The number of lovers of extreme activities and thrills (climbing, skydiving, snowboarding, surfing, and so on) is increasing every year. Many of them seek to make such entertainments on video so that in the future they can share their impressions with their friends. It is for such people that the so-called action cameras have been created, which differ in their light weight and dimensions, and can also be reliably fixed on various accessories (helmets, mounts or rotary tripods). One of the most interesting models was the Sony HDR-AS30V camera, an overview of which is presented in more detail below.
general description
The weight of the device, taking into account the installed battery, is 90 grams, while its dimensions are 82x47x25.4 millimeters. It should be noted that compared with the previous modification, the dimensions decreased by a quarter. The model comes standard with a cover with a built-in stereo microphone, which is designed to protect the device from dust, rain and snow. Moreover, the camera is quite durable, and therefore will not suffer when dropped from a height of one and a half meters. In general, for lovers of an active lifestyle with extreme risk who want to prove their achievements, the Sony HDR-AS30V model will be a very good solution. The feedback from the owners of the camera indicates that, due to its light weight and thoughtful design, the athlete’s movements are not shy and are not limited in any way. The battery used here is a lithium-ion battery, which takes about four hours to fully charge.
Technical equipment
The device is equipped with a CMOS sensor, which ensures high-resolution image capture. Moreover, a high-quality picture is obtained even in low light. The resolution of the matrix is 11.9 million pixels. The high-end Carl Zeiss Vario lens is one of the main strengths of the Sony HDR-AS30V camcorder. Its overview is quite extensive and allows you to capture an angle of up to 170 degrees, with excellent image quality in any part of the frame. It should be noted that the optics used in the model have already managed to prove themselves from the best side precisely in wide-angle lenses.
Construction and Management
The design of the Sony HDR-AS30V model is lightweight and at the same time reliable. It allows you to use the device in almost any weather conditions. It is not necessary to hold the camcorder in your hands for shooting - just fix it. The main controls are located on the side of the case. Pressing the buttons will not be difficult even with gloves.
Equipment
Depending on the region in which the model is implemented, the manufacturer may slightly change its configuration. Be that as it may, the instructions for using the device, a protective box, a cable for transferring images and videos to stationary microUSB media, adhesive fastening, the NP-BX1 battery pack and warranty are part of the standard equipment of the Sony HDR-AS30V camcorder. If necessary, the buyer can additionally purchase a remote control for a fee. Thanks to the latter, you can control the camera directly from your wrist via Wi-Fi. This portable device allows you to start or stop the shooting process, change settings and even crop images.
Movie options
Due to the presence of a powerful electronic filling in the model, video is shot by it at a frequency of 60 frames per second in Full HD format. In addition, with the Slow Motion effect, the device is capable of creating HD recordings at a frequency of 120 frames per second. In general, this Sony digital video camera is capable of shooting video in six modes. Their choice depends on the wishes of the user and the size of the installed memory card. If necessary, the shooting can be slowed down two or four times. The resulting smooth video, as well as fairly clear frames during vibration and shaking, are the result of the functioning of an effective stabilization system called SteadyShot. For high-quality work at high speed, as well as when performing tricks on a skateboard, bicycle or motorcycle, an ultra-smooth shooting mode is provided. When activated, recording is performed at a frequency of up to 60 frames per second. It should be noted and excellent sound settings when shooting video.
Functionality
A rather interesting feature that the Sony HDR-AS30V received was automatic video correction. It is used when watching videos that were shot when the device was in the upside down position. In order to ensure the completeness of the image taken from various angles of the picture, the developers have provided for the possibility of combining the material captured simultaneously by two cameras into a single whole - Two-Screen Multi View. A smartphone or tablet can act as a remote control for the model. To instantly connect the camera to such devices, you need to activate the One Touch Near Field Communication function . Moreover, users have the option to download the PlayMemories Home app to the Sony HDR-AS30V camera. The reviews of many of them are a clear confirmation of the fact that in this case, three or even four video clips can be combined quite qualitatively.
Photo mode
There are times when taking pictures is much more preferable than video recordings. All that is needed in this case for the model owner is to enable the corresponding mode on his device. The result is pretty high-quality photos with a resolution of 11.9 megapixels. Moreover, the model provides the ability to perform automatic serial shooting. Controlling the camera in this mode is as simple as using a regular camera.
Wireless connection
An important feature that the Sony camcorder of this model boasts is its equipped with a Wi-Fi module. It serves to transfer files directly to a smartphone or other compatible device, as well as to implement the remote control function. Connecting the camera with the use of One Touch Near Field Communication technology, as noted above, is carried out with just one touch.
GPS module
In addition, the Sony HDR-AS30V camcorder has a built-in GPS module, which opens up a number of additional features for its owner. It is able to record the location, trajectory and speed of movement of the device due to the Map View function. All this information is recorded in a separate file. If you work with video, frames will be displayed starting from the starting point of the route. In the case when the photo mode is activated, frames are recorded with points and information about the location of captured objects. When using the Multi View function, indicators can be superimposed on the video as a visual speedometer.
Data storage and transmission
The camcorder is suitable for two types of memory cards - Memory Stick Micro and Micro SD (fourth class and higher). Data can be transferred to stationary media via the USB port or by using the Wi-Fi module mentioned above. In addition, users have access to a high-speed HDMI interface. Thanks to him, you can view videos and photos on a large plasma screen directly from the camera. It should be noted that the fact that the standard configuration does not provide for the cable to connect through this output.
Cost and optional accessories
The price of the Sony HDR-AS30V camcorder in the US market starts at $ 248. At the same time, buyers from Russia and the CIS countries will have to pay at least 365 dollars for the device. In addition, the manufacturer offers a number of additional accessories and devices designed for fixing and carrying the camera. These include belts, frames, suction cups, head mounts, car chargers and many other devices. Along with this, attention should be paid to the fact that their cost is considerable, despite the simplicity, as it might seem at first glance.
conclusions
Summing up, it should be noted that the Japanese manufacturer is positioning the Sony HDR-AS30V model as a video camera for adventure lovers and dynamic plots. This is evidenced by its main advertising slogan. In general, the model is fully consistent with this phrase, because, being a multi-functional, compact and lightweight device, it allows you to qualitatively capture your favorite pastime. You can fix it anywhere, but manage it without even getting out of the case. Moreover, the owner of the camera has the ability to quickly process the captured material and share it with his friends on social networks.