Almost a year after bringing out the HDR-AS30V with it’s GPS tagged video capture and slick dashboard, the new Sony HDR-AS20 drops the price $100 while keeping everything but the location tracking.
For just $200, you’ll get full HD recording in several modes, SteadyShot electronic image stabilization, a 170º Carl Zeiss lens and backlit Exmor R CMOS sensor with 28Mbps capture. Other standout features include stereo microphones, waterproof case and built-in WiFi. That means remote control with its iOS or Android app or the optional wearable video screen remote. Basically, it’s the same camera as the AS30V without the GPS, making it an incredible deal if you can live without the satellites knowing where you shot your film.
Available this August. It’s the same size as the GPS model, so presumably it’ll work with all the same accessories already available. Full PR after the break…
PRESS RELEASE: Sony’s New AS20 Action Cam Offers a More Exciting Point of View
Building on its growing line of Action Cam POV (point of view) cameras, Sony today has introduced the new AS20 model to the US market. The camera packs many of Sony’s latest POV imaging technologies including SteadyShot™ image stabilization into an ultra-compact body at a competitive price.
“With its slim, low-profile design, our Action Cam line goes wherever you go… from surfing trips to skate parks,” said Patrick Huang, director of the Action Cam business at Sony Electronics. “With three impressive models now in market, including the AS100V, AS30V and new AS20 cameras, we’re ensuring that all types of POV shooters can capture their adventures with legendary Sony quality.”
Featured on the new AS20 model, Sony’s unique SteadyShot™ electronic image stabilization works seamlessly to control camera shake and vibration, ensuring that all footage from the bike trail or ski slopes is smooth, crisp and free of the bumps or jolts that often experienced during POV video shooting.
The new AS20 camera also features a high-quality ZEISS® Tessar® lens with a huge 170° field of view for the ultimate wide angle experience. A built-in stereo microphone delivers outstanding sound quality, adding an extra dimension of realism to those everyday adventures.
The camera is equipped with a back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor that produces exceptional Full HD video and still photos, especially at dusk and other low-light situations where other cameras typically struggle. It also features high bit-rate recording at up to 28Mbps, which ensures crisply-detailed footage in all types of shooting environments, including those with lots of camera or subject motion.
The AS20 model has built-in Wi-Fi functionality, allowing it to connect to the wearable RM-LVR1 Live-View remote. Available as an optional accessory, the waterproof RM-LVR1 accessory displays a live image preview on its LCD screen, makes it easy to frame and record shots in tough conditions. The remote can also control up to five cameras simultaneously, making multi-camera shoots a breeze. Wi-Fi also enables the Action Cam AS20 to link up to compatible smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android devices) for easy content transfer and sharing.
Additionally, the AS20 model features a handy flip function that automatically inverts the image if it’s being shot upside down and boasts a strong battery life, comfortably shooting up to 130 total minutes of video with Wi-Fi on1 (150 minutes of video with Wi-Fi off1).
Sony’s free PlayMemories Home app makes it easy to edit footage and share via sites like Facebook® and YouTube™. It features new Video Merge2, which lets users create exciting split-screen composites of up to four simultaneous views captured by different cameras.
Pricing and Availability
The new Sony HDR-AS20 Action Cam will be available in August for about $200. The camera and its growing range of Action Cam mounts and accessories is sold at all Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized retailers nationwide.
