IFA 2013: action cameras
This year, by chance, I was able to visit the IFA 2013 - the second largest thematic IT exhibition in Germany and one of the four largest (CES, CeBIT, Computex, IFA) in the world. There are a lot of impressions, even more photos and thoughts. And I decided to start the review of IFA 2013 new products with action cameras, to which my colleagues pay a lot of attention in their posts.
They talked about action cameras relatively recently, but these devices are rapidly gaining popularity. A corresponding demand gives rise to high demand: almost every company, one way or another connected with the release of IT products, seeks to replenish the assortment with a “sports” camera. And if a year or two ago only the devices of the American Woodman Labs, the very GoPro, were heard, now many analogues have appeared on the market. IFA 2013 only witnessed the fact that action cameras are interesting not only for local B-brands (i.e. German), but also for well-known international companies. With them we begin the review of new products.
Visiting the stand of JVC KENWOOD, I did not think that I would stumble upon an action camera. But it happened. As it turned out later, the company already has two “extreme cameras” (as the manufacturer calls it) allocated in the ADIXXION series: GC-XA1 saw the light earlier, but at IFA, the company showed off a new product - GC-XA2. The world premiere of this action-camera took place a little more than two months ago - July 9.
ADIXXION is an offshoot of the JVC camcorder line, and it is easy to guess in appearance the GC-XA1 and GC-XA2. Looking ahead, I’ll say that Sony went the same way: its action camera also looks like a small video camera. It seems to me that in doing so, i.e. without “bothering” with the appearance, both JVC and Sony lose: I saw several people come up to the stand and said something like “These are their next video cameras” and left. Even the mannequin standing in the yard was not embarrassed. At the same time, for original devices like GoPro, the look clings to you be healthy.
I must say that there is nothing particularly outstanding in the specifications of the GC-XA2. The protected case allows you to immerse with the camera in water to a depth of 5 m, to work with it at temperatures up to -10 degrees Celsius. Protection from dust and falls from a height of 2 m is also declared. Is it anyone who will surprise you now? But the presence of a built-in color display with a diagonal of 1.5 inches is a definite plus.
Of course, the GC-XA2 is equipped with a built-in battery, allows you to record Full HD video, compatible with SDXC cards. There is Wi-Fi support.
GC-XA2 differs from its predecessor in a higher-quality matrix (8 MP BSI CMOS versus the usual 5 MP CMOS), different equivalent focal length (20.5 mm versus 25.4 mm) and a different aperture (F / 2.4 versus F / 2.8) of the lens. Interestingly, the viewing angle has changed along with this: if in the case of GC-XA1 it is equal to 170 degrees, then in the case of GC-XA2 it is already 160 degrees.
I note that the workmanship of the JVC GC-XA2 is simply excellent. The camera may not be too “nicely tailored,” but it is “stitched” for sure. The abundance of metal in the design inspires confidence that the JVC GC-XA2 is really thoroughly prepared for situations for which action cameras are mainly purchased.
European prices JVC GC-XA2 - about 300 euros.
At the IFA 2013, the world premiere of the HDR-AS30V / B action camera, which became noticeably better than the previous model - HDR-AS15 / B, took place. If Wi-Fi support was the most remarkable feature of the old model, then the new “plus” is NFC and GPS.
Interestingly, the HDR-AS30V / B has the same lens and matrix that are used in the HDR-AS15 / B. Those. if the same JVC improved the characteristics of the new model, then Sony considered that "the old ones will do." In principle, Sony can be understood, because the HDR-AS30V / B uses a BSI CMOS matrix of 1 / 2.3-inch format with an impressive resolution of 11.9 megapixels and a Carl Zeiss Tessar lens with a maximum aperture of F / 2.8.
HDR-AS30V / B, unlike its predecessor, is compatible with SDXC memory cards - this is good, but what's bad is that for the sake of the best sound (there are now two microphones) and the ease of control, the included underwater diving box is designed for diving no more 5 meters. For comparison, the HDR-AS15 / B with its box could withstand 60-meter dives. ... In general, there is nothing critical in this, it is unlikely that any of the ordinary users will “dive” so deeply, but I believe that the protective capabilities of action cameras from model to model should only improve, if only not by much.
“In my hands” I did not like the Sony HDR-AS30V / B: it seems that the finishing materials are of high quality, but it does not give the feeling of security that the JVC GC-XA2 possesses.
As far as I know, Sony HDR-AS30V / B sales in Russia will start in October, and its cost will be either the same 12,990 rubles that they are asking for HDR-AS15 / B, or will be higher.
The well-known company in Germany, Rollei, very powerfully performed in the segment of action cameras. Actually, almost all of her exposition was devoted to precisely these devices.
The Rollei asset now has about ten different action cameras, different in shape, size and even colors! And the accessories catalog for 3S, 4S, 5S, 5S WiFi, S-50 WiFi models has 26 items: from banal 3M stickers on a helmet and additional batteries to a special mount on a surfboard and magnetic pad! Neither Sony nor the JVC can boast of such a variety of mounts. In general, I got the feeling that the products of second-tier companies have more functions and more features at, naturally, a lower price.
I will not list all the camera models shown by Rollei, briefly focus only on a couple.
Very interesting specimens are the Sunglasses Cam 100 and Cam 200. In fact, these are sunglasses with a built-in camera, aimed primarily at motorcyclists. “Glasses” are equipped with a 5-megapixel matrix, allow you to record Full-HD video and stereo sound. The microSD card slot and battery, which provides up to an hour of battery life to the device, are mounted in the temples. Only unimportant viewing angles upset: only 63 degrees in the Cam 100 model and 135 degrees in the Cam 200 model.
Rollei Youngster is focused mainly on young people who — and this is common in Europe — prefers to cycle around the city. The characteristics are average (video recording 720p, viewing angle 135 degrees, 2-inch screen, protective box included), but the price is low and several colors of the case are provided.
In general, I must say that bright colors or interchangeable panels are a new trend in action cameras. Manufacturers of the second tier are well aware of how great demand is, and are trying to offer the user maximum opportunities, including customization of the appearance. For example, the new fall, the Rollei S-50 WiFi, comes with three panels: black, blue and yellow.
The S-50 WiFi model is the flagship action camera of Rollei, you can judge about this by the characteristics: a 14 megapixel matrix, a box that provides immersion to a depth of 60 m, a glass lens, an extended temperature mode - from +60 to -20 degrees Celsius, viewing angle of 175 degrees, 2-inch screen, the ability to control from a smartphone via Wi-Fi. In addition to interchangeable panels, this camera comes with two batteries.
It seems to me that the Rollei example is the most telling example of how popular action-cameras are and ... how far one can go in order to satisfy the explosive demand for these devices among consumers. It’s one thing when a company produces dozens of smartphone models — that’s understandable, it’s quite another thing to try to sell ten different action cameras. In my opinion, this is too much.
By the way, with the desire and availability of 8,170 euros, at the Rollei stand it was possible to purchase a Suzuki RM-Z450 cross bike. With me, not a single visitor even approached him, but the action cameras were curious enough.
I have never heard of the action cameras of this company, meanwhile, Italians are quite famous both in their homeland and in Europe. Nilox officially collaborates with several renowned Italian athletes, as well as the FIM SBK Superbike motorcycle racing series and the Ducati motorcycle company.
There are six action cameras in the Nilox assortment: Foolish (isn't that a funny name?), Foolish Special, Foolish Ducati, F-60, Mini and Tube. A feature of almost all Nilox action cameras is a detachable display. I have already seen this solution in a number of developments of other companies. Some other models are equipped with a laser pointer.
The manufacturer positions the cameras as very easy to use: clicked on one button - received a photo, clicked on another - video recording began. From the point of view of the characteristics of the device, Nilox does not stand out: Full-HD video and an angle of 175 degrees are easy to find in many other products.
Nilox promotes not only action cameras, but also a number of other devices for specialized applications. For example, in the photo below, the young lady shows the charms ... SwimSonic - a waterproof MP3 player.
I could not get around the entire exhibition even in a few days, so it is very likely that many original developments did not fall into the focus of my attention. Nevertheless, the above examples perfectly illustrate the trend indicated in the introduction: action cameras are interesting to the consumer, and companies of different ranks try as they can to satisfy demand. And I prefer the development of small companies, as a rule, they turn out to be much more interesting and diverse. I'm not talking about the features and price.
I ’ll notice that next week my colleague Alex_SmartGadgetintends to publish a comparative review in which he intends to conduct a comparative analysis of the GoPro 3 White Edition with iON Air Pro Wi-Fi from the position of an ordinary consumer. Both models cost about the same (about 10 thousand rubles), while the latter is positioned as a direct competitor and a more affordable alternative to the younger GoPro camera, at least due to a wider configuration. What will come of this - we will soon find out.
This is the end of the material about action cameras, but already this week I will try to post the first part of a large review of IFA 2013 mobile innovations. With detailed photos and tests of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 smartphone and Toshiba Excite Pro tablet on the NVIDIA Tegra 4 platform, as well as with a detailed preview of the Samsung Galaxy Gear. As they say, do not switch.
They talked about action cameras relatively recently, but these devices are rapidly gaining popularity. A corresponding demand gives rise to high demand: almost every company, one way or another connected with the release of IT products, seeks to replenish the assortment with a “sports” camera. And if a year or two ago only the devices of the American Woodman Labs, the very GoPro, were heard, now many analogues have appeared on the market. IFA 2013 only witnessed the fact that action cameras are interesting not only for local B-brands (i.e. German), but also for well-known international companies. With them we begin the review of new products.
Jvc
Visiting the stand of JVC KENWOOD, I did not think that I would stumble upon an action camera. But it happened. As it turned out later, the company already has two “extreme cameras” (as the manufacturer calls it) allocated in the ADIXXION series: GC-XA1 saw the light earlier, but at IFA, the company showed off a new product - GC-XA2. The world premiere of this action-camera took place a little more than two months ago - July 9.
ADIXXION is an offshoot of the JVC camcorder line, and it is easy to guess in appearance the GC-XA1 and GC-XA2. Looking ahead, I’ll say that Sony went the same way: its action camera also looks like a small video camera. It seems to me that in doing so, i.e. without “bothering” with the appearance, both JVC and Sony lose: I saw several people come up to the stand and said something like “These are their next video cameras” and left. Even the mannequin standing in the yard was not embarrassed. At the same time, for original devices like GoPro, the look clings to you be healthy.
I must say that there is nothing particularly outstanding in the specifications of the GC-XA2. The protected case allows you to immerse with the camera in water to a depth of 5 m, to work with it at temperatures up to -10 degrees Celsius. Protection from dust and falls from a height of 2 m is also declared. Is it anyone who will surprise you now? But the presence of a built-in color display with a diagonal of 1.5 inches is a definite plus.
Of course, the GC-XA2 is equipped with a built-in battery, allows you to record Full HD video, compatible with SDXC cards. There is Wi-Fi support.
GC-XA2 differs from its predecessor in a higher-quality matrix (8 MP BSI CMOS versus the usual 5 MP CMOS), different equivalent focal length (20.5 mm versus 25.4 mm) and a different aperture (F / 2.4 versus F / 2.8) of the lens. Interestingly, the viewing angle has changed along with this: if in the case of GC-XA1 it is equal to 170 degrees, then in the case of GC-XA2 it is already 160 degrees.
I note that the workmanship of the JVC GC-XA2 is simply excellent. The camera may not be too “nicely tailored,” but it is “stitched” for sure. The abundance of metal in the design inspires confidence that the JVC GC-XA2 is really thoroughly prepared for situations for which action cameras are mainly purchased.
European prices JVC GC-XA2 - about 300 euros.
Sony
At the IFA 2013, the world premiere of the HDR-AS30V / B action camera, which became noticeably better than the previous model - HDR-AS15 / B, took place. If Wi-Fi support was the most remarkable feature of the old model, then the new “plus” is NFC and GPS.
Interestingly, the HDR-AS30V / B has the same lens and matrix that are used in the HDR-AS15 / B. Those. if the same JVC improved the characteristics of the new model, then Sony considered that "the old ones will do." In principle, Sony can be understood, because the HDR-AS30V / B uses a BSI CMOS matrix of 1 / 2.3-inch format with an impressive resolution of 11.9 megapixels and a Carl Zeiss Tessar lens with a maximum aperture of F / 2.8.
HDR-AS30V / B, unlike its predecessor, is compatible with SDXC memory cards - this is good, but what's bad is that for the sake of the best sound (there are now two microphones) and the ease of control, the included underwater diving box is designed for diving no more 5 meters. For comparison, the HDR-AS15 / B with its box could withstand 60-meter dives. ... In general, there is nothing critical in this, it is unlikely that any of the ordinary users will “dive” so deeply, but I believe that the protective capabilities of action cameras from model to model should only improve, if only not by much.
“In my hands” I did not like the Sony HDR-AS30V / B: it seems that the finishing materials are of high quality, but it does not give the feeling of security that the JVC GC-XA2 possesses.
As far as I know, Sony HDR-AS30V / B sales in Russia will start in October, and its cost will be either the same 12,990 rubles that they are asking for HDR-AS15 / B, or will be higher.
Rollei
The well-known company in Germany, Rollei, very powerfully performed in the segment of action cameras. Actually, almost all of her exposition was devoted to precisely these devices.
The Rollei asset now has about ten different action cameras, different in shape, size and even colors! And the accessories catalog for 3S, 4S, 5S, 5S WiFi, S-50 WiFi models has 26 items: from banal 3M stickers on a helmet and additional batteries to a special mount on a surfboard and magnetic pad! Neither Sony nor the JVC can boast of such a variety of mounts. In general, I got the feeling that the products of second-tier companies have more functions and more features at, naturally, a lower price.
I will not list all the camera models shown by Rollei, briefly focus only on a couple.
Very interesting specimens are the Sunglasses Cam 100 and Cam 200. In fact, these are sunglasses with a built-in camera, aimed primarily at motorcyclists. “Glasses” are equipped with a 5-megapixel matrix, allow you to record Full-HD video and stereo sound. The microSD card slot and battery, which provides up to an hour of battery life to the device, are mounted in the temples. Only unimportant viewing angles upset: only 63 degrees in the Cam 100 model and 135 degrees in the Cam 200 model.
Rollei Youngster is focused mainly on young people who — and this is common in Europe — prefers to cycle around the city. The characteristics are average (video recording 720p, viewing angle 135 degrees, 2-inch screen, protective box included), but the price is low and several colors of the case are provided.
In general, I must say that bright colors or interchangeable panels are a new trend in action cameras. Manufacturers of the second tier are well aware of how great demand is, and are trying to offer the user maximum opportunities, including customization of the appearance. For example, the new fall, the Rollei S-50 WiFi, comes with three panels: black, blue and yellow.
The S-50 WiFi model is the flagship action camera of Rollei, you can judge about this by the characteristics: a 14 megapixel matrix, a box that provides immersion to a depth of 60 m, a glass lens, an extended temperature mode - from +60 to -20 degrees Celsius, viewing angle of 175 degrees, 2-inch screen, the ability to control from a smartphone via Wi-Fi. In addition to interchangeable panels, this camera comes with two batteries.
It seems to me that the Rollei example is the most telling example of how popular action-cameras are and ... how far one can go in order to satisfy the explosive demand for these devices among consumers. It’s one thing when a company produces dozens of smartphone models — that’s understandable, it’s quite another thing to try to sell ten different action cameras. In my opinion, this is too much.
By the way, with the desire and availability of 8,170 euros, at the Rollei stand it was possible to purchase a Suzuki RM-Z450 cross bike. With me, not a single visitor even approached him, but the action cameras were curious enough.
Nilox
I have never heard of the action cameras of this company, meanwhile, Italians are quite famous both in their homeland and in Europe. Nilox officially collaborates with several renowned Italian athletes, as well as the FIM SBK Superbike motorcycle racing series and the Ducati motorcycle company.
There are six action cameras in the Nilox assortment: Foolish (isn't that a funny name?), Foolish Special, Foolish Ducati, F-60, Mini and Tube. A feature of almost all Nilox action cameras is a detachable display. I have already seen this solution in a number of developments of other companies. Some other models are equipped with a laser pointer.
The manufacturer positions the cameras as very easy to use: clicked on one button - received a photo, clicked on another - video recording began. From the point of view of the characteristics of the device, Nilox does not stand out: Full-HD video and an angle of 175 degrees are easy to find in many other products.
Nilox promotes not only action cameras, but also a number of other devices for specialized applications. For example, in the photo below, the young lady shows the charms ... SwimSonic - a waterproof MP3 player.
Instead of output
I could not get around the entire exhibition even in a few days, so it is very likely that many original developments did not fall into the focus of my attention. Nevertheless, the above examples perfectly illustrate the trend indicated in the introduction: action cameras are interesting to the consumer, and companies of different ranks try as they can to satisfy demand. And I prefer the development of small companies, as a rule, they turn out to be much more interesting and diverse. I'm not talking about the features and price.
I ’ll notice that next week my colleague Alex_SmartGadgetintends to publish a comparative review in which he intends to conduct a comparative analysis of the GoPro 3 White Edition with iON Air Pro Wi-Fi from the position of an ordinary consumer. Both models cost about the same (about 10 thousand rubles), while the latter is positioned as a direct competitor and a more affordable alternative to the younger GoPro camera, at least due to a wider configuration. What will come of this - we will soon find out.
This is the end of the material about action cameras, but already this week I will try to post the first part of a large review of IFA 2013 mobile innovations. With detailed photos and tests of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 smartphone and Toshiba Excite Pro tablet on the NVIDIA Tegra 4 platform, as well as with a detailed preview of the Samsung Galaxy Gear. As they say, do not switch.
