Sony HDR AS100V Action Camera with Live View Remote Review

Remember that time you were hiking up a mountain, camera in hand, trying to capture the sunrise—only to realize you couldn’t see the screen because the sun was directly behind you? Or maybe you’ve tried vlogging while biking, only to end up with shaky footage because you couldn’t monitor your shot in real time. I’ve been there, and it’s frustrating. That’s where the Sony HDR AS100V action camera with Live View Remote steps in, promising to solve these everyday action-cam headaches.

This isn’t just another tiny camera you strap to your helmet. The AS100V is part of Sony’s premium lineup, designed for adventurers, vloggers, and anyone who wants high-quality video without the fuss. The real game-changer? The Live View Remote—a wrist-mounted screen that lets you see exactly what the camera sees, even when it’s mounted in hard-to-reach places. Whether you’re skiing down a slope, surfing a wave, or filming a time-lapse from a tree, this combo aims to make action filming more intuitive, more reliable, and frankly, more fun. In this review, we’ll dive into what makes the Sony HDR AS100V stand out, where it stumbles, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.

Design and Build Quality: Built for the Wild

Compact, Durable, and Weather-Resistant

The Sony HDR AS100V is small—about the size of a matchbox—but don’t let its size fool you. It’s built like a tank. The body is made of high-grade plastic with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and feels sturdy in your hand. It’s not fully waterproof on its own, but it comes with a slim, rugged underwater housing that’s rated for depths up to 60 meters (about 197 feet). That means you can take it snorkeling, kayaking, or even deep-sea diving without a second thought.

Visual guide about sony hdr as100v action camera with live view remote

Image source: images.cameta.com

One thing I loved is how the housing clicks into place with a satisfying *snap*. There’s no wiggling, no loose seals. The buttons on the housing are large and easy to press, even with gloves on—a small but crucial detail when you’re out in the cold. The lens is protected by a thick glass cover, and I’ve accidentally brushed it against rocks and trees with zero scratches. That’s peace of mind you can’t put a price on.

Live View Remote: A Wrist-Sized Game Changer

The Live View Remote is the star of the show. It’s a 1.5-inch color LCD screen that straps to your wrist like a smartwatch. It connects to the camera via Wi-Fi (2.4GHz), and the pairing process is surprisingly smooth—just hold the remote near the camera, press a button, and you’re connected in under 10 seconds.

Why does this matter? Imagine you’re mountain biking and you’ve mounted the camera on your handlebars. Instead of stopping, taking off your helmet, and checking the camera’s tiny screen, you just glance at your wrist. You can see if the frame is level, if you’re centered, or if the battery is low. You can even start and stop recording, switch modes, and adjust settings—all without touching the camera. It’s like having a director’s monitor on your arm.

I tested this during a trail run. The remote stayed snug on my wrist, and the screen remained visible even in direct sunlight (thanks to its anti-reflective coating). The only hiccup? The Wi-Fi connection can occasionally drop if you’re more than 10 meters (30 feet) from the camera. But in real-world use, I rarely strayed that far, so it wasn’t a big issue.

Video and Photo Quality: Crisp, Clear, and Color-Rich

Full HD 1080p at 60fps—and Beyond

The Sony HDR AS100V shoots 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second, which is ideal for capturing smooth, fluid motion. But it doesn’t stop there. You can also shoot in 720p at 120fps for slow-motion footage that’s perfect for action shots—think skateboard tricks or waves crashing. The camera uses a 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor, which is the same tech found in Sony’s high-end smartphones. That means it’s excellent at capturing detail in both bright and low-light conditions.

During a sunrise hike, I was blown away by how well the camera handled the transition from dark shadows to bright sky. There was no blown-out highlights or crushed blacks. The colors were vibrant but not oversaturated—think lush green trees, deep blue sky, and warm orange sun. Sony’s SteadyShot image stabilization (which is digital, not optical) also did a solid job of smoothing out hand-held footage. It’s not perfect—fast movements still have some jitter—but it’s far better than no stabilization at all.

Photo Mode: More Than Just Snapshots

The AS100V also takes 12MP still photos, which is decent for an action camera. You can shoot in single, burst (up to 10fps), or interval mode for time-lapses. I used the interval mode to capture a 30-minute sunset time-lapse from a cliffside. The results were stunning—smooth, consistent exposure, and no flicker between frames. The only downside? The photos are a bit soft when viewed at 100%. They’re great for social media or small prints, but not ideal for large-scale editing or cropping.

One tip: If you’re shooting in bright light, enable the “High Dynamic Range” (HDR) mode. It combines two exposures to retain detail in shadows and highlights. I used it during a midday beach shoot, and the difference was noticeable—the sand wasn’t blown out, and the water had texture instead of being a flat blue blob.

Features and Usability: Smart Tech, Real-World Benefits

Let’s be honest—no one wants to wait hours to share their epic footage. The AS100V has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, which means you can transfer videos and photos to your smartphone or tablet in seconds. Just tap the camera with your phone (if it supports NFC), or connect via Wi-Fi through Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app. The app lets you preview clips, download them, and even edit basic cuts before posting.

I tested this after a day of surfing. I had three clips I wanted to share on Instagram. The transfer took about 30 seconds per clip (for 1080p files), and the app’s editing tools let me trim the start and end points without needing a computer. The only downside? The app occasionally crashes on older Android phones. But on my iPhone, it worked flawlessly.

GPS and Metadata Tracking

The AS100V has built-in GPS, which logs your location, speed, and altitude during recording. This is huge for athletes, hikers, and travelers. You can overlay this data onto your videos using Sony’s PlayMemories Home software (Windows/Mac). I used it to create a “speed map” of my mountain bike ride—showing how fast I was going on each section of the trail. It’s a fun way to analyze your performance or share your route with friends.

One caveat: GPS drains the battery faster. I noticed about a 15% drop in battery life when GPS was enabled. If you’re on a long trip, consider turning it off unless you really need the data.

Customizable Settings and Modes

The camera has a surprising number of manual controls. You can adjust white balance, exposure compensation, and even the color profile. There are also preset modes like “Underwater,” “Night,” and “Snow,” which automatically optimize settings for the environment. I used the “Underwater” mode while snorkeling, and the colors popped—no murky green tint like with some other cameras.

For vloggers, there’s a “Face Detection” mode that keeps your face in focus even when you’re moving. It worked well during a walking-and-talking video, though it struggled a bit in low light. Still, it’s a nice feature for solo content creators.

Battery Life and Storage: The Practical Side

Battery Performance: Real-World Testing

The AS100V uses a removable NP-BX1 lithium-ion battery, which is the same as in Sony’s RX series cameras. Sony claims up to 130 minutes of recording time in 1080p, but in my testing, it was closer to 90-100 minutes with Wi-Fi and GPS enabled. That’s enough for most day trips, but not for all-day adventures.

Here’s a practical tip: Buy a spare battery. They’re relatively inexpensive (around $30), and swapping them is easy—just pop out the old one and slide in the new. I kept a spare in my backpack during a weekend camping trip, and it saved me when I forgot to charge the first one.

The Live View Remote has its own battery (CR2032 coin cell), which lasts about 5 hours. It’s not rechargeable, but replacements are cheap and easy to find. Just make sure you have a spare on hand.

Memory Card Compatibility and Speed

The camera uses microSD cards (up to 64GB). I recommend a Class 10 or UHS-I card for smooth 1080p/60fps recording. I used a 32GB SanDisk Ultra, and it worked perfectly—no dropped frames or stuttering. For 720p/120fps slow-motion, a UHS-I card is a must. I tried a cheaper Class 4 card, and the camera refused to record in high-speed mode.

One thing to note: The camera doesn’t have internal storage. If you forget your card, you’re out of luck. Always double-check before heading out.

Accessories and Ecosystem: Expand Your Possibilities

Mounts, Housings, and More

Sony offers a wide range of accessories, from helmet mounts to handlebar grips. I tested the adhesive mount on my bike, and it held up even on bumpy trails. The quick-release system is genius—just press a button, and the camera pops off. No tools, no hassle.

The underwater housing is included, but Sony also sells a “skeleton” housing (without the front cover) for better audio. I used it for a vlog, and the sound quality was noticeably clearer. However, it’s not waterproof, so only use it on land.

Compatibility with Other Sony Devices

The AS100V works seamlessly with other Sony gear. I paired it with my Sony A6000 mirrorless camera using the PlayMemories app, and it acted as a remote viewfinder. You can also use the Live View Remote to control other Sony cameras, which is handy for multi-camera setups.

If you already own Sony headphones or speakers, you can stream audio from the camera to them via Bluetooth. I used this to narrate a video while hiking, and it worked surprisingly well—no lag or distortion.

Data Table: Key Specifications at a Glance

Feature	Specification
Sensor	1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS (12.1MP)
Video Resolution	1080p (30/60fps), 720p (120fps)
Photo Resolution	12MP (4000 x 3000)
Stabilization	SteadyShot (Digital)
Waterproof	60m with housing
Battery Life	Up to 130 mins (1080p), ~90 mins (with Wi-Fi/GPS)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, NFC, USB 2.0
Storage	microSD (up to 64GB, Class 10/UHS-I recommended)
Live View Remote	1.5-inch LCD, CR2032 battery (5 hours)

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Sony HDR AS100V?

After weeks of testing, I can confidently say the Sony HDR AS100V action camera with Live View Remote is one of the most user-friendly action cameras on the market. It’s not perfect—battery life could be better, and the photo quality isn’t DSLR-level—but it nails the basics: excellent video, intuitive controls, and a remote that actually works.

If you’re a content creator who values real-time monitoring, or an adventurer who wants reliable, high-quality footage without the hassle, this camera is a solid choice. The Live View Remote alone is worth the price of admission. It transforms the way you shoot, making it easier to frame shots, monitor battery, and stay in control—even when the camera is out of reach.

But it’s not for everyone. If you’re on a tight budget, or only need basic 4K video (the AS100V doesn’t do 4K), you might be better off with a GoPro or DJI Osmo Action. And if you’re a professional filmmaker needing RAW video or advanced manual controls, look elsewhere.

For everyone else—the weekend warriors, the travel vloggers, the outdoor enthusiasts—this is a camera that delivers where it counts. It’s durable, smart, and packed with features that make filming fun, not frustrating. And in a world where so many tech gadgets overpromise and underdeliver, that’s something worth celebrating.

So, should you buy it? If you value convenience, reliability, and that “just works” feeling, then yes. The Sony HDR AS100V isn’t just an action camera. It’s a tool that helps you tell your story—clearly, confidently, and without the usual tech headaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Sony HDR-AS100V stand out among action cameras?

The Sony HDR-AS100V excels with its high-quality 1080p video, advanced image stabilization, and unique Live View Remote, which allows for real-time framing and control. Its rugged, splash-proof design makes it ideal for action-packed adventures without needing an external housing.

Can I use the Sony HDR-AS100V in wet or rainy conditions?

Yes, the camera is splash-proof, so it can handle light rain or water splashes without an additional case. However, for full waterproofing (up to 60m), you’ll need the optional SPK-AS2 housing.

Does the Sony HDR-AS100V support live streaming or remote control?

Yes, the included Live View Remote lets you monitor and control the camera wirelessly via Wi-Fi/NFC, perfect for self-recording or group shots. This feature enhances usability, especially during solo adventures.

What video resolutions and frame rates does the Sony HDR-AS100V offer?

The camera records in 1080p at 60/30fps, 720p at 120fps for slow motion, and supports XAVC S format for high-bitrate, professional-grade footage. It’s versatile for both action and cinematic needs.

How is the battery life of the Sony HDR-AS100V during continuous use?

Expect around 100 minutes of recording per charge, though using Wi-Fi or the Live View Remote may reduce this. Carrying spare batteries is recommended for longer shoots.

Is the Sony HDR-AS100V compatible with third-party accessories like mounts?

Yes, it uses a standard tripod mount (¼-inch) and is compatible with most GoPro-style mounts, thanks to its compact design. This flexibility makes it easy to integrate into existing setups.

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Sony HDR AS100V Action Camera with Live View Remote Review

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