Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
Action cameras have become an essential part of travel. Many bloggers share their impressions of exciting trips around the world, recording countless videos on similar devices. Their advantages are simple: compactness, ease of use and rather long autonomy. However, there are drawbacks that relate to the level of quality and equipment capabilities: as a rule, such cameras are very limited in applicability due to the lack of the ability to change the lens.
Over the past few years, Sony gadgets have demonstrated the highest quality growth in the segment. In this regard, the editors of the magazine, with the support of analysts from the rankquality.com resource, decided to compile a rating of the best action cameras of this Korean company, and also talk about what you need to pay attention to when choosing a good and workable model. The following were chosen as criteria for selecting products for the rating:
- technical indicators of cameras;
- customer reviews and in-house expert opinions;
- cost parameter;
- level of reliability and equipment (equipment).
How to choose an action camera
When choosing an action camera, many buyers start from the basic indicators of the matrix, namely the number of megapixels, which affects the quality of shooting. This approach takes place, but we recommend paying attention to other parameters:
Form factor. This aspect is responsible for the shape of the action camera. At the present stage, only 3 form factors are distinguished:
- rectangular or square is a traditional type of device that is easy to find in any store. As a rule, such cameras are cheap and it is for them that the bulk of additional equipment is developed.
- cubic – a more voluminous type of action cameras, combining ease of manipulation and a pleasant design. It has no fundamental differences from traditional models, but it almost always costs more.
- in the form of glasses – the most advanced type of action cameras that are integrated into the tourist goggles. Allows you to capture footage from the first person, i.e. observe the surroundings with the operator's eyes. They are expensive, so they are not so common in hardware stores.
Resolution. This parameter determines whether the cameras are amateur or professional. At this stage of development, amateur gadgets are considered to be shooting in HD (1280×720) or Full HD (1920×1080) resolution. But those cameras that shoot in Ultra HD (3480×2160) are considered to be pro-devices.
On the one hand, the higher the resolution, the more detailed and high-quality the content is. However, it will take up more space in the device's memory, which will require you to purchase a capacious (and expensive) flash card.
Frame frequency. This aspect of video is usually inseparable from resolution. It's simple: the higher the fps, the smoother the video will be. To achieve acceptable shooting results, only 30 frames per second at 1920×1080 pixels are enough. However, devices are now widespread, the frame rate of which can reach 60 and even 120 per second.
Stabilization type. There are 2 main types of image stabilization:
electronic (digital) – the task of compensating for jitter and blurring of the frame is solved using the central processor. It crops up to 10% of the image around the perimeter, thereby increasing the clarity of the picture without using a tripod.
- optical – a fundamentally different stabilization method that preserves the original image size. Any deflection of the camera is compensated by rotating the lens in the opposite direction. As a result, the picture is clear and smooth. Such devices are more expensive and consume more energy from the built-in battery.
Control. In simple models of action cameras, control is carried out manually using buttons on the body. More modern and advanced devices can be controlled via the remote control, as well as via a smartphone, thanks to a special application and connection via Wi-Fi / Bluetooth.
Matrix. And finally, we should talk about the matrix. As the segment of action cameras progressed, experts began to divide the models depending on the power of this element:
- 5-8 megapixels is a good solution for those who want to shoot in HD and Full HD resolution. It copes well with its functions during the day, but it manifests itself much worse at dusk and at night.
- 8-20 megapixels are more interesting matrix options that allow you to record video in the dark. These options work perfectly with Ultra HD 4k resolution, but we recommend paying extra attention to the backlight quality.
Top Sony Action Cameras
| Nomination | a place | Name of product | price |
| Top Sony Action Cameras | 1 | Sony FDR-X3000 R | RUB 28,990 |
| 2 | Sony FDR-X3000 | RUB 23,990 | |
| 3 | Sony HDR-AS50 R | RUB 19,990 | |
| 4 | Sony HDR-AS300 | RUB 16,990 | |
| 5 | Sony HDR-AS50 | RUB 12,990 |
Sony FDR-X3000R
Rating: 4.9
This action camera model is perfect for creating impressive content, even when driving at high speed. It features a single 8.2 Megapixel effective resolution Exmor R CMOS sensor for stills and movies. At the same time, the maximum resolution corresponds to the Ultra HD 4K format. It is worth noting the shooting frequency of 30 frames per second. This is more than enough for professional content.
The Sony FDR-X3000R is equipped with an optical image stabilizer that monitors the angles of camera movement around a fixed axis. Such a measure avoids blurring of the image in photographs and videos. Thanks to the capacious battery, the device can work autonomously for up to 2.5 hours – this is also worthy of praise.
Advantages
- can work in the cold – frost-resistant;
- stylish design solution;
- remote control available;
- there is protection against moisture and water;
- the presence of an optical stabilizer.
disadvantages
- no ND filter for bright light operation.
Sony FDR-X3000
Rating: 4.8
The second line of the rating goes to the FDR-X3000 – a simplified version of a solid next-generation action camera. Thanks to its 8-megapixel sensor, it provides excellent shooting in all modes. It has excellent battery life and optical image stabilization to avoid blurring photos and videos.
Among other things, the Sony FDR-X3000 has a 3x digital zoom function and can record adequate quality even at total zoom. The gadget comes with only one lens from Carl Zeiss Tessar, but it is also enough to produce high-quality and varied content. There is also a system of automatic focusing of the image, which is important. In conclusion, we note that the camcorder is capable of operating in standalone mode for up to 2.5 hours thanks to a 1240 mAh lithium-ion battery.
Advantages
- there are no extraneous noise when shooting;
- excellent image stabilization even with severe camera shake;
- high quality of the footage;
- compactness and lightness of the model (114 grams);
- shooting at intervals is possible;
- battery charge for 2.5 hours of continuous operation.
disadvantages
- lens that is not resistant to scratches and abrasion.
Sony HDR-AS50R
Rating: 4.7
Sony HDR-AS50R belongs to the younger Sony series cameras. It has an 11.1 megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor. Unlike the FDR series, the maximum resolution of photo and video recording is 1920 x 1080 pixels, which corresponds to the format Full HD.
The analogies between the HDR-AS50R and the competitors above can be drawn in terms of peripheral equipment. The presented model uses Carl Zeiss Tessar optics, which are identical to those used on the FDR-series. The aperture of the camera has a focal length of F2.8, which makes it possible to quite strongly influence the depth of field and thereby improve exposure. The battery life of the device reaches 3 hours thanks to the capacious lithium-ion battery. Due to the fact that the model supports a mobile application, and also has a Wi-Fi module, the user has the opportunity to control the camera directly from his smartphone. The set also includes a remote control of the Live-View family, but if it is lost, a duplicate remote control system based on a mobile phone will come to the rescue.
Advantages
- excellent stabilization;
- shockproof plastic case;
- there are no extraneous sound interference even during filming in a noisy area;
- the presence of an ultra wide-angle lens;
- backlighting from the back of the camcorder;
- compactness and lightness (83 grams).
disadvantages
- with remote control, rare failures may occur;
- a small viewing angle that creates a fish-eye effect.
Sony HDR-AS300
Rating: 4.6
Another representative of action cameras Full HD 1080p, which support shooting widescreen videos and have a matrix with a resolution of at least 8 megapixels. The camera is equipped with a liquid crystal screen and an optical image stabilizer, so that media content can be recorded even with dynamic, 'ragged' movement. The body of the device is made with the support of high standards of quality and protection, so that neither dust nor moisture can get under it (thanks to the aqua box in the kit, it can easily dive to a depth of 60 meters).
The Sony HDR-AS300 is perfect for long excursions into nature: the camera's battery lasts up to 2.55 hours, allowing you to capture the brightest moments. The gadget is equipped with a built-in GPS sensor, a Wi-Fi module and Bluetooth, as well as a whole scattering of ports for flash cards and other drives.
Advantages
- excellent low-light shooting;
- there is stabilization, which allows you to eliminate blurring of the picture even with sharp movements;
- compact and ergonomic body;
- lightness (only 109 grams);
- excellent quality of the recorded sound (however, there is no filtering of high-frequency noise)
disadvantages
- the camera turns on slower than competitors;
- there is no port protection for a flash card: it can be inserted either side, even with a slight skew.
Sony HDR-AS50
Rating: 4.5
The cheapest and unremarkable, but at the same time, the favorite of users, the representative of action cameras from Sony. The HDR-AS50 has an 11-megapixel CMOS sensor, which does not behave well in twilight and night, but allows you to get a juicy and detailed picture in good daylight. The focal length of the lens is adjustable from 18.4 to 21.8 millimeters, thereby making it possible to change the camera capture angle and situationally adapt to the events being captured.
Unlike competitors, this device has an electronic image stabilizer – the picture may slightly shake when recording in motion. There is little to complain about, however: consumers value the camera's potential and ability in terms of the purchase price. In addition to Full HD recording, it provides a whole set of additional 'gadgets' that allow you to shoot both on land and underwater. By the way, don't forget about the low weight of 53 grams, which makes the HDR-AS50 the lightest device in the rating.
Advantages
- the lightest representative of the rating (53 grams);
- quite powerful matrix of 11 megapixels;
- electronic image stabilizer;
- attractive appearance;
- low price.
disadvantages
- despite the presence of an aqua box, the camera requires the purchase of an additional lens for shooting underwater;
- image may 'shake' due to electronic stabilization limitations.
Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
