Sony’s new everything-proof Actioncam is definitely a worthy opponent to the likes of the GoPro HERO, although sometimes people just want a user-friendly video camera that can go in the water. Well, that’s where the Sony Handycam HDR-GW66VE comes into the picture. It’s a compact HD camcorder that can be submerged to a depth of 10 meters (33 feet) for up to an hour.
Along with its imperviousness to water, the HDR-GW66VE is also dust- and dirt-proof, shockproof to a drop height of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet), and can operate in temperatures down to -10ºC (14ºF).
The camera shoots at a maximum resolution of 1080p (50 fps), in a choice of AVCHD, MPEG2 or MP4 formats. It’s also able to capture 20-megapixel stills. Images are captured via an F1.8 - F3.4 G lens, and a 4.6-mm back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor.
Everything is recorded on either a Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC card, or a Memory Stick Micro. One charge of the camera’s integrated battery should be good for two hours of HD recording time.
Users can get a closer look at the action with a 10X optical zoom lens, with their hand tremors somewhat smoothed out by Sony’s SteadyShot Active Mode. They can also shoot "selfies" with less fumbling, thanks to an extra front-mounted record button – along with the swiveling 460K-dot 3-inch LCD screen.
The Handycam HDR-GW66VE should be available as of June. Its price has yet to be announced.
Source: Sony
