This post is brought to you by Sony.
Competition among low-profile, high-definition cameras keeps getting tougher. For proof, look no further than the latest Sony Action Cam lineup.
Looking something like a futuristic Super 8 in pill form, these powerhouse cameras are as feature-rich as photo gear five times their size. Sony sets its new cameras apart by throwing in attractive goodies and improving upon the previous Action Cam iteration.
As before, the Sony Action Cam specs are impressive — they have to be to compete with the increasingly awesome cameras in our smartphones. 4K resolution, low-light shooting for capturing nighttime outings, SteadyShot for getting a crisp capture of your BMX run, adjustable field of view, and an impressive Zeiss lens assembly make these formidable cameras at any size, let alone one that fits in your shirt pocket.
The new Action Cams are dust-proof, waterproof and resistant to shock, making them a great option for anyone who needs video proof that they play hard. There’s also an impressive slow-motion function that can tease out every detail of anything you point the camera at.
Even dogs and turtles, as can be seen in the video below. (Note: No turtles or dogs were harmed in the making of this film. All animals were professionally supervised on set by American Humane Association.)
Sony Action Cam features
The most immediately noticeable improvement in the latest Action Cam addresses the somewhat-confusing user interface of its predecessor. Buttons have been rearranged to be more intuitive, which sounds like a minor detail but makes a big difference when you get your hands on the thing.
Now the selections are all arranged on a grid — as opposed to the previous version, which displayed them one at a time — meaning you can get a grip on your options much more quickly. In the situations cameras like these are meant for, even a modest improvement in the user interface can make the difference between getting the shot you want or not.
A frankly awesome accessory unique to the Action Cam is the Live-View Remote. It looks and works like a smartwatch, allowing you to see what the camera sees while operating it from a distance.
The remote provides a huge advantage for getting a good shot, say, when the camera is mounted to your helmet, or when arranging a third-person shot that would otherwise require running back and forth to ensure proper framing.
All in all, the Sony Action Cam continues the trend of uber-tough cameras with far more features packed into them than seems reasonable for their size. With prices starting at $199, they won’t leave your wallet thin, either.
If you’re looking for a camera that can take great video in almost any set of conditions imaginable, you’ll be hard-pressed to beat the new Sony Action Cam.
