There are few more advantages on AX53: the ring around the lens can rotate, you can assign a function to that, like manual focus, or exp compensation etc. Also, there is a filter thread on the lens, so you can attach a filter.
I have the AX53 and it allows you to select on the LCD screen the focus point. Comes in handy when the auto focus needs a little help in selecting the target. Thanks for the video.
You can also do that with the AX43 but for some reason the focus doesn't work very well. Sometimes it just gets confused. Perhaps it's better with the AX53.
@@spud3607 I think this would be a very good camera for capturing steam locomotives. Remember you can also select a target for the auto focus to track. Best of luck and thank you for watching.
well said! since 2014 i have been documenting events with sony ax33 and ax53 and hopefully will get the ax43 soon, since they are not made anymore, sadly...
I bought the ax53 last year. Although I do like it, I sort of wish I would’ve gone the dlsr route. I do love & prefer the form factor, and am so thankful for the large optical zoom (50x optical, 100x digital!). You’re right about the autofocus though, especially at night. Mine has that night vision mode, but isn’t really usable for anything I would need it for since the ir light is pretty weak. I’ve thought about getting some sort of ir spotlight to experiment with, but haven’t yet. I highly recommend getting a ‘accsoon seemo’ adapter accessory, that lets you use a phone or tablet as an external hdmi monitor. That flip out screen just doesn’t hold up to today’s screen standards, as far as brightness and picture quality (I’ve even repurposed my old iPhone X for it, and it’s still a huge leap in quality). Besides that, I have several gripes about UI decisions that Sony made when they designed this. Like.. you can’t turn off the on screen menu buttons, so it takes away from your viewing area!? Maybe it’s not as bad on the ax43 (your screen looked a little bigger than mine), but on mine it’s obnoxious. It’s also annoying that you can only choose to manually control one aspect at a time, and when you do, you feel like you’re playing Simon says with it, because you have to make sure you hit the button before you bump the focus ring 😂 Anyway, thanks for the review; glad to see there are still other people that prefer the camcorder form factor too. ☺️
Completely agree. I have the same issue with the screen viewing area with the AX43. The settings to take a lot of screen real estate. And yes, using the manual settings is incredibly difficult. Thanks for stopping by!
Since we're on the topic of vlogging cameras and what Sony's coming out with lately with the zv1 and zv1f, I tell you what's a great vlogging camera that's even lighter weight than the zv1 or the zv1f is the Canon cx405 handycam. It's very small very lightweight has excellent stabilization has a very wide angle lens and has a screen that flips out all over the place has an excellent built-in microphone and it's only about $229 us new. And by the way it's got a fantastic zoom to really pull things in close from far away. I think people need to take a serious look at the cx405 there's a reason why Sony's continues to sell it year after year it's one hell of a bargain for the money. And one more thing, the cx405 has better stabilization in active mode then that ax43 or 53 does with the internal gimbal 🎉🎉🎉
I am from Poland, we still have traditional Sony 4k Ax43a, Ax53, Panasonic VX1 camcorders available for purchase in three versions. I'm wondering which one to buy.
The reason that I stuck with my AX-33 all these years is the BOSS. Made sure to give you a 👍. The A6700 needs its own lenses and an external fan to handle over heating.
@EinkOLED I've had one. The stabilization isn't great. It's a bit like the Canon camcorders where they tend to lose out with the stabilization. I have this one, and I do like the BOSS stabilization.
I just got the AX700 and was testing it out today.. I personally love it. I won't be picking up the AX43 but will be picking up the AX53 which right now is at a great price. My reason for choosing the AX53 over the 43 is just one dumb reason.. Nightshot. I use it and require my Sony camera to be equipped with it.
That's a great point. I forgot that the AX53 has nightshot and the AX43 doesn't. Nightshot is a feature I will rarely use but I see it's benefit. I like to use nightshot with my older Hi8 tape camcorders for a vintage analog look.
Would a camcorder be better to film closer up things like electronics? The autofocus on mirrorless camera and my iphone 15 pm struggle to keep focus and someone suggested maybe getting a camcorder?
Yeah this camcorder has a great focus on short focal lengths. However only when the camera is not zoomed. So you have to get close to the subject. Maybe I'll make a video showing that.
How is the camera with handling loud noise? I like going to a lot of car events which can produce some loud noise and was just wondering how that would sound with the camcorder. I can always get an external mic too I assume.
What is the best audio settings do you believe? 5.1 channel or 2 ch, and recommended volume levels? I find it has a noticeable hiss sound with the internal mic which is common with camcorders but even this one. Any suggestion on how to counter this slightly but still give out a nice clear audio??
@@erasertech16 Trying to find a small camcorder on the same level. I like the feel of the camcorder much better. Not sure why it can not be done. Bigger Sensor, Low Light, built in lens. Only thing I found that comes close is the Osmo Action4. But like a touch longer zoom lens on it.
I have the original Osmo Action. It's a great action cam. Still use it all the time. However it's still apples and oranges compared to the Sony camcorder. The action camera does not have an optical zoom like the Sony camcorder. There are some smaller Sony and Panasonic camcorders with a similar zoom as the AX43 but the image stabilization is not as great. Those might be good options.
the ax53 in 2023 right now on Amazon , is 16megapixel and this is 8.29 megapixel. I choose this cause is less expensive but I don't really don't know if is it good . The sensor is so tiny and the quality of the shooting that I find on internet is just OK not amazing ..let's see when arrives i hope today .
It does have manual focus but it's not easy to use. The camcorder does not have a physical button or slider to adjust the focus manually so you have to do it using the digital screen. Not easy but also not impossible.
Hi friend, congratulations on the video. Can you tell me if it records in MP4, and if with good lighting I can make videos at night? And as for the battery, it lasts a long time and most importantly: Does it have a microphone input?
It does record directly on MP4 but only on the lower resolution settings. The battery I got lasts approximately 2 hours of use. It's a third party battery though and you can buy other ones with better capacity. Yes, it does have a microphone input and headphone jack for monitoring. Unfortunately the low light quality is not that great.
can you switch it from NTSC to PAL framerates? That's a disadvantage for many camcorders, many are hardcoded, so a camcorder bought in europe can't record in 30p, 24p or 60p.
@@felixvideoworkshop There is a way to swap between Pal and NTSC. I found it on UA-cam so I now have mine running on 30p in 4k and 60p in 1080 for smoother footage
You can change it from PAL to NTSC 25 to 30p. Just search on Google and will show a few UA-cam tutorials. There's a software hack that allows for it and is super easy and quick. It worked for me very recently and can record in 30p. But I can switch back to PAL using the same software@@felixvideoworkshop
Oh you're right. I think I'm confusing that one with a different older camcorder from Sony. I'm just looking at the specs of the G70 and looks pretty impressive. It does look like a step up from the older AX43. And the price is not too far off either. The G70 might be a very good option but it's hard to tell without trying it out. In the past I haven't had the best experience with Canon camcorders but this one looks pretty good.
I got the Sony Zoom shot gun mic that plugs into the hot shoe and can track with the Zoom lens. It works so well that I have decided not to get a lav for my productions.
I think it's because consumers are now using their smartphones for videos. Manufacturers are focusing more on high end cameras that give you better quality than phones.
Hey great video. I’m looking into one of these but I’m not familiar at all with camcorders. From what I read the min focal length is about 26mm on these lens. Is there a way to get it closer to a 16mm ? Are you able to change the lens on camcorders? Thank you I’m a noob with these 😢
Thanks. No, you cannot change the lenses on these camcorders. Yes, the minimum focal length is 26mm but that's pretty wide for most applications, including vlogging.
Here In Japan the camcorder market is alive and well! Companies just don’t market internationally as much anymore. The rest of the world just moves on with the newest tech that comes along while Japan/Asia doesn’t do that. We still use floppy disk here 😂
![Sony AX Series Camcorders Compared to Sony XDCAM [AX700, Sony HXR-MC88, Sony PXW-Z90V]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bT5GCdLuOmI/mqdefault.jpg)
There are few more advantages on AX53: the ring around the lens can rotate, you can assign a function to that, like manual focus, or exp compensation etc. Also, there is a filter thread on the lens, so you can attach a filter.
Good points. I forgot the AX53 has the ring at the front that you can use for manual settings. The AX43 also has a thread on the front for filters.
And night vision
Love the review! I just got a refurbished AX43. I'm thrilled to use it.
Nice. Enjoy it. It's my favorite camera for wildlife.
Nice overview. Your coverage of the fdr-ax43 gave me confidence that I'd purchased the right camera for my use. Much appreciated.
Glad it was helpful!
I have the AX53 and it allows you to select on the LCD screen the focus point. Comes in handy when the auto focus needs a little help in selecting the target. Thanks for the video.
You can also do that with the AX43 but for some reason the focus doesn't work very well. Sometimes it just gets confused. Perhaps it's better with the AX53.
Hi, would you recommend the AX53 for shooting steam loco's moving towards you. Autofocus question?
@@spud3607 I think this would be a very good camera for capturing steam locomotives. Remember you can also select a target for the auto focus to track. Best of luck and thank you for watching.
well said! since 2014 i have been documenting events with sony ax33 and ax53 and hopefully will get the ax43 soon, since they are not made anymore, sadly...
That's pretty cool. I want to get the AF53 at some point!
I bought the ax53 last year. Although I do like it, I sort of wish I would’ve gone the dlsr route. I do love & prefer the form factor, and am so thankful for the large optical zoom (50x optical, 100x digital!). You’re right about the autofocus though, especially at night.
Mine has that night vision mode, but isn’t really usable for anything I would need it for since the ir light is pretty weak. I’ve thought about getting some sort of ir spotlight to experiment with, but haven’t yet.
I highly recommend getting a ‘accsoon seemo’ adapter accessory, that lets you use a phone or tablet as an external hdmi monitor. That flip out screen just doesn’t hold up to today’s screen standards, as far as brightness and picture quality (I’ve even repurposed my old iPhone X for it, and it’s still a huge leap in quality).
Besides that, I have several gripes about UI decisions that Sony made when they designed this. Like.. you can’t turn off the on screen menu buttons, so it takes away from your viewing area!? Maybe it’s not as bad on the ax43 (your screen looked a little bigger than mine), but on mine it’s obnoxious. It’s also annoying that you can only choose to manually control one aspect at a time, and when you do, you feel like you’re playing Simon says with it, because you have to make sure you hit the button before you bump the focus ring 😂
Anyway, thanks for the review; glad to see there are still other people that prefer the camcorder form factor too. ☺️
Completely agree. I have the same issue with the screen viewing area with the AX43. The settings to take a lot of screen real estate. And yes, using the manual settings is incredibly difficult. Thanks for stopping by!
20x optical zoom on the AX53*
Oh.. Oops
Since we're on the topic of vlogging cameras and what Sony's coming out with lately with the zv1 and zv1f, I tell you what's a great vlogging camera that's even lighter weight than the zv1 or the zv1f is the Canon cx405 handycam. It's very small very lightweight has excellent stabilization has a very wide angle lens and has a screen that flips out all over the place has an excellent built-in microphone and it's only about $229 us new. And by the way it's got a fantastic zoom to really pull things in close from far away. I think people need to take a serious look at the cx405 there's a reason why Sony's continues to sell it year after year it's one hell of a bargain for the money. And one more thing, the cx405 has better stabilization in active mode then that ax43 or 53 does with the internal gimbal 🎉🎉🎉
I am from Poland, we still have traditional Sony 4k Ax43a, Ax53, Panasonic VX1 camcorders available for purchase in three versions. I'm wondering which one to buy.
It depends on what you want to use it for but my choice would be the Sony AX53.
@@erasertech16I'd chose the AX53 too. I have one. You can use the AX53 eyepiece when it's too bright to see the flip out side screen.
The reason that I stuck with my AX-33 all these years is the BOSS. Made sure to give you a 👍. The A6700 needs its own lenses and an external fan to handle over heating.
Thank you. I agree.
I have this camera as apart of my kit, love it.
I love this camera as my b-roll camera and sometimes my main camera when I am runing around. You just have to kow its limitations.
Exactly!
How does it compare to the Panasonic VX-1?
I'm not sure. I haven't tried that one.
@EinkOLED I've had one. The stabilization isn't great. It's a bit like the Canon camcorders where they tend to lose out with the stabilization. I have this one, and I do like the BOSS stabilization.
Nice test footage!
Thanks!
Does it crop the image in 4K mode?
I haven't used it in 4K yet but I'm almost sure it does crop it.
There is a lot of AX33s and Panasonic 4K camcorders also in the market
I'm not familiar with the Panasonic but the AX33 is another great option.
I just got the AX700 and was testing it out today.. I personally love it.
I won't be picking up the AX43 but will be picking up the AX53 which right now is at a great price.
My reason for choosing the AX53 over the 43 is just one dumb reason.. Nightshot. I use it and require my Sony camera to be equipped with it.
That's a great point. I forgot that the AX53 has nightshot and the AX43 doesn't. Nightshot is a feature I will rarely use but I see it's benefit. I like to use nightshot with my older Hi8 tape camcorders for a vintage analog look.
Would a camcorder be better to film closer up things like electronics? The autofocus on mirrorless camera and my iphone 15 pm struggle to keep focus and someone suggested maybe getting a camcorder?
Yeah this camcorder has a great focus on short focal lengths. However only when the camera is not zoomed. So you have to get close to the subject. Maybe I'll make a video showing that.
How is the camera with handling loud noise? I like going to a lot of car events which can produce some loud noise and was just wondering how that would sound with the camcorder. I can always get an external mic too I assume.
I haven't tested it with very loud noises but you can always use an external mic. There is even a headphone jack for monitoring.
What is the best audio settings do you believe? 5.1 channel or 2 ch, and recommended volume levels? I find it has a noticeable hiss sound with the internal mic which is common with camcorders but even this one. Any suggestion on how to counter this slightly but still give out a nice clear audio??
I think the best option to avoid internal hiss is to use an external mic. There are lots of good options nowadays and this camcorder has a mic input.
the Panasonic HC-VX1 is a good alternative I still use my Sony DCR-PC100
hows this stand up to sony Fx3? I just want in all simple camera for run and gun.
I'm not familiar with the FX3 but I see it is a $3.8K (body only) full frame camera. The two are at completely different levels.
@@erasertech16 Trying to find a small camcorder on the same level. I like the feel of the camcorder much better. Not sure why it can not be done. Bigger Sensor, Low Light, built in lens. Only thing I found that comes close is the Osmo Action4. But like a touch longer zoom lens on it.
I have the original Osmo Action. It's a great action cam. Still use it all the time. However it's still apples and oranges compared to the Sony camcorder. The action camera does not have an optical zoom like the Sony camcorder. There are some smaller Sony and Panasonic camcorders with a similar zoom as the AX43 but the image stabilization is not as great. Those might be good options.
Hi. Does this camera record at 60 fps? conflicting information on the internet
It does at 1080p, but I don't think it does with 4K.
Hi! I really want a camera for filmmaking, would this be good for a student to use ?
Yes, I think this one would be a good option. But for students you can probably go with some cheaper options.
the ax53 in 2023
right now on Amazon , is 16megapixel and this is 8.29 megapixel. I choose this cause is less expensive but I don't really don't know if is it good . The sensor is so tiny and the quality of the shooting that I find on internet is just OK not amazing ..let's see when arrives i hope today .
Good choice. Hope you enjoy it. It's my favorite camcorder.
does it have manual focus mode?
It does have manual focus but it's not easy to use. The camcorder does not have a physical button or slider to adjust the focus manually so you have to do it using the digital screen. Not easy but also not impossible.
I have an AX53, my favourite camera for UA-cam projects.
I'm sure it's a great camera! I'm saving to buy one as an upgrade to my AX43.
@@erasertech16if you ended up buying an upgrade from the AX43 what route did you go?
Do these have a green night visions??
I don't think so. But I believe the AX53 does.
Hi friend, congratulations on the video. Can you tell me if it records in MP4, and if with good lighting I can make videos at night? And as for the battery, it lasts a long time and most importantly: Does it have a microphone input?
It does record directly on MP4 but only on the lower resolution settings. The battery I got lasts approximately 2 hours of use. It's a third party battery though and you can buy other ones with better capacity. Yes, it does have a microphone input and headphone jack for monitoring. Unfortunately the low light quality is not that great.
You should put a link to that battery.. looks like a heavy duty battery long running time..
Oh yeah good call. I will add a link to that battery in the description. It's an NP-FV70. You can get it on Amazon.
can you switch it from NTSC to PAL framerates? That's a disadvantage for many camcorders, many are hardcoded, so a camcorder bought in europe can't record in 30p, 24p or 60p.
I don't think so. Mine is NTSC only.
@@erasertech16 Damn, that means that the european AX43 is PAL only... 🥲
@@felixvideoworkshop There is a way to swap between Pal and NTSC. I found it on UA-cam so I now have mine running on 30p in 4k and 60p in 1080 for smoother footage
You can change it from PAL to NTSC 25 to 30p. Just search on Google and will show a few UA-cam tutorials. There's a software hack that allows for it and is super easy and quick. It worked for me very recently and can record in 30p. But I can switch back to PAL using the same software@@felixvideoworkshop
Have you considered Canon G70? I can trying to decide between Sony ax43 and Canon G70.
I think I looked into the G70 a long time ago but decided to go with the AX43 because it's a bit newer and the image stabilization is better.
@@erasertech16 Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. I thought G70 released in 2022 and AX43 released in 2020?
Oh you're right. I think I'm confusing that one with a different older camcorder from Sony. I'm just looking at the specs of the G70 and looks pretty impressive. It does look like a step up from the older AX43. And the price is not too far off either. The G70 might be a very good option but it's hard to tell without trying it out. In the past I haven't had the best experience with Canon camcorders but this one looks pretty good.
Canon sells but does not support the G70. Check their website.
The camera is great, but it has a great flaw, namely, when you turn on the camera, the zoom is not restarted, but has saved the last zoom.
I guess that can be a good thing or bad thing. It depends on preference.
@erasertech16 for me it's bad
I got the Sony Zoom shot gun mic that plugs into the hot shoe and can track with the Zoom lens. It works so well that I have decided not to get a lav for my productions.
Nice! I haven't got any of the Sony proprietary accessories but that mic sounds cool.
@@erasertech16 It retails for like $99, but I got it as part of a bundle so it was about third of that.
Hi, sound very interesting, could you please share the product name of Sony shot gun, thank you.
@@mqh1229 It is the SONY ECM-GZ1M GUNZOOM MICROPHONE which I purchased from Adorama.
external mic option availability in Sony Camcorder is big problem due to which always noise in audio recorded that is not best for video viewers.
I've had great audio with the external mic jack with Sony camcorders. Maybe it's an issue with your microphone.
is there night vision on it
No, this one doesn't have nightvision
Night shot?
No nightshot in this one.
Why don't they make more consumer cameras anymore? All producers suddenly stopped at the same time
I think it's because consumers are now using their smartphones for videos. Manufacturers are focusing more on high end cameras that give you better quality than phones.
Actually the last one is Sony FDR-AX43A with bigger more bright screen.
I didn't know there was a different version of the AX43.
I have the AX43 A. I think the display is the same size but they upgraded the display resolution to match the AX53.
akshuallly
Hey great video. I’m looking into one of these but I’m not familiar at all with camcorders. From what I read the min focal length is about 26mm on these lens. Is there a way to get it closer to a 16mm ? Are you able to change the lens on camcorders? Thank you I’m a noob with these 😢
Thanks. No, you cannot change the lenses on these camcorders. Yes, the minimum focal length is 26mm but that's pretty wide for most applications, including vlogging.
I think I like the new Canon camcorders. The G70 will do 150Mbps 4K. I am pleased that they still make new models.
Yes, the G70 is a great option too.
Canon sells it but doesnt support it. Check their website.
why this video in HD
Here In Japan the camcorder market is alive and well! Companies just don’t market internationally as much anymore. The rest of the world just moves on with the newest tech that comes along while Japan/Asia doesn’t do that. We still use floppy disk here 😂
That's awesome. I'm glad camcorders are still a thing there. Would love to go to an electronics store in Japan.
I love Sony cameras but honestly, I had 2 of these and was so unimpressed I returned them both in exchange for Sony ax100 models
It's a tough comparison. The AX100 is more of a pro camcorder and $500 more expensive than this. I haven't used it but I'm sure it's much better.
@@erasertech16 yes! The AX100 are simply put the best video cameras I have ever owned... and I've oned and used a LOT 😆
@@whiplite I've heard that elsewhere too. Alot of the cheaper camcorders have numerous weaknesses.
I prefer the less defined and softer look of the minidv’s my self. HD seems to take away the “charm” that camcorders are capable of.
Yeah that's a good point. I also like minidv's and hi8 tape camcorders.
It reminds me of White tubby NV Camera
I don't know... the colors are quite off.
Don’t know why they took the infrared night vision off of it. And still charges a lot for it. Wo night vision it doesn’t help me at all.
Probably to reduce the cost. But yeah I agree they still charge a lot for this camera.
Panasonic VXF1 is pretty good also.
I haven't tried the Panasonic but yeah they are one of the few brands that still make good camcorders.
Too bad there hasn't been any of these for years in this price segment..
Yes, I agree.
reviews a 4k camcoder , uploads in 1080p
The image stabilization does not work if you record in 4K. Can't have them all...
умеет в лог снимать?
Canon g70 is newer than that. Sony
Yes, I just learned of the G70. It's a great option too.
Canon sells but does not support the G70. Check their website. I returned my new G70.
@@phil4986why did you return it?