On August 7, 2014, Sony (China) Co., Ltd. launched the entry-level “Action Cam” wearable HD camera HDR-AS20. Ranging from large professional 4K video systems used to cover the FIFA World Cup to compact HD cameras that can be worn on the ear, leveraging its strong professional foundation, Sony has ventured into all areas of the imaging market and has released four “Action Cam” models in just two years, setting a new landscape for the wearable camera market.
The newly released entry-level product HDR-AS20 retains the outstanding performance of the AS30V. The new model features Sony’s proprietary Exmor R CMOS image sensor and Zeiss® Tessar® lens, offering a maximum wide-angle of 170°; it can shoot 1920x1080/50p HD video and approximately 11.9-megapixel photos. Paired with the Live-View wrist strap real-time monitor, users can remotely control up to five AS20/AS30V/AS100V cameras. Notably, compared to the AS30V, the new model only lacks NFC and GPS functions but is lighter in weight and offers better battery life. The HDR-AS20 will be available for pre-order from now until August 17. During this period, customers can place a pre-order through the Sony China online store, Sony Store retail locations, Sony’s Tmall flagship store, JD.com, and Amazon at a limited-time special price of only 999 yuan. The launch of Sony’s HDR-AS20 wearable HD camera ushers in a rare thousand-yuan price point for mainstream wearable cameras. Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, a sports fanatic, or an everyday office worker, everyone can experience the thrill of first-person perspective and enjoy their own cool Action Cam journey.
Sony “Action Cam” wearable camera HDR-AS20 and included accessories
A “video gadget” and “premium dashcam” for everyone
For many users, wearable cameras are closely associated with extreme sports, but the powerful and user-friendly “Action Cam” is actually a versatile tool. During holidays, carrying such a “video gadget” as an Action Cam allows for effortless shooting with flexible placement. For instance, when enjoying tea and admiring the sunset with friends, simply attach the compact Action Cam to the window, and it will automatically record, capturing stunning time-lapse footage of the sunset. With the PlayMemories Mobile app installed on your smartphone or tablet, you can also view and share videos and photos anytime.
For the growing number of road trip and cycling enthusiasts, the hands-free, compact, and high-quality Action Cam is an invaluable “premium dashcam.” Although positioned as an entry-level model, the HDR-AS20 maintains the consistent high standards of the Action Cam series in terms of quality, performance, and accessories: it has a streamlined design with low air resistance, making it ideal for cycling or road trips; the new kit still comes with the SPK-AS2 waterproof case, which provides protection up to 5 meters underwater; it features an approximately 16.8-megapixel Exmor R CMOS image sensor, a 170-degree wide-angle Zeiss® Tessar® lens, and can shoot high-quality HD video at up to 1920x1080/50p; Sony’s excellent image stabilization technology has also made the Action Cam synonymous with stable and clear footage among countless users. With the reliable HDR-AS20 on rugged roads, your cycling and road trip footage will be smoother.
Shooting with the Action Cam while driving HDR-AS20 mounted on a bicycle for shooting
Relaxing Outdoors with Zero Camera Burden
In recent years, outdoor sports have become a favorite among trendy adventurers. Escaping the CBD office towers for long-haul flights, just to embrace the blue sea at a diving destination; driving hundreds of kilometers, changing into ski gear, just to find the purest snow mountains and enjoy the thrill of speeding downhill... Having invested so much, you should definitely enjoy it and share these unique perspectives and thrilling experiences with others.
Sony’s Action Cam is compact and lightweight, with a rich selection of accessories: paired with the included 5-meter waterproof case or 60-meter deepwater waterproof case, as well as head-mounted or chest-mounted accessories, it can be attached near the ear or strapped to the chest during diving, surfing, or skiing, easily capturing various unique perspectives; when soaring through the sky and overlooking the earth, using the wrist strap accessory or selfie stick allows the 170-degree wide-angle to blend your expressions with the beautiful scenery... Shooting with the Action Cam frees your hands, letting you fully embrace nature without worrying about filming—capturing breathtaking moments without missing a beat and easily recording and sharing the memories.
HDR-AS20 underwater application scene Screenshot of a gliding video shot with HDR-AS20
Rich Accessories Continuously Enhance Action Cam Fun
Creative Shooting, Effortlessly Producing Cool Videos
Among the many accessories for the Action Cam wearable camera, the most appealing is the RM-LVR1 wrist-worn real-time monitor, especially since one monitor can simultaneously control five Action Cams such as the HDR-AS100V or HDR-AS30V, delighting users who love creative multi-angle shooting—and the entry-level HDR-AS20 also supports this function. The newly released HDR-AS20 delivers shooting performance comparable to the HDR-AS30V without compromising video quality, yet at a significantly lower cost. Using one GPS-enabled HDR-AS30V or HDR-AS100V as the “master” unit and multiple entry-level HDR-AS20s as “sub” units, this configuration saves costs and optimizes results. With the PMH software, you can easily create multi-angle videos that include complete motion trajectories.
As outdoor activities and water sports grow increasingly popular, wearable cameras—the “new generation” of digital imaging products—are developing rapidly. As a leader in imaging technology, Sony continues to expand its Action Cam wearable camera lineup, infusing the field with its high-quality imaging DNA and leading the industry forward. The launch of the HDR-AS20 enables more users to effortlessly showcase their own free perspectives and share unique viewpoints.
Sony’s entry-level Action Cam wearable camera HDR-AS20 will begin pre-sales soon, with a limited-time promotional price of 999 yuan. For more product details or to place an order, visit: Sony’s official online store, Sony Store retail locations, Sony’s Tmall official flagship store, JD.com, Amazon, or follow Sony’s official Weibo account @SonyImagingCircle.