Sony FDRX3000/W Underwater Camcorder 4K, White

Pros:__________
– The built-in Wi-Fi works flawlessly as you can use the camera with the smartphone app. I love this feature because when the camera is mounted on my helmet, instead of removing my helmet to get to my camera, I can configure it just by using my iPhone.
– The controls are not complex and are simple to use.
– The layout to activate the video streaming is, I believed, designed so you can be able to use the camera without even looking at it.
– The image quality is awesome as I prefer this than the GoPro Hero.
– GPS built is accurate for location.
– I expected worse from sound quality, but I was way surprised. Good sound.
– Live streaming videos through their app (didn’t try this feature, but I did see the option for it).
– If you’re getting this then you should only use it for 4k because it’s indeed incredible.
– 120fps in 1080p is a great highlight to have when you’re filming someone doing a quick trick.
– You have 3 shooting angles you can choose from (narrow, medium, and wide). Keep in mind I saw a little reduction in quality when I was in a wide phase, but was crystal clear when I switched into its narrow viewing phase.
– By far the best in the integration is Sony’s optical image stabilizer. Not only does it make the lenses float but it reduces so much of the shaking, rattling, and distortion compared to the GoPro. This will be the reason you’ll buy this because of no matter how many bumps, turns, and head bobbling this camera will receive it’ll display only a fraction of it during filming.
– The microphone is sensitive and great if you want to use this as a daily video camera.
– Battery life is good given the size. I had the Wi-Fi on and it got mine around 55 minutes of 4k, and around 125 minutes of 1080p at 60Mbps. For the size, I have no complaint regarding this. When no Wi-Fi is on you’ll get an extra 10-15 minutes of filming.
– Sony’s Highlight Movie Maker allowed me to share my bike flips instantly by sending the videos to my phone which is then sent out to my friends (this will obviously affect your cellular data if when you share it).
– Just like the GoPro, you have numerous features on different styles of how you want to film, this includes time-lapse in 4k. (It’s not really built solely as a time-lapse camera so I didn’t test it out.)
– Slow motion feature works fine, but I recommend you reduce the quality to 1080p because the frame rate will jump to 120fps. You can still do 4K in slow motion and yes it’s indeed beautiful.
– Reduction of the “fisheye” effect is fabulous thanks to its lens distortion and wide angle viewing.
– Have pushed this camera pretty hard and still haven’t had any signs of overheating.
– As mention before you can view, change settings, and change the camera view itself by only using your phone. These are great features as you, basically, don’t even need to touch the camera to configure it.
– Loop recording is always great to have, so you can just re-record over something you have no interest in viewing.
– Removable battery.

Cons and Oks:__________
– Not waterproof but water resistant (rain, dropped in a puddle, etc.), you’ll need to install its housing unit if you’re planning to take this out to surf, fish, or any place with a large body of water.
– Limited to 128GB card. No complaint on my side, but just giving you a heads up.
– Live streaming service such as instantly putting it up on Vimeo and YouTube are still not supported easily.
– Battery life will drain faster with activated Wi-Fi, especially if you want to immediately send it out.
– When live viewing from your phone there will be some lag.
– The built-in screen on the camera is a little difficult to read and becomes a major issue when it’s night time as there is no backlit on the screen (had to use a flashlight to view the screen).
– Waterproof case blocks out almost all sound. It’s what you expect but sucks if you’re just hanging out with friends but don’t want the camera to get wet when you’re around a pool, river, the sea, etc.
– Wish it included the live viewfinder remote feature within the same price. There are sets out there with a remote but it’s unfortunate that for the price you’re paying you’re not getting the remote feature.

Bottom Line:__________

This a camera for the everyday to the action packed. It’s small, compact, and can do a variety of configures just by using your smartphone. The quality and design beats the GoPro and I haven’t yet found any difficulty using this device. I would recommend that, regardless if you’re using it for as an everyday camera or for sports, you buy extra batteries.

The golden reason why I’m giving it a five-star review is because of the image stabilizer. You can shake the hell out of it and it’ll still provide you with watchable clips. It’s unfortunate that the live-view remote doesn’t come with the price you’re paying, but your smartphone is the second best thing to view what your camera sees.

I had a great time using it as it’s easy to learn, quickly to the film, and easy to install on any level for flooring (helmet, shoulder, etc.). Verdict: For the everyday to the action packed, this camera is a universal device that all should love.

Hopefully, I was a help to you.
Love,
Honest Reviewer.

Optical stabilization is it’s biggest advantage.

I’ve only had this camera for 1 month. Now when I use it, the footage is badly out of focus and blurry. It’s a shame. At first it worked so well and I was more than happy with it… however if you check the reviews online, out of focus issue is very common. I hope the manufacturer will honor some warrenty on this item.

Awesome Camera really easy to use. The optical steady shot in this camera (HD or 4K) is the best in the market now.