Sony Action Cam HDR-AS15

Overview

Introducing Sony's first foray into the world of action cameras with the upcoming Sony Action Cam HDR AS-15K!

Perfect for adventure sports enthusiasts, the Sony Action Cam will have 5 video modes, including 4x slow-mode in HD 720p (120fps) for super slow-motion capability. It will also shoot Full HD 1080p (30fps), 2x slow mode in HD 720p (60fps), standard HD 720p (30fps), and SD VGA 480p (30fps).

The HDR AS15K also possesses WiFi capability for view-finding and uploading. Ideal for sharing your adventures with your friends via social networks.

Key Features
• Exmor R CMOS image sensor
• 1080p video at 30fps
• 720p video at 120fps for incredible slow-motion
• Wi-Fi Connectivity
• Wide-angle Carl Zeiss Tessar lens
• Steadyshot stabilisation technology
• 2MP still photo mode
• Built-in LCD screen
• Protective waterproof housing (197ft/60m)
• Time Lapse mode



This new Sony head cam offers features from the larger Sony camera models, including a Exmor R CMOS image sensor. This lies behind an ultra-wide angle Carl Zeiss Tessar lens for super sharp video.

The Sony point-of-view head cam will also offer Sony's SteadyShot image stabilisation, ideal for action sports video enthusiasts looking for quality rough and tumble footage with minimal vibration.

With a single button at the rear to start and stop recording, the Sony's rugged build keeps it secure from the action. The included additional housing will further protect the camera, as well as keeping it safe from water.

The Sony Action Cam also boasts a built-in stereo microphone at the front of the camera, and an LCD screen on the side for monitoring battery life, settings and storage availability.

Get your HDR AS15K from Action Cameras now!

Features

• Exmor R CMOS image sensor
• 1080p video at 30fps
• 720p video at 120fps for incredible slow-motion
• Wi-Fi Connectivity
• Wide-angle Carl Zeiss Tessar lens
• Steadyshot stabilisation technology
• 2MP still photo mode
• Built-in LCD screen
• Protective waterproof housing (197ft/60m)
• Time Lapse mode
• Range of mounting options
• Built-in stereo microphone
• MicroSD compatible

Technical

Video:

Video Resolution:
• Full HD - 1920x1080p at 30fps
• High Definition - 1280x720p at 30fps
• High Definition Slow Motion - 1280x720p at 60fps
• High Definition Super Slow Motion - 1280x720p at 120fps
• Standard Definition - 680x480p at 30fps

Video Format:
• MPEG4-AVC/H.264

Video Signal:
• HD:HDTV 1080/60p

Auto Format:
• MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch

Imaging Sensor:
• 1/2.3” (7.77mm) back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor

Processor:
• BIONZ image processor

Effective Picture Resolution:
• Approx. 11900K pixels (16:9)

Colour Filter System:
• RGB Primary Colour Filters

Video Actual (Pixel):
• Approx. 11900K pixels

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

Lens:

Lens Type:
• Carl Zeiss Tessar Lens

Aperture:
• F2.8

Focal Length (35mm equivalent):
• f=15.3mm
• f=1/8 inch

Minimum Focus Distance:
• Approx. 1 4/16inch (Approx. 30cm)

Angle of View:
• 170° without SteadyShot
• 120° with SteadyShot

Focal Distance:
• f=2.5mm
• f=1/8 inch

Steady Shot Mode:
• Active: 21.3mm

Exposure System

Metering Modes:
• Multi-segment

Exposure Settings:
• Auto

Noise Reduction:
• Yes

White Balance:
• Auto

Minimum Illumination:
• 6 lux

Backlight Compensation:
• Yes (Auto)

Gain Control:
• Auto

Photo:

Still Image Mode:
• JPEG

Still Image Max Effective Resolution:
• 2.0 megapixels

Still Image File Format:
• DCF Ver. 2.0 compatible
• Exif Ver. 2.3 compatible
• MPF Baseline compatible

Still Image Size (Photo Mode)
• 2.0 megapixels 16:9 (1920x1080p)

Power:

Battery Type:
• NP-BX1 (supplied)

Charging time with supplied battery:
• Approx. 4 hours and 5 minutes

USB Power Supply
• USB to Micro USB cable included

Battery Life:
• Approx. 2.5 hours at 1080p

Memory:

Memory Card:
• MicroSD/SDHC card compatible (up to 32GB, Classs 4 or higher)

Recording Time:
• Approx. 8 minutes per GB

Interface:

Memory Card Slot:
• Memory Stick Micro
• MicroSD/SDHC Compatible

Wi-Fi
• IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz band)

HD Output:
• HDMI Out (micro)

USB Port(s):
• micro-B/USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage)

Bravia Sync:
• Yes

Microphone Input:
• Stereo Mini-jack

HDMI Terminal:
• Yes (micro)

USB Power Supply:
• Yes (1.5Aor more is recommended)

Build:

Dimensions (Approx.):
• 24.5mm x 47mm x 82mm (W x H x D)
• 31/32” x 1 7/8” x 3 ¼” (W x H x D)

Weight Without Battery (Approx):
• 65g (2oz)

Weight With Supplied NP-BX1 Battery (Approx.)
• 90g (3oz)

Advanced Features:

Waterproof:
• Yes (in use with Waterproof Case, SPK-AS1)

Dustproof:
• Yes (in use with Waterproof Case, SPK-AS1)

Image Stabilisation:
• Steadyshot Image Stabilisation w/Active Mode

Wi-Fi:
• Connect & control via Smartphone with Sony PlayMemories App (ios & Anrdoid)

Time Lapse Mode:
• Yes (photo mode)
• Intervals: 5s, 10s, 30s, 60s

Power Save:
• Yes

Convenience Features:

Date & Time Stamp:
• Yes

Media/Battery Indicator:
• Yes - Recording Time Remaining and Memory Card Capacity Remaining

Multiple Language Display:
• English

Image Management File Repair:
• Yes (AUTO)

Contents

• 1 x Sony Action Cam HDR AS15K
• 1 x Waterproof Housing (197ft/60m)
• 1 x Flat Mount
• 1 x Curved Mount
• 1 x Battery NP-BX1
• 1 x Mount adaptor
• 1 x Micro USB Cable

New details have emerged surrounding the action camera Sony hopes can match up to the likes of GoPro, Drift, and other head cam specialists.

The new action trailer and exclusive hands-on video below give us more of a clue as to the Sony Action Cam’s features, tech specs and video quality.

And indeed there are some awesome, unique features to raise eyebrows amongst head cam users and developers alike.

If you’ve never found yourself getting super excited about a lens before (understandable), that may be about to change.

The Sony lens will feature a backlit 16-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor for enhanced low-light sensitivity. And much like the high-end Sony DSLR cameras, the helmet cam will feature a Carl Zeiss Tessar glass lens, able to capture a 170° view with potentially some of the sharpest video we have seen from an action sports camera.

It will also feature Sony’s SteadyShot image stabilisation to cope with the inevitable vibration activities such as downhill riding, skydiving and motor racing entail.

In addition to this, an innovative feature called ‘3-Way Shake Cancelling’ adds electronic roll stability, in theory allowing more mobility in how you use and mount the camera, without having a detrimental effect on the video quality.

The next exciting feature surrounds the camera’s video modes. The Sony is the first of its kind to offer 120fps recording at HD 720p. So you should be able to produce an unprecedented quality of slow motion video, perfect for both improving the standard of sports video, as well as for helping refine the techniques and form of your chosen activity.

The Sony will also feature the resolutions one might expect from a top-spec action camera, with Full HD 1080p at 30fps, HD 720p at 30/60fps, as well as standard definition VGA 480p at 30fps.

Also, it now seems that there will be two versions of the Sony helmet camera. The only difference between the two cameras being that only one will feature WiFi capability (and will therefore be more expensive than the version that does not).

This WiFi allows connection of smart devices to the camera, so you can instantly upload video to the likes of Facebook and Twitter. You will also be able to use your smart device as a remote control and viewfinder, allowing you to change the cameras settings and line up the perfect shot.

We have also been given an indication as to the Sony’s base pack, and optional accessories and mounts that will become available.

When you buy the Sony Action Cam, you will receive the camera, a curved and flat adhesive mount, mounting clip, as well as the waterproof housing (up to 60m/197 feet). The waterproof housing features a universal tripod mount to further extend your mounting options.

As for optional extras, Sony will offer head straps, handlebar mounts and a suction cup initially. And the amount of mounting options and accessories available will surely increase in the coming months.

A start/stop record button, built-in microphone, and LCD screen for battery, storage and settings info; the Sony Helmet Camera is proving a very intriguing product indeed.

And while you’re still reeling from the wave of awesome features the Sony has to offer, I’ll sign off and let the video quality do the talking! Check it out, and stay tuned to our blog and newsletter for the latest Sony information!