Sony RX0 Brings A Compact Camera Down To Action Cam Size

Sony is already a name well known not just in consumer electronics but also in the digital photography market, with both image sensors as well as complete cameras. Now it is embarking on a new but slightly related market: action cameras. At IFA 2017, Sony unveiled the RX0 camera that puts the camera qualities its Cybershot RX line is known for into a small and rugged black box that you can take with you anywhere and everywhere.

You'd be forgiven if you get bit confused by specs, because the Sony RX0 definitely lists some parts that you won't normally see in an action camera. They are, instead, mostly seen as part of a smartphone or even a digital camera. That includes a 1.0-type stacked 15.3 megapixel Exmor RS sensor, like in a phone, combined with a BIONZ X image processor and wide-angle ZEISS Tessar T* 24mm F4 fixed lens, like in a camera.

Externally, though, there is no mistaken that this is not your regular camera. It comes in a 2.38 in x 1.63 in x 1.19 in black box more easily associated with action cameras like the GoPro. And just like those, the Sony RX0 boasts of a few feats of ruggedness, being usable underwater down to depths of 10 m by its lonesome self, or 100 m in an MPK-HSR1 housing. It is promised to survive a drop from a height of 2 meters and a crushing force of 200 kg.

What sets the Sony RX0 apart from your run of the mill action camera is its multi-camera, multi-view features. You can string up 15 RX0's and control them simultaneously with the Sony FA-WRC1M wireless commander, or up to 5 of them when only using the Sony PlayMemories mobile app, to create effects like bullet-time or time-slice. With its ability to shoot as fast as 16 fps in burst mode, 960 fps in slow motion, and a shutter lag of only 1/32000 seconds, the Sony RX0 guarantees you'll catch the action, from any angle and any condition.

The Sony RX0 camera will ship in October, with a price tag of $700, definitely higher than your common action camera. A couple of new accessories will also be available for the action camera, including a VCT-CGR1 cage, MPK-HSR1 waterproof housing, CPT-R1 cable protector, VF-SPR1 spare lens protector, and more.