Sony 4K FDR AX53 Review, Best Camcorder for the Money? 2017/2018
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- Опубликовано: 10 июн 2018
- Sony 4K FDR AX53 Review, Best Camcorder for the Money? 2017/2018
While looking to improve my video work I found the Sony 4K FDR AX53 HandyCam, which debuted in 2017. This camcorder has to be one of the best upgrades I have made. This video camera is not exactly cheap, I found it for just under a $900. In my humble opinion, it’s worth every penny and I feel it's a great price for the features and quality. One of my favorite features is the Balanced Optical Steady Shot or BOS. Sony is the only company that I know of with a built in stabilizer on a non pro handycam. This makes shooting action shots so easy, I have already put the BOSS to work on my 6 year old’s RUclips channel. While this camcorder has no flash or LED light, it does have Night Shot mode, another fun feature, which might not be as useful as BOSS but it still is nice to have. The Sony camcorder has a 26.8mm wide angle ZEISS lens that does a great job and with 20X optical zoom, so you can't go wrong. Now just to be clear, you can go beyond the 20X optical zoom with the help of sony's clear zoom, meaning with the help of the software, you can get 30x on 4K and 40x on 1080p. The Sony FDR AX53 has an Exmor CMOS sensor that does a really great job in low light considering the camcorder’s price tag. I had no issues shooting video in my studio or outside in low light conditions. The camcorder can also record stereo or 5.1 dolby surround. Believe it or not, the mic on this camera is really good. If your just starting out, you could just start shooting video and get really good audio right out of the box. You have WiFi and NFC, both very useful features as well as the ability to control the camera and multiple cameras using the PlayMemories app. The app is quite limited but its handy and gets the job done. Would have really liked a stand alone remote for this camera but hey, what can ya do? So far recording in 1080p at 120fps, or 4k at up to 30fps has been awesome! I honestly can't recommend this camera enough! Just check out the video for more proof of just how awesome this camera is.
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![Sony FDR-AX53 Ultra HD 4K Compact Camcorder [Hands on Review and Test]](/img/1.gif)
This is 3rd review video I'm watching on this camera. I think your review has made it practical for me and sealed my decision and this has become my top choice for upgrade (even in 2021). Your son is the video hero!
Thanks so very much for your very comprehensive but easy to understand video review. You have helped me to finally decide to buy this specific model.
Thanks so much. I am a newbie to this camera, just bought it and can’t wait to use it on vacation! Thanks for the great info .
I've had mine for 3 or 4 years now and it's done alot of work everything from thunderstorms to agricultural shows etc.
It's a really great camera.
Look for a first time camcorder buyer I found this review really, really excellent and I thanks you for all your explanations. based on thius review I have ordered this baby.
Excellent job going through this camera. Thank you
Thank you for the video! This was amazing
Great video. I bought this camera and you have rught. Its great. Thank you for this review
Your video review is one of the clearest on RUclips, thanks for it. Cheers from Belgium. I think i'm going to get the camera :-)
Great video brother, just purchased mine on for family trips. Much appreciated. God Bless.
great job, thanks for the review!
Thanks for your in-depth explanation.
Practical and very useful thank you
Thank you for the beautiful review
Would you recommend the ax33 or this one ?
I was looking at getting this camera . Thanks give sharing your review with us .
I already bought it though not yet used it too much but your insights quite helpful.Thanks👏
Great video. Loads of info. Thank you.
Great Video. An congratulations to your Brian. Great Job😉
enjoyed the video. it's my understanding that the ax53 when in 4k mode will only record in 2 channel audio not 5.1 or is there a way to change the recording settings for audio that i am not aware of?
Well Done and helpful, thank you!
Great review. Thank you !
Thank's a lot, like to say that you explain very good and your comment give all the important informations when doing -giving the topo...well presentation and all thoses questions I will ask a sale man you give it good... merci from Canada Québec,,,
great review :)
Appreciated your review!!! I don't have a camcorder and have been researching because my current digital cameras don't provide what I need. I was looking at the Panasonic HC-V770 & HC-V800, but I keep noticing people talking about Panasonic warranty & service being terrible. I then started realizing that all the new models seem to be 4K that also support HD so started looking at 4K camcorders. The current price of the AX53 is more than I expected to spend, but maybe it will be worth it in the longer run. I'm looking to purchase in 2019. Your video stabilization examples really got my attention because I often want to go with minimal equipment.
Could you please comment about Sony vs Panasonic support???
Good one for sure. Thank you much.
A really good tutorial. Thank you.
Awesome video! helped me gain some clarity. But maybe I can ask for some advice still from you?
I've been using 1 G7x Mark 1 & 3 SJ4000 action cams for about 2 years now
The canon does great in low light however the battery life and recording limit suuuuckkkss and I need something with longer record time because I can't interrupt my drumming to change batteries/start another recording and it doesn't start another video file one after another (though I'm told some DSLRs and point and shoots Do start another file after 4GB-which I'm fine with)
Reason for my purchase: 1 of my SJcams broke a few weeks ago.
At first I thought I should just get another action camera, then I thought maybe a point and shoot, then dslr, now camcorder...basically, I have no idea lol
After I've tried out a few different cameras in my studio setting to see what works for me, I would probably end up getting 1 or 2 more of those cameras in the future to match the quality, BUT I don't really want another G7x Mark 1 OR 2 because it only shoots videos up to 16 mins in 1080p60fps and 30 mins in lower resolutions.....I need a lot longer video recording than that.
One problem is that my studio is virtually pitch black when I record, aside from the 2 Neewer 176 LED lights I use pointed on me and my drums. There is no other light source in my studio (ceiling lights are turned off)
^^^ I've researched and learned that action cams don't do well in low light and adding more light can even make a bad camera better and is probably my best option, but I also wanna keep that "infinite black background" look. So I may be getting 2 more of those Neewer lights and have 1 on each corner of my drum rug, but not if that will take away the black background look.
What do you recommend? Action camera? DSLR? Point and shoot? Camcorder?
BIG NOTE: This camera is strictly for video recording! Since I already have a g7x, I can get great pictures and I don't need something for that. I don't plan on selling my g7x because I probably won't get much for it in 2018.
---------------------------------------------------
My lighting setup/scenario:
1. Black background all around my walls.
2. No ceiling lights on.
3. 2 Neewer 176 LED lights on myself and my drums at roughly 10-20% brightness
^So it's basically pitch black aside from the LED lights.
4. Drums - so, reflective surfaces in terms of lighting.
Things I don't care about:
1. Audio quality --- I get that edited
2. Stabilization --- they'll be mounted on either a tripod or a boom mic stand.
3. 4k --- I think 1080p60fps is enough for me to get a cool slo-mo effect (I could be wrong tho)
Things I care about:
1. Price --- $300-$500 USD (Since I may need to get 2 or even 3 more of whatever camera I choose)
2. Video Quality --- GREAT video quality in super low light (Little to no Grain/Noise)
3. Record Time --- NEEDS to be able to shoot video for longer than 45 minutes (Preferably 1 hour and up)
^^^Bonus if it can record while charging.
4. Color --- Has a pretty good color profile in low light.
5. Settings --- Adjustable settings (WB, ISO, Exposure, etc)
6. Ease of Use -- Easy to use & easy to get my footage off the camera --- I prefer just plugging my SD cards straight into my laptop the "old-fashioned" way.
7. Auto-Focus --- I'd like to have continuous auto-focus for that price range (Drumming means my arms are flailing around)
***#2, 3 & 5 are must haves.
Some of My Options: Action cams -> DSLR/Point and shoot -> Camcorder
1. Yi Lite --- Should be coming in the mail tomorrow
2. Yi-4k --- Should be coming in the mail tomorrow
3. SJ7 Star --- haven't ordered.
4. Canon EOS M50
5. Canon EOS Rebel T4i
6. Canon EOS Rebel T5i
7. Canon EOS Rebel T6
8. Canon EOS Rebel SL2
9. Panasonic Lumix LX10
10. Panasonic Lumix G7 4k
11. Panasonic G85 (I'm told this has no video recording limit)
12. Panasonic GX85
13. Sony 4k FDRAX33
14. Sony Handycam CX405
15. Canon Vixia HF R72 Camcorder
I'd really appreciate some help with this. I'm not a photographer/videographer by any means lol
This stuff is confusing.
Thank you in advance.
I bought it because i climb alot in what I create on youtube. And i cant stand gimbals anymore. I love them but for what I do there so heavy and hard to climb with or run with. Can you remove that thing over the hotshoe? They say it can make a rambling noise
Wow, fantastic video! I just bought this camcorder 2 days ago :)
great video! I've been using the iphone 6s for my channel and have spent a lot of time looking for a camera to up my game! I've finally decided to go for the AX 53!
Thank you for watching, I have to be honest.... I love this camcorder it has been doing a great job with all my video work. Even now I still feel its the best 4K with features for the price.
Excellent sir
Got this Camera for my channel James Higgins Open World . Not used it much yet
As I said yesterday I was going to pick up my new camcorder today which is now on charge for the first time, so looking to use it later today when a collection of Vintage Steam rollers/vehicles gather at our local Steam Railway Station just 150yards from where I am sat now, The final saving because it was the last one in stock was £552.00 off the RRP. so dropped lucky for a change on a bargain.
What's the difference(s) between the AX33 and AX53? Is it just a low light issue or is there more?
great review thank you
You are most welcome and thank you for watching
Small hint for lawn mowing, if you mow your lawn a different way every time Ie; not following the same tracks as always, you wont end up with those wheel marks and your lawn will look mint, Thanks for the review :)
Can u take a vid with x53 and then transfer to a iPhone 7 plus 🤔
I just bought this AX53 camcorder. A few questions: Why does it store the video to MTS when I set to AVCHD? Why not MP4? I'm setting to AVCHD because I don't want files to be too big because it locks up my computer. Do I need a faster, bigger computer for editing? And if I do buy a new computer, will I have issues uploading 4K videos to RUclips because of the size? Does RUclips have a limit for size? These 4K files are huge! Or should I just only use the HD setting (AVCHD or XAVC S HD). What' the point of 4K if it's too big to work with? Or will buying a more powerful computer solve all my problems? Will I need to convert my 4K videos to 1080 before I upload to RUclips?
Could you show us how the low light works in the Sony ax53
The iPad footage looks great my friend
Thanks for this loooong review. Learned a lot.
I just bought it, cant wait to test it out ps it has a stand alone remotecontrol ,I have one , a Sony remotecontrole that came with my other Sony camcorder and this one Works on the ax 53 too ,I can even use the same batteries because they have the same types
Which remote control? Are you able to zoom with it? Kind regards.
@@bvnesta yes it is a sony remote control, you can hit record, pauze, stop, zoom in and out
Hello Total Nerd Takeover and Everyone! I will kindly ask for you help and advice! Thank you for the amazing review! I have a simply idiotic question: I'm considering starting a youtube channel. in which I will occasionally present lectures to the online audience. I'm thinking of either upgrading to really high-end smartphone for that matter, or buying the Sony AX53. How do you guys think these choices compare to each other in terms of CASH/Quality ratio? If the quality is too close to Samsung Galaxy Note 9 for example, I will gladly combine my phone upgrade with video recording device. Or you would rather advise me to grow up and dont dare to compare video taken with smartphone to one taken with this really sweet camcorder?
Can I use a external monior with this camera?
You mention it's a sub $1,000 dollar camera, over here in the UK it's listed at £849 UK pounds, but I am going to pick one up tomorrow morning for less than 1/2 that amount, under £300.00 so hopefully, I will be getting a bargain. And thanks for sharing your valued views on the device.
can a lenshood be attached to this camera?
which softwares should i use please tell pls pls
What’s best way to stop splitting the files and record full footage without splitting
What a great review! I was actually looking for a review of PANASONIC HC-WXF991K 4K Cinema-Like Camcorder and RUclips showed me this in search results, so I watched it anyways and I really liked it. I prefer a Wide Angel camcorder. I don't understand why RUclips vloggers mostly use DSLR cameras for videos.
Thanks for watching the video, I am not sure why many vloggers or youtubers use DSLR for videos. lol I will have to research it
Probably because a DSLR has a larger sensor. Easier to achieve nice Bokeh effect. Also usually better low light performance.
Great 'in depth' review. How long does it take to render a 5 minute 4K video on a laptop with an i7 processor?
I would say about 20 mins, thank you so much for watching my video.
about 4 hours if you apply any correction at 100Mbps, at a lower bitrate could be better
@@CSMoviePhoto 4hrs? lol, wtf
@@petrub27 yea 4k is no joke edit with & is just insane for the pc hardware req for 8K
On the CX560 and PJ710 you can change settings in the power menu to make it so the camera only power on when power button is hit. But on the Ax53, and Ax33 this feature is absent.
Having used a number of similar cameras, it's definitely helpful to be able to open the viewfinder door and remove the SD card without the camera turning on. My foolproof solution is to pop the battery out before opening the door!
How do you do that? I see only "Power save" menu, no settings of Power button. When you open the lcd-creen or retrack the eyeviewer, the camcorder is allways powered on.
My bad this is a feature on older Sony Handi Cams, The Cx560 has it but not the AX33 and AX53. Sorry about that confusion. I did not notice they took away that feature, that sucks.
I edited my above comment to reflect your findings. Thanks
Aperture can set minimum ?
Can you charge it by power bank???
not interested in 4k, what is the most inexpensive model with Balanced Optical SteadyShot
Quality video, dude.
I definitely appreciate the time and effort you put into it.
I do, however, have a few questions or concerns with the camera itself, if you could help me out.
I'm curious if you could do a video on long range outdoor recording and/or how well nightshot works outside with natural low light. Would also like to know if you have any concerns about the overall durability/ longevity of this camera. I'm currently with the US Army and have been considering getting this camera for a while to document training and action downrange, but I want to know what kind of durability, outdoor and distance capabilities it has etc. I'd also like to know if this camera can charge/operate using the Mirco USB port with an external battery bank or wall plug, or if the camera would fully function on that power hookup without a rear battery. I've heard the front of the lens is threaded for lenses as well, have you experimented with any telephoto or polarizing lenses in bright sunlight?
Sorry if that's a lot at once, any insight on this stuff would be greatly appreciated.
-Adam
Thank you, this camera does a very good job at shooting video at a distance. If shooting zoomed in on your shot you have to make sure the BOSS stabilization is turned off. Also make sure you have plenty of light when shooting zoomed in. For really clear shots and beautiful video I would try not to shoot farther then 30' in 4K . Night shot is a great feature I would have to test the night shot feature in low light outside. But keep in mind low light shooting with night shot will have a glow effect in the video. Night shot is better in very dark no light shots, at least in my experience. Durability is going to be an issue. This camera is made pretty well but its not as rugged as hero camera or something like that. I use this camera in my studio, chasing my son in his videos and some family video taking. I don't think this camera would hold up in dirty environments or being dropped more then once. Funny you mentioned charging with a power brick using the micro USB. I did this just the other day, it worked great . When I am in the studio I use the regular wall plug with no power issues. So yes you have some options with power. The front lens is threaded, I found some lens to mount onto the camera. I tested a wide angle lens that screws into the threaded lens. It was ok but it was made by a no name brand and it was getting in the way. I would see the inner corners of the lens so i would have to zoom in to not see this. Well that defeated the purpose so I have not messed with lens since. I have been trying to find better lens to this day with no luck. I am sure I will find some and have to pay a hearty price. I hope that helps, thank you for your service and if you have anymore questions hit me up at Feedback@TNERDT.com
After that review how can I not like my new FDRax53, I am so looking forward to using it in the field.
you will I have one
@@MrPilcher1 To be honest I have had it a couple of months now and not happy, first I found the memory on SD cards to be a right pain in the arse and editing the video clips is not as easy as it seems either, may be it's because I was so used to the Nat Pan I used for the last 12 yrs that sort of got in my way while trying to work out this Sony. ax53. but hey we will not be beaten.
@@racerroy1(lol) try editing off old celluloid and you have 50 meters of film SD cards are a breeze even the old tapes were a pain I love the sequential numbering the cards I've used SD card for years and hate the thought of going back to the past mediums, If I'm doing a new project with AX53 I always reset the counter. I've now some away pretty much the clapper board except occasionally use it to remind me of a take. Essentially when we move to a new susd6em like cards we have to almost forget the past and adopt to the current system. I'm so impress with camera I'm tempted to get a second and use the wi-fi to sync them I need to know how far apart they operate via Wi-fi I'll be testing that with my FDR-X3000 action camera this weekend. If money could stretch I'd love a couple of AX700's to have more manual control. but it's the old story money. I'm super impressed with the AX53
I find that on things like cell phones or tablets (including the iPad), you should never use the zoom function. Because it's not an optical zoom, all you are really doing is cropping the image and having the smaller frame resolution fill out the screen space. Because of this, you are better off just not using the in camera zoom at all and instead just using whatever editing software you use to crop out the selection you want to use. Does this make sense? I'm not very good at explaining things....lol.
MeatPopsycle That’s true, with the exception of devices like the iPhone Xs which has two lens configuration that offers optical zoom (2x). Still, it’s more limited than the optical zoom that you’ll find in dedicated cameras.
next perry ferrel janes addiction 2
Can you plug this into a power supply and still record video?
Yes you can
How in 2022 a 2016 videocamera is still that good?
As far as I know, tech moves on very fast…so the electronics in the devices…I do not understand.
can you use a remote control on this model?
It doesn't come with one but the Sony RMT-835 works just fine with it
You can control it from the smartphone app
can you take picture on this video cam?
Yes you can no problem
Def the best for the money ! I have both AX53 and AX100. I use the 53 more due to the BOSS ! . Watch my channel for AX53 videos like Benidorm Part 3 etc etc
The phone has more detail and better color and the camcorder has an overly colder image but, maybe that can be overcome using manual settings.
Soon there will be no need for camcorders as the newer phones are getting even better with even 41 megapixel sensors that compare with $3000 professional cameras
Phone cameras won't be able to zoom in that much as a camcorder.
17:18..............16.6 Mega Pickles? What?
Subscribed to your channel hopefully your channel should help to learn how to use this camera James
Hi,
Can we choose color profile, or at least adjust color and contrast within the unit ? The color rendition on the Sony looks flat and unpleasant. The Iphone and Ipad have a more pleasant color rendition to my eyes.
Thank you.
This has better color than the iPhone if you ask me. (I have an X) Maybe you are just confused because the iPhone display is nicer and HDR? You are better off correcting color in post-production, rather than trying to do it in the camera while filming.
The Color on the Iphone looks greener but its not true to life
Zoom in optical on that cam is 250
Where on Earth are the AX53 & VX1 successor? The 4K60 camcorders for
You'll probobly love hearing it but your upper side of your face reminds me of Tom Welling. lol
he is like Dad shut up and lets ride...lol
I just bought one of these for the girlfriend as we are heading on safari next month. We unboxed it last night and I was a bit shocked how large it is, it’s massive. It was so big the girlfriends hand was a bit short for holding and zooming in one hand. I think it’s going to have to go back but not sure what a decent alternative is 🤔
LOL, it's tiny compared to the ones from the early 2000s :-)
Nice review. I also really like the AX53. I have owned mine for almost a year and a half and use it for action (windsurfing, kiteboarding, vacation) video generally at 1080p. I also use it extensively on vacations and take more stills than videos then and I am very happy with the results (see ruclips.net/video/GeoEBxAVvH4/видео.html for an example). The stills could be better with a DSLR or mirrorless, but I am not about to lug around another camera for stills. The biggest improvement I could see is to have it shoot 4K at 60p. Action 4K at 30p on this camera has a stuttering effect that is a little disconcerting for me.
I also bought the Panasonic 991K at the same time, but sent it back because the image stabilization was sub par.
jibester1 I am impressed by your stills, I wonder I& you have tried taking any from 4K footage. I found this is a great way of getting sharp images
7
Why do I feel like the iPhone video looks better?
AX33 and AX53 have approx just as tiny sensor as a phone has. But i don't know what it is with these cameras they look sometimes more like just average HD quality in 4K mode and the iphone footage looks more detailed then. You'd have to go with something like Sony AX 100 to really get a feel of 4K which has a 1" sensor. Apparantly Sony fails to deliver better than phone quality with their bulky looking 1/2.3" sensor handycams.
While strangely enough their mirrorless line up has stellar 4K quality. Ok those have bigger sensors but still i think a 1/2.3" sensor handycam should deliver real 4K quality in bright daylight.
The color is much better. I noticed
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