Just In: iON Air Pro 3 Action Camera
I first learned about iON’s Air Pro 2 action cam at the recent Dew Tour action sports event in San Francisco a couple of months ago. At that time, the Air Pro 2 was the new hotness and we were eager to find out how the iON compares to other helmet cams that we’ve been using. But as a sign of just how fast technology moves, while we were waiting for a test unit of the Air Pro 2 to come in, the iON Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi model was announced. Since we know our audience tends to like the latest and greatest when it comes to tech products, we decided to upgrade our review camera to the 3.
The iON Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi arrived in the Mtbr offices yesterday and we’ve had a chance to unbox it, weigh it and give it a quick look over. The standout features of iON’s video cameras are the built in Wi-Fi capabilities and the built-in rugged, water-proof casing. The Wi-Fi allows you to shoot and share your ride instantly and it also works with the iON Air Pro smartphone app (available for both Android and iPhone) that enables your phone to act as a viewfinder for the camera. The Air Pro 3 is also very lightweight, weighing in at 145 grams on our Park Tool scale.
The new Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi records video up to 60 frames per second at 1080p, with dual streaming to enable users to simultaneously “shoot and share” their recordings. A new 12-megapixel image sensor offers up to 4000×3000-pixel still-image resolution with better light sensitivity and wider dynamic range (even in challenging low-light situations). The Air Pro 3 also has an “anti-shake” feature to minimize vibration and the built-in microphone has noise reduction to minimize wind noise. iON also claims a long run time for the Air Pro 3 – 2.5hrs recording with 1200 mAh lithium polymer battery.
To make better use of the real time Wi-Fi enabled video sharing, owners of any model of iON Air Pro cameras also received 8GB of free cloud storage.
The sleek and stylish casing looks very similar to the Air Pro 2, but is has been redesigned and can now handle underwater depths up to 49 feet (previously 30 feet). Also changed is the 160 degree angle of view that can be customized for tighter 140- or 150-degree angles using the iON iOS or Android app. The Air Pro 3 also has an expanded selection of additional mounts like the iON FCS Mount (for mounting to any board – surf, snow, paddle, wake, etc.), the iON Rollbar Mount (for use in motorsports, the new Rollbar Mount can withstand high speeds and vibration) and the new Head Strap and Goggle Mount that enables hands-free use of iON cameras for a wide variety of sports and other applications.
Giovanni Tomaselli, CEO, iON America states, “We designed the Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi to be best in class. It builds upon the great features of the earlier Air Pro models, with better image quality in a wider variety of conditions, plus a new, ultra-tough body that will withstand the most demanding environments.” Tomaselli continues, “I’m proud of the strides we’ve made, in just a little over a year, in a competitive market. The Air Pro 3 will take us one step further in inspiring the Shoot/Share revolution.”
The iON Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi is available now for $349.99 and is available at select retailers and bike shops. The good news on pricing is that with the release of the Air Pro 3, the Air Pro 2 with Wi-Fi has dropped in price by $50 to $249.99. Read our long term trail test.
First Impression
From the very moment we laid eyes on the iON Air Pro action camera, we were impressed. The slick casing has a nice quality feel to it and the Wi-Fi capabilities are impressive. No funky cases to deal with. We like that it comes with a helmet mount (although you will have to provide your own velcro straps). If the video quality matches up to the fit and finish of the unit, it will be a solid contender in a very competitive market. We look forward to trail testing the Air Pro 3.
About iON America
iON America pioneered the concept of Shoot/Share
Wi-Fi connectivity in point-of-view (POV) cameras with its aerodynamic and fully-waterproof Air Pro, Speed Pro, Adventure and The Game lines. Designed for pros and amateurs alike, iON cameras make it easy to capture and share high-definition video and still images, with Wi-Fi connectivity and free cloud storage. iON America’s experienced team has been involved in the design, development and manufacturing of digital imaging products worldwide for over 20 years.
For more information: usa.ioncamera.com
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