Sony FDR-X3000R 4K Action Camera

The Sony FDR-X3000R 4K Action Camera is the newest from Sony and comes with 4K recording a well as a plethora of much-needed action camera features that are great to give tough competition to the latest GoPro action cameras.

Camera and recording features

The Sony FDR-X3000R 4K Action Camera lets you take POV action movies in high-resolution 4K with Balanced Optical SteadyShot for ultimate image stabilization. It helps in reducing the effects of camera shake internally, by joining the camera’s lens and sensor and moving together to control the whole optical path as one, providing users with clear and stable images.

The camera is equipped with the new ZEISS Tessar lens that has considerably lesser lens distortion. It also has a back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor along with an acclaimed BIONZ X processor that makes sure the video quality remains dependably strong across all settings.

The ZEISS Tessar lens lets users capture epic ultra-wide-angle views or they can even choose their own from Wide, Medium or Narrow. This will help correct barrel distortion which is common with POV cameras. You can also adjust up to 3x smooth zoom while shooting.

Apart from taking 4K videos, you can also capture sills in high quality 12MP. With the burst shooting mode capture fast-moving action at up to 10 fps, with burst mode settings like 10 fps/1 sec., 5 fps/2 sec., 2fps /5 sec. You can also set the camera to take 8.3MP stills over consistent recesses for a lengthy period of time. 8.3MP is enhanced for 4K (3840x2160) and can make beautiful 4K Time-lapse videos with the Action Cam Movie Creator (v. 5.1 for Windows, v.3.1 for Mac).

Motion Shot is a cool feature of the Sony FDR-X3000R 4K Action Camera that lets you record a complete action sequence in one shot. This works by creating a composite image of an object in motion, with adjustable settings for different burst speeds that are 10fps, 5fps and 2fps.

It even has a built-in stereo microphone with wind noise reduction to lessen the impact of wind interference by capturing sounds of your adventure in a two-track stereo. There is an option to use an external microphone as well with a convenient mic jack if needed.

Body and design

The Sony FDR-X3000R 4K Action Camera features a real-world rugged design that can endure harsh conditions, and is ready to accompany you on any adventure or action. On its own, the camera’s body is splashproof and freezeproof, but with the included Waterproof Housing it is also dustproof, shockproof and waterproof till 197ft/ 60m.

The Underwater Housing comes equipped with a flat port in front of the lens, as well as handy camera buttons on its side. This allows for easy access to all the controls through the housing.

There is also a universal tripod screw mount on the body of the camera as well as on the Waterproof Housing, so users can conveniently mount it directly to a tripod.

Other features

Users will have the option for remote camera control and streaming a live preview with the optional Live-View Remote or Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app (Android and iOS.). Both will provide control for adjusting recording settings, start/stop recording, power on/off and much more.

The built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS capabilities provide enhanced convenience in the form of immediate connection, control and tracking of your adventures. GPS also lets you tag your videos for adding location tracking and speedometer to the video using Action Cam Movie Creator.

The Sony FDR-X3000R 4K Action Camera uses 3.6V Rechargeable battery pack (NP-BX1). This provides a battery life of up to 125 minutes when the Wi-Fi is on and up to 135 minutes when the Wi-Fi is off.