Sony Action Cam: Part 2

i wrote about my POV experience a little over a month ago. i was trying out the sony HDR-AS30. i liked it, but the software was windows only, and it was expensive. a few things have changed since then…

they released a mac version of the software. thats a big one. the mac version doesnt yet support the gps overlays, but its a really good sign. i didnt even think that was on their roadmap. they also came out with new accessories, and they released a firmware update that lets you flip the video 180 so you can mount it upside down. that shows good effort and output on their part.

i found it on a great deal on cyber monday and picked it up. it just came today. im trying out two mounts. instead of mounting to my helmet or to my side case like i did last month, this time i got a handle bar mount, and a suction cup mount. for the suction cup, i didnt find many flat surfaces that worked well on my bike except for my windshield.. which i think might be too funny to use.

i think i like the handlebar mount. it feels more secure, and i can just leave the mount with the water proof case on my bike all the time, while just removing the camera. i like the positioning on the handlebar, i can see the record light when its on, and i can easily start and stop recording with my left hand. 

Edit: scroll to bottom for best footage.

here’s a 3 minute clip i shot at night on the belt parkway. i think the main issue is that its focusing on the windshield. overall though im happy with the night quality. i dont need it to be perfect at night, its more just to document any major occurrences. its the day time clarity i care about more.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4ypyAQycxQ?rel=0]

i took some day time video today and noticed that the mount is moving slightly and distorting the picture. after i got back to my office i added some more padding between the mount and the handlebar. it seems more solid now but i wont know until tomorrows daytime recording to compare it to. here’s a quick clip of the daytime run on the FDR, entering from 23rd st.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te9o9YFVmd8?rel=0]

a little video at night, this time with tightened mount, and with wide angle set (170 instead of 120) so you can see tach and speedo. it was a bit wet out.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIjPpBayOv4?rel=0]

the latter half of my ride home was misting harder, and the camera became fairly useless at that point. 

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWkuOQYsIBI?rel=0]

ill add my last video to this post tomorrow with some more daytime riding with the tightened mount. i know its going to be drizzling all day tomorrow so we’ll see how it comes out.

Ok. Here’s some good daytime footage, most of it played back in high speed. 

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VkVC0DTmTI?rel=0]