Looking for an action camera that doesn’t break the bank? The Sony Action Cam might be just what you’re looking for. This camera is perfect for capturing all of your outdoor adventures, and it’s surprisingly affordable. So far, we’ve been impressed with the quality of the footage that this camera can capture. If you’re in the market for an action camera, be sure to check out the Sony Action Cam.
Table of Contents
FDR x3000 Sony Action Camera review
Pros
- Remote live view
- Amazing image stabilization
- 4K video recording
Cons
- Battery life average
- Some uses may find the shape awkward.
- Monochrome LCD
Design
The FDRX3000 is a revolutionary action cam design. The majority of action cams follow the GoPro design, which is a small box with a camera. However, the X3000 looks more like a smaller, more compact model. It is a 1.9×1.2×3.4 inch (HWD) device and weighs in at 4.1 ounces.
The white body is protected against dust and splashes. However, it cannot be submerged without the provided underwater housing. The housing can be submerged to a depth of approximately 200 feet (60 meters).
Sony’s approach to things isn’t necessarily good or bad. It’s just different. The X3000’s size may not be ideal for your workflow. It simply cannot fit in some tight places as well as a Hero5 Black.
You may be pleased to know that the X3000 comes with a standard tripod mount, which means you don’t need to buy a lot of additional mounts. You can use your existing GoPro mounts, but you will need to purchase a small adapter.
The X3000’s frame houses the stereo microphone and lens, along with the Record/Enter and Power buttons. On the right side, a monochrome LCD displays menus and settings. It also has Up, Down, and Menu buttons to navigate.
Although the menu was intuitive, I was able to set the camera up as I wanted. The sound was off on my first batch of test footage. This is not an error you want to make when using a touch screen.
Connectivity
The Sony FDR X3000 Action Camera offers several connectivity options to make it easy to transfer and share your footage. It has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, which allows you to connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet via the PlayMemories Mobile app.
With the app, you can view your footage in real-time, control the camera remotely, and transfer your videos and photos wirelessly. The app also makes it easy to share your content on social media platforms directly from your phone or tablet.
Additionally, the Sony FDR X3000 also features NFC (Near Field Communication), which enables you to pair the camera with other NFC-enabled devices simply by tapping them together. This feature is particularly useful for sharing footage with friends and family who have NFC-compatible devices.
For those who prefer a wired connection, the camera also has a micro HDMI port and a micro USB port. The micro HDMI port allows you to connect the camera directly to an HDTV or monitor to view your footage on a larger screen, while the micro USB port is used for charging the camera or transferring files to your computer.
Video Quality and Features
The Sony FDR-X3000 action camera is a powerful device that is capable of recording high-quality video. With its XAVC S compression technology, the camera can capture 4K video at a high bitrate of 100Mbps, resulting in clear and sharp footage with strong details.
The video also has a low-contrast look, which makes it easy to color grade, similar to the ProTune option on GoPro cameras. The camera’s ability to capture more detail in the highlights and shadows enhances the dynamic range, resulting in stunning footage.
The FDR-X3000 also has an optical stabilization feature, which provides a steady effect at full resolution. Unlike digital stabilization, which can result in unnatural-looking footage, the optical stabilization in the X3000 produces smoother and more natural footage, even when capturing handheld shots. Although there may still be occasional jostles, the footage looks quite natural, as seen in test videos.
In addition to its 4K capabilities, the FDR-X3000 can also record 1080p footage at high frame rates, ranging from 120fps to 30fps, allowing for high-quality HD video with a variety of features. The camera can also slow down footage to quarter speed when played back at 30 and 24fps, respectively, and there are options for 240fps or 200fps playback at 60Mbps or 100Mbps.
The camera also supports various video modes, including looping, time-lapse, live streaming, and burst photo capture, allowing users to experiment with different creative options. The lens can capture a wide-angle of 17mm at its widest, but can also be resized to 23mm or 32mm for a narrower angle.
Although there may be some barrel distortion at the widest angle, it is not as noticeable as with other cameras.
One downside to the FDR-X3000 is that its photo quality is not as good as its video quality. Although the 12MP resolution is adequate, details may appear blurry, and the photo aspect ratio of 16:9 is used instead of the more common 4:3 or 3:1.
Additionally, the Sony images are not as sharp as those captured by other action cameras like the Sjcam SJ7 Star. However, the stereo microphone on the X3000 picks up sound well, making it a great choice for those who plan to use it for serious video projects. Overall, the FDR-X3000 Sony action camera is a powerful and versatile device that delivers high-quality video footage and a range of creative options for users.
Stabilization
The FDR-X3000 is a top-of-the-line action camera from Sony that boasts an impressive image stabilization technology called BOSS (Balanced Optical SteadyShot). This technology is a combination of a powerful EXMOR R CMOS sensor and a 17mm ZEISS lens that work together to counteract jerky camera movements.
Compared to its competitors such as GoPro, which rely on electronic image stabilization (EIS), the BOSS technology of the FDR-X3000 provides superior image stabilization without the need for software correction. This means that there is no loss of field of vision or “jello” effect that can sometimes occur with EIS.
The BOSS technology in the FDR-X3000 is entirely mechanical, which provides smoother and more natural-looking footage. It can handle the inconsistencies inherent in human handling, and it does so like a boss.
The FDR-X3000’s image stabilization technology is not just limited to standard video, but it can also be used when shooting in 4K. This feature was previously unavailable in the FDRX1000V Action Cam, making the FDR-X3000 a top choice for those looking for an action camera with excellent stabilization.
Overall, the FDR-X3000’s BOSS technology provides a significant advantage over its competitors in terms of image stabilization, making it a top choice for action camera enthusiasts who want smooth, high-quality footage.
Image Quality
It’s been a thumbs up so far for the little guy. The same goes for the images and videos I’ve shot. I didn’t have a fast microSD card to record a 4K video with my action cam. The following is based on the 1080p video.
The FDRX3000 excels under sufficient light and daylight. It can produce sharp and vibrant results with good contrast and dynamic range. Auto exposure is excellent and doesn’t suffer from sudden exposure changes in scenes with different lighting conditions.
Sony has spent a lot of time reducing the fisheye effect in action cameras. The results speak for themselves. FDR-X3000 footages have very little distortion around the edges. This makes the viewing experience much more comfortable and less unpleasant for me.
You can improve the bit rate of the videos by reviewing them on a bigger monitor. Fast-moving objects and quick pans will show visible pixelation, which could make the video look amateurish.
It also applies to stills, which can be accessed in “Photo” mode and offer 13MP photos and 4K time-lapses. If you have to use video mode for any reason, 8MP images are the maximum you can take. Sometimes pictures can appear softened and slightly washed.
Low-light conditions can cause noise and grain in the video and images. The compact housing only has a 1/2.5 type (7.20mm sensor) sensor. This causes noise and grain. It was still usable for walking on a darkly lit bridge in the late evening. However, the footage is slightly grainier.
Stereo microphones produce clear audio that is not affected by noise in noisy areas. The voice is clear and smooth, with very little sibilance. This is something that other action cameras cannot boast about.
Accessories and Compatibility
The FDR-X3000 action camera comes with a range of accessories that can help enhance your filming experience. The camera’s waterproof case provides protection from the elements, and it’s an essential accessory if you plan on taking your camera on water-based activities such as surfing or kayaking.
Another great accessory that comes with the FDR-X3000 is the Live-View remote. This wristwatch-style remote lets you monitor and control the camera remotely, giving you the ability to see what you’re filming in real-time. This is an incredibly useful feature, as it allows you to make adjustments on the fly without having to stop what you’re doing.
Aside from the included accessories, the FDR-X3000 is also compatible with a range of additional accessories that can further enhance your filming experience.
For example, there are a variety of mounts available that can be used to attach the camera to a helmet, handlebars, or any other surface you can think of. This makes it incredibly versatile and adaptable to any situation.
One thing to note is that while the FDR-X3000 is compatible with most of the same accessories as other action cameras, there are some exceptions. For example, GoPro mounts may not fit the FDR-X3000 due to slight differences in size and shape.
However, Sony does offer its own range of mounts and accessories that are specifically designed for the FDR-X3000, so you should have no trouble finding what you need.
You can choose from various resolutions and video recording formats. Navigation of the menu is difficult due to the absence of a touchscreen on the Live-View Remote and the action camera. With some feedback, the buttons on the action cam can be a little mushy.
Although the watch lets you navigate to your camera settings directly, it is not as intuitive as a remote. The menu interface on the watch is quite different. It was a tedious experience switching between the action cam and the watch, as well as having to learn two menu systems for one camera.
Battery Life
Sony estimates that recording in 1080p takes 2 hours 15 minutes. After nearly two hours of 1080p recording and two 4K time-lapses that lasted about 10 minutes each, I ran out of juice. There were also some photos and some other notes. It is easy to replace the battery, so a spare could make it last at least a day.
User Experience and Ease of Use
The FDR-X3000 Sony Action Camera provides an excellent user experience that is both intuitive and easy to use. The camera is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use on the go. The camera’s menu system is straightforward and easy to navigate, and the Live-View remote makes it even easier to monitor and control the camera.
The camera’s controls are well-placed and easy to access, allowing you to quickly change settings and modes. The camera also features a built-in tripod mount, making it easy to set up and stabilize for hands-free operation.
The camera’s Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity allow for easy pairing with compatible devices, such as smartphones or tablets. This enables you to control the camera remotely, transfer files, and even live stream video.
One of the most significant advantages of the FDR-X3000 is its excellent battery life. With the supplied NP-BX1 battery, you can shoot up to 60 minutes of continuous footage, and the camera also features a USB port for easy charging on the go.
While the camera’s controls are easy to use, the included manual is also comprehensive and easy to understand. It provides detailed instructions on the camera’s features and functions, making it easy to get the most out of your device.
Overall, the FDR-X3000 provides a fantastic user experience that is both intuitive and easy to use. Whether you’re a professional videographer or just starting, this camera is sure to exceed your expectations with its ease of use and excellent performance.
Performance
The Sony FDRX3000 action camera is a top performer in the market. It delivers excellent video quality, thanks to its 4K Ultra HD video recording capabilities at 24 and 30 frames per second.
The camera can also record 1080p videos at 100 frames per second, which is impressive for slow-motion footage. Moreover, the camera has many shooting modes, including live streaming, burst shots, and time-lapse, making it versatile for different types of videography.
The FDR-X3000 also boasts optical stabilization technology, which provides a more natural and smoother video output than digital stabilization found in many other action cameras. The camera’s Balanced Optical SteadyShot (BOSS) system effectively compensates for any jerky camera movements, resulting in steady footage.
The camera’s Zeiss lens also provides excellent field of view options that can be adjusted to suit your preference. The lens can be set to wide, medium, or narrow, allowing you to capture footage with varying levels of detail and focus.
Furthermore, the FDR-X3000 is equipped with Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, enabling you to transfer footage to other devices easily. This feature also allows you to control the camera remotely using your smartphone or tablet via the Sony PlayMemories Mobile app.
Overall, the performance of the FDR-X3000 Sony Action Camera is impressive, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to capture high-quality action footage. While there are more affordable alternatives on the market, the FDR-X3000’s features and capabilities make it a top contender.
Value
While the Sony FDRX3000’s price tag is not cheap, it’s clear that its great quality and performance aren’t. The Sony FDR-X3000 action camera delivers excellent video and image quality and offers incredible image stabilization.
The action cam has many modes and is equipped with NFC and Wi-Fi. The box also includes waterproof housing as well as a wireless remote for live viewing. This action camera is a great value when you compare the features to the price. The GoPro Hero 7 Black is a better option if you want a more traditional camera.
Conclusion
The Sony FDR-X3000 is a great action camera for anyone looking to capture great footage while skiing, mountain biking, or doing any other outdoor activity. The camera is very small and lightweight, yet it still manages to deliver excellent image quality. The built-in Wi-Fi and app make it easy to control the camera and view your footage, and the waterproof housing means you can take it anywhere. The only downside is that the battery life could be better.
