Sony FDRX3000/W Underwater Camcorder 4K

I only have the GoPro Hero3+ as a comparison so nothing GoPro with image stabilization. The image stabilization on this camera (BOSS) is very impressive. I’ve never been a huge fan of the super wide angle GoPro look of videos, I assume most camera makers way around not having image stabilization is to go with that really wide fisheye look to cover up the person holding the cameras shakiness. With this Sony that isn’t an issue, and underwater videos shot from this thing look incredible, not that the GoPro is bad it’s just that this Sony has way less of the stretchy wide angle so the videos just look better IMO.
The underwater housing is somewhat tough to open and close, might be a good thing though. You’ll need extra batteries especially shooting in the highest resolutions.
Shooting in 1080p at 120fps makes some Amazing videos, drops of water slowed down during playback are just un-real. The only issue with those files are trying to network stream them back on my TV through an Apple TV or an Amazon Fire TV, they stutter, stutter…..crash. These are 2 year old TVs, not 4K though. You would think they could handle 1080p files? They don’t even playback any better via USB plugged directly into the TV. I assume post processing the files would result in a playable file, they look amazing straight off the camera on a iMac with 5k display. Quicktime recognizes them as 120 fps files and gives you the cool slow motion playback option, no Sony software required.
If you do already own a lot of GoPro accessories I would go ahead and order the part so you can use your mounts on the Sony. There’s not a lot of accessories for this camera but, it has the standard threaded camera mount on it so, it’s a non issue. The waterproof housing and the camera itself have the threaded mount option.
The connection to your mobile device works nicely with the PlayMemories app, very easy to understand and really makes shooting a time-lapse a breeze. Actually, any camera settings you want to make are probably more easily done with the app rather than that tiny screen on the camera itself. For my old eyes that screen is a chore. I find that I prefer the way this camera fits in my pocket better than my GoPro, it’s not a size issue just the layout of the cameras. I don’t have the big weird hood lens cover on my Sony, probably should but I’m waiting for a better option.

In summary I have to say that this is a better camera than my Hero 3+ but, I can’t say for certain if it’s better than the Hero 5 not having used it. What I can say for sure is that if I had never bought a GoPro and I just grabbed this Sony I wouldn’t feel like I missed out on anything. Maybe a few tweaks here or there but this camera doesn’t lack anything at all. It already creates better files than my devices can even playback.
I’ve never been much of a Sony fan so, I bought this camera fully expecting I would likely return it and get the Hero 5. The fact that GoPro keeps changing things just enough to make us have to replace our accessories has made me look at other options, for the time being I’m not looking back.
I’ll keep the Sony!

Great battery life.can record up to 3 hours straight.
Also stabilization with out gimbal is awesome

Any action camera’s primary role is to capture the action clearly. A poor image, dancing around the screen is a “fail” even if the camera has any number of “new and exciting!!” features.

The Sony FDR-X3000 is the best action cam I’ve met so far. No voice commands, no GPS, but the best imagery with the most stable framing I’ve seen. The Zeiss lens is superb. The BOSS stabilization system uses both electronic image stabilization (everyone does that) and optical image stabilization (very rare). Together, the images remain astoundingly well framed, even when shooting from a bouncing motorcycle.

The form factor favors getting the camera into narrow situations (the side of a helmet, tucked in to a vehicle’s framework). Unfortunately, Sony opted for their proprietary mounting system, but a simple tripod adapter allows using all of the near standard mounting hardware.

The camera has HDMI out, mic jack for external mic, and operate while charging connections on the back. Leaving the cover open may compromise moisture-proofing. I shoot all of my motorcycle video with an external battery pack.

The closed camera is at least rain safe. Read the manual to be sure. The included dive case is good beyond sport scuba depths – 197 feet / 60m.

There is a menu window on the side of the case. It has the expected options and controls. The layout definitely needs having the manual nearby until you’re clear about navigation.

The camera has WiFi which can be linked to Sony’s app. All of the important settings can be controlled there, too. The best part is the real-time imagery. It makes setting up the camera – is it level or twisted or tilted too much – much easier than working with a built-in display. Playback is also clearer. Sony offers the FDR-X3000r, which is the same camera package plus a wrist remote. It seems like a good idea but the remote is so big that only a diver with a passion for big wrist computers will love it. Additionally, the battery for the controller prevents shooting “shoot all day, edit later”. An external battery pack will keep the camera going but the remote checks out around two hours into the day. A smartphone does the same things and keeps the camera cost down.

The camera accepts up to 128 Gb microSD’s. I use no-name C10 chips, shooting 1080@60 fps, without a problem. 4K challenges the chips. I’ve only shot some “it works – moving on” 4K and don’t plan to use it.

The internal mic works, but, as with any other action cam internal mic, wind noise will be a problem. Wind reduction mode helps somewhat, but assume any serious need for not hearing wind requires an external mic.

The three additional purchases that I consider important are:
1) Tripod adapter to convert from the Sony mount to the usual mounting hardware
2) Lens protector to keep the camera’s Zeiss lens safe. See my Amazon review for details
3) Battery charger package. See my Amazon review for details

Would I buy the camera again? Without question. What about trying other brands? Why bother. The Sony FDR-X3000 fully meets my specifications.

DISCLAIMER: I don’t have any connection with Sony. I don’t have any connection with Amazon. I don’t have any connection with distributors or even delivery services. Nobody has paid me, or offered me any perks or other payment. I’ve got no skin in this game except I own this camera.