Sony AS50 Action Camera

The Sony AS50 Action Camera is a new entry-level device that totes a number of advanced features, putting it a level above its other Sony predecessors.

Some small changes have made a huge difference for this new action camera. The first noticeable physical change that you see is that it now features a flat bottom as opposed to the rounded bottom on the previous cameras. It was difficult the rest the Sony AS30 on a flat surface, but the new body of the AS50 makes it easily possible now. The camera has also had a change in placement for the buttons that are on the side of the camera, and even features a more instinctive functioning.

The AS50 has a minimal and sleek exterior, while the interior is packed with some great features. It is equipped with a 1/2.3 type (0.3 in) back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS sensor that provides low-light sensitivity with enhanced image clarity and radically reduced grain. It can take pictures in 11.1MP and at shutter speeds between 1/30th-1/10,000th sec.

The lens used is a Zeiss Tessar f/2.8 18.4 mm (35 equivalent) focal length, or when used in its narrow setting it is 21.8mm (35mm equivalent), with a minimum focus distance of 30cm.

It can record in 1080p at 60fps, 720p at 120fps and 4K time-lapse. It even has a built-In stereo mic for recording great quality sound with your videos. It records in two-track stereo and delivers a clear sound with reduced distortion.

The camera uses a rechargeable battery with a life of up to 150 minutes. It also features loop recording that allows you to never miss any moment again, and this can be chosen with a duration of 5, 20, 60, 120 minutes, or 'unlimited'.

There are even 3 tally lights on the front, top and back of the camera’s body so you can easily check whether the camera is recording regardless of which angle you are looking at the camera. 

A big advantage the Sony AS50 has over GoPro and other action cameras is the fact that it comes with built-in SteadyShot stabilization. This helps in delivering better footage with reduced blurring, saves time and gives good image quality, as you wouldn’t have to do a lot of image stabilization in post-processing.

The camera has a number of exciting accessories that make using it an even better experience. The new underwater housing can be used till 60m/197ft underwater, and it also keeps the camera protected from sand, dust or dirt, as well as any accidental falls and bumps.

Another accessory is the new Wi-Fi remote control that is optional to use and has been designed like a smartwatch to help control the camera efficiently.