Sony introduced a new Action Cam series, the first camera with a 1-inch sensor, Zeiss optics, and the 960 fps slow-motion feature known to be used in Xperia smartphones. It has a high price but amazing picture quality.
The Sony RX0 has a 15.3 megapixel Exmor RS sensor whose1-inch format for an action cam is unusually large and promises a high light output even under low light conditions. The Zeiss lens offers a fixed aperture of F4 and a 24 mm wide-angle focal length. This camera is not actually an ActionCam, but it could compete effectively with GoPro and the popular China brand Yi, especially since Sony hid the whole package in a 59 x 40 x 30 mm small housing with IPX8 standard, waterproof up to 10 m and according to MIL-STD810G -standard, it has been packed in a shock-proof and break-proof manner.
The image and video editing seem to be ahead of the competition. The Sony Bionz X processor provides image-triggering times up to 1 / 32,000 and a maximum of 16 serial images per second, RAW format recording is possible. In the video area, full-HD recordings can be recorded at 240 fps, 480 fps, and even 960 or 1,000 fps, which is known for the Xperia smartphones with a motion-eye camera. However, Sony cheats here a little. If you look at the data sheet in detail, it becomes clear that the Slow-Mo recordings from 240 fps have two modes: “Quality Priority” and “Shoot Time Priority”. In the latter, the number of effectively available pixels decreases to 800 x 270 pixels. Full HD is not supported in Super Slow motion mode.
Surprisingly, the data sheet (see below) does not include 4K recording modes. In the case of the Yi-4k + Actioncam, for example, 60 fps is possible, Sony can output 4K recordings directly and uncompressed to the HDMI output, an internal recording is not possible in this case. In conjunction with several RX0-Cams, Sony allows extensive control possibilities to create VR pictures. It is a pity that the manufacturer continues to rely on the outdated Micro USB and USB 2.0 for the USB port. Also, the integrated WLAN is limited to the 2.4 GHz range. The back side 1.5-inch display is not touch-enabled, Sony continues to rely on hardware buttons. The RX0 will be available from October for $700, a large accessory program is also available.
