Looks like Sony is getting into the POV market. Their not currently disclosing much in the way of details at this point but it looks as though it will use Sony’s SteadyShot image stabilization, Exmor R CMOS image sensor, and have an ultra-wide angle Carl Zeiss Tessar lens. The following links provide a little bit more information as well as pictures. Looks pretty interesting.

FIRST LOOK: Sony’s new action camera SONY make.believe (http://blog.sony.com/povcamera)

Sony's Action Cam prototype is incredibly small, we go fingers-on at CE Week in NYC -- Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/sonys-action-cam-hands-on/)

Of the two (the JVC and this).. I'd probably trust Sony first. But I have more than a sneaky feeling that many of their hoped-for markets are already well saturated.

Jim

1080p60 for $300 or less and I'm buying one (although I notice it doesn't say AVCHD on it, probably records MP4 files at 1440x1080 in 30P). I already have a bunch of GoPros but maybe the Sony will be able to get usable audio.

Having Steadyshot will be an improvement over my ContourHD would be nice if it had remote control though. Will wait and see when the real specs appear.

Ron Evans

Beats the GoPro in price at $200. Sony HD Action Camcorder | Action Cam | HDR-AS10/B | Sony USA (http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666484161)

Bummer they removed the tripod mount from the camera body that the concept version had. Waiting to see actual footage though.

My opinion matters not in the least...but I like the ergonomics of the GoPro (flatter, boxier) than elongated shapes such as this.
Good for them for adding an external mic input!

Looks like the record frame rate is only 30P too so no smooth action shots. Maybe Sony will have an upgraded model with 60P etc !!!

Ron Evans

Reading the full set of info now it looks like it does have 1280x720 at 60P. That's OK even if 1920x1080 60P would have been nice. The more I look at it seems like it may be a lot better than my ContourHD.

Ron Evans

Too bad it's 30p/60p only even in Europe, where 25p/50p is needed. Hard to believe that Sony made such a mistake. Without European formats, the HDR-AS15 is no option for me.

The 720/120p feature is what I'm excited about, that with the wifi ability means I can do some interesting things with this as a bird cam at feeders/perches etc.

The 720/120p feature is what I'm excited about, that with the wifi ability means I can do some interesting things with this as a bird cam at feeders/perches etc.

Where did you see any WiFi interface? It would be very good if it did have WiFi.
Ron Evans

my understanding was that WiFi is for the file transfer only, but i bought one anyways, 120fps @ 24Mbps - sweeeet!
Sony HDR-AS15 HD Action Camcorder with WiFi HDRAS15/B B&H Photo

Let us know what you think of it when you have had time to play.

Ron Evans

my understanding was that WiFi is for the file transfer only,

At about 1:30 into Engadget's hands on you can see them using a phone as a viewfinder. They mention being able to change settings also.

Sony's tiny ruggedized Action Cam gets official with 16MP Exmor R, WiFi, $199+ price tag (hands-on) -- Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/29/sony-action-cam-hands-on/)

wow even better!
but i still have to wait till the end of September :(

At about 1:30 into Engadget's hands on you can see them using a phone as a viewfinder. They mention being able to change settings also.

Sony's tiny ruggedized Action Cam gets official with 16MP Exmor R, WiFi, $199+ price tag (hands-on) -- Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/29/sony-action-cam-hands-on/)

Story says it has a "fixed zoom.". Well, which is it?

It's fixed at 2.5mm. 35mm equiv. is 15.3 and 21.3 with steadyshot on.


Interesting that it takes both G and X series batteries. It's not mentioned anywhere on the Sony store spec page or in the press release but the side of the camera is labeled with both X and G in addition to some photos showing both.

Here are the bit rates from Sony HD Action Camcorder | Action Cam with Wi-Fi | HDR-AS15/B | Sony USA (http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666484197#specifications)

"Movie Recording Rate(Average Bit Rate/VBR) : HQ:Approx.16Mbps/SSLOW:Approx.24Mbps/SLOW:Approx.12Mbps/STD:Approx.6Mbps/VGA:Approx.3Mbps"

If I am reading things correctly then 24 MBps for SSLOW looks ok but the other bit rates don't impress.

Sharp eye mark. That's disappointing.

Sony often get the specs wrong on the site. The 1280x720 is quoted as 30P but in brackets three speeds ? From other sources it is 60 and 120 too. 1920x1080 at 30P is about right for 17Mbps and 1280x720 would be fine at 24Mbps for the higher frame rates too. They are just not fully relating frame rates and recording bit rates. Maybe we will get the real information soon.

Ron Evans

I pre-ordered one so looking forward to trying it out.

I've tested it side by side with the GoPro Hero 2 and it doesn't hold up. It's softer, with slightly better in-camera color. I would stick with GoPro for sure.

How were you able to test it since it's not officially released?
Are you judging by eye or using other criteria?

I had the privilege of using a beta version. Judged by my eye. Just finished DP'ing a Nat Geo show.

Were the condition light or dark, image stabilizer on or off ( can it be turned on and off ?), 1920x1080 30P, 1280x720 60P or 120P.

Ron Evans

Full sun, 1080/30p.

Well, I'll take comfort in knowing that was a beta version. Hard to imagine how GP's image could be better.

I too will wait and see. The interest for me is the image stabilizer. With my ContourHD I always need to stabilizer video after I have shot skiing. This always makes the video soft as it has to rescale. Not having to stabilize as much in post may make the image good for my use. The image stabilizer and WiFi control at the cost makes the Sony very attractive as the same solution for either the Hero 2 or ContourHD + is a lot more expensive.

Ron Evans

Annen...did you by any chance use the Sony with its steadyshot circuitry on? That would cause a softer picture.

What I'm really looking forward to is the camcorder adapter that is due in November. I wonder what other controls will be gained. Exposure? Audio? I can't find any information on this adapter nor any pictures. Hopefully it will be just as light as the camera itself.

Annen...did you by any chance use the Sony with its steadyshot circuitry on? That would cause a softer picture.

What I'm really looking forward to is the camcorder adapter that is due in November. I wonder what other controls will be gained. Exposure? Audio? I can't find any information on this adapter nor any pictures. Hopefully it will be just as light as the camera itself.

What have you heard about this camcorder adapter? What I am wonder is how one uses the external mic input and then mount the camera? It seems like the only way to mount it to a tripod is with the plastic case and I don't see a way to use an external mic with it.

I've heard absolutely nothing. It seems like such a radical new concept....like a modular camera. (I've never liked the idea of a camera without a viewfinder, however. That makes no sense whatsoever.)

My guess is that the adapter which will convert the Action Cam into a handheld camera will snap on the bottom, making a pistol-like grip that will also have a small (2"?) fold-out screen. Should be very light, perhaps only doubling the total weight.

Well....I was fully expecting GoPro to release something at Photokina tomorrow and it doesn't appear they will be there at all.

I preordered the Sony today. I'm tired of this game.

Mine shipped from Sony and is on it's way. Hope to test it out this weekend.

Amazon is telling me mine should be here next Wednesday.

Anxiously awaiting your assessment!
Please try to compare to a Hero 2. Up till now they've been the "gold standard," so any review without referencing them will make it hard to know exactly where Sony ranks or what we're even talking about.

I got mine yesterday. I'm learning the ropes with it. Seems like if your back lit it engages the auto gain and add's noise. I was actually worried the auto white balance would be the obstacle but it seems to be the auto gain. Still, it is capturing detail well and I can work with that. I've only had it for a day and a half but it seems to be more "Noise" than a focus issue to me.

The mic is super sensitive. You would be surprised at what it will pic up while in the water proof housing. I'm controlling mine with a Casio Commando Android and I really like the WiFi. I have about a 1.5 second delay between real time and what I see on the phone. Today I just ran around looking for things to test it on and its been fun so far. No real problems to speak of.

Thanks Woody!
Can you turn the auto gain off ?

I don't think so Don. That would be nice though. Here is some test footage.

http://youtu.be/uOYTL4GqNzk

http://youtu.be/cJMREI4KJfU

http://youtu.be/rfugaDw7fIw

http://youtu.be/dZjE2Eu8CJs

Thanks for posting. Very interesting!
I'm amazed how good the audio is in the housing...almost as if the plastic acts as a sort of transducer for the sound waves.
Encouraged by the low light test too.
I can't wait for the camcorder adapter to become available as the final piece of the puzzle (as shooting without any viewfinder is totally non-sensical, wide angle lens or not).

To set up any shot you can use your existing Android or Apple phone (with wifi) as a real-time viewfinder. That feature is ready right now. You can even start and stop the video from the phone while viewing. If the camera is mounted so you do not have to hold it, then you can just use the phone as the real-time viewfinder as you shoot. The wifi connection does NOT need internet access, it is direct.

I had the front off the housing for the audio while it was on my dashboard. Still I did do some running around with the housing closed and it still picked up more audio than I thought it would.

Mark, I am using a Casio Commando Android phone. There is about a 1.5 second delay, so its not real time and what you see on the phone is only at 15 fps, so it doesn't look quite as smooth. The color is pretty awesome for what it sends to the phone though.

Thanks for the info. Clearly wifi-phone is useful for framing the shot, and also better than an attached lcd for self-portraits, like in two of your videos.

I just got mine today.

I just got back from a kids birthday party with my two little ones. Very handy to have in your pocket!

Mark, I think you are going to like it, its a fun camera and very impressive for being the size of a pack of gum.

The WiFi works great but you can run into interference. Using it by a running boat motor will shorten the distance you can use and a bluetooth ear piece will to. I'm going to test and see how far away I can use the phone to control it without interference this weekend.

Edit: I haven't gotten my suction cup mount yet but I picked up a cheap Targus Grypton Pro XL from Target that works awesome with this litte camera. I also took the flat QD mount that comes with the camera and backed it with velcro instead of sticking it to something permanent. I can stick it to a ton of things with velcro.

I am impressed with the steady shot.

Steady Shot on HDR AS15 - YouTube (http://youtu.be/NSnI_3W6aWw)

Here are three things I have learned so far:

1. The camera puts out a clean HDMI signal as 108060i (really 30p). You could attach a Nanoflash or Ninja and record high-bitrate video from the camera bypassing its high compression.

2. Stabilization (all digital) seems to really lower resolution and increase video noise. Relatedly, the 170 viewing anlgle seems to have less video noise and higher resolution. The 120 angle just crops the sensor, as does the digital stabilization, magnifying the noise.

3. The included camera battery (BX1) can be charged in the old Sony BT-TRN charger.

I don't think so Don. That would be nice though. Here is some test footage.

talking into onboard mic HDR AS15 - YouTube (http://youtu.be/uOYTL4GqNzk)

Capturing arrow at 300 fps with Sony HDR AS15 - YouTube (http://youtu.be/cJMREI4KJfU)

Cloud Time Lapse - YouTube (http://youtu.be/rfugaDw7fIw)

HDR AS15 Low light in truck - YouTube (http://youtu.be/dZjE2Eu8CJs)

Thanks for the video's Woody. A couple of comments.

First....you're my kind of people. I thought I was the only one that videoed my crossbow shots.

Second...All the shots look better than any of my HD2's. It's cleaner video and the lowlight and especially, WB look better.

Now I'm really looking forward to Wednesday.

A little OT, I heard a completely unsubstantiated rumor that GoPro was going to announce the GP3 on 11/2.

That doesn't look good for their Protune firmware release if true.

Thanks for the video's Woody. A couple of comments.

First....you're my kind of people. I thought I was the only one that videoed my crossbow shots.

Second...All the shots look better than any of my HD2's. It's cleaner video and the lowlight and especially, WB look better.

Now I'm really looking forward to Wednesday.

A little OT, I heard a completely unsubstantiated rumor that GoPro was going to announce the GP3 on 11/2.

That doesn't look good for their Protune firmware release if true.

The only thing better than making arrows fly is filming them. :-)

I know a lot of people are comparing this camera to the GoPro HD2 and that may seem logical to a consumer perspective but that initial customer feed back can be a huge event in the evolution of a product. I wouldn't look to compare them just yet. I'm sure there will be a firmware evolution here and if it adds some gain control and possibly exposure or WB that would be a game changer for sure.

The way a lot of people judge the GoPro isn't really realistic. Its a POV camera not the "A" camera. If you can do some "Post production" you can already get a lot out of these. I really wouldn't want to see a competition between the two towards an "A" camera outcome as that would be toward the look of a finished product rather than what data/information it collects. I really think the HDR-AS10/15 is fine the way it is. If we had some means of control with a manual gain and exposure to lock it, even if we can't adjust while filming, that would be an asset. I'm also sure there will be someone making a new front for the housing, complete with filters and such.

I'm very happy with it. The more I work with it the happier I get with it. It will help me add some creative "B" roll that can add some production value once I learn what it needs from me to get that quality of picture but I'm not looking to turn it into a "A" cam. But I'm sure you know what its going to turn into shortly on the net, good thing we'll have hunting season to occupy us an avoid it. :-)

I just got mine from Sony Store today. Quick look and I'm thinking this is a keeper.No thorough enough test to judge video quality, but here's some non-video observations:

+ Charge via micro USB or buy optional wall charger. Uses G and X batts.
++ WiFi works with it sealed up in waterproof housing, so you can see using your phone ~@15 frame/sec. i I feel its sufficient to determine if I'll get the shot. GoPro I think requires housing to be opened up to get this capability. So Sony is better in wet environment, assuming you can keep your phone dry (ziplock bag helps here).
+++ WiFi allows start/stop record remote control, change from 120 to 170 degree angle, some frame rate adjustments and still vs video modes. If you are sticking this on an airplane wing or similar inaccessible place this is killer feature.
+Cheaper than similar Gopro kit, Wifi enabled Sony is only $269.
+Micro SD, Class 4 needed.

-Camera gets warm in it's waterproof (to 60m/200ft) housing. Nothing to get too worked up about.
-GoPro chest mount is pretty handy, not sure how to duplicate here. I can see times where chest mount would be preferable to head mount.
-I had to disconnect Android from home WiFi to get reliable connection tpo phone. Guessing only one is allowed. No issues outside home, away from home AP. Not Sony's fault.

Nice attention to detail on Sony. example, waterproof housing has flat bottom, so it sits on flat surface.

Wow! This is looking good. Thanks Woody for the clips. The low light is much cleaner then I would've expected. And being able to frame shots on a phone is going to be a HUGE advantage.