There are some things to love about the Sony FDR-X3000. It delivers excellent, ultra-wide angle video with optical stabilization, not a lot of distortion, 4K resolution, and strong audio quality.

4K recording with optical stabilization; 100Mbps XAVC S compression; In-body tripod mount; Protected from dust and splashes without case; Includes waterproof case; Standard mic input; Wi-Fi

Monochrome information LCD only; Underwhelming still image quality; Limited battery life

This tiny action cam's nicely image stabilized 4K 30fps footage impresses, but an unreliable live view remote makes this variant of the cheaper FDR-X3000 of dubious value.

Waterproof housing included; B.O.SS image stabilization tech impresses; Remote monitoring; Useful 3x digital zoom for close-up shots; Tripod thread; Plenty of accessories

High price; Live View Remote drop-outs common; 3x zoom lacks autofocus; Soft still images; Short battery life

Sony could definitely be called an expert when it comes to camera technology and this applies just as seriously to the company's steadyshot camcorders and other video cameras. The company has been making them for years and their first models came out well before 4K was even a major thing in digital...

Great video quality; especially in 4K; Tough design; Balanced Optical SteadyShot; Live-View Remote; Zeiss Lens technology; Removable battery; Splash resistant body

GoPro offers longer shooting time; Weak still photos; High frame rate video not the best; A bit expensive

I'm guessing that for many people, there's really only one brand of action camera. But of course the major consumer electronics companies have the expertise and resources to do their own to very good effect. Which is what Sony has done in several models over the years.

Very good video quality; extreme depths possible with supplied case; decent app; effective remote controller/screen

Nothing too obvious

I start my review by saying how amazing is the quality of the videos from this little tiny camera and how pleased Iam with my purchase .My first video camcorder was a full VHS Panasonic M7 which I bought around 1990, A very heavy and huge camcorder .I bought more and more camcorders over the many...

Sony on their website have a listed price of ? 39,000 (remote included). This is way too expensive.

Good images quality

1920 x 1080p / 60 fps (50 Mbps) / 50 fps (50 Mbps) / 24 fps (60 Mbps)/ 30 fps (50 Mbps) / 25 fps (50 Mbps) / 24 fps (50 Mbps) / 120 fps (100 Mbps) / 100 fps (100 Mbps)

Although nothing spectacular, but it presents a choice that's got capable performance and a large battery. Since the price of premium smartphones is on the rise, this is an option worth considering for those with leaner pockets.

Video quality; Live-view remote; Easy-to-use

None

Sony has been producing SteadyShot-capable Handycam camcorders for some time now. Over the years, the company has refined the tech so as to produce better and more stable footage. It means your favourite memories aren't ruined by wibbly-wobbly video that makes you feel a little seasick.

Excellent image and audio quality; Good optical image stabilisation; Thoughtful design improvements; Long battery life

Poor display on the Live-View Remote Control; Slow to power on (when using the Remote Control; Bulky waterproof case