Go diving? Then the choice is when we have either the GoPro or the Nikon AW120 - the third Action Cam in league. Why not (yet) the Sony HDR-AZ1? We describe below.
Speaking of depth and watertight: During one of our dives we went with the Nikon AW120 sometimes even on more than 20m under water depth. Although Nikon "waterproof" indicates to 18m, our model is at least beyond remained waterproof and functional. But to imitate it is not recommended. Because if water gets into the housing, that's it with the beautiful holiday memories, and that is neither you nor we liked. Nevertheless, we tried it with other dives again, and the AW120 has kept tight. As a precaution, we have transferred before each dive the previous photos on memory cards and hard disks and assured that in case of an emergency only the current record would have been lost. And after each dive (any depth), we have the camera checked to see if moisture is entering the inside - so far fortunately none. How long the camera can withstand the water pressure, time will tell, but we always go very good care of it and hope as long as possible to have a lot of fun with the Nikon AW120. Especially when diving it is not always so easy to stop at 18m and at our camera it was nice to be noted that the AW120 endures even more depth than indicated - that soothes while diving and can concentrate on the essential things. But be sure that the Nikon AW120 withstand a depth over the specified 18m, you should of course not.
With a GoPro depth hardly plays a role. Even if the maximum depth of 60m originally times has shrunk to now 40m. Even for the ambitious hobby divers are likely to be sufficiently 40m. And if it should be even deeper: Then just let the Action Cam ashore to fully concentrate on the dive. Even with relaxed dives on vacation between 10m and 20m we had divers in the team who were distracted by filming and photography so that they appeared constantly like a wave up and down through the water and have fallen away by her lack of concentration and over again from their Buddy - in an emergency, lost valuable time here.
Why do we describe the theme of "diving" in as much detail here? When Action Cam on land both the Sony ADR AZ1 and the Nikon AW120 and the GoPro Hero is recommended almost without restrictions. Somewhat limited: the AW120 are missing the usual adapters for attachment to the bike, paraglider, the surfboard, on SUP board, at the helm, etc.
And the Sony ADR AZ1 missing, incredible as it may sound, a suitable underwater housing. Supplied Although a waterproof underwater case (SPK-AZ1) is included, but only to a depth of 5m. This is simply a joke for an action cam. On the homepage of Sony Unfortunately we find no information (no announcement), if and when it will be again a real, waterproof underwater case for the ADR-AZ1 (the difference is in the details: waterproof to waterproof). Too Bad. For this we draw from a star, because it restricts the field of application of the Action Cam Sony unnecessarily. We can only hope that an underwater housing will be available, otherwise the Sony ADR AZ1 remain ashore.
A GoPro we have in use. And our favorite for diving. Also, the GoPro can, thanks to its various mounting options such. B.'s also biking, surfing, on Trail Backpack, use paragliding well, the same applies to land for the ADR-AZ1.
Recommended here: the Sony VCT-BPM1 Action Cam backpack attachment
This is a really funny gimmick that we support not only on hikes, to post Sony ADR AZ1 in the right perspective. Whenever you are traveling with a backpack (paragliding, biking or even a selection of deals), the Action Cam from Sony is part of it, even if whatever you want. And if not, then just enjoy times the tranquility and nature, it does not always hip action and the cam to be.
Also practically tried and found to be practical: Sony BLT CHM1 Action Cam head mounting kit.
And no matter which installation you choose ultimately: the biggest advantage plays the Action Cam of Sony from the Live View Remote Kit. As the name suggests, you can immediately and live check which images the ADR AZ1 delivers and if necessary readjust. Or deliberately change the perspective from time to time. And the practical over the bracelet. While there can be a GoPro remotely controlled via a smartphone app, but who wants to always keep the phone in his hands. With the remote kit from Sony's hands remain free, should be so ', and so it fits well.
The Sony ADR AZ1 comes in a very attractive packaging. Yes, this is a positive development. Not only the content counts. And what stands out at first glance: the Action Cam is really small, very small (about HxWxD: 3.6 cm, 2.5 cm, 7.5 cm). It is even slightly smaller than the supplied Live View Remote Kit. While the Remote Kit is commonly worn as a bracelet (the display can even in direct sunlight nor well read) fits, the ADR-AZ1 well in the palm and sometimes this can completely encircle the hand. For us this is really compact and well done. "Handy" is literally probably the right word.
The content pays off and the inner values are convincing.
The photo and video quality (Full HD) and the sound quality can be more than see and hear (even in terms of compactness - the art, the detailed features such as WiFi and NFC, so must somehow be accommodated practicable). Admittedly, the claim that everyone is a Action Cam, certainly very individual and very different. They can not be compared with each other necessarily also because they are sometimes also seen very subjective. With us, you have it there already noticed that one of our Augenmerke is placed on diving fitness. And here is so not the case in full, especially to the extent possible, not yet. Although Sony advertises that the ADR-AZ1 is about one-third become smaller compared to its predecessor. "This makes the Action Cam less susceptible to wind and water pressure." But as I said, without suitable housing is still so small and compact housing fell. Especially as for the previous model (Sony ADR HS100) a waterproof housing was available and is the Sony MPK-AS3 for about Euro 50, -. When GoPro this is almost the price with this, in the Action Cam from Sony would have to purchase it separately. Please keep that in view of the price comparison in mind.
And as usual for us at a digicam and Action Cam, so you should also set equal to a spare battery as possible. The battery itself is sufficient for about two dives, so about 2 hours. This is currently still a partly theoretical value, because the Sony ADR AZ1 has been used rather near the beach up to a "depth" of 2m to 4m while snorkeling. And to a depth of 3m can also take the Remote Kit. But the depth per se has little impact on performance, because if one is not just going to dive station in a cold (mountain) lake. Because, as with all technical equipment with batteries and accumulators is: the colder, the shorter the duration. And so it can not hurt if you in between then (above the water) sometimes can change the battery. Nothing is more annoying when suddenly interrupted when an action shot, because the battery has no power.
Just like the GoPro Sony ADR AZ1 is a specialist in his field (the Nikon AW120 we see an all-rounder, but it lacks the mounting kits), but thanks to the Live View Remote Kit we give the Sony ashore preference
Thus, we come full circle: as already mentioned, the models harmonize very well with each other and complement each other.
Ultimately, it is always a point of view and a matter of expectations, for which camera you choose and give preference - sometimes maybe you have to not decide, but chooses several alternatives.
