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Sony’s latest competitor to the GoPro is a cute black box

Sony’s latest competitor to the GoPro is a cute black box

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The action camera is also waterproof and crushproof

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Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge

The RX0 is Sony’s latest competitor to GoPro action cameras. It’s a cute little box that promises to do big things — shooting video and stills on its own, or as part of a rig of multiple cameras. The device has a 1-inch, 15.3 megapixel CMOS image sensor, with a wide 24mm Zeiss lens fixed at F4. That sensor is bigger than any sensor available on current GoPro models.

The camera also features a shutter speed of up to 1/32000 and a burst mode of up to 16fps. It’s also got a screen on the back so you can check your shots.

The model itself is very compact, weighing 0.24 pounds and measuring 2.38 x 1.63 x 1.19 inches, which is around the same size as the models in the GoPro Hero series. It’s an action camera in every sense of the word, being waterproof up to 33 feet (up to 330 feet with a case), and able to shoot in the rain or sandy, snowy, and dusty environments. It’s also shockproof up to 6.5 feet and crushproof for weights up to 440 pounds.

Photo by Tom Warren / The Verge

Sony says multiple RX0 models can be linked to shoot bullet-time shots (like in The Matrix) and other technical shots. One cool feature is its ability for super slow-motion capture at up to 960 frames per second, but it’ll be below HD quality, and Sony says it can only shoot nearly 1080p at 240fps.

Sony has a wireless radio commander that can trigger up to 15 RX0 cameras at the same time. You can also control the camera from your phone using Sony’s PlayMemories app, which allows up to five RX0s to be connected. Sony says it’s working on a wireless multi-camera shooting ability for when a wireless access point is used. The company anticipates that will roll out through a firmware update in January. A camera control box is also slated for a January release, if you prefer to rely on a wired connection.

Sony says the camera is ideal for casual shooting, street, and travel photography, so it’s a nice model for enthusiasts. The RX0 is a pricier choice at $700, compared to GoPro’s Hero5 Black which retails for $399.99. The RX0 is due to be released in October.