Move over GoPro, the big boys have officially entered the action camera market. During the past couple of weeks, electronics giants JVC and Sony both launched their own feature packed action cameras, even coming in below GoPro and Contour prices.
The Sony HDR-AS15 ($270) is a rugged, wearable full HD action camera with built-in Wi-Fi. Weighing in at just 90 grams, this compact, lightweight camera allows you to capture your adventures on the mountain, in the water, and anywhere else the trail might take you.
The Sony action camera offers Full HD (1920 x 1080, 30p), STD HD (1280×720, 30p), and SD VGA (640×480, 30p) recording resolutions. You can even shoot in slow motion with HD SLOW 2x (1280 x 720, 60p) and HD SLOW 4x (1280 x 720, 120p), enabling you to study your technique or get a better look at fast action.
Sony's SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver smooth video from wide angle to full telephoto shooting. Additionally, 3-Way Shake-Canceling adds electronic roll stability for even smoother video capture. The Sony action camera accepts Memory Stick Micro (M2) and Micro SD/SDHC type memory cards.
The pocket-sized JVC ADIXXION ($350) is waterproof to a depth of five meters (16.4 feet), shockproof to withstand a fall from two meters (6.5 feet), dustproof and freeze-proof, all without the need for a separate housing. The ADIXXION includes built-in Wi-Fi, image stabilizer, and offers Full HD 1920×1080/30p and 1280×720/60p recording.
The JVC action camera features a 1.5-inch LCD monitor built into the side, making it easy to check footage without the extra weight and bulk of an external monitor or the need to pair with your smartphone. Weighing 126 grams, the ADIXXION includes an ultra-wide lens, time lapse recording at intervals of 1 or 5 seconds, digital 5x zoom, 5 megapixel stills, and self-timer functions.
Both the Sony and JVC action cameras are available now.
