This is the best presented review of ANY camcorder that I've seen and that is down to the fluidity and brilliant style of the presenter......well done and thanks.
Finally!! A clear, concise, well spoken reviewer, with top quality imagery, no mumbling, no messing about, no boring un-boxing! Thank you very much, promptly subscribed. How good is the time-lapse feature, and what is the picture quality like for screen grabs in 4k?
Thank you. I do do boring unboxings as well :-) Haven't really used the timelapse much (but it works fine). Screen grabs look OK to me but I'm no pixel-peeping photographer. It can take stills as well if you want albeit not when recording 4K.
I'm onsidering upgrading from my AX33 to the AX53. Regarding your irritation at the camera always switching on and opening the lens cover when opening the side panel to remove the card, the answer is to remove the battery first - that's what I do and it only takes a moment. I commend you on a very well thought out review delivered exactly as it should be: straight to the point in a calm and informative manner (shame not all reviewers follow your example).
Bought this camera a year ago partly based on your review, still have it today and very happy with it. The optical stabilisation is brilliant. Thanks for your review!
I've recently bought this AX53 and being using it since 3 weeks now, I can just agree with your review 100%. It's an amazing thing you will get for the money you spend on it. Thanks for the nice reivew!
I saw this probably not long after you posted it as I was looking at getting one myself, after watching the review I never gave this video a second though until I came across your other Chanel cruisingthecut and thought, gee this guy looks so familiar and I just couldn’t work it out until I started to look at cameras again, then suddenly, and very loudly, the penny dropped, it was you I watched ages ago, so I went searching and searching looking for this video to prove I was right, but could not find it, until I looked at your equipment list and low and behold this video was linked. I’m so happy I found this again thank you for posting it
Partly on the basis of your excellent review I bought one of these cameras some time ago and I have never been disappointed with it. I now use three of them, usually in fixed positions to record bands or stage productions. Thank you for the review.
I do not have a Zoom h6 so cannot comment. Depending on where the mount is on the Zoom and how big it is, the rear zoom lens control of the AX53 might be obscured, which would make things awkward.
I do use a Zoom H6 recorder, but I would not consider mounting it on a camera. I record the sound on the Zoom H6 independently with the mike on a tripod or such and then sync to the camera sound in post.@@tomalexiou9573
You can use all the manual modes (shutter, iris, exposure etc) simultaneously - what you have to do: as you set manually say exposure, you give a long click/ keep pressed (if you give a short click things are reset indeed) the manual bottom and the exposure will stay fixed so that you can control something else...
Not the case. Long pressing the manual ring button simply brings up the selection of which control you wish to manipulate. As soon as you select another of the manual exposure settings to change (iris, shutter, exposure), the others switch to auto.
Superb review, also very entertaining! I'm glad you spoke in detail about HD because not everyone has the option to edit that yet, but it's a way of future proofing it. Most reviewers only go on about 4K.
Very thorough and entertaining review. It's interesting to see Sony introduce some features into their better consumer cameras that were originally seen in their professional camcorders. Your mini-rant about the camera powering on when the LCD screen is opened is so true. My PXW-X70 does the same thing and there's no way to turn it off that I can find.
I have been using Sony Camcorders for years and notice in the setup menu there is a setting called power on by LCD and I am guessing there should be one called power on by viewfinder.
I bought this canera mainly because of your review about it. Compared to my Panasonic X920, the B.O.S.S. and 4K have made it a very worthwhile purchase. i have now subscribed to your C.T.C. chanel and am now enjoying seeing canal boating at its best. Thanks. Mike.
Hi Michael, I am torn/hesitating between the AX53 and the Panasonic VXF990. Aren't you missing the in-camera video editing functions of your Panasonic camera?
BOSS works perfectly fine with 4K, I've just tested it. If anything is great in this camera, it's gimbal level image stabilization. The AX53 could be regarded as a $1000 gimbal, and I get a decent 4K camera for free.
It categorically is NOT de-activated in 4K. BOSS works in ALL modes. What you don't get in 4K is an *additional* electronic stabilisation on top of BOSS. This only works in HD.
hello ADMIRAL..have put up vid with your camcorder....i just purchased a cheapy budget sony hdr-cx240e.....i'll play with this for awhile then for this one ...fred
Seems this camera is still relevant and you are still replying to people. Here's an interesting question for you: Does it output 4k at 50-60hz through HDMI? If so, one can indeed record at 50-60fps in 4K with a capture device attached to it's HDMI port, correct?
@@UKAirscape I don't understand why you don't know, or why no one has demonstrated it in the 100's of RUclips review videos for this camera. This 4K camera plugged into a 4K TV should be well understood. Not owning a 4K TV is my excuse, but that will change in a few days. I suspect it's not too complicated to create 60fps 4K video with this camera, with the help of software of course. Another thing...what is up with the HDMI resolution settings showing "2160p/1080p"?? One reviewer thought that was simply FHD! Did they set out to confuse us? Why wasn't it simply labelled "2160p - Outputs the 2160p signal"?
I don't know the output because I never plug the camcorder into a TV. I can tell you absolutely it does not provide 50/60p though, the camcorder is 25/30 only.
You said that the video camera senses when its on a tripod. Does it have some kind of sensor in the tripod screw hole? I use a mono-pod that I walk around with and film at the same time. Do you think I will lose stabilization if I use this camera in my current setup?
hello thanks for this video I have the AX33 and no one who has reviewed it has mentioned the poor zooming function. I work with a tripod recording intricate work with my hands and and move the project closer to the camera. Any time i try to get a close tight shot with the zoom it just blurs out. I have my tripod set about 20" away from my work. My old High 8 cam corders did this beautifully but this one just blurs out unless i stop and add a lens. Any solutions on this?
Do you mean it blurs while you zoom (but then gets focussed once you stop) or that once you've zoomed it's forever blurry? I presume 20" means inches. It may be trying to focus on the background rather than your hands in the foreground - have you tried adjusting focus manually?
Yes when I zoom it stays blurry I have tried adjusting focus manually But I still can’t get a detailed cause up unless I add a distancing lens It’s a total nuisance
Leslie Kail Villarreal 1 day ago Yes when I zoom it stays blurry I have tried adjusting focus manually But I still can’t get a detailed cause up unless I add a distancing lens It’s a total nuisance @@UKAirscape
Once you zoom in past a certain point, the camcorder can't focus on objects that are too close because the zoom is expected to be used for objects that are far away. If you need to see something *really* close up, you have to physically bring it right in front of the camera lens, leave focus on auto, and it should go into "macro" mode and focus on it. The object you're showing needs to fill much of the frame though, else the camcorder will still try to focus on the background.
I Have the AX53 from around 2 years but I miss so much that is impossibile to put an external monitor if I record in Full 4K... Waiting for a new model but I think Sony is more interested to push people to buy mirrorless system and is no more interested in semipro camcorder. Thats's why I think that my next camcorder will be Panasonic HX-1500/2000 that offer 4K 60. As Sony specialist what do you think? I used for around 1 years a AX700 also but tecnology is really old now and is really difficult to have a fluid 4K with just 30 fps and a stabilation much less optimized that AX53 with his internal gimball. AX700 offer also log file but only with a 8 bit file.
Cheers. i'm not a Sony specialist. The technology in the Panasonic is not much newer, if at all, than the AX700 and the AX700 has a much larger sensor so would be better in lower light conditions. But if you want 4K 60 then none of the Sony camcorders will fit the bill (until you go up their professional range)
Thank you for a great review. I left you a question on your Panasonic VX870 review before I knew you had reviewed this one. I think I have answered my own question . Although more expensive you seem to like this one a lot more so I'll probably buy 3 of these. Cheers Phil
I do like this one but that doesn't mean it's better for your application. Not sure what you meant about zooming in the edit (expanding the image so as to create a zoom where there wasn't one when recording?? You know that'll ruin the image unless you shoot in 4K and deliver in HD, I presume). It's hard to say which cam will be better for you but I do certainly like my AX53
@@UKAirscape Thanks for your quick reply. Yes at the moment I expand the images in the editing stage to make the videos more interesting - This is in 1080 but sometimes the image becomes un sharp which is why I want to upgrade to 4k. After reading your reply here and on the VX870 review perhaps the Panasonic is all I need - I would be paying extra for facilities I wouldn't use on the AX53. I appreciate your advice.. Cheers Phil
What a great review! Very helpful indeed. I had been looking for a new camcorder to film my online airshow documentaries and this video has convinced me. AX-53 it is!
Excellent! I'm really delighted you're pleased with the camcorder and that you like CtC :-) I looked at (some of) your video - are you telling me that all the ground-to-air shots were filmed on the AX53??!! Terrific if so.
Yep, all of it is with the AX-53 except the cockpit shots (GoPro). It really doesn't look like it was shot by a scruffy teenager on his first attempt with a consumer-grade camcorder, and I've got to put most of that down to the incredible stabalisation. What a brilliant little machine!
Best overview/review I've come across. Thank you! I'm thinking of using this for some professional work. I've worked with high end pro camcorders before but this one, manual controls aside seems to have everything a semi-pro would need.
Thanks. I have used this occasionally for professional jobs, in circumstances where space was very confined (for example in the cab of a mechanical digger - did I show that in this video? I can't recall) and it was very useful!
A good review of an almost great camcorder. My main additional gripes are (1) repeatedly pulling out the viewfinder to switch on the camera eventually screws up the diopter adjustment ring - now I leave it permanently out and turn the camera off manually and on by briefly opening the LCD viewer. (2) the automatic focus cannot be set to proper spot focussing, and tends to focus on the background not the subject - I have to fool it into focussing correctly by pointing at something that's in front of the subject then quickly pointing to the subject, onto which it will often (but not always) glom rather than the background.
You sold me on this. After watching this and your stabilization video, I bought this to do a better job than my smartphone. I just got the Galaxy S8+ and while it does a good job for the most part and has optical image stabilization, it is awful in low light due to the small sensor. Being able to zoom and retain detail in almost any lighting situation is really nice. I took it on a trip to Disney World and it only did well on the outside shots. Any videos I tried to take on rides weren't that great other than being stable. I'm hoping this will make a world of difference the next time I go.
I'm also torn between which quality I should use on dark rides, either 4k@30 or 1080p@60. I hear that the lower frame rate should provide more lighting, is that true? I think I should be using manual settings for focus and exposure too since it can vary quite a bit on dark rides.
In theory it's true but you're also trying to capture more pixels in 4K where the 1080 can average across bigger pixel sites ... probably worth experimenting to see which is best.
Battery will make a difference but also how you use the camcorder. For example if you zoom frequently, this uses a motor which draw power so would use the battery faster than someone who zooms less.
I am having a problem recording sports in hi speed setting and then when I go to watch it on my computer, the middle of the video clip turns to slow motion. The beginning and end of the clip is normal speed. Any idea on how to fix this?? Thanks for any help!!
Not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but if you don't want the camera to turn on when you open the screen to pull the card out, just remove the battery. Also a hassle, but saves wear and tear on the thing power on. BTW, really enjoy your reviews and humor.
Thanks. Very helpful and thorough review, as usual. And because it's well reasoned, it's persuasive on both the positive and negative points you are concerned to make. I also have enjoyed your "Cruising the Cut" Chanel. One question: what do you think of using the Sony ECM XYST1M stereo microphone with this camcorder? Incidentally, I've seen and enjoyed your Rode microphone reviews. Would you prefer one of those? Have fun on the narrowboat. Love the scenery.
Not to comment on UKAirscape's behalf, but consider what you will be using the microphone for. for dialogue I would always use a mono microphone. The Rode VideoMicro is excellent and includes the furry windjammer. For stereo options I would look very closely at Rode's Stereo Videomic Pro and possibly get the Rycote furry windjammer for it. With on camera mics having two for different jobs is my recommendation..
I got this camera and I'm getting use to it still , but I'm in auto mode and when I zoom in its hard to hold the pic steady when zoomed in close , is there any settings I need to of to make it better , ,great review thow thanks
Excellent review! One thing that was curious about and that is does the AX53 seem to show the pink outlines around objects such as that observed in the video taken of the bubbles in the water at the nature preserve in the AX33 review?
im very interested in this camcorder, but what im reading about the tripod is scaring me away. I film 85% of the time on a tripod. I do not do any zooming of any kind though, I set it on the tripod and hit record and that's it. will it be shaky if its not zoomed, and also does the shaking go away if you just turn the stabilization off?
If you simply set it up and leave it alone it should be fine, I believe. The wobble occurs when it's been set to a long zoom on a tripod then people try to adjust settings on the screen.
It is June 2017 as i watch this. I purchased the AX33 before the AX53 was introduced. I am still thrilled with the 33's capabilities, and wasn't about to sell one to purchase the other in under a year's time span. If the 53 has a successor, then we'll see. However, I find the audio on the 33 to be good but do agree about the wind noise. 1) I am told on the 33 that the auto volume control does not work with an external mike. Is this the case too with the 53? 2) if you were to purchase an external mike compatible with either Sony model, do you have any reco's ( i.e shotgun, stereo, whatever the "wind fur" is called, brand/model)?
I never use auto volume (it's terrible on camcorders, too loud then compresses everything) but I'm 99% sure that's not true. My fav mic is the Rode VideoMicro, a tiny shotgun which comes with a furry windjammer.
Thanks for the prompt response. I was looking at getting the Rode VideoMicro since it is now around $60. But the Sony ECMXYST1M has suddenly come down around $105 and works off the hot shoe. I tend to shoot outdoor military encampments and reenactments, with lots of walking, and wind noise potential everywhere. So I find myself looking for comparative recos.
No screw points (I don't know of any compact camcorders that do) but it's easy enough to add a bracket either on the cold shoe or screwed into the tripod thread and rig up a light on that.
Thanks for your reply,my Panasonic x920 has a screw point. I appreciate your help but I don't fancy adding a bracket. Probably will now go for the canon G40 as I particularly need a camera good in low light.
A well presented video David as was the one on the menu. The trouble is you have just cost me £685 as I have placed an order for the ax 53. Also with 3 years warranty just in case. Thanks Ken
Not sure how to answer that because how can I quantify it? If you've got some zoom on and enough distance between subject & background then you'll get a defocus.
This is 1/2.5" sensor camera, if I am not mistaken, and I spent quite some time experimenting to create some shots with any shallow DoF. Honestly, this is a camera where shallow DoF shouldn't be chased after, waste of time. Instead, completely different style of composition/subject separation is required, more like the typical canvas-bacground vs subject lighting, very similar/same as in wide-angle/fisheye videography/photography. Joe Caneen has a great book about how to use small sensor cameras for run-and-gun videography.
I dislike the Sony because of the bad view finder, bad focus (slow) heavy weight and thick battery. You need big hands to keep it. But the BOS is very nice but better is to use a tripot. Good review, thanks.
A tripod is not always practical and for this kind of consumer camcorder, most people will want to just tote it around with them and shoot on the go. I didn't find the focus to be slow plus you have the option of manual focus. Not sure what you mean about the battery? But yes, I agree it's not the most lightweight or compact camcorder.
UKAirscape when trying to filming in 4k it shut down after a couple of seconds and then it stands on the display. writing to the memory card was not completed correctly. do u want to recover the card data.?. bought a 128gb sdxc uhs2 u3 card and it stands the same on that also. i have not formated that card before trying to filming in 4k.
I didn't mean to be unpleasant. It's just a statement of fact. I fail to see why I should be a human calculator for people when they're perfectly capable of doing a sum themselves, especially when they have all the info they need to do it!
Thoroughly useful review! I've been seriously considering saving up the pennies to get one of these ever since I saw your original video on it. I'm using a Panasonic V770 currently which puts out a great image but lacks a lens ring and the stabilisation is, frankly, a bit pants. I'd happily swap it out for the AX53, even for the BOSS alone and the lens ring... Not to mention the 4K capability. Everything you you've said in this review has made me want it just that little bit more... I can dream! Cheers for the great video as always and sorry I've left such a long comment!
Outstanding review again. I own a CCDTR3400 Hi8 camcorder that I bought in December of 1997 and still can't fully figure it out. For what it is, I was happy with it. Sony makes the most nauseating products IMO. Those manuals are virtually impossible to understand. Boy I could've used RUclips back then. For an innovative company like Sony, for all their achievements, boy I'd like to strangle someone in Japan. Nonetheless, keep up the great work. Very much appreciated.
I finally bought one of these today. It had v1.01 on board so I updated it to 1.02 to see if it did anything to help the focus ring range issue. I don't know how this compares to the v1.00 firmware but focussing from 0.5m, a full 360 degree turn of the ring takes you to 2m. The next 1/3rd of a turn takes you all the way to infinity. So it seems to be logarithmic. How does that compare to the original firmware?
UKAirscape yes, I started fully wide to test it. I guess if you're shifting the focal point over a short distance the fine tuning is nice. But I'll more often be shifting from near foreground to distant so that the bokah effect is more pronounced (flowers on a bridge out to the church beyond for example).
In which case you'll probably have some zoom on (to get shallower DoF) and so I think the focus-turning will be different at different levels of zoom...?
Exectly this is what I asked yesterday in a shop when I was experimenting with the camera. My guess that the flippy cover will be broken off anyway when in heavy use.
+UKAirscape How is the WIFI capability, for monitoring the camera remotely ? I'd like to be able to monitor a camera man or men remotely. If it has ability to go up to RUclips or something that's great too but I'm more interested in being able to remotely monitor via tablet or phone.
oooo to solve the auto-on issue when you just want to take the memory card out, a workaround would be to remove the battery! a bit annoying, but then the lens cover wouldn't open!
Hi - has there been no firmware update yet to stop this Powering ON everytime you open the LCD screen? I'm kind of thinking of getting one for Christmas!
Not really, no. Very few small cameras will do well in low light (nor some bigger ones). You need something like a Sony A7S or an FX3. Failing that an FX30.
I've not tried but it does have a thread on the front of the lens (in front of the lens cover, of course) so it looks as though you could screw a filter on. I keep intending to buy a vari-ND for it myself.
I'm considering this between the Panny VXF1 and even the 1500e.....I shoot aircraft and the 20 plus X optical zooms are imperative. What's your opinion please?
I've not tried that Panasonic so can't give you a fair comparison, sorry. If you will be using a tripod and long zoom, the Sony has a notorious bug where it disables the stabilisation if you put it on a tripod which makes for very wobbly telephoto footage, especially if you try to adjust anything using the screen (prodding it wobbles the camera). I'm not sure if that has been fixed with newer firmware than mine has.
Thank you for an excellent review .. yes, I've had one of these camcorders for a while, but your review is very helpful - I mainly enjoy your excellent English speech, so super, and well recorded. ;) And what a lovely quiet environment! After that introductory burst of techno synth (Aaagh!) we settled to the comfy corner of ... your house boat? Love it! I don't find the camera too bulky, but this is always a really personal thing. I would like a bigger screen!! Thanks again. Chris ... down under in NZ :)
If you want a genuine camcorder then yes it's still the best on the market (as none of the manufacturers are releasing new models - I think they assume everyone's using their phone or mirrorless cameras now, unfortunately). However, I also own Sony's ZV-1 camera which, if you need ultimate portability and excellent video quality, has much to comment it (but a short zoom and fiddly controls)
Thanks for a great very helpful video. When i record 4k or xavc on my ax53 it produces not only a mp4 video but also a jpg file photo. Is this mormal, if so why? I am new to cameras and Ive been trying for days to find out why. Can you help?
I don't recall mine doing that. Perhaps you are hitting the photo button on top as you shoot - the button's in a really silly place and I keep hitting it all the time, though I tend to do so while recording whereupon it flashes up a "can't take photo while recording" error and I get really annoyed. I'd like to disable that button.
Thank you for replying. No it's not because i am hitting the photo button. I double triple checked that. The jpg photo is always of the start scene in the video recording in 4k and xavc s hd. But thanks again for replying and keep up your great utube videos.
In your excellent review you showed very stable video footage of inside a bouncy lorry - praising image stability. I just wanted to know what you used to mount the AX53?
Download, yes; edit - possibly. Not sure how/if iMovie reads Sony's XAVC-S format but it should do OK with anything shot in the older AVCHD which this cam also does.
I *think* you can set it to do that but as it's one of the first things I turn off on every camera and camcorder, I can't quite remember for sure, sorry.
Zooms aren't really measured in distance per se but in magnification. If you have a clear line of sight to something that's half a mile away then it'll be in the image, albeit tiny. Then you can zoom to max (20x) and it'll be a bit bigger. Shoot in HD and use Sony's Clear Image Zoom (40x) and it'll be bigger still. But saying "can it zoom half a mile" is not a question that has an answer really.
You get 40x in HD and 30x as I recall in 4K. You switch it on, weirdly, by turning on the "intelligent active" stabilisation. Yes, that makes no sense but it's how it does it!
Thanks so much. Very eager to start using this camera, however I seem to be having issues since inserting the memory card. I can record OK (formated the card). But an data error message appears when trying to Play Back. After the message appears, the screen goes black, the shutter doesn't work and a data recovery message appears. This all repeats until I remove the battery. Hope it's not a camera fault, or that the memory card has broke the camera!
I suspect - though I have not tried it - that the steadyshot will stay on because it will think it's in motion. It's not clever enough to actually know it's been bolted onto a tripod plate.
Hello! So you can down convert the 4k footage to 1080p straight in the camera in AX53. Very good feature, but is the quality actually better than normal 1080 video, is the convertion good enough to not bother do it in other software in pc? Thank you in advance
One rare good review that makes me watch from start to finish! Do you have experience with the phone app to remotely control the camcorder? As I have no experience with camcorders, I wonder if it works with the LCD screen closed. Thanks in advance and all the best with the channel!
Thank you very much; lovely compliment. I must confess though that I have not tried the phone app. I really should give it a go. I expect it will work with the screen closed as long as the viewfinder is out, otherwise (with both closed) the camcorder would switch off.
Depends what you mean by "compatible". It probably has a shoe-type mount which will enable you to mount the receiver on the camcorder but the output would have to be via a 3.5mm jack at mic level in order to plug into the camcorder's mic socket.
Do you have any idea why the video on the AX53 is so jittery (stuttering) when panning in 4K mode at 30 fps? Pretty much unusable footage. No problem when not panning.
Thanks very much. For action shots I think I prefer X AVC S at 60p. Only an occasional stutter at that setting, not noticeable. I really enjoy your videos. Very polished.
New memory card still doing the same thing. I have requested a replacement camcorder now. Not sure if I am doing something wrong? Camera is charged. Insert memory card. Format. Record. Then data error comes up when trying to playback. Then unable to record with more data error messages appearing.
Excellent review and covered all aspects I was looking for ..thanks greatly ..I'm upgrading and excited about the BOSS due to much of my video work is done travelling on buses etc ..Cheers :)
Can you record video directly to the Sd card? If so what settings do I need to find to make it happen? Currently seems only to record to internal memory.
Do you see any directory structure on the card at all? Did you make sure to format the card in the camera before starting? And - no, really - did you remember to press "record"?!!!
I can watch the videos on the card when its in the camera. Put a new card in the camera and no videos. Put card with videos in PC and nothing shows up.... Now I installed PlayMemories software and can see them whereas before Nothing was visible.??
This is very odd (although at least you can see them now). When I put a card in the PC, I see a full directory structure in Windows Explorer, you delve down a bit and there are the actual files...
I believe it works better for all resolutions because having the the correct aspect ratio in the sensor to start with rather than cropping the frame from a square one, makes for bigger effective pixels. This is a bad explanation but I hope the gist is there.
5 years later this review is still relevant, good job!
This is the best presented review of ANY camcorder that I've seen and that is down to the fluidity and brilliant style of the presenter......well done and thanks.
That's an extraordinarily nice thing to say - thank you :-)
Finally!! A clear, concise, well spoken reviewer, with top quality imagery, no mumbling, no messing about, no boring un-boxing! Thank you very much, promptly subscribed. How good is the time-lapse feature, and what is the picture quality like for screen grabs in 4k?
Thank you. I do do boring unboxings as well :-) Haven't really used the timelapse much (but it works fine). Screen grabs look OK to me but I'm no pixel-peeping photographer. It can take stills as well if you want albeit not when recording 4K.
That's good to know, thanks for the quick reply.
Very informative, just after purchasing this model of camera. I watched a lot of RUclips videos for information, I have to say this was the best👍
Good to hear, cheers!
Absolutely the best review on this camera! Thank you sir!
I'm onsidering upgrading from my AX33 to the AX53. Regarding your irritation at the camera always switching on and opening the lens cover when opening the side panel to remove the card, the answer is to remove the battery first - that's what I do and it only takes a moment. I commend you on a very well thought out review delivered exactly as it should be: straight to the point in a calm and informative manner (shame not all reviewers follow your example).
Yeah, I do that sometimes but I still find that a nuisance! Cheers for the kind words.
Always nice to see people who knows what video cameras are. Im full of dslr hype.
Bought this camera a year ago partly based on your review, still have it today and very happy with it. The optical stabilisation is brilliant. Thanks for your review!
Good to hear; cheers!
I've recently bought this AX53 and being using it since 3 weeks now, I can just agree with your review 100%. It's an amazing thing you will get for the money you spend on it. Thanks for the nice reivew!
Glad you're enjoying the cam :-)
I saw this probably not long after you posted it as I was looking at getting one myself, after watching the review I never gave this video a second though until I came across your other Chanel cruisingthecut and thought, gee this guy looks so familiar and I just couldn’t work it out until I started to look at cameras again, then suddenly, and very loudly, the penny dropped, it was you I watched ages ago, so I went searching and searching looking for this video to prove I was right, but could not find it, until I looked at your equipment list and low and behold this video was linked.
I’m so happy I found this again thank you for posting it
Hahah hello!
Does it have a micro USB multi-port on the right hand side?
Yes
You are one of the best reviewers so far! Simple and realistic.
Thank you!
Your review has been really helpful, thank you! You have such a wonderful and engaging voice- I could listen to you for hours. 👍
Thank you! I really appreciate that :-)
Partly on the basis of your excellent review I bought one of these cameras some time ago and I have never been disappointed with it. I now use three of them, usually in fixed positions to record bands or stage productions. Thank you for the review.
Thank you; I'm still very pleased with mine and would happily buy it again.
Hello,will a Zoom h6 fit on the cold shoe mount without compromising any of the controls?
I do not have a Zoom h6 so cannot comment. Depending on where the mount is on the Zoom and how big it is, the rear zoom lens control of the AX53 might be obscured, which would make things awkward.
I do use a Zoom H6 recorder, but I would not consider mounting it on a camera. I record the sound on the Zoom H6 independently with the mike on a tripod or such and then sync to the camera sound in post.@@tomalexiou9573
Best review I've seen in a very long time. Many thanks
Good, thank you :-)
first timer of your video and already loving it...
Excellent and thorough review. Discussion of both the positives and perceived negatives.
You can use all the manual modes (shutter, iris, exposure etc) simultaneously - what you have to do: as you set manually say exposure, you give a long click/ keep pressed (if you give a short click things are reset indeed) the manual bottom and the exposure will stay fixed so that you can control something else...
Not the case. Long pressing the manual ring button simply brings up the selection of which control you wish to manipulate. As soon as you select another of the manual exposure settings to change (iris, shutter, exposure), the others switch to auto.
Superb review, also very entertaining! I'm glad you spoke in detail about HD because not everyone has the option to edit that yet, but it's a way of future proofing it. Most reviewers only go on about 4K.
Thanks. I mostly use it in HD mode, saving 4K for specific times when I'll use its extra resolution (generally to crop to HD)
Very thorough and entertaining review. It's interesting to see Sony introduce some features into their better consumer cameras that were originally seen in their professional camcorders.
Your mini-rant about the camera powering on when the LCD screen is opened is so true. My PXW-X70 does the same thing and there's no way to turn it off that I can find.
I've reviewed an X70 and I don't remember it doing that but it doesn't surprise me! Thanks for the comments.
I have been using Sony Camcorders for years and notice in the setup menu there is a setting called power on by LCD and I am guessing there should be one called power on by viewfinder.
I bought this canera mainly because of your review about it. Compared to my Panasonic X920, the B.O.S.S. and 4K have made it a very worthwhile purchase. i have now subscribed to your C.T.C. chanel and am now enjoying seeing canal boating at its best.
Thanks. Mike.
Thank you! Pleased your enjoying the camcorder (and the canals)
Hi Michael, I am torn/hesitating between the AX53 and the Panasonic VXF990. Aren't you missing the in-camera video editing functions of your Panasonic camera?
But the BOSS is NOT supported in 4K. That's right, BOSS is deactivated when you film in 4K on this camera.
BOSS works perfectly fine with 4K, I've just tested it. If anything is great in this camera, it's gimbal level image stabilization. The AX53 could be regarded as a $1000 gimbal, and I get a decent 4K camera for free.
It categorically is NOT de-activated in 4K. BOSS works in ALL modes. What you don't get in 4K is an *additional* electronic stabilisation on top of BOSS. This only works in HD.
Excellent Presentation my friend
one of the best I've seen on this
Sony Camera Model FRD- AX53 4K
Thank you very much for your informed review. You have made up my mind for me and an order has now been placed!
Glad it was useful and I hope you enjoy the camcorder as much as I do. Cheers
hello ADMIRAL..have put up vid with your camcorder....i just purchased a cheapy budget sony hdr-cx240e.....i'll play with this for awhile then for this one ...fred
Frank advice is always appreciated. I'll go with the Rode.
Thanks a lot for this helpful review ! I just bought one and am even more convinced having seen your video.
Cheers. I love my AX53.
Seems this camera is still relevant and you are still replying to people. Here's an interesting question for you: Does it output 4k at 50-60hz through HDMI? If so, one can indeed record at 50-60fps in 4K with a capture device attached to it's HDMI port, correct?
Offhand I don't know the answer so either someone else might chip in or next time I have the cam and a cable, I'll have a look
@@UKAirscape I don't understand why you don't know, or why no one has demonstrated it in the 100's of RUclips review videos for this camera. This 4K camera plugged into a 4K TV should be well understood. Not owning a 4K TV is my excuse, but that will change in a few days. I suspect it's not too complicated to create 60fps 4K video with this camera, with the help of software of course. Another thing...what is up with the HDMI resolution settings showing "2160p/1080p"?? One reviewer thought that was simply FHD! Did they set out to confuse us? Why wasn't it simply labelled "2160p - Outputs the 2160p signal"?
I don't know the output because I never plug the camcorder into a TV.
I can tell you absolutely it does not provide 50/60p though, the camcorder is 25/30 only.
Re the BOSS switching off on a tripod - is it still possible to zoom in and out without getting the shaking effect?
Best most informative video on this comparison. Great simple explanation of the differences.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Can i ask what is the camera shooting at you in this videos?
I think it was the prior model, the AX33
Hi, does anyone know exactly what the firmware V1.02 does / changes / fixes with the tripod problem?
You said that the video camera senses when its on a tripod. Does it have some kind of sensor in the tripod screw hole? I use a mono-pod that I walk around with and film at the same time. Do you think I will lose stabilization if I use this camera in my current setup?
Very useful video. Thank you. This may have helped me make my mind up.
hello thanks for this video I have the AX33 and no one who has reviewed it has mentioned the poor zooming function. I work with a tripod recording intricate work with my hands and and move the project closer to the camera. Any time i try to get a close tight shot with the zoom it just blurs out. I have my tripod set about 20" away from my work. My old High 8 cam corders did this beautifully but this one just blurs out unless i stop and add a lens. Any solutions on this?
Do you mean it blurs while you zoom (but then gets focussed once you stop) or that once you've zoomed it's forever blurry? I presume 20" means inches. It may be trying to focus on the background rather than your hands in the foreground - have you tried adjusting focus manually?
Yes when I zoom it stays blurry I have tried adjusting focus manually
But I still can’t get a detailed cause up unless I add a distancing lens
It’s a total nuisance
Leslie Kail Villarreal
1 day ago
Yes when I zoom it stays blurry I have tried adjusting focus manually
But I still can’t get a detailed cause up unless I add a distancing lens
It’s a total nuisance
@@UKAirscape
Once you zoom in past a certain point, the camcorder can't focus on objects that are too close because the zoom is expected to be used for objects that are far away. If you need to see something *really* close up, you have to physically bring it right in front of the camera lens, leave focus on auto, and it should go into "macro" mode and focus on it. The object you're showing needs to fill much of the frame though, else the camcorder will still try to focus on the background.
I Have the AX53 from around 2 years but I miss so much that is impossibile to put an external monitor if I record in Full 4K... Waiting for a new model but I think Sony is more interested to push people to buy mirrorless system and is no more interested in semipro camcorder. Thats's why I think that my next camcorder will be Panasonic HX-1500/2000 that offer 4K 60. As Sony specialist what do you think? I used for around 1 years a AX700 also but tecnology is really old now and is really difficult to have a fluid 4K with just 30 fps and a stabilation much less optimized that AX53 with his internal gimball. AX700 offer also log file but only with a 8 bit file.
Cheers. i'm not a Sony specialist. The technology in the Panasonic is not much newer, if at all, than the AX700 and the AX700 has a much larger sensor so would be better in lower light conditions. But if you want 4K 60 then none of the Sony camcorders will fit the bill (until you go up their professional range)
Thank you for a great review. I left you a question on your Panasonic VX870 review before I knew you had reviewed this one.
I think I have answered my own question . Although more expensive you seem to like this one a lot more so I'll probably buy 3 of these. Cheers Phil
I do like this one but that doesn't mean it's better for your application. Not sure what you meant about zooming in the edit (expanding the image so as to create a zoom where there wasn't one when recording?? You know that'll ruin the image unless you shoot in 4K and deliver in HD, I presume). It's hard to say which cam will be better for you but I do certainly like my AX53
@@UKAirscape Thanks for your quick reply. Yes at the moment I expand the images in the editing stage to make the videos more interesting - This is in 1080 but sometimes the image becomes un sharp which is why I want to upgrade to 4k. After reading your reply here and on the VX870 review perhaps the Panasonic is all I need - I would be paying extra for facilities I wouldn't use on the AX53. I appreciate your advice.. Cheers Phil
Now I know why my images shook than expected when I put that camcorder on the stand ,thanks a lot good analysis
Fantastic review thanks. You have made up my mind what camcorder to buy. I have subscribed to your channel, keep up the good work !!
I really would like to get the AX53 as well but the tripod issue has put this on hold for me.
Another GREAT review, covering practical aspects. Many thanks for it.
Cheers :-)
What a great review! Very helpful indeed. I had been looking for a new camcorder to film my online airshow documentaries and this video has convinced me. AX-53 it is!
Hope you like it. It's a great little camcorder. Cheers!
Excellent! I'm really delighted you're pleased with the camcorder and that you like CtC :-)
I looked at (some of) your video - are you telling me that all the ground-to-air shots were filmed on the AX53??!! Terrific if so.
Yep, all of it is with the AX-53 except the cockpit shots (GoPro). It really doesn't look like it was shot by a scruffy teenager on his first attempt with a consumer-grade camcorder, and I've got to put most of that down to the incredible stabalisation. What a brilliant little machine!
The GoPro stuff was terrific too! Seriously good job, all of it.
Thanks! I'm glad it's got the seal of approval from someone in the TV/video business!
Now, back to Mooring the Cut...
Best overview/review I've come across. Thank you! I'm thinking of using this for some professional work. I've worked with high end pro camcorders before but this one, manual controls aside seems to have everything a semi-pro would need.
Thanks. I have used this occasionally for professional jobs, in circumstances where space was very confined (for example in the cab of a mechanical digger - did I show that in this video? I can't recall) and it was very useful!
I was wondering about what you shot this with, filter? any extra{ lighting type .... 4th wall direct for teaching....excellent learned something.
I think I shot it on the older AX33 but I don't remember the lighting; I think it was just natural light from a window.
A good review of an almost great camcorder. My main additional gripes are (1) repeatedly pulling out the viewfinder to switch on the camera eventually screws up the diopter adjustment ring - now I leave it permanently out and turn the camera off manually and on by briefly opening the LCD viewer. (2) the automatic focus cannot be set to proper spot focussing, and tends to focus on the background not the subject - I have to fool it into focussing correctly by pointing at something that's in front of the subject then quickly pointing to the subject, onto which it will often (but not always) glom rather than the background.
Agreed on both points. Yeah the auto focusing often never quite gets the point right when you touch to select; really annoying.
You sold me on this. After watching this and your stabilization video, I bought this to do a better job than my smartphone. I just got the Galaxy S8+ and while it does a good job for the most part and has optical image stabilization, it is awful in low light due to the small sensor. Being able to zoom and retain detail in almost any lighting situation is really nice. I took it on a trip to Disney World and it only did well on the outside shots. Any videos I tried to take on rides weren't that great other than being stable. I'm hoping this will make a world of difference the next time I go.
Crikey, I don't know how it would fare on theme park rides, that's quite a test!! It should be better than the smartphone though. Cheers
I'm also torn between which quality I should use on dark rides, either 4k@30 or 1080p@60. I hear that the lower frame rate should provide more lighting, is that true? I think I should be using manual settings for focus and exposure too since it can vary quite a bit on dark rides.
In theory it's true but you're also trying to capture more pixels in 4K where the 1080 can average across bigger pixel sites ... probably worth experimenting to see which is best.
Some people say it last 1.5 hour some say 3 hour? Does it depends wich battery?
Battery will make a difference but also how you use the camcorder. For example if you zoom frequently, this uses a motor which draw power so would use the battery faster than someone who zooms less.
I am having a problem recording sports in hi speed setting and then when I go to watch it on my computer, the middle of the video clip turns to slow motion. The beginning and end of the clip is normal speed. Any idea on how to fix this?? Thanks for any help!!
It's all one single clip, is it? What editing software?
its .mp4 file, and i open on my macbook pro laptop in quicktime player..
And is that the file direct from the camera, no editing etc?
Not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but if you don't want the camera to turn on when you open the screen to pull the card out, just remove the battery. Also a hassle, but saves wear and tear on the thing power on. BTW, really enjoy your reviews and humor.
Thanks. Yes, can do that but it is a hassle and probably wears the battery connectors!!
Ta for the info. It seems it will match the camera in my RPA for cross camera final footage.
VG review. I like the power on, otherwise could miss a shot. Is there an I.A. setting to adjust exposure?
Oh yes, you can put everything into auto. By and large it does a good job.
Thanks. Very helpful and thorough review, as usual. And because it's well reasoned, it's persuasive on both the positive and negative points you are concerned to make. I also have enjoyed your "Cruising the Cut" Chanel. One question: what do you think of using the Sony ECM XYST1M stereo microphone with this camcorder? Incidentally, I've seen and enjoyed your Rode microphone reviews. Would you prefer one of those? Have fun on the narrowboat. Love the scenery.
Unfortunately I've not tried the Sony mic so I can't sensibly comment. I use the little Rode VideoMicro on my AX53. Cheers
Not to comment on UKAirscape's behalf, but consider what you will be using the microphone for. for dialogue I would always use a mono microphone. The Rode VideoMicro is excellent and includes the furry windjammer. For stereo options I would look very closely at Rode's Stereo Videomic Pro and possibly get the Rycote furry windjammer for it. With on camera mics having two for different jobs is my recommendation..
I concur except to say DO get the windjammer. Always get a windjammer. Ideally from Rycote, they're by far the best despite the price.
I got this camera and I'm getting use to it still , but I'm in auto mode and when I zoom in its hard to hold the pic steady when zoomed in close , is there any settings I need to of to make it better , ,great review thow thanks
The more you zoom, the more any tiny movements will be magnified, that's just physics for you... I presume you have turned on the stabilisation?!!
Excellent review! One thing that was curious about and that is does the AX53 seem to show the pink outlines around objects such as that observed in the video taken of the bubbles in the water at the nature preserve in the AX33 review?
Good question and I haven't tried it under those same circumstances. I've not noticed anything similar in all the shooting I've done though.
im very interested in this camcorder, but what im reading about the tripod is scaring me away. I film 85% of the time on a tripod. I do not do any zooming of any kind though, I set it on the tripod and hit record and that's it. will it be shaky if its not zoomed, and also does the shaking go away if you just turn the stabilization off?
If you simply set it up and leave it alone it should be fine, I believe. The wobble occurs when it's been set to a long zoom on a tripod then people try to adjust settings on the screen.
that super stabilziation works in HD or Full HD??
These days "HD" is Full HD, I don't think anyone distinguishes between them anymore do they? The camera's HD is 1920x1080 ie "full HD"
It is June 2017 as i watch this. I purchased the AX33 before the AX53 was introduced. I am still thrilled with the 33's capabilities, and wasn't about to sell one to purchase the other in under a year's time span. If the 53 has a successor, then we'll see. However, I find the audio on the 33 to be good but do agree about the wind noise. 1) I am told on the 33 that the auto volume control does not work with an external mike. Is this the case too with the 53? 2) if you were to purchase an external mike compatible with either Sony model, do you have any reco's ( i.e shotgun, stereo, whatever the "wind fur" is called, brand/model)?
I never use auto volume (it's terrible on camcorders, too loud then compresses everything) but I'm 99% sure that's not true. My fav mic is the Rode VideoMicro, a tiny shotgun which comes with a furry windjammer.
Thanks for the prompt response. I was looking at getting the Rode VideoMicro since it is now around $60. But the Sony ECMXYST1M has suddenly come down around $105 and works off the hot shoe. I tend to shoot outdoor military encampments and reenactments, with lots of walking, and wind noise potential everywhere. So I find myself looking for comparative recos.
I've never tried the Sony mic so can't advise, sorry.
Was happy to buy this camcorder but found out today in Jessops that sadly there isn't a part where I can screw my external light in.
No screw points (I don't know of any compact camcorders that do) but it's easy enough to add a bracket either on the cold shoe or screwed into the tripod thread and rig up a light on that.
Thanks for your reply,my Panasonic x920 has a screw point. I appreciate your help but I don't fancy adding a bracket. Probably will now go for the canon G40 as I particularly need a camera good in low light.
Thanks for this informative review. I just bought one and it is amazing! Better yet: it was also on sale!
Excellent, on both counts!
A well presented video David as was the one on the menu. The trouble is you have just cost me £685 as I have placed an order for the ax 53. Also with 3 years warranty just in case. Thanks Ken
Oops 😂 I hope you enjoy the camcorder, I use mine daily.
Sir does we can able to connect external hard disk to this camcorder ax53
No
Hows the depth of field for shooting wedding processionals?
Not sure how to answer that because how can I quantify it? If you've got some zoom on and enough distance between subject & background then you'll get a defocus.
This is 1/2.5" sensor camera, if I am not mistaken, and I spent quite some time experimenting to create some shots with any shallow DoF. Honestly, this is a camera where shallow DoF shouldn't be chased after, waste of time. Instead, completely different style of composition/subject separation is required, more like the typical canvas-bacground vs subject lighting, very similar/same as in wide-angle/fisheye videography/photography. Joe Caneen has a great book about how to use small sensor cameras for run-and-gun videography.
Will be testing this Sony ax53 on vacation to Puerto Rico with my wife along with my old Nikon D500 for pictures , thanks for the video tips.
I dislike the Sony because of the bad view finder, bad focus (slow) heavy weight and thick battery.
You need big hands to keep it.
But the BOS is very nice but better is to use a tripot.
Good review, thanks.
A tripod is not always practical and for this kind of consumer camcorder, most people will want to just tote it around with them and shoot on the go. I didn't find the focus to be slow plus you have the option of manual focus.
Not sure what you mean about the battery? But yes, I agree it's not the most lightweight or compact camcorder.
what is the difference in this Sony and the Sony CX900?
bought this camera and it is fantastic. do i need to format the sdxc card when filming in 4k then.?
You don't need to reformat it specifically for 4K, if that's what you mean, but always format it in camera whenever formatting is needed.
UKAirscape when trying to filming in 4k it shut down after a couple of seconds and then it stands on the display. writing to the memory card was not completed correctly. do u want to recover the card data.?. bought a 128gb sdxc uhs2 u3 card and it stands the same on that also. i have not formated that card before trying to filming in 4k.
It sounds as though you may have a corrupted or faulty card perhaps.
the same problem, don't know what to do...
bought a new sdxc card. formated it and trying to filming in 4k. same problem again. 😑
Hi
Can you tell me how much space it takes 1 minute of video in 4K XAVC-S at 100Mbps?
thanks
No, you can calculate that yourself.
+UKAirscape savage 😂
I didn't mean to be unpleasant. It's just a statement of fact. I fail to see why I should be a human calculator for people when they're perfectly capable of doing a sum themselves, especially when they have all the info they need to do it!
Thoroughly useful review! I've been seriously considering saving up the pennies to get one of these ever since I saw your original video on it. I'm using a Panasonic V770 currently which puts out a great image but lacks a lens ring and the stabilisation is, frankly, a bit pants. I'd happily swap it out for the AX53, even for the BOSS alone and the lens ring... Not to mention the 4K capability. Everything you you've said in this review has made me want it just that little bit more... I can dream! Cheers for the great video as always and sorry I've left such a long comment!
Don't be sorry, I'm delighted that people want to comment! Cheers
Outstanding review again. I own a CCDTR3400 Hi8 camcorder that I bought in December of 1997 and still can't fully figure it out. For what it is, I was happy with it. Sony makes the most nauseating products IMO. Those manuals are virtually impossible to understand. Boy I could've used RUclips back then. For an innovative company like Sony, for all their achievements, boy I'd like to strangle someone in Japan. Nonetheless, keep up the great work. Very much appreciated.
I used to love Hi8! Thanks for watching :-)
I finally bought one of these today. It had v1.01 on board so I updated it to 1.02 to see if it did anything to help the focus ring range issue.
I don't know how this compares to the v1.00 firmware but focussing from 0.5m, a full 360 degree turn of the ring takes you to 2m. The next 1/3rd of a turn takes you all the way to infinity. So it seems to be logarithmic. How does that compare to the original firmware?
As I recall it will vary according to your zoom setting; sounds as though you were fully wide? I'll check mine in a day or so.
UKAirscape yes, I started fully wide to test it. I guess if you're shifting the focal point over a short distance the fine tuning is nice. But I'll more often be shifting from near foreground to distant so that the bokah effect is more pronounced (flowers on a bridge out to the church beyond for example).
In which case you'll probably have some zoom on (to get shallower DoF) and so I think the focus-turning will be different at different levels of zoom...?
UKAirscape good thought. I'll give that a go.
can i trust amazon to purchase this camera?
I just bought one of these today. I also bought an extra battery. What type of SD card should I buy, and does write speed really matter?
Yes, it really matters (if you shoot 4K). Get SDXC, UHS-3 Class 10. Buy a reputable brand and make sure you don't get some fake off a dodgy seller!
***** I just went to the store and bought the 128 gigabyte version of that card.
It said it was 90 mb per second and U 3
Should be ok I think,
As long as it's U 3
Great review. How can I remove that D--n hot shoe cover that serves no purpose other than get it the way!! Thank you
Thanks. It is annoying, isn't it? I fear physical violence is the only way to remove it though :-(
Exectly this is what I asked yesterday in a shop when I was experimenting with the camera. My guess that the flippy cover will be broken off anyway when in heavy use.
+UKAirscape How is the WIFI capability, for monitoring the camera remotely ? I'd like to be able to monitor a camera man or men remotely. If it has ability to go up to RUclips or something that's great too but I'm more interested in being able to remotely monitor via tablet or phone.
I've not tried it, sorry.
Totally convinced me! Thanks!
oooo to solve the auto-on issue when you just want to take the memory card out, a workaround would be to remove the battery! a bit annoying, but then the lens cover wouldn't open!
Such a nuisance to do that though!
Hi - has there been no firmware update yet to stop this Powering ON everytime you open the LCD screen? I'm kind of thinking of getting one for Christmas!
No that I'm aware of. It's not the only Sony camcorder to do it either!
You are a fantastic reviewer, sir. Great video
Thank you!
Does Sony ax53 work good in low light setting. I want to record church services
Not really, no. Very few small cameras will do well in low light (nor some bigger ones). You need something like a Sony A7S or an FX3. Failing that an FX30.
can you attach ND filters to the front of the lens? I heard this is pretty much the only drawback to the AX53 compared to the higher end AX100
I've not tried but it does have a thread on the front of the lens (in front of the lens cover, of course) so it looks as though you could screw a filter on. I keep intending to buy a vari-ND for it myself.
I'm considering this between the Panny VXF1 and even the 1500e.....I shoot aircraft and the 20 plus X optical zooms are imperative. What's your opinion please?
I've not tried that Panasonic so can't give you a fair comparison, sorry. If you will be using a tripod and long zoom, the Sony has a notorious bug where it disables the stabilisation if you put it on a tripod which makes for very wobbly telephoto footage, especially if you try to adjust anything using the screen (prodding it wobbles the camera). I'm not sure if that has been fixed with newer firmware than mine has.
Thank you for an excellent review .. yes, I've had one of these camcorders for a while, but your review is very helpful - I mainly enjoy your excellent English speech, so super, and well recorded. ;) And what a lovely quiet environment! After that introductory burst of techno synth (Aaagh!) we settled to the comfy corner of ... your house boat? Love it! I don't find the camera too bulky, but this is always a really personal thing. I would like a bigger screen!! Thanks again. Chris ... down under in NZ :)
Thank you!
Now were in July 2021 would you still recommend this camera or has anything else caught your eye?
If you want a genuine camcorder then yes it's still the best on the market (as none of the manufacturers are releasing new models - I think they assume everyone's using their phone or mirrorless cameras now, unfortunately). However, I also own Sony's ZV-1 camera which, if you need ultimate portability and excellent video quality, has much to comment it (but a short zoom and fiddly controls)
Thanks for a great very helpful video. When i record 4k or xavc on my ax53 it produces not only a mp4 video but also a jpg file photo. Is this mormal, if so why? I am new to cameras and Ive been trying for days to find out why. Can you help?
I don't recall mine doing that. Perhaps you are hitting the photo button on top as you shoot - the button's in a really silly place and I keep hitting it all the time, though I tend to do so while recording whereupon it flashes up a "can't take photo while recording" error and I get really annoyed. I'd like to disable that button.
Thank you for replying. No it's not because i am hitting the photo button. I double triple checked that. The jpg photo is always of the start scene in the video recording in 4k and xavc s hd. But thanks again for replying and keep up your great utube videos.
How peculiar. Perhaps they changed the firmware to do this, who knows?!
My final question. Can you recommend a fave car mount for the FDR-AX53 `hasndycam pls. Will Davison
Sorry, I don't have any such recommendations. It's not really a car cam!
In your excellent review you showed very stable video footage of inside a bouncy lorry - praising image stability. I just wanted to know what you used to mount the AX53?
My hand! Hence the praise.
Ahhh!
Great review,would I be able to download and edit my files onto my iMac and iMovie with this camcorders files?
Download, yes; edit - possibly. Not sure how/if iMovie reads Sony's XAVC-S format but it should do OK with anything shot in the older AVCHD which this cam also does.
Does it have a filter thread on the lens?
Yes
Does this camera have a date and time stamp embedded on the video?
I *think* you can set it to do that but as it's one of the first things I turn off on every camera and camcorder, I can't quite remember for sure, sorry.
Would this be able to zoom in half a mile? Not too sure what distance it covers
Zooms aren't really measured in distance per se but in magnification. If you have a clear line of sight to something that's half a mile away then it'll be in the image, albeit tiny. Then you can zoom to max (20x) and it'll be a bit bigger. Shoot in HD and use Sony's Clear Image Zoom (40x) and it'll be bigger still. But saying "can it zoom half a mile" is not a question that has an answer really.
Great thank you
Does the Clear Image Zoom (40x) only work in HD? Not in 4K mode? How would you switch this on or is it automatic?
You get 40x in HD and 30x as I recall in 4K. You switch it on, weirdly, by turning on the "intelligent active" stabilisation. Yes, that makes no sense but it's how it does it!
Thanks so much. Very eager to start using this camera, however I seem to be having issues since inserting the memory card. I can record OK (formated the card). But an data error message appears when trying to Play Back. After the message appears, the screen goes black, the shutter doesn't work and a data recovery message appears. This all repeats until I remove the battery. Hope it's not a camera fault, or that the memory card has broke the camera!
so, If I mount the camera on a monopode and walk, will the intelligent steady shot will turn off?
I suspect - though I have not tried it - that the steadyshot will stay on because it will think it's in motion. It's not clever enough to actually know it's been bolted onto a tripod plate.
Thank you for answering my question. I will try this camera anyways.
Amazing they are still selling this camera in 2022, and it hasn't cheaper.
Hello! So you can down convert the 4k footage to 1080p straight in the camera in AX53. Very good feature, but is the quality actually better than normal 1080 video, is the convertion good enough to not bother do it in other software in pc? Thank you in advance
I've not tried it so I can't comment, sorry.
One rare good review that makes me watch from start to finish!
Do you have experience with the phone app to remotely control the camcorder? As I have no experience with camcorders, I wonder if it works with the LCD screen closed. Thanks in advance and all the best with the channel!
Thank you very much; lovely compliment. I must confess though that I have not tried the phone app. I really should give it a go. I expect it will work with the screen closed as long as the viewfinder is out, otherwise (with both closed) the camcorder would switch off.
Query I have a Sennheiser Radio Mic do I assume its compatible with Hot Show on Camera
Depends what you mean by "compatible". It probably has a shoe-type mount which will enable you to mount the receiver on the camcorder but the output would have to be via a 3.5mm jack at mic level in order to plug into the camcorder's mic socket.
Do you have any idea why the video on the AX53 is so jittery (stuttering) when panning in 4K mode at 30 fps? Pretty much unusable footage. No problem when not panning.
Two reasons: because 30 is not really a very smooth rate for image changes and/or if you left stabilisation turned on it will "fight" the movement.
Thanks very much. For action shots I think I prefer X AVC S at 60p. Only an occasional stutter at that setting, not noticeable. I really enjoy your videos. Very polished.
Thank you. Yes, 60 should be very smooth. Cheers.
New memory card still doing the same thing. I have requested a replacement camcorder now. Not sure if I am doing something wrong? Camera is charged. Insert memory card. Format. Record. Then data error comes up when trying to playback. Then unable to record with more data error messages appearing.
Richard Hannon i have the same problem when starting to filming in 4k.
Excellent review and covered all aspects I was looking for ..thanks greatly ..I'm upgrading and excited about the BOSS due to much of my video work is done travelling on buses etc ..Cheers :)
When switched to its highest mode (HD only), it's amazingly good. Buses might tax it a bit over some bumps mind... :-)
How is the wide angle compared to Sony HDR-CX900E
"It's wondrous. It is a thing of beauty." ❤️ (With that English accent...)
:-)
hi ,can you give suggestion for gimbal that I can attach a atmos ninja blade to please. Thanks in advance.
Not something I have any experience to advise on, sorry.
Can you record video directly to the Sd card? If so what settings do I need to find to make it happen? Currently seems only to record to internal memory.
My AX53 has no internal memory and records only to the SD card anyway so I'm a bit puzzled by this.
I figured this out after I posted. But can't see any video files on the SD card when I insert into PC drive.
Do you see any directory structure on the card at all? Did you make sure to format the card in the camera before starting? And - no, really - did you remember to press "record"?!!!
I can watch the videos on the card when its in the camera. Put a new card in the camera and no videos. Put card with videos in PC and nothing shows up.... Now I installed PlayMemories software and can see them whereas before Nothing was visible.??
This is very odd (although at least you can see them now). When I put a card in the PC, I see a full directory structure in Windows Explorer, you delve down a bit and there are the actual files...
this new 16:9 sensor aspect you speak of is it only useful in 4k mode, or does it enhance standard 1080p HD as well?
I believe it works better for all resolutions because having the the correct aspect ratio in the sensor to start with rather than cropping the frame from a square one, makes for bigger effective pixels. This is a bad explanation but I hope the gist is there.