If you are actively involved in extreme sports, you have definitely thought about purchasing such a useful thing as an action camera. But you still need to be able to choose. Of course, there are recognized masterpieces like GoPro that need neither introduction nor verification, but these things are very expensive. And in the budget segment, the devil will break his leg. Therefore, we decided to help you and present one very good camera. We are talking about the Sony HDR AS50. Reviews about it, as well as technical characteristics, we will consider in this material. Let's start with the package.
Package
Let's start with what package this camera has. It is worth mentioning that it comes in a small box (which looks more like a smartphone package) in black with the Sony logo on the board. The box is made of high quality thick cardboard. There is very little information on the packaging itself. Only the most important. But we are interested in what is located in the box itself. There you can find things like this.
- Sony HDR AS50 camera itself.
- Micro USB cable for connecting to a computer and charging.
- Standard power charger box.
- Waterproof case.
- Set of various information leaflets.
- User's manual in Russian.
- Warranty card.
That's it. Of course, the kit is not particularly generous, but for a camera at this price, this is quite enough. The Sony HDR AS50 action camera, which we will review a little later, is a pretty good device for shooting high-quality videos. And you will be convinced of this after we talk about the technical characteristics of the camera. But first, let's talk about the design.
Design and dimensions
Let's start with the fact that the Sony HDR AS50 camcorder, which we will review in the next section, is distinguished by its miniature size and light weight. And this is understandable, because it should be easily attached to the helmet of a cyclist, for example, or to the steering wheel of a vehicle. On the right side of the device is a small monochrome LCD display. It shows information about the selected video quality, remaining battery power, memory card space, and other information needed to use the camera. There are also buttons for setting the features of the device.
The left side of the device is almost completely empty. The lens is on the front. A little bit farther- image stabilization button (unfortunately, it is exclusively software here). On the bottom of the camera there is a battery compartment, a memory card slot and a screw hole for mounting the camera on a tripod. This same hole has standard dimensions and is compatible with various accessories. In general, the design of the camera is strict and classic. If I may say so. The body color is always black. There are no compromises here.
User feedback on design
So, we have reviewed the appearance of the action camera Sony HDR AS50 (black). User reviews about the appearance are mixed. There are both positive and negative. But we'll start with the positives. Almost all those who have purchased a camera for themselves claim that its design is very successful. The black color of the case suits this device perfectly, as the case gets dirty less and nothing distracts the user from shooting. Users also note that the miniature size of the camera is also a big advantage. Thanks to them, you can take it with you anywhere. Light weight also plays a positive role. The hand does not get tired during long shooting. And this is good news. At the same time, some users say that Sony could install a better display, since this one cannot even be used as a viewfinder. But this is the only reason for complaints about the design and construction of this camera.
Camera specifications
So we got to the most interesting part. Now it's timetalk about the characteristics of the Sony HDR AS50 action camera, reviews of which we will consider a little later. So, the camera is equipped with a high-quality f / 2.8 ZEISS Tessar lens, which allows you to shoot even at dusk. The resolution of the matrix is 11.1 megapixels, which is not so much. It is clear that the camera will not pull video in 4K. And indeed it is. The maximum video resolution is Full HD (1920 by 1080 pixels) at 60 frames per second. With HD resolution (1280 by 720 pixels), the speed can reach 120 frames per second. There is image stabilization. But only software. The camera supports micro SD memory cards, but it requires speed class 10 cards. Otherwise, the performance of the device will not be up to par.
Battery life and more
The camera is also equipped with a Li-Pol battery, which ensures the operation of the device for 2 hours. But it is not exactly. The fact is that the battery life entirely depends on what video resolution is selected for recording, and if it is high, then the camera life is significantly reduced. Nevertheless, even what remains is quite enough to record a high-quality video. The camera also has a very clear menu, although there is no Russian language in it. A separate button on the case is responsible for enabling software stabilization. This option is implemented very conveniently and efficiently. Although the classic optical stabilization is very lacking, because the software does not always do its job well.
Quality of videos taken by the camera
Now let's talk about how the Sony HDR AS50 shoots. Customer feedback on this topic will be discussed in the next chapter. It should be noted right away that it is better not to expect special miracles from the camera. It uses a budget matrix and quite an ordinary lens. In Full HD, this camera shoots decently. But only in good light. As soon as dusk falls, there is a lot of soap and noise. Of course, about this we expected, but not in such quantities. It was somehow even strange to see such artifacts in a camera from Sony. The inclusion of software stabilization also did not really improve the situation. In general, the aperture ratio of the lens is very lacking. But underwater shooting is simply amazing. It's all in the complete underwater case. It is equipped with a flat lens, which allows you not to distort the picture when shooting. A very useful thing. The good news is that the camera produces an honest 60 frames per second when shooting in Full HD. At least they did it right.
User reviews of the camera
So, we have considered the characteristics of the camera. And what do all those who have already purchased the Sony HDR AS50 BC think about this? Reviews are different. Both positive and negative. And the latter for some reason more. Let's start with them. Almost all users note that the picture quality when shooting is good only during the day. In the evening, no matter how hard you try, you can’t get rid of the soap. And people really don't like it. It's still Sony. Such a large and respectedA brand must have at least some commitment to its customers. But no. The company continues to produce just such cameras. By the way, some users compare this model with the AS200 from the same manufacturer, which is already five years old. And they are surprised to notice that the picture is almost the same. There is nothing surprising here. The "stuffing" of the cameras is almost identical. Moreover, in the AS50, the camera of the picture is also programmatically curtailed. Well, not disgusting on the part of "Sony"? But the manufacturer can also be understood. He needs to sell more expensive cameras. In general, in this camera, users praise only the picture quality in daylight.
A little about the underwater case
We have already talked about the characteristics of the Sony HDR AS50, reviews of which are recommended to be studied before buying, and the design. Now it's time to take a look at this interesting accessory that comes with the camera. This is a special case for underwater photography. It is made of transparent soft plastic and has a sealed design. It does not let air or water through at all. The case has duplicate camera settings controls. They are located exactly where the corresponding buttons are located on the camera body. But the most interesting thing is the lens. She is completely flat. And this is good, since a lens of this design helps to avoid distortion when shooting. If it had a different shape, then the picture would have been fisheye. And this can be considered a distortion. And even a defect. In general, the protective cover is madequalitatively. There is no doubt about its reliability. It will serve faithfully for quite some time.
User reviews about the case
Now let's talk about what users think about the Sony HDR AS50 Underwater Camera Case. Reviews of the owners on this occasion are favorable. They think that this is a very nice bonus from Sony. Previously, only top-end products of the company were equipped with such a case. Users say that the case does its job perfectly. With it, you can shoot amazing videos of the underwater world. And some users use it as protection when shooting in extreme conditions. Of course, it will not protect much from impact and fall. But from rain, mud splashes and other things, it will help a lot. In general, users are satisfied with this bonus. Some even claim that it eliminates the shortcomings of the camera itself. And it was worth spending money on it, if only because I got such a cool case with it.
Should I get this camera?
It's not an easy question. And to answer it, you will have to remember everything that we talked about a little higher. If you are on a budget and are looking for a camera to simply shoot your bike rides in daylight, then you can safely get the Sony HDR AS50 BC action camera. User reviews say that in good lighting it shoots perfectly. And as a nice bonus, you will get a great case with a flat lens for underwater shooting. If your goal is to shoot adventures with a lack of light, then it is better to save up money andsplurge on something more impressive. Since with a lack of light, this camera does not do its job well. However, for the most part, the final choice depends solely on your personal preferences. We can only recommend this or that product. And conclusions are already your prerogative.
Conclusion
Now let's summarize and summarize all the information written above. We took a closer look at the interesting Sony HDR AS50 action camera. The user reviews of this product tell us that for the most part it is a good device with some shortcomings. However, even it is able to shoot video in decent quality. And there is no need to splurge on expensive GoPros and others like them. But the most important thing is that this product belongs to the budget category. And for an entry-level device, it has very good characteristics. Not to mention the amazing underwater case that comes with it.
