Fifty One East and Sony introduce the new BOSSes of the Action Cam world

Fifty One East, Qatar’s Favorite Department Store, and Sony introduced the newest 4K Action Cam and Full HD Action Cam bringing together Sony’s imaging expertise as never been seen in POV cameras as well as delivering a great video experience for users in the Middle East.

The new FDR-X3000R and HDR-AS300R, are available at the Fifty One East store located in Al Maha Center on Salwa Road in addition to all branches of Virgin Megastore as well as major retailers in Qatar. The new 4K FDR-X3000R[1] and full HD HDR-AS300R Action Cams are packed with Sony’s patented Balanced Optical SteadyShot (B.O.SS) technology that offers a noticeably more effective image stabilisation suitable for 4K[2] and high speed recording modes. Compensating for strong camera shake with the addition of B.O.SS, the FDR-X3000R and HDR-AS300R are designed to give users peace of mind by focusing on any action-packed activities without worrying about jerky or jumpy videos.

The B.O.SS technology, which was initially rolled out across Sony’s premium Handycam® range, allows the FDR-X3000R and HDR-AS300R to be mounted on a bicycle or car dashboard, or used as handheld and yet deliver smooth video footages. The new models come supplied with Sony’s latest Live-View Remote² which is approximately 30 per cent smaller than its predecessor[3] to make it more compact, portable with the ability to control shooting settings without touching the camera. It can also be worn like a wristband using Shooting Grip (VCT-STG1) or the new Finger Grip (AKA-FGP1) or attached to mount accessories such as the optional Handlebar Mount (VCT-HM2).

Users can also control the camera with their smartphones and tablets[4] with the free PlayMemories Mobile™ app. The new camera and Live-View Remote all feature a similar user interface and menu system, with a rich indication of camera settings that makes it easier to navigate menus and customise settings when needed. In addition to being able to shoot beautifully balanced 4K video on the FDR-X3000R, both the FDR-X3000R and HDR-AS300R offer the option to capture approx. 8.3-megapixel[5] interval recording shots for stunning 4K and Full HD[6] time-lapse videos³ can be created using the Action Cam App. Videos can also be edited using the free Action Cam Movie Creator PC software[7] and share with whoever you want[8].

Both the new Action Cam models are powered by the same BIONZ X™ processor which can be found inside Sony’s flagship ɑ7 cameras, and optimised for use in Action Cam. Light is captured via an Exmor R CMOS sensor and the new ZEISS® Lens delivers a more natural image with significantly less distortion than current models.⁷ The combination of image sensor and processor enables full pixel readout without pixel binning for truer colours and reduced ‘jaggie’ effects. You can capture high-bitrate recordings in 4K at 100Mbps and Full HD at 50Mbps in the XAVC S™ format[9]. The FDR-X3000R can also shoot 120p in Full HD while the HDR-AS300R can shoot 120p in HD for impressive slow-motion footage. The stereo mic further ensures that sound is crisp and clear as a result of Wind Noise Reduction so you can actually record the audio that you want[10].

Features such as the angle adjustment of “wide”, “medium” and “narrow”[11] that have proved to be very popular on the existing Action Cam models have been retained in the new models. A new option of smooth zooming (up to 3x) during recording is also added to the new Action cams. It also offers Loop Recording, high speed recording in Full HD at 100p[12] for stunning slow motion action[13], Live Streaming via the Ustream platform[14], Burst Shooting, and the ability to manually adjust white balance and auto exposure shift.

The FDR-X3000R and HDR-AS300R benefit from a splash-proof body and is supplied with a fully waterproof Underwater Housing (MPK-UWH1) that is effective down to 60 metres. It also offers an in-built tripod socket, giving the flexibility to attach to a variety of accessories without needing an adaptor or housing and all terminals have been placed on the back of the of camera, making it easier to use HDMI, the Micro USB or the microphone jack even when attaching the camera to various Action Cam accessories.

Sony’s own in-built movie creator, Highlight Movie Maker[15] automatically selects points of footage, action scenes, and now people’s faces, to create a short movie, complete with background music. GPS data overlay on video reads your speed data and location information recorded by built-in GPS and generates another video file that displays your route and speed information so that you can archive your adventures with complete accuracy[16]. The growing range of Action Cam accessories is boosted further by two new introductions that are ideal compliments to the new Action Cam models. The AKA-FGP1 Finger Grip allows for easy one-handed monitoring and operation of the Action Cam with Live-View Remote, and tilts up to approximately 120 degrees for interesting low and high angle shots.