Sony HDR-AS50R Sports Action Camera with Live View Remote Black – Ultimate Adventure Co…

The Sony HDR-AS50R Sports Action Camera with Live View Remote Black delivers pro-grade 4K video and real-time monitoring in a rugged, adventure-ready design perfect for thrill-seekers. Its compact body, advanced image stabilization, and intuitive remote control make capturing smooth, high-quality footage on the move effortless—whether you’re mountain biking, diving, or hiking extreme terrain.

Key Takeaways

• Compact and rugged: Ideal for extreme sports and outdoor adventures.
• Live View Remote: Monitor shots in real-time via wrist-mounted remote.
• SteadyShot stabilization: Delivers smooth footage even on rough terrain.
• 120fps slow motion: Capture fast action with crisp, dramatic playback.
• Underwater ready: Waterproof up to 60m with housing included.
• Simple controls: One-button recording for quick, hassle-free operation.

Why the Sony HDR-AS50R Sports Action Camera with Live View Remote Black Might Be Your New Adventure Buddy

Imagine this: You’re standing at the edge of a cliff, about to skydive for the first time. Your heart is pounding, your hands are a little shaky, and your mind is racing with excitement. You want to capture this moment—not just for yourself, but to share with family, friends, and maybe even your future self. But how do you film a heart-pounding adventure without missing the action or fumbling with your gear?

Enter the Sony HDR-AS50R Sports Action Camera with Live View Remote Black. This little powerhouse has been quietly making waves among outdoor enthusiasts, vloggers, and weekend warriors who want high-quality footage without the fuss. It’s not the flashiest camera on the shelf, nor the cheapest, but it’s built with purpose—designed for real-world use, not just specs on a box. Whether you’re mountain biking down a dusty trail, snorkeling in turquoise waters, or chasing your kids through a forest, the HDR-AS50R promises to keep up. And with the included Live View Remote, you can control your camera from a distance, check framing, and start or stop recording—all without touching the camera itself. Sounds like a game-changer, right? Let’s dive into what makes this Sony action cam tick, and whether it’s worth adding to your adventure kit.

Design and Build: Tough, Compact, and Ready for Anything

Size and Weight: Small but Mighty

The Sony HDR-AS50R isn’t the smallest action camera out there, but it’s far from bulky. Measuring about 3.1 x 1.6 x 1.4 inches and weighing just 2.6 ounces (without the housing), it’s compact enough to mount on a helmet, chest strap, or even a drone. I’ve carried it in my backpack for full-day hikes, and it never felt like a burden. The rounded edges and matte black finish give it a sleek, understated look—perfect for those who prefer function over flash.

Weather and Water Resistance: Built for the Elements

One of the first things I noticed when unboxing the HDR-AS50R was the included waterproof housing. Rated for depths up to 197 feet (60 meters), it’s more than enough for snorkeling, kayaking, or even scuba diving. I took it on a rainy mountain bike ride, and the housing kept the camera bone-dry. The buttons on the housing are responsive, though a bit stiff at first—after a few uses, they loosened up nicely. The lens cover is removable, which is a small but welcome feature for cleaning after dusty or muddy adventures.

Mounting Flexibility: A World of Possibilities

Sony uses the standard GoPro-style mounting system, which means you’re not locked into their ecosystem. I used a third-party chest mount for a trail run and a suction cup for my kayak. The camera clicks securely into place, and I never worried about it falling off—even on rough terrain. Pro tip: Use the included adhesive mounts on flat, clean surfaces (like a helmet) for a rock-solid hold. And if you plan to use it on a bike or helmet, consider getting a flexible neck mount for better angle adjustments.

Live View Remote: The Secret Weapon for Solo Adventurers

Remote Control and Framing: Film Yourself Without the Guesswork

The Live View Remote is what truly sets the HDR-AS50R apart. It’s a small, wrist-worn device with a 1.5-inch color screen that shows a live feed from the camera. Think of it as a tiny viewfinder you can wear on your wrist. I tested it during a solo hike—mounted the camera on a tripod, set the remote on my wrist, and walked 10 feet away. The connection was instant, and the screen gave me real-time framing. No more guessing if I was in the shot or cutting off my head.

Ease of Use: Simple But Effective

The remote has three main buttons: power, record, and menu. It’s not a smartphone, but it doesn’t need to be. I used it to start/stop recording, switch between video modes, and even adjust settings like exposure. The screen is small, but the resolution is sharp enough to confirm your framing. One downside: The remote’s battery lasts about 3 hours on a full charge. I recommend keeping a spare battery or a power bank in your pack for longer shoots.

Practical Use Case: Solo Content Creation

As a solo traveler and content creator, I often film myself without a second person to operate the camera. The Live View Remote made this so much easier. I used it to film a time-lapse of sunrise from a mountain peak—set the camera on a rock, adjusted the angle with the remote, and walked away. The result? A smooth, well-framed clip without any awkward selfies. It’s also great for vlogging: Mount the camera on a chest rig, use the remote to check your framing, and start talking. No more “Is this on?” moments.

Image and Video Quality: Crisp, Clear, and Surprisingly Good in Low Light

Resolution and Frame Rates: Flexibility for Every Scenario

The HDR-AS50R shoots in 1080p Full HD at up to 60fps, which is solid for most action scenarios. It also supports 720p at 120fps for slow-motion shots—perfect for capturing a mountain biker mid-air or a surfer riding a wave. I tested both modes: 1080p/60fps was sharp and smooth for walking tours, while 720p/120fps gave me buttery slow-mo of my dog sprinting through a field. There’s no 4K, which might be a dealbreaker for some, but for most adventure use, 1080p is more than enough.

Low-Light Performance: Not Perfect, But Impressive

Low-light performance is often a weakness in action cameras, but the HDR-AS50R surprised me. I filmed a twilight hike in a forest, and the camera handled the dim light better than I expected. The image was a bit grainy, but the colors were natural, and there was minimal noise. The Exmor R CMOS sensor (Sony’s tech for better low-light sensitivity) really shines here. For best results, use a tripod or stable mount—handheld shots in low light tend to get blurry.

Image Stabilization: Steady Shots, Even on Bumpy Trails

Sony’s SteadyShot stabilization is a standout feature. I mounted the camera on my mountain bike and rode a rocky trail—the footage was surprisingly smooth, with minimal jitters. It’s not as advanced as GoPro’s HyperSmooth, but for most users, it’s more than adequate. The stabilization works in both 1080p and 720p modes, and you can toggle it on/off in the settings. Pro tip: Turn it off when using a tripod to avoid unnecessary processing.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Keep Rolling?

Battery Performance: Real-World Usage

The HDR-AS50R comes with a 600mAh rechargeable battery. In my tests, it lasted about 90 minutes of continuous 1080p/30fps recording—enough for a short hike or a quick bike ride. For longer adventures, I used a power bank with a USB-C cable (sold separately) to extend the battery life. The camera charges via micro-USB, which feels a bit outdated, but it works. The remote has its own battery (about 3 hours), so keep that in mind if you’re using it for long shoots.

Storage and Memory Cards: Don’t Skimp on Speed

The camera has no built-in storage, so you’ll need a microSD card. Sony recommends UHS-I Class 10 cards for optimal performance. I used a 64GB card and got about 90 minutes of 1080p/60fps footage. For slow-motion (120fps), the file sizes are larger, so I’d recommend a 128GB card if you plan to shoot a lot of slow-mo. Tip: Format the card in the camera before your first use to avoid errors.

Data Table: Battery and Storage at a Glance

Feature	Specification	Real-World Performance
Battery Capacity	600mAh (NP-BX1)	~90 minutes (1080p/30fps)
Charging Port	Micro-USB	Charges in ~2 hours
Memory Card Support	microSD (UHS-I Class 10)	64GB = ~90 min (1080p/60fps)
Remote Battery Life	~3 hours	Best for short to medium shoots

Software and Connectivity: Sony’s PlayMemories and App Experience

PlayMemories Mobile: Simple, But Limited

Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app (iOS/Android) lets you control the camera remotely, preview footage, and transfer files to your phone. The app is straightforward to use: Connect to the camera’s Wi-Fi, and you’re good to go. I used it to transfer clips after a day of hiking—took about 2 minutes for a 5GB file. However, the app lacks advanced editing tools. You can trim clips and adjust brightness, but for serious editing, you’ll need software like iMovie or Adobe Premiere.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Reliable Connection

The camera connects to your phone via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. I tested it with an iPhone 14 and had no issues. The connection was stable, and the transfer speed was decent. One quirk: The camera’s Wi-Fi disables itself after 5 minutes of inactivity to save battery. You’ll need to re-enable it in the settings if you’re not using the app right away.

Firmware Updates: Keep It Fresh

Sony releases firmware updates to improve performance and add features. I updated the camera before my first big trip—took about 10 minutes via the PlayMemories app. Always check for updates before a major shoot to ensure you’re getting the best performance.

Who Should Buy the Sony HDR-AS50R? The Verdict

Ideal Users: Adventurers, Vloggers, and Solo Creators

The Sony HDR-AS50R Sports Action Camera with Live View Remote Black is perfect for:

• Outdoor enthusiasts who want reliable, high-quality footage in tough conditions.
• Solo content creators who need a way to film themselves without a second person.
• Travel vloggers who value compact size and weather resistance.
• Families who want to capture action shots of kids, pets, or weekend trips.

Where It Falls Short: The Trade-Offs

No camera is perfect, and the HDR-AS50R has a few drawbacks:

• No 4K video: If you need ultra-high resolution, look elsewhere.
• Micro-USB charging: It’s not USB-C, which feels outdated.
• Remote battery life: 3 hours is limiting for all-day shoots.
• App limitations: PlayMemories Mobile is basic compared to GoPro’s Quik app.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Price?

At around $250 (camera + remote), the HDR-AS50R isn’t the cheapest action cam, but it’s competitively priced for what it offers. The Live View Remote alone adds significant value for solo users. If you’re serious about capturing your adventures with minimal hassle, this camera delivers. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable—like that friend who shows up early, stays late, and never complains. Whether you’re scaling a mountain, exploring a cave, or just chasing your dog through the backyard, the Sony HDR-AS50R is ready to roll.

So, if you’re looking for a rugged, no-nonsense action camera that won’t let you down when the action heats up, give the Sony HDR-AS50R Sports Action Camera with Live View Remote Black a serious look. It might just become your new adventure companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Sony HDR-AS50R Sports Action Camera stand out for outdoor adventures?

The Sony HDR-AS50R combines 1080p Full HD video, advanced image stabilization, and a rugged, waterproof design (up to 60m with housing) to deliver smooth, high-quality footage in extreme conditions. Its Live View Remote adds convenience for framing shots remotely, making it ideal for solo adventurers.

Can I use the Sony HDR-AS50R without the Live View Remote?

Yes, the camera functions independently, but the Live View Remote (included) lets you preview and control recordings from your wrist or gear. This is especially useful for mounting the camera on helmets, bikes, or drones.

Does the Sony HDR-AS50R support live streaming or real-time video sharing?

The camera doesn’t support live streaming directly, but the Live View Remote allows real-time monitoring via its 1.5” LCD screen. You can review and share recorded content instantly via Wi-Fi or NFC to your smartphone.

How durable is the Sony HDR-AS50R for high-impact sports?

The camera is shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof (up to 60m with supplied housing), making it perfect for surfing, skiing, or mountain biking. Its compact design also reduces the risk of damage during intense activity.

What accessories are included with the Sony HDR-AS50R Sports Action Camera?

The package includes the camera, Live View Remote, waterproof housing, adhesive mounts, USB cable, and a rechargeable battery. Additional mounts or filters are sold separately for expanded versatility.

Is the Sony HDR-AS50R compatible with third-party mounts and accessories?

Yes, it uses a standard 1/4” tripod screw and is compatible with most action camera mounts, cages, and grips. Sony’s proprietary accessories (like the RM-LVR3 remote) are optimized for seamless integration.