Sony adds 4K to its action camera line-up, projector to a camcorder in 2015

GoPro can’t have all the fun, and this year, Sony is bringing the goodness of 4K Ultra HD to its own compact sporting camera, and a little more oomph to a 4K Handycam.

Some are calling this the year Ultra HD takes off, and with TVs coming from every manufacturer that practically make the 8 megapixel resolution a norm for television watching, we can see why.

Video cameras have to change, too, because you’re going to need equipment that can make videos for these televisions, and Sony is getting ready with a couple of its own.

You’ll see it this year in the form of the FDR-X1000V (above), a new version of Sony’s pint-sized Handycam, capable of capturing Ultra HD’s 3840×2160 resolution at 24p, 25p, and 30p in either 100Mbps or 60Mbps, with high definition video also possible too.

There are quite a few settings on offer, with fast frame rates possible between 100 and 240 frames per second dependent on what settings you want, with 720p and 1080p supporting some of the settings, ideal if you’re keen to capture slow motion.

Wireless is supported on the camera through WiFi, GPS, and even a spot of Near-Field Communication for easy pairing, and the cameras can be plugged straight into a UHD TV with the microHDMI out.

A Carl Zeiss 170 degree lens will let you capture the ultra-wide videos, with images supported, too, shooting at either 8.8 or 2.1 megapixels, all in 16:9 (widescreen).

We’re told the testing of the camera has been pretty good so far, with skateboarder Tony Hawk saying that “the camera excelled in every shooting environment, producing stunning 4K footage unlike anything I’ve ever seen before out of a POV camera.”

It won’t be the only new action camera for Sony, either, with a Full HD model arriving in the AS200V, capable of similar features to the 4K action camera from Sony, but skipping out on the 4K sensor and going with one capable of 1080p Full HD and 720p HD instead.

Pricing and release has been announced for these in Australia, though, so if you’re keen to see Sony’s take on how a 4K action camera should work, you’ll find the FDR-X1000V UHD camera in stores from March for $549, with the Full HD model, the AS200V, in stores the same time for $399.

Meanwhile, Sony will also have an updated 4K Handycam coming, ideal for people who don’t normally use the action cameras and would prefer more control, as well as a degree of optical zoom.

This one is the FDR-AXP35, and while it looks similar to the original model, we’re told it is both smaller, lighter, and includes 10x optical zoom for the Ultra HD video capture, while also being able to capture 8 megapixel images.

But the real pièce de résistance is on the flip out LCD screen, or rather what is on the back of it.

You see, there’s a 3 inch LCD screen on one side, and on the back, Sony has built in a small projector, capable of showing a preview of the video, though we don’t think this will be a 4K pico projector, and is probably closer to showing a high definition example of your footage.

Sony has also thrown in a manual button and ring to let videographers who like control really get their hands on using the device, some WiFi control to give filmmakers control of up to five cameras simultaneously (if you have up to five of them), and even support for UStream to do live broadcasts, which was how this journalist broadcast his wedding recently.

“As the popularity of 4K continues to skyrocket, consumers are always searching for new and different ways to enjoy the platform,” said Vivek Handoo, Head of Digital Imaging at Sony Australia.

“Our new AXP35 Handycam brings the wonders of 4K personal content creation to a broader audience than ever before, delivering crystal clear 4K video from the palm of your hand. It’s the ultimate choice for families looking to capture and preserve all their precious memories in the highest possible quality.”

Pricing for the Sony 4K Handycam hasn’t been announced yet, but with an Aussie quote comes an Aussie availability date, with Sony telling GadgetGuy that the FDR-AXP35 will see stores in Australia from March 2015 onwards.