Why You Can Trust CNET Sony Action Cam AS50 aims to make casual, everyday use better
The newest Action Cam seems to be all about slight changes and upgrades to past models to alleviate some user frustrations.
- More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
Sony hasn't released a new Action Cam POV camera in a while, so why not do it here at CES 2016 in Las Vegas? The Action Cam HDR-AS50 is a notch above entry level, coming in at $350 (about £240 or AUS 490) when it arrives in February, and seems to address several small shortcomings of past models.
For example, instead of having to use an adapter to attach the AS50 to a tripod as with past models, it has a standard 1/4-20 tripod mount built in. The camera's highlight auto-tagging feature is more effective at telling the difference between action shots and everyday situations and can now detect faces, too. A new underwater housing is included that is good down to 60 meters (196 feet) and has a flat-lens, which helps with distortion caused by the camera's curved lens. The AS50's ports are all on back, too, so you can access them when it's mounted. You get the idea, a lot of little improvements to make a better Action Cam that's easier to use.
Shop for Sony Action Cam HDR-AS50
See all prices
The tweaks extend to Sony's Wi-Fi-enabled Live View remote as well, which has been a key differentiator from the competition. Sony added Bluetooth LE to give the remote, which is used to wirelessly control the camera and preview and review your shots with a smartphone, a constant connection to your phone, so you can remotely power the camera on and off.
Other key specs include:
- 11-megapixel Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor
- SteadyShot electronic image stabilization
- 1080p full HD movie capture at 60fps
- High-speed 720p HD movie capture at 120fps/100fps
- 4K time-lapse movie capture
- Built-in stereo mic
- High-bit-rate recording in XAVC S format at 50Mbps