Sony X3000R, AS300R brings optical stabilization to Action Cams

For the first time, the new 4K-resolution of full HD Sony Action Cams are using this technology.

The reason that the addition of the BOSS feature is a large selling factor of both the FDR-X3000 as well as the HDR-AS300 is the fact that through moving sensors and lens movements together, the camera is able to counter vibrations which ensure smooth videos without adding additional digital processing to the image or cropping it. To illustrate our point, GoPro does not offer stabilization in its action cams at all and Garmin only offers EIS, which while effective for 1080p is useless for 4K.

That’s not the only new thing about this model, though.

The new cameras utilize full pixel readout without pixel binning technology to produce exceptionally high resolution and accurate colors, Sony said. This allows them 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 XAVC S codec (100Mbps in 4K and 50Mbps in Full HD). There is also an updated live-view remote that features a compact and mountable design. The remote has the ability to control shooting settings, start/stop recording and power on/off and more.

Sony Action Cams X3000R and AS300R models were earlier launched in the United Kingdom and Australia along with other regions.

Based on extensive feedback from athletes, filmmakers and more casual users, the new cameras and Live-View Remote feature a more in-depth user interface and menu system, with a rich indication of camera settings that makes it easier to navigate menus and customize settings as needed. Both models can be controlled and operated with the help of a Remote completely which includes view also. With nearly every action camera capable of shooting 4K, image stabilization feels like it will be the next defining feature for action cameras. The Action Cam App can also create time-lapse movies in Full HD. Previous action cameras came equipped with an integrated electronic IS.

As if that’s not enough, you can also have the cameras assemble highlights of your footage into movies automatically in-camera, with face detection used to identify subjects and determine which clips to use. Both cameras are splash-proof, but still require the separate (but included) housing for underwater use.

The new action cameras will be available in the USA later this month, with the X3000 coming in at US$400 body-only, or $550 with the new Live-View Remote as the X3000R. The FDR-X3000R sets itself apart from its sibling by supporting slow-motion 120fps capture at 1080p; the HDR-AS300R is limited to 720p if you want to crank the frame rate that high. This is made possible by the AKA-FGP1 finger grip from the company, which basically transforms the X3000R or AS300 into tiny camcorders.