My review of the Sony HDR-AS15
Pros.
The video quality is excellent and watching 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 120fps is amazing.
The low light capability is exceptional, vastly superior to my GoPro Hero 2 with ProTune turned on. Since the new Hero 3 is only twice as good as a Hero 2(non-ProTune) in low light conditions then the Sony should by far the superior low light camera.
The LCD on the side makes it easy to change settings without the need for any other device.
The waterproof case is very sold and very well made(also a con).
Excellent battery life, uses a fairly standard Sony battery with OEM batteries already in existence( alot cheaper than official batteries(14 pound for two batteries and a charger)
A time indicator on the LCD to inform you of how much recording time is left on the memory card.
One button press start, press the record button and it starts recording from off in a couple of seconds, has a slider to lock start/stop button.
Seems to be pretty much firmware bug free from new(unlike GoPro's and a much lesser extent Contour).
It is perfect as a bike mounted camera.
Cons
Non-rotating lens and has to be upright, cannot be upside down.
No resistance to rain so the waterproof case is always required.
Waterproof case also required to mount it on a bike, currently no other option.
Not a helmet camera, far too heavy with the headband mount and waterproof case.(A new headband mount that holds the camera directly is not available yet and not compatible with the waterproof headband mount)
The waterproof case has a BIG fogging problem, anit-fog sheets not available for another three weeks(no idea if they will work).
The beeps are very quite so almost inaudible when in the waterproof case.
Just one small LED to indicate it is recording, which is difficult to see if not looking directly at the back of the camera.
The micro SDHC slot allows the user to put the memory card in upside down(at least a warning icon will flash when it is turned on, assuming you are looking at the LCD).
Cannot record and charge at the same time as no access to USB port when mounted.
Overall it has made me reconsider buying the a Hero 3 when it goes on sale, although the 2.7k recording seems very interesting and whilst waiting for Contour to bring out a new camera to match the Sony/Hero 3 I will not wait for ever and another Sony maybe be purchased.
Pros.
The video quality is excellent and watching 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 120fps is amazing.
The low light capability is exceptional, vastly superior to my GoPro Hero 2 with ProTune turned on. Since the new Hero 3 is only twice as good as a Hero 2(non-ProTune) in low light conditions then the Sony should by far the superior low light camera.
The LCD on the side makes it easy to change settings without the need for any other device.
The waterproof case is very sold and very well made(also a con).
Excellent battery life, uses a fairly standard Sony battery with OEM batteries already in existence( alot cheaper than official batteries(14 pound for two batteries and a charger)
A time indicator on the LCD to inform you of how much recording time is left on the memory card.
One button press start, press the record button and it starts recording from off in a couple of seconds, has a slider to lock start/stop button.
Seems to be pretty much firmware bug free from new(unlike GoPro's and a much lesser extent Contour).
It is perfect as a bike mounted camera.
Cons
Non-rotating lens and has to be upright, cannot be upside down.
No resistance to rain so the waterproof case is always required.
Waterproof case also required to mount it on a bike, currently no other option.
Not a helmet camera, far too heavy with the headband mount and waterproof case.(A new headband mount that holds the camera directly is not available yet and not compatible with the waterproof headband mount)
The waterproof case has a BIG fogging problem, anit-fog sheets not available for another three weeks(no idea if they will work).
The beeps are very quite so almost inaudible when in the waterproof case.
Just one small LED to indicate it is recording, which is difficult to see if not looking directly at the back of the camera.
The micro SDHC slot allows the user to put the memory card in upside down(at least a warning icon will flash when it is turned on, assuming you are looking at the LCD).
Cannot record and charge at the same time as no access to USB port when mounted.
Overall it has made me reconsider buying the a Hero 3 when it goes on sale, although the 2.7k recording seems very interesting and whilst waiting for Contour to bring out a new camera to match the Sony/Hero 3 I will not wait for ever and another Sony maybe be purchased.
