The number of lovers of extreme activities and thrills (mountaineering, skydiving, snowboarding, surfing, and so on) is increasing every year. Many of them strive to film such entertainments on video so that they can share their impressions with their friends in the future. It is for such people that the so-called action cameras are created, which are distinguished by their low weight and dimensions, and can also be securely fixed on various accessories (helmets, mounts or swivel tripods). One of the most interesting models was the Sony HDR-AS30V camera, which is reviewed 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 mm. It should be noted that compared with the previous modification, the dimensions have decreased by a quarter. The standard package of the model includes a case with a built-in stereo microphone, which is designed to protect the device from dust, rain and snow. Moreover, the camera is quite durable andTherefore, it will not suffer when falling from a height of up to one and a half meters. In general, for connoisseurs of an active lifestyle with extreme risk who want to prove their achievements, the Sony HDR-AS30V model will be a very good solution. Feedback from camera owners 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 is a lithium-ion battery that takes about four hours to fully charge.
Technical equipment
This device is equipped with a CMOS sensor that captures high resolution images. Moreover, a high-quality picture is obtained even in low light. The matrix resolution is 11.9 million pixels. The high-end Carl Zeiss Vario lens is one of the highlights of the Sony HDR-AS30V camcorder. Its review is quite extensive and allows you to capture an angle of up to 170 degrees, with excellent image quality in any fragment of the frame. It should be noted that the optics used in the model has already proven itself from the best side in wide-angle lenses.
Design and control
The Sony HDR-AS30V is lightweight and durable at the same time. 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. Main elementscontrols are located on the side of the case. The buttons are easy to press even with gloves on.
Package
Depending on the region in which the model is sold, the manufacturer may slightly change its configuration. Be that as it may, the standard equipment of the Sony HDR-AS30V camcorder includes instructions for using the device, a protective box, a cable for transferring images and videos to stationary microUSB media, an adhesive mount, an NP-BX1 battery pack and a warranty. If necessary, the buyer can additionally purchase a remote control for a fee. Thanks to the latter, the camera can be controlled directly from the wrist via Wi-Fi. This portable device allows you to start or stop shooting, change settings and even crop images.
Movie settings
Due to the presence of a powerful electronic filling in the model, it shoots video 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 camcorder 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, shooting can be slowed down by two or four times. The resulting smooth video, as well as fairly clear frames with vibration and shaking, are the result offunctioning 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 carried out at a frequency of up to 60 frames per second. It is impossible not to note the excellent sound parameters when shooting video.
Functionality
A rather interesting feature that the Sony HDR-AS30V model has received is automatic video correction. It is applied when watching videos that were taken while the device was in an upside down position. In order to ensure the completeness of the image taken from different angles, the developers have provided the ability to combine material taken 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, the One Touch Near Field Communication feature must be activated. What's more, users can download the PlayMemories Home app on the Sony HDR-AS30V camera. The reviews of many of them are a clear confirmation that in this case it is possible to combine three or even four video fragments quite well.
Photo Mode
There are times when taking pictures is much more preferable than video recordings. All that is needed in this case for the owner of the model is to enable the appropriate mode on his device. As a resultquite high-quality photos with a resolution of 11.9 megapixels are obtained. Moreover, the model provides the ability to perform automatic continuous shooting. Operating the camera in this mode is as easy as using a regular camera.
Wireless
An important feature that Sony's camcorder of this model can boast of is that it is equipped with a Wi-Fi module. It is used to transfer files directly to a smartphone or other compatible device, as well as to implement the remote control function. Connecting a camera using One Touch Near Field Communication technology, as noted above, is done with just one touch.
GPS module
Among other things, 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 fix 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, the frames will be displayed starting from the starting point of the route. In the case when the photo mode is activated, frames are fixed with points and information about the location of the captured objects. When using the Multi View function, the metrics may be superimposed on the video as a visual speedometer.
Storage and transmission of data
The camcorder accepts two types of memory cards - Memory Stick Micro and Micro SD(fourth grade and above). Data transfer to stationary media can be carried out via the USB port or by using the Wi-Fi module mentioned above. In addition, high-speed HDMI interface is available to users. Thanks to him, you can view videos and photos on a large plasma screen directly from the camera. At the same time, it should be noted that the standard package does not provide for a cable for connecting through this output.
Cost and optional accessories
The price of the Sony HDR-AS30V camcorder in the US market starts at $248. Along with this, buyers from Russia and the CIS countries will have to pay at least $ 365 for the device. In addition, the manufacturer offers a number of additional accessories and devices designed to fix and carry the camera. These include straps, cages, suction cups, head mounts, car chargers, and more. At the same time, it should be emphasized that their cost is considerable, despite the simplicity, as it may seem at first glance.
Conclusions
Summing up, it should be noted that the Japanese manufacturer is positioning the model Sony HDR-AS30V as a camcorder for lovers of adventure and dynamic scenes. This is evidenced by its main advertising slogan. In general, the model fully corresponds to this phrase, because, being a multifunctional, compact and lightweight device, it allows high-qualityrecord your favorite activity. You can fix it anywhere, and manage it without even taking it out of the case. Moreover, the owner of the camera has the ability to quickly process the footage and share it with his friends on social networks.
