Running a bit larger than Sony’s previous full size action camera, the X1000V is the first Sony Action Cam to film in 4K resolution. Fortunately, the X1000V is more than just better resolution. Instead it brings much of the usability found in the Mini that we loved so much and more. Better sound. Better control. Basically, a better camera in all regards.
Don’t care about filming in 4K? You may still be interested in the replacement for the AS100V – the new AS200V. Yes, it’s a lot of numbers and letters, but it also means full HD capability, better image stabilization, and more control.
Coined loosely as Sony’s Rx or α7S technology in an action camera, the X1000V packs a lot of circuitry into a relatively small frame. Measuring in at 24.4mm x 51.7mm x 88.9mm, those numbers are 0.2mm x 5.2mm x 7.4mm larger than the new HDR-AS200V. So the 4K compatible camera is bigger, but not by much. Housed in a body very similar to the Sony Action cameras prior, the X1000V still features a splash proof housing, replaceable battery (NP-BX1, same as the AS200V), hidden HDMI out, charging port, and memory slot for Memory Stick Micro and Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
While the big story is the addition of 4K, a Micro SDXC UHS-1 Class 3 memory card is required along with the XAVC S codec to get the most out of the resolution. The camera is capable of using the MP4 codec, but its use limits the useable resolution. Even if you’re not planning on taking advantage of the full 4K, the camera includes a host of other new tech like a back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, a BIONZ X processor, and a Zeiss Tessar lens with an ultra-wide 170 degree field of view – wider than GoPro’s if you leave the Steady Shot behind.
Speaking of which, Sony has always stood behind their SteadyShot technology for their action cameras and now it’s even better. First introduced to action cams with the HDR-AS20, SteadyShot was improved with the AZ1 and AS100V, and has been improved yet again for the X100V and AS200V. Now designed to be more effective against high frequency vibrations, the camera is ideally suited for use on aerial photography drones.
The α7S tech comes into play with the camera’s full pixel readout technology found on their high end DSLRs. In layman’s terms, that means the camera processes pixels one by one resulting in crisp lines and true colors. Combined with a high bit rate (100/60Mbps (30p/24p) in 4K or 50Mbps in full HD) the X1000V should provide footage with better detail and the ability to run up to 120p for great slow motion in full HD. Want more frames per second? The camera will bump up to 240p in standard HD as well.
Finally, to make all the new tech even more useable Sony has added the option for manual control and settings. White balance, auto exposure shifting and more can be controlled through the menu, or the new Live View Remote RM-LVR2. Waterproof up to 3m, the new remote offers control over both the X1000V and AS200V to start/stop recording, watch movie playback minus the sound, and delete the duds. Both the remote and the PlayMemories Mobile app (android and iOS) allow for control of multiple cameras at once. Sony is also working on a new Action Cam App that will be available for download in Spring 2015 to bring additional editing features to mobile control.
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