Sony has added three new video cameras to their lineup. The 1/2.3″ back illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sony FDR-AX1 digital 4K video camera, which supports 3840 x 2160 4K resolution is the big announcement.
B&H has the Sony FDR-AX1 4K camera listed for US$4,499.99
The other two new models are the HDR-AS30V HD POV Action Camcorder and the HDR-MV1 Music Camcorder. The HDR-AS30V is an update on last year’s HDR-AS10 and HDR-AS15 action camera models, while the HDR-MV1 is a one-of-a-kind compact camcorder designed specifically for capturing high-quality audio to match the Full HD video.
The Sony FDR-AX1 Digital 4K Video Camera is Sony’s 4K camcorder that affords about four times the resolution of a Full HD 1080p camcorder and is outfitted with a variety of professional controls including independent zoom, focus, and iris rings. The Sony FDR-AX1 features a high-performance image processor and a back illuminated 8.3MP Exmor R CMOS image sensor that work in concert to facilitate 3840 x 2160p 4K video recording at 60 fps. This means that one will be able to record at the camera’s maximum frame rate even when shooting 4K video.
The Sony FDR-AX1 supports the XAVC-S 4K/HD recording format, which is usually reserved for professional applications. However, since the XAVC-S codec will save as an MP4 wrapper, one can still create web-friendly videos that can be easily shared on social media sites like YouTube. Another highlight of the XAVC-S recording format is its ability to record images at 150Mbps in 4K and at 50Mbps in Full HD. The FDR-AX1 has also adopted a more professional type of recording media, thanks to the inclusion of dual next-generation XQD media card slots. Both XQD card slots support fast 4K/HD writing and reading rates.
Another feature that makes the FDR-AX1 a professional-class video camera is its audio-recording capability. It records 2-channel Linear PCM (LPCM) audio with a built-in high-performance stereo microphone. However, the camera also features dual integrated professional-class XLR audio inputs for connecting external microphones. Photographers will even be able to mix audio tracks from the internal microphone with the audio recorded from any connected external mics. The camera’s other connectivity options include a headphone jack, a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI output, an analog A/V output, an accessory shoe, and more. The HDMI output facilitates playback of 4K/60p video on a compatible 4K Bravia LED TV.
The Sony HDR-AS30V rugged action camera, designed for shooting in the mountains, water, or anywhere else action sports take place. It’s ideal for skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing, motocross, skydiving, mountain biking, and any other outdoor adventure sports. The lightweight and rugged, wearable action camcorder supports up to Full HD 1920 x 1080p video recording at 60 fps. It also features a 2x Slow Motion Mode that supports 1280 x 720p HD video capture at 60 fps and a 4x Slow Motion Mode that supports 1280 x 720p HD video capture at 120 fps. Play back the 120-frames-per-second footage at 30 fps for super-slow-motion shots to highlight the action shots, or to review tricks, form, and technique.
Sony includes a rugged waterproof housing with the HDR-AS30V. The waterproof housing has a universal tripod mount and is waterproof down to a depth of 197 feet (60 m). It is also dirt and dust resistant, which makes the camera nearly impervious to mud, snow, rain, sand, and grime. The camera is equipped with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, which supports a wide 170-degree viewing angle and SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode. It has a back illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor as well, which supports superb low-light performance.
The Sony HDR-MV1 Music Camcorder is designed specifically for capturing high-quality video and audio. It can record Full HD 1920 x 1080p video at 30 fps and LPCM or AAC stereo audio. For video, it’s equipped with a 16MP Exmor R CMOS image sensor and a wide-angle Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with a 120-degree angle of view. It can also capture HD 1280 x 720p video at 30 fps and it records to the web-friendly MP4 format. The camcorder features a 2.7″ LCD monitor as well.
For recording audio, the HDR-MV1 features a 120-degree stereo X/Y microphone array and an external microphone input. It also has a headphone jack for more accurate audio monitoring. You can record audio using the 44.1kHz/16-bit LPCM format or the 48kHz/128kbps AAC format. Plus, the camcorder supports Audio Lip Sync functionality and manual or auto audio-level control. The 2.7″ LCD screen features an on-screen meter as well, which you can use to monitor the audio input levels.
At the time of publishing B&H didn’t have the cameras up on their site.