As part of the ongoing battle for action camera supremacy, Sony has launched its new waterproof 4K RXO HD camera, which comes right on the heels of GoPro’s new Hero6 Black action camera that was unveiled last week.
According to Sony, the RXO “enables entirely new imaging possibilities, and inspires an unprecedented scope of expression from all who take it in hand, marrying the hallmark image quality of the Sony RX series with advanced photo and video capabilities, all compressed into a robust and ultra-compact body.”
However, as much as the new RXO is designed to provide unparalleled action camera capabilities, Sony says it’s equally adept at shooting still images, filming video or can be used as part of a multi-camera set-up to create an inspiring series of images, videos and super slow motion footage from a multitude of different perspectives. To wit, “the miniature dimensions and all-around versatility of the RXO allows users to maximize freedom in order to tackle photographic and videographer challenges in new ways.”
Weighing just 110g and measuring 59mm x 40.5mm x 29.8mm (WxHxD), the RXO redefines how small and light a premium compact camera can be. Indeed, it can be used as a standalone camera for capturing photos or videos under any shooting conditions including the rain, underwater, or in sandy or dusty environments, and it can be used in conjunction with a multi-camera setup – to shoot subjects from a variety of different viewpoints.
Stimulating imaginations
In addition to conventional bullet-time and time-slice shooting, the RXO multi-camera shooting capabilities opens the door to an array of imaging opportunities, which can be organized in a number of different ways. For instance, Sony’s wireless radio commander, the FA-WRC1M, can be used to trigger up to fifteen RXO’s. Furthermore, Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app allows up to five RXO’s to be connected wirelessly, allowing users the ability to capture footage from tough shooting positions via wireless multi-camera shooting angles. For users looking for a more reliable wired connection, a camera control box is also being developed and will be released in January 2018.
Power packed
RXO is packed full of advanced Sony technology, featuring the company’s 1.0-type stacked 15.3MP Exmoor RSCMOS image sensor, BIONZ X processor and a wide-angle ZEISS Tessar T 24mm F4 fixed lens to deliver high resolution and less distortion results for both RAW and JPEG stills and across all supported video formats. In addition, it also has an Anti-Distortion Shutter of up to 1/32000 second and can shoot at up to 16fps, meaning that even fast moving objects are easily and accurately recored.
Also, the RXO is waterproof at depths of up to 10 meters, and when used with the new MPK-HSR1 Housing, it can be used down to a staggering 100 meters depth. The new camera is both shockproof and crushproof when dropped from up to 2 meters and at 200kgf / 2000N, making it durable enough to withstand shooting in difficult situations where traditional cameras simply cannot go.
Video Excellence
Sony says, the RXO was conceived as a camera that’s just as useful to the videographer as it is photographer, with a host of creative video features, such as super slow motion footage, which can shoot at up to 1000 frames per second, providing users with “the opportunity to transform even the most mundane moment into something spectacular.”
Additionally, users can rely on the RXO’s 4K, HDMI output to record uncompressed video to an external recorder. With both MF Assist and Peaking Functions, the focus can be precisely adjusted to the shooter’s exact specifications, while Picture Profile options and S-Log2 offer creative freedom to deliver the end result envisioned. There’s also Sony’s Time Code / User Bit feature, which can provide an essential tool for multi-camera shoots in particular, making the editing process a much easier experience, along with Preset Focus options that add further control.
Full Range of Accessories
To maximize the potential of RXO, Sony has added a host of new accessories to support as well.
These include the VCT-CGR1 Cage for increased system flexibility, the MPK-HSR1 Housing, enabling the RXO to be taken down to depths of up to 100 meters underwater, the CPT-R1 Cable Protector, VF-SPR1 Spare Lens Protector, VFA-305R1 Filter Adaptor Kit which includes filter adaptor, lens hood and MC protector, NP-BJ1 Rechargeable Battery Pack and ACC-TRDCJ Accessory Kit.
Pricing and Availability
RXO will first be available in Europe starting this month, with a price of approximately €850. Full technical specifications can be viewed here.
Pricing and availability for the RXO worldwide is to be announced.
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