Sony and Shimano Action Cameras

With tiny high definition cameras coming close to compulsory kit, we’ve been lucky enough to get our hands on offerings from Japanese companies Sony and Shimano. Sony’s Action Cam is offered up with a mountain of mounting options to suit a host of  sports. The camera itself is packed with features, including WiFi, which allows it to transmit live video to an accompanying wrist-mounted remote control. Anyone who’s used a monitor-less video camera will know that footage can occasionally be more miss than hit.

The Action Cam draws together all of Sony’s expertise, and also offers a glimpse into the future with a GPS functionality. It means it will track speed, time and distance, which can later be watched in sync with the footage recorded by the camera. Motorsport-style telemetry is almost here it seems Shimano might be better known for componentry, but for anyone who’s seen the footage their Sport Camera has been achieving aboard the bikes on professional racing circuits they obviously know a thing or two about achieving picture quality. It too, comes with WiFi and ANT+ connectivity so be prepared for integration with a host of devices.

(Shimano XTR Di2 footage from Albstadt shot on Sports Camera) The Sport Camera comes standard with a helmet mount (which will perform double-duty as a small stand). But Shimano have cleverly designed their mounting system to match that of the company credited for starting the action camera genre, GoPro. With the Sport Camera likely to see closer integration with Shimano’s ele ctronic group sets, the wide compatibility with aftermarket mounts will be a boon for those of us who’ve already invested in accessories.

Look for a more detailed look at both Sony Action Cam and Shimano Sports Camera in the

next issue of AMB.

Author: Richie Tyler