Sony RX0 aims to challenge GoPro Hero5

Offers 960 fps video recording and bullet-time-like filming capabilities

Unveiled at IFA 2017, the DSC-RX0 is the latest miniature camera from Sony to challenge GoPro and follows in the footsteps of the Action Cam series by offering more for more. Right off the bat, it should be known that the Sony RX0 is priced at $699 which is $300 more than the GoPro Hero5. But with that price increase comes additional functionality.

Highlights of the RX0 include:

• Multi-unit, multi-view shooting offers a new imaging experience unlike any other camera before
• High-quality imaging technology in an ultra-compact & tough body: Waterproof, Shockproof and Crushproof
• 1.0-type stacked 15.3MP Exmor RS CMOS image sensor
• Featuring ZEISS Tessar T 24mm F4 Fixed wide-angle lens with maximum shutter speed of up to 1/32000 second and ability to shoot at up to 16 fps
• Range of creative video functionality including 40x Super Slow motion recording, Picture Profile (S-Log), and 4K Clean HDMI Output
• Multi-camera control for multi-view shooting either wirelessly or with wired connection

Here’s Devin Coldewey from TechCrunch:

The waterproof, shockproof RX0 has a 1-inch, 15-megapixel (cropped down from 21) sensor and a 24mm-equivalent F/4 lens, which right off the bat differentiates it from GoPro cameras, which generally have smaller sensors with super-wide-angle, relatively slow glass in front. But it lacks a zoom and many of the other useful features of a pocket camera like the RX100. So you’re not going to be walking around taking snapshots with this thing.

It seems that the RX0 is being put forth as a sort of modular system for videographers who need the ruggedness and versatility of a GoPro but want a bit more control and fidelity. B cameras on set and outside (depending on the image quality), shooting from multiple angles (multiple RX0s can sync together), super slow-mo footage (it goes up to 960 FPS), and so on.

And Thuy Ong from The Verge:

Sony says multiple RX0 models can be linked to shoot bullet-time shots (like in The Matrix) and other technical shots. One cool feature is its ability for super slow-motion capture at up to 960 frames per second, but it’ll be below HD quality, and Sony says it can only shoot nearly 1080p at 240fps.

Sony has a wireless radio commander that can trigger up to 15 RX0 cameras at the same time. You can also control the camera from your phone using Sony’s PlayMemories app, which allows up to five RX0s to be connected. Sony says it’s working on a wireless multi-camera shooting ability for when a wireless access point is used. The company anticipates that will roll out through a firmware update in January. A camera control box is also slated for a January release, if you prefer to rely on a wired connection.

It’s certainly an interesting camera, though unfortunate that, like so many Sony products these days, additional functionality will come many months later via a firmware update.

I also find it curious that Sony isn’t using the Action Cam branding on this camera which was originally designed to compete with GoPro. Either Sony sees this as a very different beast and one that’s truly destined for professionals, or that come CES 2018, we also won’t see an update to the Action Cam like 2017, indicating the end of the lineup.

While I’m finding things curious, it’s also worth noting that the RX0 currently doesn’t seem to provide any 360 video recording options with enhanced rigs. 360 videos have become quite popular and are one of the most fascinating aspects of VR though they can also be consumed on various platforms like Facebook without VR. The RX0 lends itself perfectly as the type of camera that could produce 360 videos when linked, though this is a functionality that might perhaps arrive this January with the camera controlled box. If so, we’ll likely see Sony have a rig of their own for 360 videos at CES 2018.

The fantastically named Sony RX0 (which was surely conceived by the same person who crafted the LF-S50G) will launch this October for $699.

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