Sony HDR-AS20 old-school style action camera
Sony wanted probably to offer something different through this HDR-AS20 for those who are bored by the GoPro style action cameras. The Sony HDR-AS20 has the design of an old-school mini camcorder. Do not be scared, the HD videos are stored on micro SD memory cards not on mini DV tapes or DVDs like it was 10 years ago :). This Sony sports camera is not just very small (2.5cm × 4.7cm × 8.2 cm) but also very lightweight (83 g including battery).
The BIONZ™ image processor together with back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor is capable of shooting videos with resolution of up to 1080p@60p. In slow-motion mode this camera allows to take 720p videos with 120 frames per second.
Featuring Sony’s SteadyShot electronic image stabilization system the HDR-AS20 allows to record smooth and clear videos in almost any situation.
On the bottom of waterproofing case there is a threated hole which allows to install the HDR-AS20 camera on standard tripods and monopods.
The HDR-AS20 camera is shipped with a waterproof case and some basic mounts needed to get started with, but a lot of additional accessories are available separately from Sony including the RM-LVR1 Live-View remote.
This Sony Action Cam is now available with $50 instant savings on B&H Photo Video for only $149. Although, the camera has an amazing 2 hours of rolling time for nature lovers I recommend to purchase together with the camera at least one spare battery (costs about $25).
Sony HDR-AS20 features and specs
| Imaging unit | BIONZ™ SoC |
| Image sensor | In-type back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3, 11.9MP |
| Lens | ZEISS® Tessar® Lens |
| Display | Monochrome for settings |
| Video formats | 1920 x 1080p@60 fps (28 Mbps), 1920 x 1080p / 30 fps (16 Mbps), 1280 x 720p@30 fps (6 Mbps) and 1280 x 720p@120fps for slow motion |
| Audio | Built-in stereo microphone, AAC-LC codec |
| Photo resolution | 11.9MP (JPEG 16:9) |
| Working modes | Video, photo and interval recording |
| Battery | 3.7 1240mAh |
| Storage | Memory Stick Micro™ — Mark 2, Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card — Class 4 or higher |
| Connectivity | WiFi 802.11b/g/n |
| Connectors | micro USB and micro HDMI (D) |
| Waterproof | Yes, up to 3 meters with waterproof case |
| FPV | Yes, with VMC-15MR2 (sold separately) |
| Other | Electronic SteadyShot image stabilization, Remote watch, “PlayMemories Mobile” App |
| Dimensions | 24.5 mm × 47.0 mm × 82.0 mm |
| Weight | 83g with battery |
| Colors | Black |
Included with the Sony HDR-AS20 camera
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery (NP-BX1/M8 – 1240mAh);
- Waterproof case (SPK-AS2);
- USB data and charging cable;
- Mounting accessories;
- HDR-AS20 operating guide.
Images source: Sony
Leave a Reply