Going Cashless at a Hawker Centre in Singapore – DBS Paylah!
For those who have been following, you’ll know that I’ve been playing around with the SONY Action Cam FDR-X1000V (that’s a mouthful) for the last few months. To get this review done, I’ve gone banana boating, zip lining, cycling, wake boarding, and even to the trampoline park with it. It’s really tough work you know… I mean just look at the video below! (haha)
Anyway, those who have been following my blog for awhile will also know that I’m a big GoPro fan/user (see also: awesome travel videos).
So what’s the verdict? Is the SONY Action Cam FDR-X1000V really that good? I’ve listed down the things I love and dislike about the camera, so rest assured that this is an honest review after having the opportunity to try both the biggest action cams in the market.
If you want the conclusion, just scroll to the bottom of the page!
The Good:
- Advanced SteadyShot™
This is my favourite feature of the camera. I’ve been facing stability issues for the longest time with the GoPro because of my shaky hands. The Advanced SteadyShot™ significantly reduces micro vibrations and make the footage look so much more stable. Just check out the video above!
- Better built-in microphone
The sensitive stereo microphone captures more and better sound compared to other action cameras. It even has a wind cut filter that can be toggled on and off in the menu depending on the wind conditions. To top it off, the waterproof case also has a special opening for audio. Imagine capturing sounds that don’t sound as muffled underwater! - Waterproof Live-View Remote
This makes framing really easy. The wifi enabled Live-View Remote connects to your camera and allows you to see what the camera sees. This is especially useful if the SONY Action Cam is mounted on a hard to reach surface. Never again will you have to retake a shot because your camera framing was off.Some might argue that you can also connect other action cams to your smartphone to frame before filming. But honestly, why risk dropping your smartphone into the sea or mud when you have a Live-View Remote. - Highlight Movie Maker
For people without video editing background, this built in software is like a blessing from the heavens. The Highlight Movie Maker automatically creates short movie clips ready for sharing on social media with just a few taps on your smartphone. It works by choosing the most action-packed scenes with the motion gyro.(See also: Getting the best out of your SONY Action Cam for tips on how to use the camera better)
The Bad:
- Menu interface is clunky
This is probably the biggest disadvantage of the Action Cam for me. Settings are difficult to access and are often buried under many layers. You also cannot change the settings in the same menu without being sent back to the home screen. You have to repeat the whole process again, scrolling till you reach the same sub menu before changing another setting. - Shotgun design
I’m not a big fan of the shape because it makes the camera awkward to mount on certain surfaces. It’s just too long and tall. With the camera on a Chest Mount, I look like Robocop, or something with a gun coming out of my chest. I also prefer the centralised view if I am to mount the action cam on my head. But doing so makes me look like a cockatoo.Although the shape makes it easier to hold with your hands, action cameras are usually mounted, so this wasn’t really a perk for me. - Mounts
The mounts have too many movable parts that can be a hassle to set up. I also lost a small part of my head strap, which rendered the entire system useless. The parts are also difficult to find, as they are currently not as well distributed. This makes it hard to get a replacement if you’re traveling. - Community isn’t strong
Compared to GoPro, the SONY Action Cam community still isn’t as active. You’ll see a huge difference simply by tagging #GoPro or #SonyActionCam on Instagram. It’s growing pretty fast though, and I’m sure in a year or two, there will be a more active community.
The Verdict:
The SONY Action Cam FDRX1000V is great for techies that love having the best specs above everything else. Other than the menu interface (which I’m sure can be easily fixed), it has many features that makes it easy for anyone to use.
Big thanks to SONY Singapore for giving me the opportunity to prove myself and take my adventures to new heights. It’s been great trying different activities around Singapore. Otherwise I wouldn’t have realised that there were so many adventurous activities that one can do back home!
Like what you’re seeing? Share, like, subscribe and follow more of my adventures on Facebook or Instagram! :)
Related posts
