Review of the best Sony action cameras in 2024

A miniature action camera capable of capturing dynamic scenes is offered to replace the volumetric video camera. 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 time-lapse photography. 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 conventional ones:

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

What to look for when choosing a camera?

You should rely on the main advantages:

• the camera should be compact, lightweight, 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 information transfer to a mobile device.

Specifications

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

• Good resolution is one of the main quality functions.

1. HD is shooting with a resolution of 1024 × 720 pixels, at the moment this is not considered sufficient for quality;
2. Full HD guarantees 1920 x 1080 megapixels, which is the standard;
3. The resolution of 3840 × 2160 megapixels 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 4K TV.

• FPS - a parameter showing the number of frames per second is essential for creating dynamic frames. The higher the number of frames, the more comfortable it is to watch the video, the picture is smoother. It is desirable not less than 25 fps. To shoot fast scenes, the speed must be at least 50 frames. At 120 fps, you can create a slow motion video;
• a stabilization system is required to create a smooth picture. There are two of them in an action camera: optical and digital. This function smooths out vibration during shooting, removes the shake of the picture when viewing, thereby reducing processing time;
• select the type of memory card. SD and Micro SD are commonly used. 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 for video playback, setting parameters, transferring 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 available for mounting the camera on various surfaces and for immersion in water. Sometimes for protection from water, special autoboxes may be included in the kit. It is believed that there should be many fasteners.

The Sony company was one of the first to understand the perspectives of the direction of production of video cameras for shooting dynamic shots. Thanks to their high experience in the development of new technologies and a large assortment of components of our own production, action cameras have won a reliable place in the high-price segment.

Best Sony Action Cameras

Sony FDR-X3000R is the most popular

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

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

Includes a Live-View remote control (model RM-LVR3). It can be attached to the wrist or secured with a clip such as a finger rest. The remote control has buttons to turn on the camera, thereby saving energy. PlayMemories Mobile helps you control the camera from your smartphone. Information transfer is possible via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth V4.1 The weight of the device is 46g.

The lens is splash-proof, the body is shock-resistant, the camera, placed in the aqua box, will allow you to make video, diving to a depth of 60 m. Camera interface:

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

Cost: about 39,000 rubles.

• high-quality optics;
• convenient to use;
• nice kit with additional 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, clarity of details, and allows you to realistically reproduce texture and colors. The noise level is reduced when shooting. The 11MP Exmor CMOS sensor is super sensitive. You can shoot even in low light levels and at night.

The camera is equipped with SteadyShot stabilization, allowing you to get smooth images while on the move. All vibrations are damped, shooting is controlled by the Live-View remote control attached by a special device to the wrist, bicycle handlebars, etc. Information transfer is carried out via Wi-Fi, enabling and disabling Bluetooth V4.1, saving battery power. The device has the same interface as the camera. The system is especially effective at low vibration, for example, for shooting from radio-controlled helicopters or quadcopters.

The shooting quality is ensured by a fast ZEISS Tessar lens with a 170-degree field of view and a maximum focusing distance of 30 cm. The built-in stereo microphone simultaneously with the high-quality picture creates 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 with the stabilization mode turned off). If Wi-Fi is available, it is possible to transmit a video stream using Ustream. The camera can take time-lapse shots in 4K and create time-lapse videos.

The camera is equipped with a socket for attaching to a tripod; there is a USB connector on the back for connecting additional devices. The set comes with an aqua box, thanks to which it is possible to immerse the camera to a depth of 60 m, and through the case you can press the buttons.To monitor the status of the device, there are indicator lights on three sides.
The body 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;
• charging from a smartphone is suitable;
• aqua box;
• good protection against moisture, no separate lens required for protection.

• the battery is weak;
• high price.

Sony HDR-AS200VB with display

The design resembles a classic camcorder, only smaller and no rotating display. The case is waterproof, but the camera can only be immersed to 5 m; an autobox is required for greater depths. On the left side of the device there is an LCD display, PREV and NEXT keys, an NFC tag (the ability to connect to a smartphone or tablet), an infrared receiver for the PU.

On the underside are openings for micro USB, micro HDMI and microphone. On the back surface, under the cover, there is a battery and a slot for a memory card. The picture quality is provided by a 12.8 megapixel 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 recording XAVC S with a stream of 50 Mbps (you need a class 10 memory card of at least 64 GB). A 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;
• HD format is provided by several modes: at a speed of 120 frames / s, it is possible to create a 4 times slow-motion frame of excellent quality. 30 frames is the ideal size / quality ratio. Super Slow creates a slow motion video, 30 frames per second. At 240 frames / sec the picture will be in 800x480 format. With a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, you can make interval shooting and then edit a video using the time-lapse technique;
• built-in GPS receiver.

Price: 23000-25000 rub.

• 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 170 ° field of view. The picture is clear and smooth in XAVC S mode with a bitrate of 50 Mbps;
• SteadyShot stabilization;
• Full HD resolution makes high-quality videos with stereo sound;
• the control panel has a display for viewing video, the settings are made regardless of where the camera is installed (on a helmet or bicycle handlebars);
• built-in GPS allows you to geotag your video.

The lens is splash-proof, and a shock-resistant case protects against falling, penetration of small particles. The camera in the autobox can make video recording at a depth of 5 meters. The battery provides uninterrupted operation for 2-2.5 hours. The kit includes a charger, accessories for attaching the remote control to the helmet and wrist.

The body has a slot for memory cards up to 64 GB, outputs Micro HDMI and MicroUSB 2.0. 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 makes the camera very interesting. The screen suffered from the miniature size, it is very small and it is difficult to make adjustments while driving (it is better to use a PU).

Camera cost: about 30,000 rubles.

• excellent picture quality, especially with XAVC S 50 Mbps;
• miniature size;
• stabilization system;
• splash-proof lens;
• accessories for mounting the camera;

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

Sony RX0 - top-end small format

The specs and size make it an action-packed camera, although the manufacturer defines it as compact. The main indicator is the presence of a waterproof case, which allows filming at a depth of 10 m.The device is shockproof, withstands a drop from a height of 2 m, which makes it possible to use the camera in extreme conditions.

Like all Sony cameras, the lens is a 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 footage. There are several modes for shooting: automatic with intelligent adjustment, manual in several formats, as well as with a high frame rate for creating a movie in slow motion. The matrix allows you to take videos and pictures in complete darkness, focusing is automatic and manual.

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

The control buttons are located on the top side. The one-inch 15.3MP Exmor RS ™ CMOS sensor allows super slow motion shooting at 960-1000 frames per second - this allows you to capture movements that are not visible to the eye. Image processing is provided by a high-speed BIONZ X processor.

The camera can take close-up shots of small objects, the minimum focal length is 50 cm. The camera does not have a stabilizer, so you can use a tripod, for it there is a socket 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 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The dedicated Sony Play Memories Mobile application allows you to control the operation of 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, for example, color tints). The rectangular shape of the camera is convenient for using various accessories, and the function of shooting with an inverted camera allows you to get the correct position of the picture.

Despite its diminutive size, the camera is technically equipped to obtain high-quality video images. The device features reliability, a rugged housing 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;
• shockproof, moisture protection;
• 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 the reason for the high price - these are high-tech devices.