Sony ups ante in action camera market

Sony, one of the world’s leading camera-makers, is expected to grab a huge chunk of the local action camera market as more people are seeking cameras that can adapt to their changing lifestyles, which involve more outdoor activities.

Research firms are forecasting sales of up to 32,000 action cameras this year, more than double the annual average of 15,000 so far.

To ride the momentum, the Japanese camera-maker released a new compact model called the Action Cam Mini, or the HDR-AZ1, earlier this month. 

The latest model completes Sony’s action camera product lineup ― its high-end model the HDR-AS100V, the GPS and the Wi-Fi-enabled HDR-AS30V, and the entry-level HDR-AS20.

Despite a belated start in producing action cameras, the company has been performing well against GoPro, the world market leader in this segment since 2004.

“The action camera market will bask in high demand down the road as the product is being increasingly used widely in daily lives of consumers,” a Sony official said.

According to industry watchers, Sony’s second-to-none expertise in producing high-resolution cameras gives it a competitive edge in attracting consumers, and the accessories they come with also appear to be catering to changing consumer needs.

The latest Action Cam Mini is also ahead in terms of specifications, weighing about 35 percent lighter than previous models. It features a 16.8-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor that allows users to record crisp full-HD videos even in dim environments, and the new Steadyshot Active Mode effectively prevents motion blur for better images on the move.

With accessories including holders and clips, which are sold separately, the water- and dust- resistant Mini can be mounted on backpacks, helmets and caps.

The strap remote control, also called the live view remote, allows users to monitor and control up to five action cameras simultaneously.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)