Sony has been busy lately. Not only have they released a handful of great camera bodies over the past few years – like the A7 full-frame mirrorless line, which we’ve covered here on Contrastly [1] – but they have been hard at work on a new product they had announced back in January at CES: the Sony 4K Action Cam [2].
This new Sony Action Cam is set to redefine 4K action videos and take the genre to a whole new level. As part of their launch, Sony has also released the Never Before Seen [3] website – definitely worth a look. Today we’ll go through some of the highlights, and have a good look at what’s under the hood of this new offering from Sony. Spoiler alert: it looks pretty amazing!
Let’s See The Specs
The Sony Action Cam comes in two versions: the FDR-X1000V [4] has 4K capabilities, the other model, the HDR-AS200V [5] can shoot full 1080p HD/50mbps video at 60p. Both are great options for enthusiasts looking to get into the world of action videos. Here are some specs:
- High-quality 4K footage: 3840×2160@30p 100Mbps, 120p in Full HD & 240p in standard HD
- ZEISS Tessar lens with an ultra-wide 170° field of view
- Advanced Steady Shot image stabilization
- Exmor R CMOS sensor
- BIONZ X processor
- Stereo mic with wind noise reduction
- Built-in GPS Data Overlay – adds route and speedometer data directly onto the video
- Splash-proof – handles the elements without a case
- Wrist-mounted live-view remote [6] available
Needless to say that the Sony Action Cam looks like a promising camera for action video enthusiasts – no matter if you decide to go with the advanced 4K version or the less expensive Full HD one, both are great options for a little under $500.
Action Cam Films
Sony has also teamed up with a diverse range of filmmakers and artists to create a series of new films celebrating the “never before seen [7]”. Ranging from crafty experiments and audacious stunts to short documentaries and sports adventures, the films they’ve created celebrate creativity and use Sony Action Cams to provide new perspectives on the production process and the stories themselves.
All of the films showcase the Sony Action Cam in very creative ways. Check the videos below to see the camera in action (pun intended!)
The Picture Machine – Directed by Studio NOS
The Action Cam was placed inside a remote-controlled car-rig that traveled around the circular path of an animation system. Animation frames were mounted on the wall of the system. The camera shoots as it travels in it’s car-pod along the path, creating the effect of an animated zoetrope.
The camera operator controlled the camera and what it was seeing with the Action Cam’s Live-View Remote.
PaperPorts – Directed by Charles Young
The Action Cam’s small size and high quality footage meant Young could place the camera inside his construction and capture the city’s fine details and movements. Young constructed each building and vehicle by hand-cutting and folding them out of paper.
The model was then arranged in a circle with the Action Cam placed at the center. The Action Cam was mounted on a Lazy Susan bearing platform that allowed it to turn freely in 360 degrees.
Creature – Directed by Ryan Dzierzek
Dzierzek and his crew used the Action Cam to capture the point of view of the Creature. The Action Cam was mounted on various accessories and a quad-copter as it made it’s way through London and it’s suburbs. This allowed for natural running and flying motions that the imagined Creature would have.
You can see how those films were created as well as other Never Before Seen films at Never Before Seen [7].
If you are into action films and looking to acquire a new high-end action camera, make sure to place the Sony Action Cam at the top of your list.
You can purchase the Sony 4K Action Cam at Amazon [4].
This post was sponsored by Sony via SyndicateAds [8].