Cycling Daylight Test

Yesterday I decided to go for a ride with a friend in Tokyo and take a quick test video.  

Video Notes

-1080p 30fps

- steady shot on

-mounted on the top of my helmet

-shot without the waterproof housing

This was my first test with the camera where I sprinted and rode against a strong headwind.  I was pleased that the camera did not create very much drag in the headwind thanks to its cylindrical shape.  Without the waterproof housing, the camera is also very lightweight.  

I had previously used a Gopro3 White Edition, but was displeased with the weight of the camera that caused my helmet to be compressed onto my hair.  This caused my helmet to lose much of its venting ability and as a result, my head would often become drenched in sweat.  The block shape of the Gopro also created an excessive amount of drag on my helmet.  In headwinds I could feel my head being dragged back.  Thus I would often take the camera off of my helmet and only put it on when I wanted to film.  It was not pleasant to ride with.

The Sony as100v without the waterproof casing is light enough and aerodynamic enough to the point where I sometimes forgot it was mounted on my helmet.  I had this camera on my helmet for the entire 4 hour ride and never felt the need to take the camera off for any reason.  I am extremely pleased with this camera so far and feel that it is much better suited for cyclists like myself.  

Oh and the video is very sharp, and the steady shot hides the bumps and jitters to create a very smooth video without losing too much of the scene (120 degree view with steadyshot as opposed to 170 degrees without it)  I will be testing the 50mbs XAVC video mode on a later ride, I will also do a night ride video when I get the chance.  

Low Light Video Test

I recently took a week-long cycling trip around Okinawa after I purchased the as100v.  Unfortunately I only had an 8gb card, so I was forced to record my videos in standard (720p) mode.  Nevertheless, here is a video I shot at the Churaumi Aquarium to test out the low light capabilities of the camera.  The camera performed well in this dimly lit exhibit.  

Oh and you can buy the camera from Japan through Rakuten International if it isn't out in your territory.

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/pure-m/item/4905524942217/

Still Image Test

One thing that I need when I am traveling or cycling is a camera that can take both video and pictures. In this post I will show you some of the incredible still image quality of the Sony as100v. 

Note: When I talk about great image quality, I am talking in comparative terms to my Cannon 50D and Nikon 1 V1.  Quite inexplicably, the as100v holds its own against both of these cameras.  Im impressed, heres why.

Daytime Photos

International Street, Okinawa

A local fish market

HUGE shrimp.  Delicious too!

This camera has a very fast start-up time and can even begin video recording or image capture from the off position when the record button on the back is pushed.

Dynamic range is also great.  In this picture the scene in direct sunlight came out great, the contents of the shaded area is also clearly visible. 

Low Light Performance  

Great low light performance coupled with a 170 degree wide angle yields some great images, even handheld.  

How about a cave in the jungle?

Solid images even in very dim light.

Tokyo Tower.  Impressively sharp and noise free given that I shot this handheld at 9pm.