So JVC isn’t the only electronics powerhouse after a piece of action camera pie. We recently blogged on the upcoming JVC GC-XA1 ADIXXION; but this soaring market has seemingly attracted a host of big players, all vying to outdo the established helmet camera brands like GoPro, Drift and Contour.
Seasoned movers and shakers of the camera industry, Sony and Polaroid, both look set to reveal their own interpretations of a helmet camera, as well as the mighty Google incorporating an action video angle in promoting their latest innovation.
Sony recently gave a first look at the unnamed action cam on their blog, giving us an idea of both its looks and features. Not unlike a Drift HD or Contour Roam, the Sony camera features a built-in screen, and seems to function from a record/stop button located on the back of the device.
There also seems to be a number of features transferred from some of Sony’s larger models. Sony’s ‘SteadyShot’ image stabilisation technology will feature for minimum vibration, as will an ‘Exmor R CMOS’ image sensor and an ultra-wide ‘Carl Zeiss Tessar’ lens.
Sony also revealed that waterproof and ‘ruggedized’ housings would be made available for the camera, implying that the device itself will not be able to function underwater.
Several key specs have yet to be revealed, such as whether it will offer Full HD 1080p; as well as battery-life, recording time, WiFi capability and price.
But whilst initial details won’t have actions sports fans delirious with anticipation, Sony’s stature and track record indicate this product is unlikely to disappoint when it eventually hits the shelves. When that may be remains a mystery.
Details of the potential Polaroid helmet camera are even more sparse, with no official announcement from Polaroid themselves as of yet. Going on rumours and hearsay, it seems there will be a series of devices ranging from a cheaper, lower spec model, up to a more expensive premium version with all the trimmings.
It is suggested that the lower spec will be a 720p camera with a 3MP sensor, and the higher spec a 1080p Full HD camera with a 12MP sensor. Waterproof up to 60¨, and coming with assorted mounts and accessories, it is again a case of wait and see.
But as with Sony, it seems unfathomable that a brand of Polaroid’s prestige would put its reputation on the line by producing an inadequate product.
Finally, the offering from the omnipotent search-engine heavyweights, Google. Recently demoed at the Google I/O conference by Google co-founder Sergey Brin; the ‘Google Glasses’ (or ‘Project Glass’ as it is known) are essentially a pair of internet-connected glasses that will allow you to search for information, read text messages, watch video and more.
But Google have also incorporated a built-in camera, allowing a line-of-sight, point-of view perspective. Using skydiving as an example (see video below), Google really showed off the potential of the glasses for shooting quality action video, as well as the ability to stream live video to another device.
Google are currently offering developers the chance to pay £961 for a pair of prototype glasses, which they would receive in early 2013. Still very much a product for the future, the Google Glasses are potentially an extremely exciting development in the world of action sports video, even if it is an area Google don’t end up pinning masses of focus on.
With JVC, Sony, Polaroid and Google looking set to join the likes of GoPro, Drift, Replay and Contour, it seems there will be plenty of choice for adventure sports fans in the future, and plenty of high-quality choice at that.
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