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- Review count12
- Helpfulness votes39
- First reviewApril 19, 2014
- Last reviewOctober 24, 2016
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.9
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- First answerAugust 20, 2016
- Last answerAugust 20, 2016
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Capture crisp photos and high-definition videos with this Sony POV HDRAS30V/B camcorder that features a 1/2.3", back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and a BIONZ image processor to ensure stunning detail.
Customer Rating
5
Good Action Camera (I'm a GoPro Convert)
on June 15, 2015
Posted by: JAG1
from Queens, NY
Verified Purchase:Yes
I originally owned a GoPro (not sure of the exact model but it was the 5 megapixel one back in 2008/9). I had used it multiple times on mountain bike rides and for what it's worth, it was good for that time period and had very little if any products in that space that could compete.
I hadn't used the GoPro in awhile and was taking a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands and I wanted to capture some of my activities and action while I was there. I dusted off the GoPro and hooked it up to my Mac and updated it to the latest software. I took it out on a ride and was having issues with it shutting off (it used 2 AAA rechargeable batteries) and looking at the tiny display and figuring out what icon corresponded to what function. This happened during a night ride in the rainforest and after looking at the footage, I decided it was time to upgrade. The price of the GoPro I liked was a little more than what I wanted to pay and there were a lot of new action cameras that had come on the market so I decided to try Sony's Action Cam based on past experience with their products and their brand. The bundle I purchased came with two mounts, one that attaches to bike handlebars and another that attaches to the rails of a bike seat, and an 8GB microSD card (this is not a bundle offered by Best Buy).
I got the camera and the instructions were pretty straightforward. I took it out for a run mountain biking on a daytime ride and a night ride and was impressed by the video and image quality. I even took it to the beach for a dip and it worked really well. Here are couple of things I really liked about the camera:
1. The image stabilization is excellent. This is really helpful when mountain biking.
2. The shape of the camera and the case is more aero dynamic than the GoPro's case.
3. The AS30 has GPS built in and using Sony's software, you can edit videos that have your speed and tracked location over-layed on the video. I think that cyclists, motorcyclists and individuals that use action cameras in their cars or on the track will like this feature a lot.
4. You can use the WiFi function with a free Sony app on your phone to see what the camera sees live or purchase the LVR1 or LVR2 remotes that mount on your wrist to control multiple cameras and view what each one is recording (the LVR1 controls up to 3 cameras and the LVR2 controls up to 5 cameras).
5. Long lasting battery. With GPS on and recording in HD mode, I was able to get about 2 1/2 hours of continuous recording on a fully charged battery. Your results will vary with your settings.
What could be improved:
1. Sony doesn't have the variety of mounts that GoPro does. There are adapters that allow you to use GoPro mounts with the Sony and there is also a standard tripod mount on the bottom so you can use it with other third party mounts and attachments.
2. The screen that shows the different modes and functions is located on the side. GoPro has a version that has the LCD screen on the back. Having the screen on the rear does make life easier when trying to input functions or to take a quick glance at the battery indicator. This could be a deal breaker for some but I'm a set it and forget it kind of guy so this doesn't affect me.
3. If you are going to use this camera for extended underwater dives, you will need to invest in Sony's Dive Housing for this camera which is rated for depths down to 197 feet. The standard case it comes with is only rated for depths up to 16 feet. The standard case has slight distortion toward the edges of the frame. The Dive Housing corrects this distortion. GoPro case is rated at 131 feet and it comes standard with the camera. Buying an extra case may be a turn off for some due to the added cost. Since I bought this primarily for biking, it's a non-issue for me.
To be fair I haven't used any of the newer GoPro products so this is not a review bashing their products. This is just to let others know about alternatives available to GoPro. This is an excellent choice and serious contender. The price on the entry level models are competitive and the quality and support for the product is top notch. I found the editing software to be easier to use than GoPro's.
I liked this camera so much, I purchased a second one for a rear view perspective on my rides. I will be adding a third to mount on my helmet and the LVR2 remote as well in the very near future.
My Best Buy number: 0028493655
My Best Buy number: 0028493655
I would recommend this to a friend!
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4of 4voted this as helpful.
![The Best Man Holiday [DVD] [2013]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/3139/3139137_sa.jpg)
Posted by: JAG1
from Queens, NY
Verified Purchase:Yes
I saw the original movie and really like it. This sequel builds on the the original cast and makes for a good date night movie or a stay a home evening with your significant other .
My Best Buy number: 0028493655
My Best Buy number: 0028493655
What's great about it: Talented cast and good sequel
I would recommend this to a friend!
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JAG1's Answers
Step up to high-speed USB 3.0 speeds and transfer your videos, photos and files up to ten times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives. SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drive takes the wait out of moving, sharing or backing up big files - now you can transfer a full length movie from your laptop to your flash drive in less than a minute. Password protection lets you keep your private files private, while still allowing you to share generously with family and friends. And with a sleek, sturdy SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drive in your pocket, you won’t need an internet connection to access those photos and videos anyplace and anytime you want. For more than 25 years, SanDisk has been known for quality and reliability all around the world.
Can this be used on a USB 2.0?
Yes it will still work with USB 2.0. You just won't be able to transfer the files as fast as a USB 3.0 port.
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