From the image quality mode in 1080/60 in my opinion both Action Cams (Sony and GoPro) are on a par.
In my view, positive towards the GoPro:
+ GPS
+ Image Stabilizer
+ Tripod socket available
From my perspective, negative towards the GoPro:
- The sound peift when the cam is in the case and I ride motorcycles. But I do not know if that's just me.
- The included waterproof housing is according to instruction only 30 min Waterproof to a depth of 5m. Strictly speaking, the man Cam not even take for snorkeling because it could indeed take any longer than 30 minutes (yes I know well that's nonsense).
- The image quality of the Sony is not underwater well. To have a clear picture underwater, the front cover must be replaced with the curved lens against a lid with a flat lens (Sony AKA-RD1). This cover, there are currently not for the supplied case (Sony SPK -AS2). The result is that you the right housing (Sony SPK-AS1) still has to buy at this underwater to get good shots. I speak here of a surcharge of 80 Euro.
- Recordings with 720/60 or 720/120 are recorded without sound. I use it for slow motion shots. Now one might say, with no sound in slow motion that's OK. I think that's not good. Will you some movies where you can not even looking in advance whether a part of the recording is to be used in slow motion, then you have no sound on the whole length of the recording. Here's an example: A child in swimmingpool jumps into the water and then floats to the Cam and says what. If you want to represent only dipping into the water with slow motion, so you take on the entire process with no sound with the Sony. This is different with the GoPro.
- The battery life can not be increased. In the Go Pro, there may be additionally attached a battery.
- The remote "remote control" costs 150. However, here is a live picture available.
- The MAC software of Sony is currently only limited use (without GPS or picture in picture).
Conclusion:
Who the Cam is used for several areas soon find that the pricing advantage over the GoPro Hero3 is + gone.
- GoPro Hero 3+ BE 400 (incl. Remote) and due to the flat lens also underwater use
- Sony HDR-AS30 250, with Remote (RM-LVR1) 150 and underwater case (SPK-AS1) with replacement lid (flat lens AKA-RD1) about 80. That adds up to about 480 !!!
However, one has then also GPS, image stabilizer and a live image of the recording arm.
I'd used for my areas now rather tend to GoPro Hero3 + BE.
But that's just my personal feeling, others might like to see it differently .....
