• output for stereo sound;
• memory card slot.

Cost: about 39,000 rubles.

• high-quality optics;
• convenient to use;
• nice kit with extra accessories.

• photo quality is low;
• high price.

HDR-AS50 Action Cam - affordable price

The action camera, like all Sony products, is equipped with the latest technical innovations. The BIONZ X processor guarantees high-quality image processing, sharpness of details, allows you to realistically convey textures and colors. When shooting, the noise level is reduced. The 11MP Exmor CMOS sensor is super sensitive. You can shoot even in low light and at night.

The camera is equipped with a SteadyShot stabilizer, which allows you to get a smooth picture while moving.All vibrations are dampened, shooting is controlled by the Live-View remote control attached to the wrist, bicycle handlebars, etc. with a special device. Information is transmitted via Wi-Fi, turning Bluetooth V4.1 on and off, saving battery power. The device has the same interface with the camera. The system is especially effective when there is little vibration, for example, for shooting from radio-controlled helicopters or quadrocopters.

The quality of shooting is ensured by a fast ZEISS Tessar lens with a viewing angle of 170 degrees and a maximum focusing distance of 30 cm. The built-in stereo microphone, along with a high-quality picture, creates a clear sound when recording on two tracks. Shooting control allows you to use all the latest features:
The viewing angle can be changed from narrow to wide and vice versa (only possible when the stabilization mode is off). If you have Wi-Fi, you can transfer the video stream using Ustream. The camera can take 4K interval shots and create time-lapse videos.

The camera is equipped with a socket for attaching to a tripod, on the back wall, for connecting additional devices, there is a USB connector. The kit comes with an aquabox, thanks to which it is possible to dive the camera to a depth of up to 60 m, and through the case you can press the buttons. To control the status of the device, there are light indicators on three sides.
The case has a slot for memory cards, Wi-Fi sensors, Bluetooth V4.1
Camera price: 18,000 rubles.

• the presence of a stabilization system;
• convenient and simple control from the remote control;
• smartphone charging is suitable;
• aquabox;
• good moisture protection, no separate lens required for protection.

• weak battery;
• high price.

Sony HDR-AS200VB with display

The design is reminiscent of a classic camcorder, only smaller and without a swiveling display. The case is waterproof, but the camera can only be immersed to 5 m, an autobox is needed for a greater depth. On the left side of the device there is an LCD display, PREV and NEXT keys, an NFC tag (connection to a smartphone or tablet), an infrared receiver for the remote control.

On the bottom side are openings for micro USB, micro HDMI and a microphone. On the back surface, under the cover, there is a battery, a slot for a memory card. The quality of the picture is provided by a 12.8 MP CMOS matrix with a resolution of 1920 × 1080, at a speed of 30 or 60 frames per second, for a photo of 3952 × 2224 pixels. In PRO mode, there is the possibility of professional XAVC S recording with a stream of 50 Mbps (you need a class 10 memory card of at least 64 GB). The ZEISS lens with a wide viewing angle of up to 170 degrees is responsible for the quality of the shooting. High-speed BIONZ X helps to quickly process the footage.

What other technical possibilities are there:

• electronic stabilization SteadyShot;
• The HD format is provided by several modes: at a speed of 120 frames / s, it is possible to create a slow-motion frame of excellent quality by 4 times. 30 frames is the ideal size/quality ratio. Super Slow creates a slow motion video at 30 frames per second. At 240 fps the picture will be 800x480. With a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, you can take interval shooting and then mount the video using the time-lapse technique;
• built-in GPS receiver.

Price: 23000-25000 rubles.

• convenient remote control;
• splash protection;
• built-in GPS;

• stabilization does not give a smooth picture, the viewing angle is reduced to 120 °;
• shooting in low light is not possible;

Sony HDR-AZ1VW Wearable Mount Kit - compact

Miniature camera, its dimensions: 36 x 24 x 74 mm, weight 63 g including battery. Despite its small size, it is well equipped:

• ultra-sensitive Carl Zeiss Tessar lens with a 170° field of view. The picture is clear, smooth is obtained in XAVC S mode with a bit rate of 50 Mbps;
• SteadyShot stabilization;
• Full HD resolution makes high-quality videos with stereo sound;
• the control panel has a display for viewing the video, the settings are made regardless of where the camera is installed (on a helmet or a bicycle handlebar);
• built-in GPS allows you to mark the video with geotags.

The lens is splash-proof, and the shock-resistant case saves from falling, penetration of small particles. With the camera in the autobox, you can shoot video at a depth of 5 meters. The battery provides uninterrupted operation of 2-2.5 hours. The kit includes a charger, accessories for mounting the remote control on the helmet and wrist.

The case has a slot for memory cards up to 64 GB, Micro HDMI and MicroUSB 2.0 outputs. The NFS system supports the operation of the camera through the remote control. The small size of the camera combined with the high image quality make the camera very interesting. The screen suffered from the miniature size, it is quite small and it is difficult to adjust while driving (it is better to use a remote control).

The cost of the camera: about 30,000 rubles.

• excellent picture quality, especially with XAVC S 50 Mbps;
• miniature size;
• stabilization system;
• lens splash protection;
• camera mounts;

• small display;
• weak battery;
• heating of the chamber after a few minutes of operation.

Sony RX0 - top small format

Specifications and size make it possible to classify the camera as an action camera, although the manufacturer defines it as compact. The main indicator is the presence of a waterproof housing that allows you to shoot video at a depth of 10 m. The device is shockproof, can withstand a fall from a height of 2 m, which makes it possible to use the camera in extreme conditions.

Like all Sony cameras, the lens is fast Zeiss Tessar T f/4. 20, 24mm diameter with six lenses. On the back side there is a display on which you can quickly view the captured frames. There are several modes for shooting: automatic with intelligent settings, manual in several formats, as well as high frame rate for creating a movie in slow motion. The matrix allows you to take videos and pictures in complete darkness, there is automatic and manual focusing.

Video recording is performed in FullHD format with a frame rate of 25 to 100. By connecting an external device via the HDMI input, you can do dual recording on a memory card and a connected device. High-speed shooting is available with a frame rate of 250, 500, 1000 frames per second. The resolution, however, decreases despite the FullHD mode. The picture is of very good quality with detailing in dark places, while the color balance is preserved.

The control buttons are located on the top side. The 15.3 MP Exmor RS™ 1.0-inch CMOS sensor captures super slow motion at 960-1000 frames per second, capturing motions invisible to the eye. Image processing is provided by the high-speed BIONZ X processor.

The camera can take close-up shots of small objects, the minimum focal length is 50cm.The camera does not have a stabilizer, so you can use a tripod, there is a socket for it on the bottom.

The device is equipped with a 700 mAh battery. Charging is done via the MicroUSB connector. Shooting control is possible via a smartphone or tablet, thanks to the presence of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The dedicated Sony Play Memories Mobile app lets you control multiple cameras from different angles.

There are functions for professional video shooting, S-Log2 gamma settings, Picture Profile (allows you to change the basic parameters of the film, such as color shades). The rectangular shape of the camera is convenient for using various accessories, and the upside-down camera function allows you to get the correct image position.

Despite its miniature size, the camera is technically equipped to produce high-quality video images. The device differs in reliability, the protected case and a high-quality lens.

The price of the camera is 42,000 rubles, with additional functions - about 55,000 rubles.

• compact, miniature, convenient body;
• touchscreen;
• impact resistant, moisture resistant;
• high quality shooting;

• lack of a stabilization system;
• price.

Action cameras from Sony are distinguished by their reliability, high-quality optics, and interesting design. This is due to the high price - after all, these are high-tech devices.