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Sony Gives Action Cam, Camcorder Lines a 4K Boost

 & Jim Fisher Principal Writer, Cameras

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Sony is using CES as a platform to bolster its Action Cam and Handycam camcorder lines, and both series feature new models that record video at 4K quality, giving consumers the ability to capture content for the latest generation of UHD televisions.

The most affordable of the bunch, the X100V Action Cam is a waterproof, rugged camera that's small enough to mount on a helmet or surfboard, but can record 30fps video at 4K (3,840-by-2,160) resolution using the XAVC S codec. 

In addition to 4K, the X100V has numerous updates when compared with previous models. Its Steady Shot stabilization system has been improved, but enabling it sill limits the field of view of the Zeiss f/2.8 lens to 120°—with no Steady Shot disabled it captures a 170° field of view.  The updated stabilization system works better when the camera is mounted to a moving vehicle or aerial drone, both common applications for action cam use.

The XAVC S codec adds support for bitrates at up to 60Mbps for 4K and 50Mbps for 1080p, and the sensor readout covers every pixel, so there's no line skipping or interpolation. And you've got more manual control over video—you can dial in EV compensation and control white balance. The microphone has also seen an update; wind noise reduction is now included.

The X100V is priced at just $499 on its own, or at $599 with a remote control. One hundred dollars may seem pricey for a remote, but it includes a Live View LCD and is capable of controlling multiple cameras at once. Sony's 1080p model is also getting the same updates, minus the 4K recording capability. It's called the AS200V and will sell for just $299 on its own, or $399 when bundled with the remote control.

Sony AX33

If you're looking for a traditional camcorder with 4K, Sony also has you covered. The AX33 joins the Handycam line and supports 4K video capture. It features Balanced Optical Steady Shot, which puts the entire sensor and lens module on a gimbal in order to keep footage from its 10x optical zoom lens stabilized. The AX33 is priced at $1,099.

Sony is also updating a few of its 1080p camcorder models with XAVC S recording. The new lineup includes the PJ670 ($699), PJ440 ($399), CX440 ($299), and CX405 ($229). All of these include Optical Steady Shot and, with the exception of the CX405, integrated Wi-Fi.

If you're in the market for an action cam you can check out our roundup of the best models we've tested, and you can refer to our product guide for reviews of all types of digital camcorders. 

About Our Expert

Jim Fisher

Jim Fisher

Principal Writer, Cameras

My Experience

Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones.

The Technology I Use

I use all of the major camera systems on a regular basis, swapping between Canon, Fujifilm, L-Mount, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon, and Sony systems. I still find time to use Leica M rangefinders and Pentax SLRs on occasion, too. I keep an iPhone 13 in my pocket for the rare occasions I'm not carrying a camera.

I'm not a brand-specific photographer. For product review photos, I swap between a Canon EOS R5 and a Sony a7R IV. I use Flashpoint and Godox TTL lights and Peak Design tripods, and I most often reach for a Think Tank or Peak Design backpack to carry equipment.

When it comes to computers, I'm an unapologetic Mac person and have been for the past 20 years. I write in Pages and use Numbers for spreadsheets. I currently swap between an Intel i9 MacBook Pro and an Apple Silicon Mac Studio for writing and use a calibrated BenQ 32.5-inch with the Studio for photo and video editing. I rely on a LaCie 6big RAID for media storage. I also keep a PC around for gaming, but please don't tell my Macs about it; they'll get jealous.

I split time between several different software apps depending on the type of editing I'm doing. For Raw image processing, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic is my standard. I pair it with a LoupeDeck CT console to supplement my keyboard and trackpad, and I lean on RNI All Films 5 presets when I want to give an image a film look. I use Apple Final Cut Pro for video editing.

My first digital camera was the Canon PowerShot Elph S200, and my first DSLR was the Pentax *ist DL. I have a soft spot for antique film gear. I still use a 1950 vintage Rolleiflex Automat TLR and love trying mid-century Leica lenses on film and digital alike. I mainly use whatever's in front of me for review for digital snaps, but I pick up either my Leica M Typ 240 or Pentax K-3 III Monochrome when I want to step away from review work. In my downtime, I enjoy bird watching, reading, video games, and both good and bad movies, especially in the sci-fi and horror genres.

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