Sony RX0, Rugged and Water-resistant Action Camera with 1-inch Sensor Announced

Sony wants to extend its presence in another segment - action cameras - with the rugged and waterproof RX0 camera. GoPro has been dominating this segment for quite some time now, let's see how the RX0 stacks up.

At IFA 2017, being held in Berlin, Sony has launched a new waterproof camera dubbed the Sony RX0. Coming to hardware, the $700 action cam sports a 1-inch, 15.3-megapixel Exmor RS CMOS sensor and a fixed Zeiss 24mm F4 wide-angle lens. The camera also has the capability to shoot 4K videos at 240 frames per second.The RX0 can also do the same at 960 fps. A micro HDMI port available on it allows us to connect an external recorder. Although the camera features a 1.5 TFT screen on the back, it is easier to control the device with a mobile, computer (via USB), or wireless commander (cost an extra $300!).

The Sony RX0 can also do super slow motion videos at 960 fps similar to the Xperia XZ Premium smartphone. A micro HDMI port available on it allows you to connect an external recorder. Although the camera features a 1.5 TFT screen on the back, it is easier to control the device with a mobile, computer (via USB), or wireless commander (an extra $300!).

An action camera should be portable and resistant to impact. That's where the RX0 gets a lot right. The product weighs only 110 grams (3.9 ounces) and is quite small at 2.38 x 1.63 x 1.19 inches. Moreover, it is protected against dust as well. The Sony RX0 can survive and record videos up to 10 meters depth underwater. Moreover, it can withstand any damage even when dropped from a height of 6.5-meters. Not just that, the rugged action camera can also withstand being crushed up to a maximum force of 440 pounds or about 200kgs.

Sony hasn't forgotten about VR and 360-degree videos. You can use a set of RX0 cameras together and control it all with a wireless FA-WRC1M radio commander (up to 15 units). Even without the commander, we can control up to five cameras using Sony’s PlayMemories App.

The Sony RX0 will be going on sale in October and the company will have a respectable set of first party accessories and attachments available at launch.