Lack experience with this technique was the reviewers and the quality of the operating instructions important. This is multilingual in on several poster-like flyers. The dimensions of the arranged at least on one side of the German text be 62x57 cm. Even if the paper can be folded somehow fits this kind of manual for a portable, especially for outdoor use unit intended is totally unsuitable. A handy brochure in paperback format should already be possible in this price range.
Initially intended to mount the supplied batteries in the camera, both parts are loaded, which is recommended according to instruction of the connection via the supplied USB cable to a running PC. Not a good idea, because the charging time is a bit longer and my Mac Book course set to a resource-saving standby mode. The power plug for iPad and iPhone can be sure fortunately used - and likewise a commercially available car adapter. At least one power plug would have been expected in the delivery since the power supply laptop is not naturally available on the road.
SONY HDR-AZ1 - an ultra-compact camera Action
The camera has a beautiful design weighs without the detachable mounting rail just 61 grams (7,4x3,6x2,4 cm) and is already splashproof. The included waterproof case allows dive to 5 meters depth. Behind a side top plate is the simple replaceable battery NP-BY1 which enables when the streaming to remote about 90 minutes recording time. Micro-SD slot and microUSB port are located behind the unit fixed covering caps. The possible operating temperatures are -5 ° C and 40 ° C at present thermal shutdown mechanism that is activated when recording even when excessive warming. The 170 ° Zeiss Vario-Tessar wide-angle lens allows impressive wide-angle shots, with the SteadyShot for effective compensation of shocks and ensures movements. The built-in stereo microphone ensures good sound - and even with the use of the waterproof covering is a sound recording possible - as well as the operation of the function keys on the device.
SONY RM-LVR2V - a universal remote control with LiveView
The one supplied remote control is also available separately and can control appropriate cameras up to 5 simultaneously. The battery is integrated into the device (4 small screws) and therefore can not be changed spontaneously during operation. And right arm with activated screen rotation possible - in the device, the GPS antenna, which is why it should be worn with the included Velcro strap on the top of the left arm is. Is quite contradictory that the remote control can only be used up to 3 meters of water. The device has a total weight of 96 g, the main body alone weighs 67 g.
The use
The first time you switch on the remote control the date and time can be entered. The coupling of the two parts via WiFi is well explained in the manual. The monitor is then immediately the camera image in the live monitor to see and Menu Various camera settings can be made. The recording (blue Ready light turns red) can now be started and monitored from the remote control, while the camera is mounted, for example on the helmet or on the dashboard of a car. The image quality achieved is astounding, as has been seen on both MacBook and Windows PC by connecting via USB.
The recommended by SONY in the instructions smartphone app PlayMemories Mobile could be easily installed on iPhone and iPad. However, the left hand on the back of the battery cover WiFi password was (excluded typos) on both devices even after repeated attempts not accepted, even though the procedure was exactly as directed. The connection via NFC is only possible with special Android devices and therefore could not be tested.
Conclusion: A visually successful and lightweight camera that is at the beginning of development and certainly has some potential - also in terms of price-performance ratio. For the initially mentioned absolutely preventable criticisms there is a star deduction.
