Sony announced the launch of its new FDR-X3000 4K action camera this week, which is the first model to feature the company’s innovative Balanced Optical SteadyShot (B.O.SS) image stabilization technology.
The flagship feature of the new camera, B.O.SS, is an advanced form of image stabilization where internally, the camera’s lens and sensor are joined and moved together to compensate for camera shake caused by excessive motion, whether shooting handheld with optional accessories or during a fast-paced sporting activity.
According to Sony, this is a particularly effective technology when paired with a POV action camera design as it ensures captured video footage is smooth and stable – even in 4K or high-frame-rate shooting modes.
Advanced Movie-Making Capabilities
The FDR-X3000 also features a new ZEISS Tessar lens with significantly less lens distortion than previous models. The new camera is also equipped with Sony’s new back-illuminated Exmoor R CMOS sensor with large pixels designed for 16:9 aspect ratio video, plus the brand’s powerful BIONZ X processor, ensuring that video quality remains consistently strong across all settings.
In addition, the new camera also utilizes full pixel readout without pixel binning technology to produce exceptionally high resolution and accurate colors in both 4K videos. This allows the FDR-3000 to read and process data from all of the sensor’s pixels, producing highly detailed video content with minimal noise and ‘jaggies’ in a variety of formats including the high data stream XAVCS codec (100Mbps in 4K and 50Mbps in Full HD).
The FDR-X3000 can also shoot 120p in Full HD and slow-motion footage, along with a new angle of view adjustment, with a 3x smooth zoom or preset “wide”, “medium” and “narrow” settings.
This allows users to get even closer to the action during movie recording, and reducing barrel distortion common with wide view POV cameras.
Additionally, the FDR-X3000 has a built-in stereo mic with wind noise reduction to reduce the impact of wind interference on overall audio quality, along with a stereo microphone input for advanced recording.
Live-View Remote and User Interface
The FDR-X3000 also offers a kit with a compact Live-View Remote which is about 30% smaller than previous version. Sony says, the remote, with a mountable design, acts as an extension of the camera and allows users to see what is being recorded when the camera is not accessible.
The remote also has the ability to control various functionalities including shooting settings, start/stop recording, power on/off and more. It also features an “auto display off” mode that turns off its LCD screen display automatically during shooting in order to save power of both camera and remote.
The remote accessory can be attached to various optional accessories such as Finger Grip (AKA-FGP1), Shooting Grip (VCT-STG1) or a Handlebar Mount (VCT-HM2) using supplied mount adaptor, or worn as a wristband using supplied belt.
Users can also take advantage of Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile application, which is available for both Android and iOS, to control the new Action Cam with a smart device.
Additional Feature Enhancements
The FDR-X3000 also includes a unique Time-lapse Capture feature that shoots still images in pre-set intervals that can later be transformed into a stunning 4K time-lapse movie utilizing the Action Cam Movie Creator software. The Action Cam App can also create time-lapse movies in Full HD.
Built-in GPS inherited from previous models is also available, allowing location tracking and speedometer to be added to the video file when Action Cam Movie Creator is used. This also allows GPS Data Overlay on video to read your speed data and generate another video file that includes your route, speed information, etc.
Additionally, an updated version of Sony’s own in-built movie creator, Highlight Movie Maker, is available in the new FDR-X3000.
This innovative feature, which now utilizes face detection technology, automatically assembles footage into a video highlight package and pairs it with custom music for the ultimate viewing experience.
For the more advanced user, there is an expanded scope of manual controls and setting adjustments including white balance, and auto exposure shifting.
Loop recording is also available, allowing users to maximize usage of available memory card space to ensure they get the exact shot they are looking for.
Lastly, the FDR-X3000 is both splash-proof body and waterproof, and comes with Sony’s Underwater Housing (MPK-UWH1), which is certified down to 197 ft. / 60m in depth.
Furthermore, a new range of accessories for the FDR-X3000 have also been announced, including the Finger Grip (AKA-FGP1) which is an ideal travel accessory that enables flexible, one-handed shooting, as well as Sony’s MC Protector (AKA-MCP1) for extra protection from lens scratches and dirt.
Pricing and Availability
The new Sony FDR-X3000 will be sold as a body only for about $400, and will be offered as a kit (model FDR-X3000R) with the new Live-View Remote for around $550.
The new AKA-FGP1 finger grip will be available for around $25, and the AKA-MCP1 lens shield will sell for $35.
All products will be available in the USA beginning in late September.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
