First, the cam:
* Very small in size,
* Stable, dirt and weather resistant, even without the protective case included,
* Well-closing slot covers,
* Is a real lightweight
* Easy identifiable controls, if you dispense with the remote control to support the cam on the wrist.
The Remote Control:
* Sufficiently large display,
* Completely shockproof rubberized
* Clear control elements,
* Live-frame playback
* Both adjustable for narrow and strong wrist Hand cuff with Velcro.
The accessory is somewhat meager. Only two adhesive mounts (a flat and curved) and a mounting bracket, on which the cam is screwed, are included. Thus, you can see the Cam only (once, because after that the glue no longer adheres) decal on a helmet and if you're lucky you get it to the bicycle handlebar mounted. All other carrying, and installation options such as headband, fastening on the shoulder strap of the backpack, tripod and tripod adapter for bicycle handlebar or surfboard you have to buy the accessories trade.
The head mounting kit BLT CHM1 is for 35.00 euros, the backpack attachment for 39.00 and a wrist support for the Action Cam for 29 euros in Germany online from Sony available.
The commissioning was not difficult for me as mediocre tech-savvy woman. First, the battery of Cam and remote control with the included USB cable from a laptop or PC must be charged. The first battery charging time the cam was 45 minutes (was probably charged for testing before delivery). The battery life is at my cam three times testing between 75-85 minutes. This time I think for our activities to be sufficient. The recharging time of battery is about cam 4 hours.
Loading the remote control lasted just under five hours for some time. The remote control battery is not recharged by me again. Too bad that no power cord came with, because that charging would be easier.
I run the Cam with a microSDHC card with 32GB, Class 10, which I appreciate as a sufficiently fast and also very good in the film and image reproduction. One can also use a microSD or a microSDXC card or a Micro-Stick.
To establish the connection between Cam and remote control, you can follow the included paper manual, or access the detailed online version at sony.net. There are also instructions for troubleshooting and a listing of issues. The connection was, after I had selected the correct Wi-Fi icon in the mini display the Cam (namely for the individual compound; there are also the multiple and the live connection) made quickly.
Using the menu button on the remote and the Up and Down buttons the following functions can be controlled:
* Connect / disconnect the Wi-Fi connection between Cam and remote control for the event that you want to use the Cam separately
* Play / deleting videos or photos
* Recording mode (Movie, Photo, Time Lapse)
* Settings for Movie Still, Time Lapse
* Settings when connecting to other devices and
* Settings for the remote control
What I do not like that in the arrangement of the modes in the menu settings mode, "separating cam and remote control" is the top priority. In second place comes the "viewing movies and photos." As the cursor is always on the first position, must be navigated at any desired playback, since otherwise accidentally the Cam separates from the FB.
In addition, there is no sound when playing the movies.
The camera can also be operated via a smartphone. Therefore you have to install the app "PlayMemories Mobile" on your smartphone. Establishing the link between Cam and Smartphone is also described step by step. Between Android and iPhone is differentiated.
So you can control the camera in three ways, namely
* On the remote control
* Via Smartphone
* Or directly on the Cam.
The videos have clear, intense colors, but the act in no way unnatural.
The sound is clear voices are not distorted. Background noises are detected even over a long distance and are clearly assigned. This creates a very natural impression.
The clarity and detail is also surprisingly good. Personally, I have not yet found the camera Cam or so crisp footage produced. Particularly positive, I find that the focussing between short and long range goes without any noticeable transition from Equip. The fish-eye look is not very pronounced and falls only on the second look.
We had planned our running enthusiasts Afghan Hounds reassign the Cam in order to record their quick sprints once from this perspective can, but we have not yet found the right, the sharp jumps adequate support and so the cam was made by me so far at the top and worn wrist, with the wrist turned out to be not suitable as a supportive maintenance, such as given in ski sticks, missing while hiking / running.
Conclusion:
a small, stable and well against dirt / water proof cam that you can use in several ways and produces very good video picture and sound.
In order to use them appropriately, but you must still buy the necessary accessories. In my opinion, a head strap for people who wear helmets (must), should be included when yet stately price of Cam.
Overall, we liked the Sony HDR-AZ1 Mini Action Cam thrilled and we do not want to miss.