Description
Product Description
Bring on the action with the only mountable camera that captures it all in legendary Sony video quality. Shoot shake-free with image stabilization and enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC that lets you remote control, view and transfer with your smartphone. GPS maps your location and speed, while you record in Full HD 1080/60p or even 4x slo mo. It’s ready, are you?
From the Manufacturer
Bring on the action with the only mountable camera that captures it all in legendary Sony video quality. Shoot shake-free with image stabilization and enjoy Wi-Fi® connectivity with NFC that lets you remote control, view and transfer with your smartphone. GPS maps your location and speed, while you record in Full HD 1080/60p or even 4x slo mo. It’s ready,
are you?
Technology
SteadyShot™ image stabilization reduces blur
SteadyShot™ image stabilization with Active Mode compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver stunningly smooth video.
Built-in Wi-Fi® and one touch NFC for remote control and viewing via smartphone
Turn compatible smartphones and tablets in to remote control viewing devices via Wi-Fi® and One Touch Near Field Communication (NFC). You’ll be able to frame your shots to ensure you’re capturing the
best video.
Built-in GPS plots location and calculates telemetry
Built-in GPS can be used in conjunction with the free PlayMemories™ Home software to track your speed and performance. Location, trail and speed information add more layers to your ability to analyze your performance that can be captured and displayed on your video.
6 video modes including 1080/60p HD and 4x
slow motion
Six video shooting modes are available for flexible shooting scenarios. Record in Full HD 1920×1080/60p for beautiful smooth video. HQ mode delivers full-HD quality for the highest image resolution. Three standard HD modes are provided: STD mode, 2x SLOW and 4x SSLOW.
Ultra wide 170° pro quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® lens
The professional quality, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens allows you to shoot high quality video and still images, and its ultra-wide viewing angle (170-degrees) lets you capture breathtaking landscapes and terrain anywhere you go.
Exmor R® CMOS sensor with enhanced sensitivity for beautiful images
Experience stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain with Sony’s back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS sensor.
Additional Features
Ruggedized, waterproof housing2 with universal tripod mount included
The Sony® HDR-AS30V ships with a ruggedized, waterproof housing with universal tripod mount that is built to handle extreme environments, allowing you to concentrate on safety and composition while capturing Full HD videos. Within the housing, the camera is waterproof down to 16 feet and has a shock resistance rating for up to 5 foot drops plus dirt and dust resistant seals that help make it nearly impervious to mud, snow, rain, and grime.
Remote control operation with optional Live View Remote
Using optional Live View Remote accessory you can control the HDR-AS30V via Wi-Fi1. This multi-functional watch allows you to frame your shots and control the camera’s recording settings and start/stop record.
Capture amazing high quality 12MP still images in photo mode
Put your HDR-AS30V in still image mode and capture amazing high quality 12MP still images with a single press of the button.
Built-in stereo mic for quality sound recording
A built-in stereo microphone allows you to capture all the exciting sounds of your adventure.
Thin, light-weight, slim design
Thin and slim-line design receives less wind and water pressure and it is ideal for outdoor activities such as cycling. It can be used with a variety of mounting accessories to capture hands-free POV HD video while engaged in a wide spectrum of outdoor activities, including extreme sports. As compared to first generation Action Cam (HD-AS15) the new HDR-AS30V is 35% lighter and 25% smaller. The camera can be operated with simple buttons on the side of the housing.
Memory Stick Micro™ and Micro SD/SDHC compatible
Expandable memory with Memory Stick Micro™ and Micro SD/SDHC card slot.
HDMI® output for easy file transfer
With HDMI® output, you’ll be able to share your Sony® HDR-AS30V video with friends and family on your HDTV (HDMI cable required/not included).
Accessories
Headmount Kit
VCTGM1
Suction Cup Mount
PFVCTSC1
Handlebar Mount
VCTHM1
Ball Head Mount
ADPBH1
Versatile Skeleton Frame
AKASF1
Anti-Fog Sheet
AKAAF1
Camcorder Cradle with LCD unit
AKALU1
Compact System Case
LCMAKA1
Dog Harness
AKADM1
1. Requires NFC-compatible mobile device. Check device’s user manual for compatibility. Device cases may prevent connection.
2. While the “Live-View Remote” is water proofed, the Wi-Fi feature cannot be used when submerged in water. Available distance of the Wi-Fi depends on using environment and situation.
3. Waterproof down to 16-feet based on Sony testing
© 2013 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, SteadyShot, Exmor R and the Sony make.believe logo are trademarks of Sony. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Mac is a trademark of Apple, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Features and specifications subject to change without notice.
:-) –
HDR-AS30V vs GoPro Hero3+ BlackI was so on the fence regarding this camera and the GoPro.I ended up ordering the HDR-AS30V at first:Here is where the AS30V excells:*Great formfactor.*Great menu navigation.*GPS, NFC*Nice Waterproof case with a tripod mount on the bottom*Lower price point.*MicIn via 3.5mm jack.*Stereo Microphone.*Great image stabilization.Here is why I returned it:*Bad video compression.*Horrendous compression on the time-lapse photos(I don’t know if my camera had an issue, but the photo compression was inexcusable).*The WIFI app is pretty bad. Its choppy(although with less delay than the gopro) and you can only change certain settings(as opposed to most via the GoPro app). Didn’t see an ability to play back recorded videos either.*The bottom of the camera is round…so you can’t take it out of the case and put it down to record. The same issue arises if you try to plug in a microphone or usb power(the door for those is on the bottom and is non removable).*Don’t know if this was defect, but the back door(battery compartment) is way to easy to swing open.Here are my impressions with the GoPro after receiving it as a replacement:*The packaging is way more complete. You get a full size instruction booklet, some stickers, several doors to the case(so you can record and hear more).*The mount, although missing a tripod mount(you have to buy one), is tiltable, which the actioncam was missing. You also get the two types of sticky mounts, but ALSO, a swiveling arm.*The GoPro settings/resolutions/frame rates provide way more customization options than the ActionCam. You can set options for high bitrate video, etc..*Full featured app, with all kinds of settings, reviews of pre recorded videos, etc..*I was happy with the photo and video compression I got. The ability to record 4k/2k etc…is amazing(although I don’t think the GoPro Silver supports those modes).Overall, I found that with the GoPro, I was content with the features and presentation of the product. It is kind of disappointing that Sony, a huge company, under delivered. The price is definitely right as the 3+Black is a bit more than I was looking to spend initially. I hope they continue to develop the Action Cam, its just not there yet for me.P.S. If you are going for this for the 1080p60 as I was, it is available on the AS15V with a firmware update from what I understand.Feel free to ask questions or maybe highlight any oversights in my review.Thanks!
Picartist –
Finally Got It WorkingDoesn’ work. I bought the camera mid July, unfortunately just got around to setting it up after delays getting the right card, etc. I’ve charged the battery for at least 20 hours and still does not charge, amber light still showing. My guess is the battery is bad and at this point is over Amazon’s return policy. Not sure if the camera is good or bad, one star because I cannot charge it and get it set up. I’ll have to wait and see what Sony will do about a new battery but in the meantime I’ll buy another one and see if that is the issue since I bought the camera to photograph the fall foliage on a motorcycle. If I get it working, I’ll change my review accordingly.Update: I tried calling Sony customer support today, gave up on that after 49 minutes hold starting 8am EST. Then called accessories, finally talked to sales person and he said battery costs $54.99 but is out-of-stock and “will not be available until next year.”I think this will end up in my junk drawer with other stuff I’ve bought where they bring a product out and have no idea how tyhey will support it. SHOULD HAVE GONE WITH GOPRO AS OTHERS HAVE TOLD ME. STAY AWAY FROM SONY.uniUPDATEAfter buying a regular plug charger I got the battery working. Leaving it in a computer that goes into some kind of sleep mode will also stop the charging so after leaving it plugged into the computer over night it was not working. If the unit came with a low cost wall charger I would not have had any issues.
RG in SC –
Poor design, makes it cumbersome and difficult to use. PC software is OK, smart phone app is has very limited functionality.Interface is clumsy at best. Only way to delete videos or photos is with PC connected via USB. WiFi is sporadic. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Unit gets very hot and shuts off when WiFi is enabled and camera is in its case. The smartphone app is very limited and poorly designed. For example, some screens can’t return to previous screen unless you exit the app. Camera has to be in its case in order to mount it on anything. WiFi has to be enabled and connected to smart phone with app to see what the camera is looking at. Microphone jack is not accessible unless you hold the camera in your hand, because the jack is blocked when it’s in its case. GPS readings can’t be viewed while filming, only after playback by using overlay feature of software.The video quality and image stabilization are really good, battery life seems to be good, but the design and reliability are not good. I’m sending mine back and spending $50 more on the YI 4K Action Camera which has slightly better technical specs but more importantly, is much easier to operate and has a built in LCD screen that offers full control of the camera’s options.Update:When mounted to a bicycle (case has to be used), glare from sunlight reflects off of the plastic case and shows up on the video. The YI 4K Action Camera has the option to mount without a waterproof case, therefore no case glare is present on the video. Image stabilization of Sony vs YI 4K Action Camera finds that the Sony’s is inferior. Also, using the exact same handlebar mounting bracket (Arkon https://amzn.com/B00585CLVS ) for both cameras, the Sony picked up lots of noise from vibrations making it very hard to hear. The YI 4K Action Camera picked up very minimal vibrations. Vocal audio and street traffic audio was very muffled on the Sony and much clearer on the YI 4K Action Camera.
Michael H. Pettit –
Cheap solution for newbies. Just not for motovlogging.I’ll say right off of the bat that this isn’t worth the money.I bought this solely for motovlogging.Ended up having to buy the luxebell 14 in 1 accessory kit for the mounting equipment to mount on the side of my helmet so the camera faces upright and so I can rotate it.Had to buy a female to female 3.5mm adapter, 3.5mm male to male coord.Sony business microphone ecm-cs3 since the mic in the camera is terrible while riding.There is no way to use an external mic with the housing for the camera the way it is. I had to drill a hole in the side and slim up the 3.5 mm low profile jack and make it even more low profile with the wires exposed to get decent quality audio.So much work for thinking this would be a cheaper solution than a go pro.Next up is BATTERY. It honestly isn’t too shabby. I was able to record 1080p 60fps for 108minutes before it died. That is 108 minutes of non stop continuous recording.Image quality is OK at best. 60fps almost feels like it is interpolated 60fps and not real fpsAll in all I should have gotten a go pro. Better image quality. Better mounting solutions. Easy to use an external mic. It’s just more expensive, but you get what you pay for I guess!
don hsi –
excellent addition to a travel videographerAs a travel videographer, i need the equipment to be LIGHT. I use VG20, NEX 5n as B cam, plus numerous E mount lens. For action & wet shots, I now acquired the AS30 mainly for its light weight. Additionally, carl zeiss lens, excellent stablization, 720/120p super slow motion, video quality, exteral audio input option, direct HDMI out, and low cost are all very appealing. I find myself using this cam in more occasions due to its small profile and audio capability. The one-press recording button is extremely convinient to use, with auto on/off, very handy for one-man/one-hand operation. With proper casing, it goes quite deep under the water without worrying leaking. On a full charge, battery can shoot continuously for about 2 hours, I got an extra battery just in case.It’d be nice if the cam have tripod mount built-in. This way I can mount it on a tripod and connect external audio source and hdmi monitor. Also will be good if the cam have flat bottom so that it can stand-up by itself when placed on flat surface. Other than that, I have no complaints.Overall, this is a great addition to my equipment list for travel videography needs, while not adding much weight to my camera bag. The picture quality come out of this small wonder is amazing, works well with my VG20 and NEX 5N. When needed, color profile is easy to adjust duing post using Adobe premiere pro. Last but not the least, it is so much fun to play with 720/120p mode, this option added many potential for interesting shots.
J. Woodington –
Best action out there!Love this camera! I don’t understand why all the other action camera manufacturers don’t think stabilization is necessary. $400 cameras like gopro and many others make “action” videos are useless in my mind because they jump around and vibrate like crazy. Sure this vibration can be edited out afterwards if you have an expensive video editor and half a day but that’s a lot of work and let’s be honest…do you want to show friends your video when you get home or do you want to show them the video 2 weeks from now? This camera soaks up all the bumps and vibrations so you can see everything just as clear as you’re seeing it with your eyes. No editing requiring and the video is clean with no object tearing on the sides. There is always a little lens flaring when the sun is in your face but every camera does that.I attached this camera directly do my mountain bike and rode over some of fastest and roughest terrain I know and it looked like I floated over all of it.One bit of advice… The sound is pretty loud when you’re riding on rough terrain. If you just shove a thin piece of foam on the bottom of the case and then slide the camera in, the sound quality is so much better. I guess there is a tiny bit of play between camera and case to make it easier to get it in and out but in harsh terrain, it makes the sound bad.
Youflyifix –
I really like this cameraI really like this camera. IMHO it’s a great if not best alternative to the GoPro. I love the 120 FPS for slow mo. The bottom access door is not such a great design but I almost never need to access it. You do have to have it in its case to use the 1/4″x20 tpi mount but the GoPros are the same. I do recommend using some Rainx or similar product to keep the water bead off the front of the lens. Watch the sharp temp changes or you will get some fogging inside. I avoid this by letting the camera acclimate to the shooting environment before sealing up the case. I bought the wrist mount remote as well. Its very cool to use when I’m out paddling but it really kills the battery life. I would have to guess it cuts it in about half. I found it better to mount the camera within my reach and just start and stop it manually. The LCD screen is easy to read even without my glasses and menu navigation is very easy, better then the two GoPros I have used. This is most evident when changing the option to shoot with the camera inverted. When shooting underwater footage it does a good job but that is the one and only area the GoPro seems to out do the Sony….. but only by a little bit.
Timothy S. –
Great CameraGreat camera with a nice 1080p 60fps shot. I also bought the cradle with the 2 inch LCD screen (sold separately) so i can shoot some video and get the perfect angle. I read the user manual first that had a few warnings about overheating and the under water case. It does not heat up fast and over heating is normal, all you have to do is let it cool. For the underwater filming, they sell a Sony SPK-AS1 Waterproof Case (sold separately) for deeper underwater sport filming. The case that comes with the camera is the SPK-AS2 and is a little more water resistant and better for rain or beaches with sand and wind. This camera has some great features like the GPS mode where your speed and location will be displayed in real time film. your able to lower the quality or even set it to a 2x or 4x slow mode shot in 720p.Tip: If your going to film some sort of home movie then i suggest the LCD cradle.Con: The external microphone jack is in a bad spot and unable to use while in the LCD cradle.Pro: Fantastic quality shot in 1080p 60fps for half the price of a Go Pro™
O.E. Frik –
This camera replaced my GoProI bought this camera to compare with my Hero Black version. Sony has a GPS which the GoPro lacks. Sony also has a better image stabilisation. In all remaining areas, GoPro is ahead of the Sony. I cannot mount Sony upside down (I have to correct the orientation later on during edit) or adjust its angle like I can with the GoPro. Sony’s WiFi connection with the mobile application was a lot more finickier and the mobile application is limited compared to GoPro. Sony does not have a remote control like the GoPro. GoPro’s remote that I can wear it as a watch makes a huge difference to be able to control the camera and gives me a feedback about the status of the camera.Long term review: All my complaints have been solved by Sony over the time. 1) The new firmware allows me to mount the camera upside down. 2) Sony introduced an amazing remote control that allows me to remotely control the camera as well as display what’s being recorded. The battery life of the remote is amazing, it outlasts the battery of the camera by a factor of 3.This camera still has a superior image stabilization compared to GoPro. Also, Sony has a built-in GPS.
David S. Stevens –
I failed to notice a key aspectFirst, the video result (i.e. focus) was not as good as the YouTube comparisons I watched. Key aspects I wish I had noticed were that the camera is almost useless WITHOUT the waterproof housing (WH), since the universal threaded mounting hole is only in the WH. Otherwise, you can only carry it in your hand or in a certain headband mount that is poorly rated and vertically non-adjustable. Of immediate concern was that the little access panel to the underside of the camera, where the various ports are, is flimsy, doesn’t open completely and is held on with 2 tiny plastic hinge tabs that may eventually fatigue and break, so as you open it, it feels like you’re about to break it off if not careful.I’ll give it time to prove itself completely, but this and other nuisance properties are things I discovered right off the bat. Next time, I’ll bite the bullet and go the higher-priced GoPro.