Sony's new Action Cam challenges GoPro with 4K, image stabilization

Sony has just announced the latest version of its Action Cam, the video camera designed to compete with market leader GoPro's offerings. The new X3000R's main flagship features include 4K video capture and the addition of optical image stabilization, a nice step up from the digital stabilization that's been used in previous Action Cams for years.

Along with improved stabilization, the X3000R comes with Sony's Exmor R CMOS image sensor on the inside, and a redesigned Zeiss Tessar wide-angle lens. Sony also boasts of a brand-new menu system, offering easier access to settings and mode changes, along with more information available at a quick glance.

For video capture, the new Action Cam can handle 4K at up to 30fps, or 1080p at up to 120fps. Sony says the camera body is splash-proof, but for true underwater shooting up to 60 meters the included waterproof housing will be necessary.

The X3000R will be priced at $400, or bundled with Sony's Live-View wrist-worn remote for an extra $100. There's also the AS300R for $300, which features the same specs but only goes up to 1080p instead of 4K. Both models will be available in the US before the end of this month.

SOURCE Sony