News

Taking on GoPro’s Hero+, Sony’s newly released HDR-AS50 action cam features greatly enhanced image stabilization, improved mounting options, and better waterproofing. The AS50 records 1080p Full HD at 60fps, as well as capturing slow-motion footage at 120fps in standard HD. 4K video is also offered, but this is only available as part of the camera’s time-lapse feature.

The new video cam sports a Zeiss Tessar f/2 lens plus a new 11.1-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, which promises improved low-light capabilities and better image clarity. Crucially, for underwater photographers, with the included MPK-UWH1 housing, the AS50 is good down to depths of up to 200 feet (60 meters).

The new action cam will retail for $200 (including underwater housing).

For more information, check out the press release below.
 

PRESS RELEASE

Sony Introduces Latest Action Cam with Enhanced Functionality and Design

New HDR-AS50 Model Delivers High Quality POV Video at Great Value

LAS VEGAS, Jan 5, 2016 – Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging, has today introduced the latest addition to its acclaimed Action Cam POV camera lineup, the HDR-AS50 model.

The new camera brings the benefits of Sony’s latest and most innovative video technologies to more customers than ever before, including SteadyShot™ image stabilization, smooth zoom and field angle adjustability, high-bitrate XAVC S™ video recording (4) and 4K Time-lapse capture. There is also a new, smaller, lighter Live-View Remote that acts as a perfect complement to the new Action Cam. It is offered together with the camera in a kit, model HDR-AS50R.

The new action camera features an 11.1 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor paired with a ZEISS® Tessar lens and utilizes SteadyShot image stabilization to keep footage steady and smooth when shooting everything from motocross stunts to aerial landscapes. The stabilization system is also specially tailored to reduce low amplitude vibration typically caused by radio-controlled helicopters or drones.

New to the HDR-AS50, users can now adjust the field angle of a shot with “wide” (1) and “narrow” options available to help ensure the scene is captured properly based on the environment. The new camera also features an enhanced 3x smooth zoom, allowing shooters to get even closer to the action during movie recording.

Based on extensive feedback from athletes, filmmakers and more casual users, the HDR-AS50 offers an enhanced interface with larger, more intuitive icon and button operability. Additionally, the new Live-View Remote (2) acts as an extension of the camera, with the ability to fully control its capabilities including start/stop recording, power on/off and more. Thanks to its versatile design, the remote can also be attached to various accessories such as Shooting Grip (model VCT-STG1) and Handlebar Mount (model VCT-HM2) using supplied mount adaptor, or worn as a wristband using supplied strap. As with select Action Cam models, users can also control the AS50 with their smartphones and tablets (3) through use of the PlayMemories Mobile application. The new camera also has adjustable beep sounds as well as three tally lights on the top, front and back to allow greater awareness of recording settings in bright or noisy environments.

The HDR-AS50 model is compatible with the high bitrate XAVC S format (4), allowing it to capture all scenes with impressive detail and resolution, and has a Time-lapse Capture feature that shoots still images in pre-set intervals. The images can then be turned into a stunning 4K time-lapse movie utilizing the Action Cam Movie Creator software. (5) The Action Cam App can also create Time-lapse movies in Full HD (6).

Additionally, Sony’s own in-built movie creator – Highlight Movie Maker – is available in the AS50 model. The innovative feature, which now utilizes face detection technology, automatically assembles a video highlight package that can be viewed, paired with custom music.

The HDR-AS50 comes with a large range of accessories including a supplied Underwater Housing MPK-UWH1 that is certified down to 197 ft. / 60m in depth. An optional Cap Clip accessory (AKA-CAP1) is a perfect fit to any casual uses from travel to fishing.

Pricing and Availability

The new Sony HDR-AS50 Action Cam will be sold for about $200 and is packaged with the Underwater Housing MPK-UWH1. The HDR-AS50R adds the new Live-View Remote and will cost about $350.

Both products will be available next month at authorized dealers nationwide.

(1) Only available when SteadyShot is OFF.
(2) Not sold separately. Included only as part of the HDR-AS50R kit.
(3) Camera on/off control requires Bluetooth 4.0 compatible smartphone or tablet with PlayMemories Mobile ver. 5.5 (iPhone/iPad or Android ver.5.0 or later).
(4) 50Mbps movie shooting requires micro SDHC/SDXC Memory Card (Class10).
(5) With version 5.1 for windows and 3.1 for Mac
(6) Requires version 2.0 or later of the application. Available for Android and iOS.