What is hidden behind the abbreviation HDR? “New Hero” - review of the Sony HDR-AS100VR action camera How it works.

Achieve stunning clarity and detail in every frame - thanks to advanced imaging components, this is possible in any shooting conditions. Wide range of recording capabilities in several formats, some of which are suitable for instant sharing, while others are suitable for large-scale creative projects and editing. A bunch of additional functions will also help make shooting fun.

Balanced optical stabilizer SteadyShot

Our advanced image stabilization technology ensures you capture clear videos, even when there's camera shake and shake.

30x optical zoom

This camcorder features a wide-angle lens that's ideal for capturing epic landscapes, plus 30x optical zoom and 60x Clear Image digital zoom for flexible shooting settings.

Wide-angle lens up to 26.8mm

Whether you're a video or photography photographer, a best-in-class wide-angle lens gives you more options when shooting landscapes and indoor scenes when you don't have enough room to step back. Even without a wide-angle lens attachment, some camcorders shoot at a focal length of 26.8mm1 (16:9 aspect ratio) in video mode.

Exceptional image quality

The high-bitrate XAVC S format is designed for video professionals who are ready to take their craft to the next level. XAVC S is based on the XAVC format used by professional film and television operators for easy editing and file sizing with intelligent data compression.

Microphone supporting 5.1 surround sound recording

Clear, crisp audio recording to accurately capture the ambiance of a scene, and the ability to deliver surround sound through your home theater system. Level meters on the LCD panel provide direct control of the level of each channel.

Multiple Camera Control

The more frames, the more interesting the editing options. Connected cameras make it easy to shoot from a variety of angles, whether they're connected directly to the HDR-CX620 or controlled wirelessly. Multi-camera control makes it easy to sync shooting settings across all devices.

Functions of live broadcasting of a video stream through the Ustream portal

From intimate concerts to sporting events, there are events that are better experienced in real time. Stream live with first-class sound and picture quality.

Highlight Movie Maker

An all-in-one video editing tool that offers a number of time-saving features. Note key points while recording, and software automatically synchronizes transitions to the selected soundtrack.

Motion Shot Video

CMOS Exmor R Type 1.0

This large, state-of-the-art sensor enhances image clarity, reduces noise in low light conditions, and provides soft background blur.

Built-in USB cable

The built-in USB cable, placed in the wrist strap, is very convenient to use for fast charging and connections to your computer, so there's no need to carry around a bulky extra USB cable or AC adapter. To charge without a computer, use the compact AC-USB adapter (optional).

BIONZ X Image Processor

The advanced BIONZ X image processor helps achieve realistic, accurate images and enables faster processing.

Sony G series lens

With its exceptional optical performance, the Sony G Lens perfectly complements the Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor, making it essential for capturing images with a high level of detail to capture the most accurate experience possible.

Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technologies

Forget about wires and drivers. Using NFC and Wi-Fi technologies, transfer files from the camera to mobile device done quickly and easily. Just download Play app Memories Mobile.

9.2 megapixel photography

Sometimes you don't need - or don't want - to make a video. Switch your camcorder to photography mode and take stunning, high-quality 9.2 megapixel photos as easily as with a regular camera.

Intelligent Auto Mode

This function automatically detects the type of shooting scene and optimizes settings from three groups (face, scene, camera shake). You can take advantage of 180 types of scenes and achieve maximum results even when shooting at night or in backlit conditions. Selected settings are displayed as icons on the LCD screen for ease of use.

Autofocus with lock function (AF)

This feature allows you to better track moving subjects by selecting a constant optimal AF point and adjusting the frame size depending on the characteristics of the subject. Thanks to the improved phase detection autofocus, autofocus speed has been significantly increased - you can now lock focus on a fast-moving subject and take clear photos.

Progressive recording mode

A new level of video clarity compared to interlace recording, you can now record Full HD 60p/50p video in progressive scan mode. Images are as smooth as 60p/50p video, with each frame captured as one full image. Therefore, the frame extracted from video recorded in progressive scan mode will be highly sharp.

Dual format simultaneous recording function

Parallel video recording in two formats - XAVC S or AVCHD for maximum quality and in MP4 format. This way, you'll always have a small file ready for instant sharing and a professional-quality file for further editing.

Dual recording mode

Dual recording mode allows you to shoot HD videos and photos high resolution simultaneously to capture the best scenes in photos and videos.

Manual settings of aperture and shutter speed

This camcorder allows you to manually select aperture and shutter speed and is ideal for backlit, low-light and other challenging shooting conditions.

Smile Shutter function

The best smiles are fleeting, and with this feature you will never miss that important moment. Automatic shooting when a smile is detected, even when recording video.

Automatic wind noise reduction

This feature suppresses wind noise using advanced sound analysis algorithm technology and addresses the root cause of poor outdoor sound quality.

My Voice Cancellation Feature

Suppresses the volume level of background sounds, such as your voice when communicating with the model during shooting and other extraneous noise.

Adjusting microphone sensitivity

For video recording, you can fine-tune microphone sensitivity to optimize audio quality, from quiet birdsong to loud live performances. Even if the volume level of the sound source suddenly increases, automatic adjustment prevents the recording quality from degrading.

Image effect

Give freedom to your imagination. Picture Effects expand your photography and video capabilities by allowing you to add up to seven artistic effects (partial color filters, retro, soft highlights, high contrast monochrome, toy camera, vibrant colors, posterization) without complex computer editing.

Direct copy from Handycam

You can easily backup and save image data to external HDD. Simply connect your Handycam using a USB cable to USB port hard drive.

The Sony HDR-AS30V digital video camera, in its published characteristics, is practically no different from GoPro HERO3: Black Edition. 12 MP matrix, wide-angle fisheye lens, WiFi. Therefore, when I got my hands on it, I decided to try it on for the tasks where I had previously used GoPro. My interests are panoramas and helicopter photography. First of all, I am interested in photographs, and video - exclusively in relation to the helicopter and mainly for test purposes. Based on experience with GoPro, it turned out that 1280x960 120 frames per second is best suited for these purposes. This camera has a close mode SSLOW 1280x720 120p. This camera also has a built-in SteadyShot stabilization system. However, as it turned out, this function is not available in the mode I am interested in. The instructions say: When selected, SteadyShot will not work even if SteadyShot is set to . Those. both in one and in another camera, stabilization during high-speed shooting can be done only after powerful computer

and not at all in real time. I use the videostab tool in the Kdenlive editor for these purposes.

The next mode that might be of interest to me is taking time-lapse photos. The Sony HDR-AS30V offers selectable intervals of 5, 10, 30 and 60 seconds. Compared to 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds, this is not impressive, but it turns out that the ambush is still ahead - you can only shoot with a 2MP resolution. 1920x1080 pixels. Taking into account this limitation, the absence of small intervals is no longer very annoying, since the necessary frames with such a resolution can also be taken from video recording. Overall, I found the button layout on the camera less convenient for one-handed shooting than the GoPro. additional button

PREV also turned out to be not very necessary, but the fact that WiFi turns off along with the camera was very pleasing; with GoPro, because of the separate button, it was very easy to be left with an empty battery at the most necessary moment. And the ability to turn on the camera remotely did not brighten up life much, since the camera was very power-hungry in standby mode.

The letter V in the name indicates the presence of a GPS receiver. It works and writes coordinates to EXIF. When shooting from a helicopter, I don’t really need it, since there is a separate sensor used for navigation, which can also be used to link photos, but the built-in camera sensor cannot be used for helicopter navigation. Program via WiFi from the phone, all Sony cameras have the same one, which, however, does not mean that they have the same control capabilities.

In relation to this camera, everything is very ascetic - just switching modes and releasing the shutter. The only good thing is the significantly lower delay of the live image. If for GoPro it is about one and a half seconds, then here it is a fraction of a second. It is possible that this delay will interfere with controlling the helicopter in first person, but it is very, very comfortable for shooting panoramas.


Connectors: Multi/Micro USB, HDMI, Expansion connector for connecting accessories, microphone.


Memory card and battery NP-BX1 - 3.6 V, 1240 mAh.

Boxing for underwater photography, only five meters, but relatively light (53 grams versus 87) and with a standard tripod socket. Mounting a camera without a housing is perhaps even more difficult than a GoPro.

Platform for quick installation Attaches to a standard tripod socket.

Weight fully assembled with battery and memory card, respectively, 86 g and 74 g Gopro.

In boxes: 160g GoPro and 140g.

Image sensor type 1/2.3 diagonal 7.77 mm with aspect ratio 16:9, 119 million pixels in photo mode. Lens with a focal length of 2.5 mm and an aperture ratio of 1:2.8. Named: Carl Zeiss Tessar, however, all textbooks on optics claim that Paul Rudolph did not make fish-eye lenses and the optical design of the Tessar does not allow such an image to be obtained. When overlaying images taken by Sony HDR-AS30V and GoPro HERO3: Black Edition, you can see that the horizontal angle of view is slightly larger in the former, and the diagonal angle is smaller. The hugin program estimates the horizontal angles of these cameras to be 134.6 and 127 degrees. The projection of these lenses is slightly different. Those. The segment corresponding to an equal angle for the lenses of these cameras from the center to the edge varies according to different laws. A file with lens correction parameters for hugin can be downloaded

Most The best way To capture all the important events in life - buy a video camera. Of course, vivid memories will remain with you forever, but important little things are forgotten over time, and if there is a video that can be watched over and over again, then you don’t have to worry about the safety of important events. A wide selection of video cameras, both amateur and professional, is represented by the well-known Sony brand. Let's turn to the best of the best.

Sony HDR-CX405

The Sony HDR-CX405 digital video camera is an ideal purchase for shooting at home. The amateur camera is distinguished by its cheapness and availability. This model easy to use, so even a child can navigate the minimal number of buttons. Despite the fact that there are virtually no extra buttons on the body, the camera nevertheless has powerful potential and a sufficient number of settings.

Fans will definitely like this device, since the Sony HDR-CX405 - perfect solution to learn the basics of videography. The settings contain everything for a high-quality picture - exposure, white balance, focus.

This Sony model is an excellent travel assistant; thanks to its compactness and lightness (the camera weighs only 215 g), it will not take up much space, and you can always take it with you.

In addition to the control buttons, under the display there is a panel in which there is a niche for a memory card and a Micro-HDMI video output. The menu works through the joystick, which is located near the display. The camcorder supports the following memory cards: microSD, SDXC, microSDHC.

The camera also has sufficient functions for everyday use. Features of this model are 30x zoom, Full HD shooting, a compact and convenient display, the shooting frame rate varies from 25 to 50 fps depending on the mode in which recording occurs.

Benefits of the Sony HDR-CX405 camera

In general, the camera's characteristics are excellent for amateur photography. The important advantages of the camera include the following points:

  • Even when shooting at 30x zoom, image quality and clarity do not suffer.
  • The camera is equipped with a stabilizer, which makes it possible to shoot high-quality videos even while walking or running. This feature is perfect for traveling.
  • If you purchase a tripod in addition to the camera, you can shoot in macro mode.

The small size and convenient location of the buttons allows you to take the camera with you everywhere and shoot even in the most unusual situations. The characteristics of the Sony camcorder deserve attention.

Disadvantages of the camera

Like any camera, the Sony HDR-CX405 has its drawbacks, the most important of which include:

  • Lack of ability to quickly adjust the camera to constantly changing conditions.
  • The lack of Wi-Fi makes it difficult to export videos to a computer.
  • If you believe the reviews, the niche for the memory card is made poorly.

Overall, the Sony HDR-CX405 is an ideal camera for home photography and is well worth its price.

Of course, in their price category, Sony video cameras do not always claim first place and have a sufficient number of worthy analogues. But still, there are functions that give cameras the opportunity to break into the ranking of the best: a perfectly designed 30x optical zoom and a digital zoom ratio of 350. But, of course, such values ​​​​are not used when shooting.

Regarding the Sony HDR-CX625 camcorder, in addition to optical zoom, the excellent performance of the intelligent stabilizer, which has several operating modes, is also important. This allows you to carry out any shooting without a tripod. Even when shooting handheld while running or shooting subjects moving in the distance, image clarity and quality remain top notch.

Unlike the previous model, the HDR-CX625 camera has a small touchscreen display and Wi-Fi. The device copes with its tasks perfectly. In addition to stabilization and optical zoom, an important function is automatic focusing, which works almost instantly, within a couple of seconds. Video cameras respond well to button presses, so the most important events will definitely not be missed. With such a zoom high definition There is no need to claim pictures or aperture ratio. But this video camera has a completely different task, which it copes with.

Advantages of the camera

Users identified the following points as important advantages of the camera:

  • Ability to shoot in Full HD 1080p mode.
  • Wide format recording.
  • Night mode allows you to take high-quality pictures even in the dark.
  • 2.29 megapixel matrix and 30x optical zoom.

If you believe the reviews, the Sony camcorder is great for bloggers.

Disadvantages of the camera

This model belongs to the middle price category and 100% corresponds to the ideal price-quality ratio. But users noticed the following shortcomings:

  • Absence internal memory, recording is carried out only on media. So if you left a flash drive at home, you won’t be able to record even a few minutes.
  • If you believe the reviews, buyers are concerned about the inconvenient location of the charging socket.

The list of cons is quite small, so it’s worth paying attention to this camera.

Sony FDR-AX100E

What makes this Sony camcorder different from others? Shooting in 4K format, which is now very popular in the camera market. What also sets the FDR-AX100E apart from its peers is the presence of many manual settings. Therefore, the camera definitely cannot be classified as an amateur one. You can change settings quickly, since parameter management is quickly accessible and not hidden in the recesses of the menu.

The main features of the model: manual focusing, clear image, decent color rendition and built-in filters. Although the FDR-AX100E camera can be classified as an entry-level professional camera, it clearly does not reach the leading position. For a professional one, it has small dimensions and weighs only 800 grams.

The high cost prevents this camera from achieving a leading position among its analogues. Despite the quality of the matrix and the large diameter of the glass, the weak stabilizer means that long-term shooting handheld is problematic; you will have to buy a tripod with the device. Handheld shooting is also hampered by the noticeable weight. The camera lens does not have an automatic shutter, and the kit comes with a regular cap. The body itself is made of plastic and has steel inserts.

The device has infrared illumination, which makes it possible to shoot in the dark, minimizing the deterioration of quality. The camcorder has a pop-up viewfinder, and next to it there is a button that allows you to quickly switch from photo mode to video mode. The touch screen simplifies the work and the fact that only the most necessary buttons are located on the case. The main ones are adjusting the white balance, changing shooting modes, and a niche for a memory card.

Advantages of Sony FDR-AX100E

Users highlighted the main advantages of the camera:

  • The presence of manual settings allows you to get a clear and high-quality image.
  • A clear picture, complemented by natural color reproduction.
  • Powerful battery. Now you don't have to worry about constantly charging your device.
  • Wide selection of both manual settings and automatic modes.
  • The standard menu for all models makes it possible not to have to understand the camera again if you change it to a more advanced one. new model.
  • Long service life.

Camera Disadvantages

The disadvantages of the Sony camcorder are as follows:

  • The stabilizer is not powerful enough, which is why the camera takes a long time to focus on the desired object.
  • When shooting at maximum zoom, image clarity decreases.

Despite a sufficient number of advantages, the high price scares off potential buyers.

Sony Handycam FDR-AX53

The Handycam line of cameras deserves attention and has models in different price categories. The Sony Handycam FDR-AX53 is definitely a leader in the market. Despite the fact that it is classified as an amateur camera, it shoots video in 4K, has a Zeiss lens and a powerful stabilizer. These three components help the model to firmly hold its position. An excellent alternative to the device is Sony DCR video cameras.

Ease of use of the camera is achieved through a touch screen and Wi-Fi. Excellent image quality is achieved thanks to intelligent autofocus. You can record video even while running, this will not affect the image quality in any way. In addition, a powerful microphone allows you to record even the most distant sounds. The electronic viewfinder and buttons for switching from photo to video mode located next to it greatly simplify the work. The only downside of the camera is its fairly high cost.

The device we are considering today was released and went on sale quite a long time ago. Unfortunately, for many reasons, we were unable to get hold of this camera in time to study its capabilities and write about them. Looking ahead, we note: if we had succeeded, the number of Sony HDR-AZ1 owners could be noticeably higher than now. And this conviction is not without reason. The individual characteristics of the camera and the combination of some parameters make it unique in its kind, distinguishing it from many similar gadgets.

Design, technical characteristics

The camera comes in a packaging traditional for most action cameras, distinguished by the presence of a transparent cap. The opaque part of the packaging contains various accessories, without which the action camera is often useless.

The complete set of the device received for testing consists of the following accessories:

  • camera with screw base
  • accumulator battery
  • transparent waterproof box
  • remote control with rubber strap
  • two mounting pads with adhesive backing
  • removable adapter mount
  • USB-Micro-USB cable
  • multilingual user manual

Some may be concerned about the absence of any special types of mounts in the kit, but do not be upset: the presence of a tripod thread in the detachable base of the camera eliminates most of the issues. After all, the standard tripod thread, unlike proprietary “branded” types of mounts, provides the ability to connect with any tripods, suction cups, holders, etc. available on the market.

The camera body is made of glossy white plastic and has built-in water resistance. It is, of course, not designed for immersion in water, but the camera electronics are not afraid of splashes and dust. On the side you can see a miniature LCD display, which displays the battery charge level, current operating mode, activity wireless adapter, and the state of the memory card.

The glass of the forward lens has a convex shape, and forward-facing stereo microphones are located under the lens.

At the top of the camera there is only a start recording button (it also takes photos or starts interval photo recording), and a Hold switch, which blocks the Rec button from accidental pressing.

The camera interfaces and connectors are protected by plastic plugs with rubber seals around the perimeter. You won't lose these plugs - they are all held on recessed feet.

Almost the entire area of ​​the left side of the case is occupied by a removable battery cover. It, like the plugs, is equipped with a rubber sealing gasket running along the perimeter, and a sliding lock at the end of the chamber reliably protects the cover from accidentally snapping off.

But this is a trick of the designers that is difficult to explain from a practical point of view. What is this platform that screws to the camera for? The pad has an eyelet for a strap and a threaded hole for attaching to a standard tripod head. What, the eyelet and thread could not be placed directly in the body of the camera itself? I can't believe it. There are enough free corners in the body, and there is already a threaded hole, albeit half the diameter required by the standard (this thread is used to attach the mysterious platform to the camera body). No, there is definitely some secret meaning in the site that eludes us.

And here is the remote control - an important distinguishing feature of this camera. First of all, it should be noted that a camera without this remote control is a useless toy, since using the buttons on the camera it is impossible to change the mode, format and other parameters. All of the above can be done only using this remote control or via a smartphone or tablet. On the other hand, if the user has previously configured the camera by activating required format, then the remote control becomes unnecessary until the next reconfiguration of the parameters.

The remote control is equipped with a 37 mm diagonal color display and five buttons that serve to turn the remote control on/off, navigate through the service menu, and start/stop recording. The remote control housing is splash-proof, but is not designed to work underwater (moreover, this is pointless, since Wi-Fi does not work underwater).

The battery built into the remote control is recharged using the existing standard port micro USB, which is closed by a hinged door with a rubber seal.

The remote control provides the ability to connect to several cameras and simultaneously control them all at once. There is also a function for connecting to a camera alone to view the material on the memory card.

The connection time between the remote control and the camera does not exceed five seconds - a good achievement, because in outdoor conditions there is no time to bother with a long connection. The established connection between the remote control and the camera is confidently maintained at a distance of up to 7 meters with direct visibility, and the delay in transmitting the video signal is only 0.3 seconds.

The transparent underwater housing also protects the camera from strong impacts. The box has the same number of buttons as the camera.

The bottom of the box contains a standard threaded mount for attaching to a tripod and other standard mounting or holding devices.

The included pads with adhesive soles allow you to mount the camera on any flat surface - a motorcycle helmet, for example.

Basic specifications devices are shown in the following table:

Lens
line of sight
  • 170° (stabilizer off)
  • 120° (stabilizer on)
focal length
diaphragm
eq. 35 mm
  • 17.1 mm (photo)
  • 17.1 mm (video, stabilizer off)
  • 21.8 mm (video, stabilizer included)
optical zoom
Camera
image sensor

CMOS BSI Exmor R 1/2.3″, effective 11.9 MP

Dimensions, weight
  • 24.2×36×74 mm
  • 63 g with battery
Time continuous recordings from the included battery
  • up to 64 min. in MP4 mode 1920×1080 50p with working Wi-Fi
  • up to 83 min. in MP4 mode 1920×1080 50p with Wi-Fi turned off
Carrier

microSD/SDHC/SDXC memory card

Video formats

in the text of the article

Interfaces
  • Micro-USB 2.0 (multi)
  • Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz
Other characteristics
  • electronic stabilization
  • splash-proof housing
  • water resistant up to 5 m, dust resistant, shock resistant (in case)
  • built-in stereo microphone
  • PAL/NTSC switching
  • work from network adapter
average price
according to price.ru
average price
according to Yandex.Market
Offers
according to Yandex.Market

Video/photography

You can clearly imagine the difference in detail and character of the picture that different recording modes provide using the following still frames and original videos.

XAVC 1920×1080 50p 60 MbpsXAVC 1920×1080 25p 60 MbpsMP4 1920×1080 50p 26 MbpsMP4 1920×1080 25p 26 Mbps

Download videoDownload videoDownload videoDownload video
MP4 1280×720
25p 16 Mbps
MP4 1280×720 100p 26 MbpsMP4 1280×720
25p(×4) 16 Mbps
MP4 640×480 25p 10 Mbps

Download videoDownload videoDownload videoDownload video

What color is the shadow? Gray? No. The shadow can be pink, blue, orange, green, yellow. Any. In this case, the camera, without sounding pompous, saw the scene as an artist would have seen it. Of course, in reality everything looked a little different, not so colorful, but more on that later. In the meantime, let's study technical features each mode and choose the best one.

The name of each format indicates the maximum bitrate, which can vary depending on the amount of movement in the frame. Note that in MP4 mode the camera compresses video with a low Main profile, while in the “heavy” XAVC profile, as befits serious cameras, it is High. Conclusion: to get a high-quality picture with a wide viewing angle, you should shoot in the XAVC 1920x1080 50p 60 Mbps format with the stabilizer turned off.

The viewing angle in the camera is not adjustable, but changes if the user activates the electronic image stabilizer. Changing the viewing angle in this case seriously affects the size of the scene coverage:

Here we see a purely electronic way of changing the viewing angle. Of course, in an action camera, especially such a miniature one, there are no moving optical systems. A burning question rightly arises: does the resolution change when the stabilizer is turned on? If so, how much? You can get the answer only in one way, which has been proven for a long time - by shooting a test table. Since we're dealing with a camera whose wide-angle optical system produces a lot of fisheye distortion, it's not possible to shoot a solid table and fill the entire frame. In these cases, we limit ourselves to photographing only one section of the table, which is printed on a sheet of paper one meter high. The shooting is done, of course, in compliance with the required proportions. And here is the result:

Suspicions were confirmed - with an active stabilizer, the camera uses a smaller area of ​​the matrix to form the image, which is ensured by MOS technology, which allows targeted information capture. By the way, this was not allowed in outdated CCD matrices.

We can also conclude that this smaller area is either not enough to obtain honest Full HD (this is unlikely if you remember the total number of pixels on the matrix), or the software resizing of the frame to bring it to the required 1920x1080 (scaling) is not done accurately enough. As a result, when the stabilizer is turned on, the resolution drops quite seriously: from the former 1100 conventional TV lines to 800. It's a shame. After all, the stabilizer here, although electronic, is damn good!

To view in a larger size, click the Original size button

We can only talk about the quality of encoding if the shooting was done in a sufficient level of illumination. Only then there are no complaints about the quality of encoding. Shooting with the electronic stabilizer turned on is special - we already know how much the resolution is reduced, which is clearly visible in the following still frames.

In good light good quality Regarding a static picture, this is no wonder. Let's try to change the conditions by turning off the lights and launching fireworks, the flashes of which last less than the interval between key frames. Now we see a completely different result: strong pixelation. You can't blame the lack of bitrate on it - it's more than enough.

To view in a larger size, click the Original size button

It's time to study the rolling shutter level (for more details, see the material ), which may be present in our camera. After all, the matrix used consists of almost 12 million pixels, and with such a quantity, it would seem that strong rolling shutter is inevitable.

To view in a larger size, click the Original size button

No. It looks like we will soon stop measuring rolling shutter altogether. After all, modern matrices are increasing not only in megapixels, but also in reading speed, which significantly reduces the possibility of this defect occurring.

Now let's return to the already mentioned point, which concerns color. The camera has a single setting that affects the color character of the resulting image. This setting consists of two parameters: Neutral and Vivid. In the first case, we will receive a standard, typically video camera video, suitable for subsequent processing and color correction. Turning on the Vivid parameter, which makes the color more vibrant and vibrant, will result in a video with intense colors ready for posting on YouTube.

To view in a larger size, click the Original size button

So, you can see that the Vivid mode gives richer colors and a more expressive picture. Yes, with a sufficient level of illumination this is true, but if there is not enough light in the frame, this mode has the opposite effect.

To view in a larger size, click the Original size button

The opposite is true: when there is not enough light, the bright mode (Vivid) gives an inexpressive color, while the neutral mode keeps the colors rich. This is due to the fact that in Vivid mode any light source is even brighter, and therefore loses its color component.

In addition to this color setting, the camera has a modest ability to select the type of scene it is shooting: Normal mode (Standard), and Underwater (Water). Unfortunately, due to the climate in the place where we tested the camera, we did not see any significant differences between these modes, although the scene being filmed is probably to blame. Which can hardly be called underwater. More likely, under the ice.

To view in a larger size, click the Original size button

And of course, what is an action camera without high-speed video shooting? The device in question offers two ways to obtain such a recording. The first method does not require any additional actions on the part of the user - all that is needed is to set desired mode, which is called SSLOW. As a result of shooting, the camera will create a ready-to-use video file, when played back the movement will be four times slower. The second method is already designed for further editing of the material: recording is carried out at normal speed, but the resulting video file has a frequency of 100 frames per second (120 frames for NTSC). To get four times slowdown, it is enough to process such a file in a video editor. However, you can do without recoding - some free video utilities allow you to change the FPS value in the file.

To view in a larger size, click the Original size button

The disadvantage of both of these modes is that the frame size for such shooting is only 1280x720 pixels. Resolution in this case does not make sense to measure, but subjectively there is no difference in detail between these two modes.

We cannot help but remind you of another extremely useful mode of camera operation - time-lapse photography. It is called interval because the camera in this mode automatically creates an endless series of photographs (if power allows, of course). In this case, the time interval between photographs can vary from 1 to 60 seconds. Subsequently, from such photo series you can edit a good video showing any long event at an accelerated pace:

To view in a larger size, click the Original size button

Once again I would like to praise the developers of this program. Conveniences it provides this application, begin with the process of connecting the camera to the smartphone. In the vast majority of cameras, the connection operation consists of several stages: turning on Wi-Fi in the camera, turning on Wi-Fi in the smartphone, searching and registering with the access point created by the camera, launching on the smartphone desired application, application initialization. But in our case everything is much simpler. Here you don’t need to go into your smartphone’s settings; you just need to launch the Play Memories Mobile application. The program will automatically turn on Wi-Fi, find the nearest network created by the camera, and connect to it independently. All of the above takes no more than 10 seconds.

To view in a larger size, click the Original size button

The application settings completely replicate those available in the camera, nothing is forgotten.

conclusions

Sony HDR-AZ1 is undoubtedly a successful camera. Which, however, also contains disadvantages, the main one of which is the fact that without additional controls (remote control or smartphone), the user cannot change the recording parameters. The lack of a car recorder mode also raises questions - what prevented such a mode from being built in is unclear. After all, the camera, like its wireless remote control, can operate by receiving power directly from the network adapter. Moreover, this remote control has a GPS receiver, and each video recording is accompanied by a GPS track saved on the memory card.

In all other respects, we can only say good things about the device:

  • the presence of a control panel with a display, almost complete absence of delay when transmitting the video stream from the camera to the remote control
  • electronic stabilizer in the camera, as effective as software frame stabilization can be
  • the camera has a high-bitrate recording mode in Full HD with high frequency personnel
  • ability to switch from PAL standard to NTSC standard (travelers will appreciate it)

We probably forgot to mention one more disadvantage: the cost of the camera. For an action camera, I think this price is still a bit high. At least if this price is called not in dollars, but in the usual rubles.

We've been waiting a long time for the Sony HDR-HC1E, the world's most compact HD camcorder, to arrive in our lab. The camera has been on sale for several months, so video enthusiasts are faced with a difficult question: Should they switch to high-definition (HD) video now that Sony has supported the 1080i format?

Several facts support this decision. The HDR-HC1E records to regular DV tapes in HD format (1440x1080 pixels) or standard DV format (720x576 pixels). But why would a camera support the latest version with an outdated resolution? The thing is that backward compatibility allows the HDR-HC1E to play back (and shoot on) old DV films. So video shooters can completely abandon the old DV camcorders. Well, let's move on to the next question: can we recommend the Sony HDR-HC1E to those who have decided to buy an HD video camera?

So that you can clearly evaluate the quality of the new Sony camcorder, we have posted several videos, including in full HD resolution.

The HDR-HC1E is immediately distinguished by its large lens with Nightshot switch. You can also turn on picture stabilizer, which can eliminate the negative effects of hand shake. In general, the camera has few control keys.

The advantages of the new technology are best proven by numbers: the Sony HDR-HC1E HD video frame consists of 1,555,200 pixels, while DV video has only 414,720 pixels.

Of all the HD camcorders on sale today, the Sony HDR-HC1E is the least expensive. Therefore, a very wide audience can enjoy the new high-definition quality.

The camera technology is borrowed from the Sony HDR-FX1, which costs twice as much and is heavier and larger in size. Sony has trimmed down the HDR-HC1E's features a bit, at least compared to the HDR-FX1, but that's hardly a deterrent if you want to go HD.

The HDR-HC1E uses a 1/3" CMOS sensor with a resolution of 1440x1080, that is, almost 3 megapixels. By default, the sensor operates in interlaced (1080i) mode, when even lines are captured in one frame, and odd lines in the next. As in earlier implementations, the audio and video recording speed in total is 3.6 MB/s - it is the same when recording HD or DV streams.

We carried the camera with us for several weeks to get a real feel for it. In addition to the portability of the camera itself, compatibility with video editing programs can be considered an advantage. The shot film can be transferred to a PC, after which it can be processed and edited as needed. For editing we used two programs from renowned manufacturers: Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0 and Pinnacle Studio Plus 10.5. In doing so, some difficulties arose, but we will dwell on them below.

To control the most important settings (control of overexposure of objects in terms of brightness, white balance, etc.) is used touch screen. The camera's display flips out and can be used to control video recording, as long as the ambient light level is not too high.

Download video: High resolution video of 1440x1080 pixels recorded in WMV9 (H.263) format. The playback time is 1:23, and the volume is 17 MB. Notice the level of detail, especially compared to the other two videos at 720x540 (PAL) and 320x240 (VHS equivalent).

To give you a clear idea of ​​the quality of HD video, we suggest downloading three videos. The same thing is written on them, but in three different permissions. You'll immediately notice a huge step up in quality compared to PAL video. By the way, after we published the first THG video in 2001, all subsequent videos were recorded in PAL format.

All three videos are encoded in WMV9 format, since this codec is the only one that supports HD resolution today. DivX can encode video at 1280x720 resolution, even in latest version (6.1.1).

Download video: PAL for comparison. The same video as HD, but with a resolution of 720x540. The volume is 11 MB. You can see a deterioration in the level of detail in the video, as the number of pixels is reduced by about four times compared to the original HD video.

Download video: VHS resolution. Many television channels provide pictures in approximately the same resolution: 320x240, that is, approximately one twentieth of the original resolution! The file size is 6 MB.



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