Sony Steps Into the Action Camera Market

AppId is over the quota

Uber-brand Sony has announced the launch of its first true action camera, and it looks like its holding no punches in its mission to challenge the likes of GoPro and Drift for market domination.

Despite the large amount of buzz surrounding the launch of this camera, Sony isn't the first major electronics brand to step into the action sports arena. JVC recently rolled out the ADIXXION, a feature-rich action camera which is proving popular within action sport communities.

With JVC receiving the positive reception it has, it was only a matter of time before another major retailer stepped up to claim their piece of the pie. So what does the Sony Action Cam have to offer?

The Action Cam, as the name suggests, has been designed with action sports in mind. It's small, tough, and suited to any type of extreme sport, from cycling to paragliding and everything inbetween.

It boasts five video modes, including an industry first 4x slow-mode in HD 720p (120fps) for super slow-motion capability. It also shoots full 1080p HD (30fps), 2x slow mode in HD 720p (60fps), standard HD 720p (30fps), and SD VGA 480p (30fps).

When developing this camera, the ability to draw inspiration and technology from its vast portfolio of existing high-end cameras was undoubtedly a major advantage for Sony, as the following features would suggest.

The camera features a backlit 16-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor for enhanced low-light sensitivity, and like Sony's DSLR cameras, the Action Cam features a 170 degree Carl Zeiss Tessar glass lens, which looks set to offer some of the sharpest video ever seen from an action camera.

The Action Cam features Sony's SteadyShot image stabilisation technology to help deal with the inevitable vibrations of action sports, and an innovative feature called '3-Way Shake Cancelling'. The latter adds electronic roll stability, which in theory allows for increased mobility, meaning you can mount the camera virtually anywhere without effecting the video quality.

In keeping with many modern action cameras, the Sony Action Cam will come in two models, one with, and and one without WiFi capability. Users of the standard, non-WiFi model will have to settle for operating the device via the built-in LCD screen, while the WiFi version will allow users to operate the camera and line up shots via their smartphone.

GoPro, Drift et al, look out, because the Sony Action Cam is bringing some serious competition to the action camera market.

Submitted by Matt Taylor, Marketing Manager at Action Cameras. For more information about the Sony Action Cam, and to keep up to date with news about its release, visit http://www.actioncameras.co.uk/.

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Three Awesome Accessories For Your GoPro Action Camera

The GoPro HD2 is widely regarded as the best action camera on the market, and it's hard to argue that a camera as feature-rich as the GoPro doesn't deserve that accolade. Full HD (high definition) 1080p recording, a super-sharp wide angle lens, a small & lightweight body and 11MP still image capabilities are just a handful of features that make this camera a certified market leader.

Better still, there are a wide range of accessories available that further enhance the performance and versatility of the GoPro. Listed below are three of the best accessories available:

GoPro LCD BacPac

When compared to some of its competitors, one of the features that the GoPro lacks is an LCD display. While this doesn't affect the camera's performance, it is undoubtedly a handy addition. If an LCD screen is high on your list priorities when looking for a camera, and you have your heart set on a GoPro then look no further than the LCD BacPac.

The LCD BacPac comes in the form of a detachable LCD screen, which can be attached as and when it's required (most commonly used for lining up shots or playing back footage). It's small and lightweight so adds little weight to the camera and has a simple one button design, making fast forwarding, fast reverse and photo playback a breeze. There's also an integrated speaker with volume control.

GoPro 3D HERO System

It's official - 3D is cool again. Thankfully we've come a long way since the days of dodgy 90s graphics and flimsy red & blue glasses but the underlying technology remains the same. However, the advancement in camera technology means that the world of 3D is now accessible to just about anyone with a couple of HD cameras and some editing software.

The 3D Hero System allows you to combine two GoPro HD Hero cameras into a single housing to record professional 3D footage while simultaneously recording in 2D. A synchronisation cable connects the two cameras, which enables them to capture videos and photos in perfect unison.

The package includes free 3D editing software - GoPro Cineform Studio - allowing you to convert 3D files into viewable footage with ease. It should be noted that the 3D Hero System is not compatible with the HD Hero 960 or standard definition cameras.

GoPro WI-FI BacPac & WI-FI Remote Combo Kit

Introducing the newest member of the GoPro family - the GoPro GoPro Wifi BacPac. One of the most highly anticipated gadgets of 2012, the lightweight, durable Wifi BacPac snaps onto the back of your HD HERO2 or HD HERO camera and delivers some truly cutting edge functionality.

The WI-FI BacPac Wi-Fi enables your GoPro camera, allowing long range (up to 900ft or 300ft with added Cameras) video remote control via the Wi-Fi Remote. The remote gives you the option to control of up to 50 cameras at once, which makes it a great accessory for shooting multi-angle footage and managing large, complex projects.

If the remote isn't 'tech' enough for you, there's also a free App available that lets you pair your smartphone, tablet or computer to act as an additional remote wherever a Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot is present. Additionally, the App will let you stream your video recording online - live - and directly to your smart-devices or computer (GoPro HD2 only).

The versatility of the Wifi BacPac is astounding; you can even record one video stream to your camera's SD card while sending a second video stream via Wi-Fi to your smart-device, computer or the Web.

The ever-growing range of accessories available for modern-day action cameras allow the humble action sport enthusiast to capture some truly remarkable footage. What was once only achievable by professional videographers can now be replicated by anyone with a modest budget and a computer; so get out there and get filming!

Submitted by Matt Taylor, Marketing Manager at Action Cameras. For more information about the Gopro HD Helmet HERO and GoPro accessories, including the new Wifi BacPac visit http://www.actioncameras.co.uk/.

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Action Cameras on a Budget - The Best Buys For Under 200 GBP

Some people use action cameras on a regular basis, even as part of their profession if capturing HD footage for professional sports movies, for example. In this instance investing in a top of the range, full HD action camera is fully justified.

In contrast, for the casual part-time user, action cameras are arguably more of a luxury than a necessity as they may only be used a handful of times a year. For some, this can make it difficult to justify spending hard earned cash on a top of the range action camera, such as a GoPro HD2 or the new Drift HD.

Thankfully, for those on a slightly tighter budget there are some great alternatives on the market. Here are some of the best action cameras available for under £200.

Bullet HD lite 720p (£119.99)

The Bullet HD Lite is the little brother of the revolutionary Bullet HD Pro helmet camera. Being small and light, the Bullet HD will go virtually unnoticed when mounted on a users' helmet or goggles, making it ideal for those who like to keep their kit light. What the Bullet HD Lite lacks in size, it makes up in functionality, with a resolution of 720p @ 25fps (frames per second), 5 megapixel images with 3 second burst mode and a 135 degrees optical wide angle lens to capture an excellent field of view. The Bullet HD Light only has one button, making it extremely easy to use and a variety of included accessories allow a wide variety mounting options. For those looking for a feature-rich, entry level action camera without breaking the bank, look no further than the Bullet HD Lite.

Bullet HD Onyx (£164.99)

The Onyx sits in between the Bullet HD Lite and the daddy of the Bullet family, the Bullet HD Pro 1080p and offers the best of both worlds when it comes to functionality and affordability. In keeping with the HD Lite, the Onyx is ultra-lightweight and small enough to mount anywhere virtually unnoticed. The Onyx boasts 720p resolution at a rate of 30fps (slightly more than its counterpart) but what really sets the Onyx apart from the Lite is the ability to capture 12 megapixel photos - a revolutionary feature. The Onyx is a great mid-level action camera.

GoPro HD Naked (£199.99)

The GoPro HD Naked package is, as the name suggests, void of accessories - you just get the camera. However, when that camera is a GoPro Helmet Hero, the lack of any bells or whistles is fully justified, because for what the Naked lacks on the outside, it more than makes up for inside; with full 1080p HD recording, 170 degree wide angle lens and 5 megapixel still image capture. The camera also has a 60fps filming option available at 720p for slow motion editing and is waterproof to 60m. While the Naked doesn't come with any specialist accessories or mounts, it does include a basic Curved Adhesive Mount and a GoPro Waterproof Quick-Release Housing, so you will be able to use the camera out of the box, albeit to a limited extent. The Naked is a favourable package for those who wish to grow their action camera toolkit over time, adding accessories and mounts as and when they can afford to, or feel the need to.

Looxcie 2 (£149.99)

The Looxcie 2 is a wearable, mobile-connected camcorder that automatically sends footage to your chosen social networks or email as and when it's captured. The Looxcie 2 is super-simple to operate and very lightweight (22g) so can comfortably be attached to the user's ear, hat or clothing, allowing a great point of view recording perspective. Better still the Looxcie is totally hands-free and there's even an a downloadable mobile application that can be used to control the device. Users can choose to capture video in 320p or 480p and store up to 5 hours of video footage on the device itself. While the Looxcie will struggle to withstand the physical strain of high-impact action sports, it makes a great gadget for capturing and sharing the unmissable moments in everyday life.

All of the action cameras described above are excellent value for money and ideal considerations for those on a budget. While price is an obvious factor when purchasing an action camera, ultimately, your choice of camera should come down to its suitability to the job at hand.

Submitted by Matt Taylor, Marketing Manager at Action Cameras. For more information about the Bullet HD, GoPro HD and Looxcie action cameras and the accessories and mounts available for them, visit http://www.actioncameras.co.uk/.

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