Sony HDR-AS300R Review

See all images of the Sony HDR-AS300R

Main
Also HDR-AS300R was introduced by Sony in December 2016. It belongs to the outdoor and action cams category. Sony is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Sony.
Brand	Sony
Category	Outdoor & Action
Date	12/2016

Protection
Sony HDR-AS300R has environmental sealing and different protection features. Let’s see in the list below:
Waterproof	– meter
Drop from height	– meter
Temp. range from	0.00 °C

Sensor Properties
The HDR-AS300R’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 8 megapixel. The resolution is somewhat below average but will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 size. The Sony does not support recording RAW images. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computeand involves one extra processing step but will almost always result in superior image quality.
Format	Compact
Resolution	8.00 Megapixel
Continuous	10 FPS
RAW support

Lens
Interchangeable
Focal length	17mm
Aperture	2.8
Shutter
The HDR-AS300R’s shutter speed varies from 1/10000s to 1/30s. The highest shutter speed of the Sony is just 1/10000s. That’s no longer state of the art and may cause problems in challenging light conditions.
Max. shutter speed	1/10000s
Min. shutter speed	1/30s
Sensitivity Properties
The HDR-AS300R’s usable sensitivity ranges from 100 ISO to only 1600 ISO.
Automatic
Min. sensitivity	100 ISO
Max. sensitivity	1600 ISO
Exposure Modes
The HDR-AS300R supports all general exposure modes.
Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Flash Specs
The HDR-AS300R doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category. A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Sony’s hotshoe.
Built-in
Hot shoe
Display Specs
Video Specs
HDR-AS300R video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel. Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone. Sony HDR-AS300R Video parameters:
Max. resolution	1920 x 1080 pixel
…with frame rates	25 frames/second 30 frames/second 50 frames/second 60 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs
The HDR-AS300R has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords. For photo transferring users may use Bluetooth option. Connect the Sony to a monitor or TV set over HDMI. The Sony supports USB 2.0. Connection parameters:
WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom

Memory
The HDR-AS300R will only accept Micro SD cards. The Sony does not support SD cards. Memory cards characteristics:
Slots	1
Memory cards	Micro SD
Battery
The Sony HDR-AS300R works with a NP-BX1 battery. The battery lifetime is a generous 500 shots. Usually enough for a full day or more. The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway. The HDR-AS300R’s battery battery parameters:
Type	NP-BX1
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life	500 photos
Size
The Sony HDR-AS300R’s dimensions are 29 x 47 x 83mm³. (1.1″ x 1.9″ x 3.3″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is only 114 grams (3.7 oz.), lens included. Here is front and top view of the HDR-AS300R:


Dimensions Comparison
To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card). The HDR-AS300R is not much bigger: