Sony FDR AX33 / AXP33 Review
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 13 июл 2024
- My review of Sony's "entry-level" 4K consumer camcorder, the AX33 (aka AXP33 if you get the version with the projector built in)
You may like my other Sony AXP33 videos in this playlist:
• Sony AXP33
See also my review of the newer, Sony AX53: • Review: Sony AX53 4K c...
And my Panasonic VX870 videos:
• Panasonic HC-VX870 4K ...
Buy the AX53: geni.us/TS_SonyAX53 (newer version of the AX33 and much better)
Buy the AX33: geni.us/TS_SonyAX33
Panasonic HC-VX870: geni.us/TS_PannyVX870
Panasonic HC-WX970: geni.us/TS_PannyVX970
For updates, follow me on Twitter:
/ ukairscape 
Наука
Heyyyyyyy !
I just found your channel (because I just bought this camera), and I absolutely love your reviews.
You are very clear in your explanations yet you give all the details we need.
You have this absolutely amazing Birtish accent I just crave, and your are quite funny (also, very English-style, which is a compliment, understand me well).
Thank you for your work, I just subscribed and I can't wait to see more reviews and videos from you.
Thank you! It's all gone a bit quiet on the reviews at the moment, there doesn't seem to be much stuff around in the camcorder line to review. But hopefully more soon!
Very clear review and sometimes even funny. Thanks a lot!
Thanks for this review! Yes, with good lighting AXP33 is an awesome camcorder. I have one and use it for most of videos.
Very clean, funny review and helpful, thank you !
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic review! You're a natural my friend. Good job.
Thank you :-)
Whats the highest frame rate it can achieve? Any 120fps modes? Also can a lens hood be fitted?
50fps progressive at 1080 or 25 fps at 4k. Annnd... I dunno. If it can, I'd think it would have to be screwed into the threads, cus the adjustment ring would get in the way of anything that slides on
I found your review of this camera very clear and correct. Thanks for the review. I am not a film maker but enjoy putting together my vacation videos (mostly for me) and windsurfing videos (for my club) using FCP. I was looking for better resolution and improved stability because many of my windsurfing videos are shot at maxi,um zoom.
I replaced my Sony HDR XR200 handycam with the FDR aX33 about a month ago and was both impressed and disappointed.
My older camera required a monopod to stabilize the long shots. The BOSS feature would seem to help here, but the hand held with BOSS and zoomed to the same extent as my earlier HDR videos are jumpier. With the monopod there are significant jitters that were never present in the HDR video at the same level of zoom.
I sent jittery FDR video to Sony and they requested I return it for repair. My Dealer kindly offered me a replacement, but sadly it shown the same artifacts.
The issue seems to be more present when panning on a monopod.
Any suggestions?
Re the weight, you are correct and I find that to be a concern. However I have always used a camera bag to carry my handycam so that's not a big deal for me. On the other hand that's why my monopod is so necessary.
Thanks
Lorry cab explanation gets a 10/10, lol! Also, great review!
Haha, thanks!
A great revue Thanks...Just ordered one
Cheers Keith B
Good review nice camera for holiday. The bos system is great.
Great review!👍.. i bought this cam for fireworks filming and its great!😀
Thanks!
Great review
Oh...and is there an adapter available so you can use the old Sony peripherals with their unique fixture? I don't think it's a cold shoe on this, since there appears to be a bunch of connectors in there. But I dunno if it'ss a pinout that could be compatible with the little hot-shoe they used to use
Really good. I watch ed your review of the panasonic vx 870 also which was good. One thing I would like to know is how much continuous recording you can get from a full charged battery on both 4k and hdv. This would be really helpfull to know incase you were recording a wedding ceremony. Keep up the good work
The nominal recording times are listed in the manual as I recall but you have to take them with a pinch of salt as it'll depend how old the battery is, how much zooming you do, what brightness the LCD is at etc. Cheers.
All your videos are excellent, I enjoy watching them, thanks! As an owner who uses the AX33 to record concerts, I'd like to add a couple things to your conclusion, if you permit.. You dwell on the lack of image customization, but what about audio, which is where this camera rocks: 1) It has manual audio gain, unlike a lot of others. They may have limiters, and limiters have improved (in fact, in this cam it's quite good - you don't get unlistenable bass distortion, just little "pops"), but you still NEED proper levels for a good recording; 2) The universal cold shoe, as you nicely describe & demonstrate, is critical, not only because you can use your trusty external mic plugged into the mic jack, BUT if you use a Sony proprietary unit in the MIS shoe (not plugged in) you LOSE manual audio gain. A lot of the competitors either have proprietary hot shoes (Canon), or poorly placed cold shoes (Panasonic); 3) In any of the XAVC modes, it records LPCM audio which makes a HUGE difference (even when eventually compressed). Many others record in AAC or Dolby digital 2.0, and it just doesn't cut it when you hear the difference....The XAVC codec works very smoothly for me in FCPX, and is edit-friendly compared to AVCHD (which some others use). Finally, although the camera isn't tiny, it is smaller than the Canon G40 (which doesn't have the incomparable BOSS) or the AX53 - about the only camcorders with comparable audio features - and that, along with a viewfinder, can help when you need to stay "undercover."
Fair points although I'd still take the AX53 - it has much better image quality especially in low light, plus all the other benefits as you describe. And even better stabilisation too!
Thank you!! well done Mate...
Cheers
hi i have the Sony fdr ax33 and I use an external screen when I'm recording videos put on this camera it is saying cannot output screen in 4K mode is there anything I can do so we will output the screen I've tried the settings and cannot see anything thank you
No, there's nothing you can do. The camcorder (like many others) does not output to HDMI in 4K when recording, only for preview.
I purchased a Canon G20 a couple of days ago. I'm taking it back tomorrow. The menu is way too fiddly for me. I'm kind of liking the Sony A33 at this point. I don't need 4K, but if I can shoot 1080p, then that would work for me. Any additional thoughts since you made this video? Thanks. Great job!
Hmm, I find the Sony menu system much more fiddly and irritating than the Canon one which is (to my mind) easier to navigate! So you may like to try to play with the Sony before you part with your cash. Image is OK other than as mentioned in the review. Stabilisation is awesome on the Sony though.
Exellent review. B.O.S.S. is priceless.
Thank You, truely the best review i have seen on this model to date!!
I am a total novicw when it comes to camcorders and my current portfolio consists of a school play filmed on a smartphone held above my head but i am intending upping my game, and as a intro semi manual semi auto whilst limited sounds perfect
I am considering this model and the FDR x1000v action cam, that one i am sold on and after this review i think i am too now on the AX33
one question, if i may, what are the specs like on ax33 for slow motion? will the "auto" settings make this practically impossible? my idea is to capture most of the slow motion POV style on the x1000 but would like a more panoramic 3rd person view of my jumps (snowboarding, trail biking ect) filmed on the ac33? can i capture high speed film to be played back slow motion directly on the camera, or via a editing suite ?
Have you done a review with slow motion footage, from the box settings against manual settings? if so please send me a link
Thanks again for a brilliant review and i have liked and subscribed with pleasure and anticipation for more great work.
Thank you. I confess I have not tried or even looked for slow motion on the AXP as I have no use for it and usually there's a compromise in quality. Unfortunately this is one where you're going to have to study the user manual and see if it answers your query.
The "pink" bubbles are actually due to purple fringing that's commonly found on Sony-Zeiss lenses. It only appears if there is strong background sunlight (such as bokeh shots), or when u are shooting the reflections of the bubbles under strong sunlight. In other words, under normal shooting conditions, it should not appear.
G'Day Thanks for the Info I found your Info very Good and this it Got me thinking a bit if the Sony was the best for Me and what I need it for . .(RUclips and movie Nights )
May I ask what would be best the Sony FDR AX33 or the Canon EOS 700D DLSR ..
I am doing small Video of bike and photo too.
I have been taking Photos off the Video on play back on the Computer .
as only doing this for the Bike Club I in . and paying for this out of my pocket ..
What do you think best ..
VTR
They're totally different items which require different skills. If you're going to try to film moving bikes or film as you ride then the Sony will be easier to use as it has excellent stabilisation and will be easier to focus. If you want "arty", film-like, blurry-background shots which you have enough time to set up then the DSLR would be better.
I liked your review, very clear and easy to understand, as I am considering a 4K camcorder. I have been told that there is a danger of the processor in the camera overheating with continuous use ( because of the amount of data transfer ), causing it to shut down for a while, before resetting. In addition ( again I have been told ) that when panning the results can be "jerky" because the data transfer rate is so high with the 4K standard. Have you come across either problem..
Trevor G
+Trevor Guess If the footage is jerky, it's nothing to do with the data transfer rate. The camcorder can shoot 4K at 100Mbps and it'll do that whether you're holding it steady or panning it or whatever. To my knowledge there is no problem with overheating on any 4K camcorder; it's an issue that more commonly affects small stills cameras that shoot video (like Sony's RX100) as the chips inside them get hot due to the small camera size (insufficient cooling).
love this video two things i wanted to hear you mention tho my friend and show us is i read somewhere that it has a photo capture feature where as you video something and u go into that feature and select and it freezes that particular frame and u can get a 20mp image from it, as well as wanted to buy this camera mainly for wedding videography is this a good buy for that purpose
There is a function where you can take still images as you film however it is disabled in some filming modes (which I'm not going to list as I don't have such a list to hand but it will be in the manual which you can find online).
I'd buy the newer AX53 now, it has better low light performance and a longer zoom so would be better for weddings.
Hello, I just bought this camera new, which they still sell here I need Canada. In your opinion should I take it back as I was hoping to use it for my you tube channel. I need a camera that pans well. Or, can this camera be made to pan well with skill ? Great video, I learned a lot.
I don't really understand the problem. But that notwithstanding, pans are generally a horrible video technique since they're usually done too fast, too wobbly and try to capture too much in one go.
good job
Thanks for a great video. A few questions from the U.S. if I may. First, when you were riding in the truck and discussing the great stabilization you didn't say whether your SteadyShot setting was in Standard or Active mode. Do you have a specific recommendation in that regard? I am also wondering about shooting 60 Mbps versus 100 Mbps. Have you done a test on that, and which do you prefer? I've noticed that shooting at 100 Mbps substantially reduces the shooting time on the Memory Card, but if it provides much greater quality video then I'm on board. (It's odd however that the two fastest Sony Memory Cards being pushed with this camera only achieve 94 and 95 Mbps. Hmmm?) Finally, I've noticed that while Sony doesn't provide or recommend a lens hood for this camera, both B&H and Amazon offer a flower-style one for this particular model. Unfortunately, I have discovered that however you rotate it, the hood is slightly visible in the LCD screen so I imagine it is also visible in the video itself although I haven't tested it yet.
Hi. It was Active mode. You'll notice the 60/100 difference if you're shooting shots with lots of fine detail or fast movement. The Mbps figure is only a theoretical maximum not an absolute. Can't comment on the hoods, sorry.
Thank you so much. Great review. Would you say the Panasonic VX870 is a better buy than the AX33 for a below $1000 camcorder? What would you say is the lowest cost enthusiast cam corder? Thanks.
Not possible to say, as it depends how you define "better". What's better for one person won't be for another. I'd suggest you watch my reviews of both camcorders and decide for yourself which you prefer. Bear in mind Sony have also just released the AX53 as well which I will review when I get it.
Okay thanks!
I really like your reviews. I'm a complete and utter novice and you have taught me a great deal. Forgive me if I missed it, did you do a review of the Cannon XF200? I'm in Australia but I find your reviews the best.
I found the review on the XF200 .. thank you.
Excellent! Cheers
People are very quick to judge this camera. IT IS AN EXCELLENT CAMERA. It is practically half the price of the AX100 but is MORE than half as good. It is a superb camera.
+SamLloydPresents Brilliant review from UKAirscape, as usual! But :-) I think he underestimates the power of Using AE Shift on the Sony FDR AX33. The AX33 has a brilliantly refreshing exposure control solution optimized for the "single ring interface" of the AX33. The gain can be set to a max level on the AX33, very important firts step. When I want to work with a fixed 180 degree shutter, I set the shutter speed to say 1/50, then the camera calculates the iris. But, since the gain is maximized with the AE shift practically I have total control on the iris (shutter set, gain maximized). I simply cannot imagine a situation where, the AX33 wouldn't give (near) total control of the exposure. I think the Sony engineers made an excellently elegant and simple exposure system here; the only job for us is to understand it and apply our shooting techniques. Before I bought the AX33 I spent at least three hours in the Sony Center show room in my city to experiment; this camera is simply brilliant.
As always you have a terrific review. I'm debating between three cameras the Sony AX33, Panasonic VX870, and the Panasonic X920. I'm fairly new to video and looking to make a video log on RUclips as well as record moments with my family. I'm not sure I really need 4K but I feel it would guarantee that I have the best video available going forward as I'm not sure when I would decide to upgrade in the future.
I'm not going to be doing as much manual control but will want some so I can learn to add more control to what I film and I need the camcorder to also have full auto as my wife will sometimes grab it as well to record and she will want to click record and have it just work.
Do you think 4k would be worth it and if so which one do you think is the most versatile?
Thank you. Personally I wouldn't get hung up about 4K especially if you're new to video. There's always going to be another new format that renders the last one obsolete! As a novice, don't spend too much, just get used to it. The x920 or VX870 should serve you well, I'd have thought (my opinion only!)
Thank you for responding I think I'm going to go with the VX870 as the deal right now in the US makes it cheaper than the X920 and it allows me to be ready for 4k if that becomes more standard.
Great review. You really helped me decide to go for a much smaller, easy to carry around camcorder. I really liked the 4K and stabilization on this camera. But you are quite right when you say it lacks the manual options. If you can only go auto, you don't really want an expensive camera with professional features. There are a lot of cheaper camera's without 4K or great image stabilization, that produce really decent (RUclips) footage that will only cost half of what this camera costs. Besides I also own a Canon 60D so when I want to specifically get high quality footage I can use that camera.
The question remains which lower end camcorder to choose for point and shoot????
Depends what you're pointing and shooting at! Some of the cheaper Sonys still have the BOSS stabilisation so one of those maybe. Else a Canon HFG25 or HFG30 maybe. I quite liked the Panasonic VX870 I tested alongside the Sony AX33 for portable "point and shoot"
+UKAirscape Well what I want to point and shoot at is the view when I'm out on my boat, the dog (arrival end of april) while training and out for walks, when out fishing and general stuff.
I was really thinking of an actioncam size videocamera. One that you stick in your coat pocket and don't even know it's there. But I also saw a waterproof JVC GZ-R315 that I quite like because out with the dog and on the boat dry weather isn't guaranteed. But I will also take another look at the camera's you mention. Choices, choices ...
Outdoors stuff helps enormously because (provided during daylight) there'll be enough light for even small cameras to do a decent image. The trouble with the action cams is no zoom, which could be relevant when on your boat.
On the other hand they have waterproof cases which makes them great for underwater shots. If I were buying a pocketable point and shoot now, it'd probably be the Panasonic I mentioned or the HD-only version of it which is cheaper.
Hi, was this shot on that JVC HM-170? I am looking into it, My only concern is the build quality... Cheers from Michigan!
I can't remember to be honest but I don't think it was, I have a feeling I used the Panasonic VX870 before I sold it. Yeah, the JVC does feel a bit flimsy, it has to be said.
Thanks very much, I've done a lot of research and I'm deciding between the JVC HM-170 and the Canon HF-G30. I think the G30 is a better option for me.
Thank you for this very detailed and highly informative review. As I was watching it I started to think more and more that this was the machine for me. Through our discussions I think you are now aware that perhaps I am not an enthusiast film maker. What I want is something I can turn on, sit on a tripod, point at flowers walk around the front and explain what I am doing, as well as walk with it across uneven ground to show how things are getting on. For that reason the stabilisation is a god send, and the picture looks good enough to me to be an enormous improvement on what I have. Based on that I have just ordered it, and am really looking forward to giving it all a go. As I learn more about cameras I may in time move onto something with more control but for where I am at the moment, auto everything is what I need and I am not that worried about the weight. Many thanks for all your thought and effort, I really appreciate it. All the best.
I think you're right; it'll be perfect for you! Have fun :-)
Many thanks. Oh BTW. No reason why you should be aware of this but there is a RUclips Gardeners forum where all us 'horti' types gather to discuss how to make better videos. I put a rather large write up of this channel and links so hopefully you will start to see a few more subscribers coming through. Some of them might even know a bit about cameras and photography but I think all of them will receive benefit from your reviews and thoughts. All the best
Aaron's allotment Very decent of you! Thanks :-)
Whe-hey! Made my day to get this...
Love the truck simulation.
Disappointed to hear the bad news on the "neither fish nor fowl" nature of this beast. I wonder if AX100 suffers in the same way (surely not!)
I didn't like the AX100 at all (I reviewed the CX900 which is identical except not shooting 4K). See my review here and on the Tubeshootermag channel
UKAirscape Yes, I've seen the CX900 review and was surprised - although it's hard to argue with your conclusions. How do Sony seem to be so expert at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory when it comes to "prosumer" gear?
nice review but for me the question is, the panasonic or the sony?
also, is the software (settings, layout etc) the same on all sony cams? Because I have an sony HX60 and the sony will be better for me if I don't need to learn about other software layouts.
Don't know specifically about your HX60 but generally speaking, manufacturers tend to use the same style of menu on all of their gear unless you change from consumer to pro level gear.
thanks, I suppose I will just by the sony then.
I've watched your reviews on the AX33 and then Panasonic 870/ 970. You had complaints about both but on the good side you said the colors on the Sony were ok and that the Panasonic;s colors were unsaturated. Is there another review that I should watch before I make my purchase? I would like to buy the best camera in this price range. Thank you for making these videos, they've been helpful. Regards..
Plenty of reviews, too numerous to mention. just type the camcorder names into RUclips's search box and settle down to watch for a couple of hours.
If i want to use a DSLR, what version would you suggest at the same price range as the sony AX33 with close or better quality.
I couldn't say, sorry - I'm not that up on current budget DSLRs. Bear in mind you'll need to buy at least one lens too.
I see you mention that if you set the ring to one of the 3 settings it cancels out the other 2. My question is, Can you set the manual settings for all 3 (Shutterspeed, iris, exposure) in the on screen menu while maintaining each setting and at the same time use the ring for only focus? I looked up the ring settings in the online manual and the note that mentions the ring will reset the other two, but I did not see this for the menu section.
No, even if you're using the ring for focus you can still only set one of the exposure controls manually.
You can control a total of three different settings and each one will keep its setting while you adjust the next.
By the way, what is the factor that determines whether a video goes to tubeshooter or ukairscape? I always struggle to remember the name "ukairscape", whereas tubeshooter is very hard to forget....
thewinelake The UKAirscape channel was set up ages ago long before I'd really started doing this in earnest. When I started putting a few unboxing videos up and people subscribed it seemed a shame to just stop. Tubeshootermag was created specifically to go hand in hand with the tubeshooter.co.uk website.
What you'll find is that Tubeshootermag videos are all purely scripted reviews whereas UKAirscape is much more ad-hoc; reviews are me rambling to camera but there are also unboxings, test shots and all kinds of miscellany that don't go on Tubeshootermag.
So Tubeshootermag's a bit more formal and is the official channel of the website whereas UKAirscape is my own channel and is much more informal.
Hi! I'm going to buy my first camcorder for family use ( holidays, weddings etc.) . Would the Panasonic HC VX-870 be the best option for me, compared to the AX 33 ? They both cost £ 578 in Norway. Or do you have other suggestions? Thanks for your answer:)
Do you definitely want a 4K-capable camcorder? There are some excellent, cheaper HD camcorders which may be better in low light situations.
UKAirscape I am open for any suggestions you may have. I just tought that 4K is the future and that I should get that . But what are your suggestions? :)
Thanks for the great video! So what is your verdict between VX870 and this one?
The VX is more portable and more controllable but more fiddly to use due to lack of physical manual controls (it's all done via the touchscreen). But as it's cheaper and lighter, I'd probably use the Panasonic as a general purpose, take-anywhere, point and shoot type camcorder. Unless I needed the Sony's stabilisation.
UKAirscape Not much cheaper now that the AX33 (without the P) is available in the UK for £799ish.
thewinelake the difference is 120 pounds which is a lot for someone like me : )
Can't you use it fully manually if you don't plan on using the adjustment ring?
I'm actually not sure but it would be very awkward to do so, stabbing at the screen all the time.
just wondering, does this camera have a 'light/flashlight' for night time shooting? does the projector light double up as one?
No to both queries.
Sony has a variety of photo flashes and triggers for this camera. It takes excellent pictures. If you're planning to take pictures in darkness then purchase a Sony flash.
Hi Thanks for the review. Which 'enthusiast' camera would you recommend then, in the same price range that has the image stabilization and can shoot at 4K??? Just curious. I've seen great movies projected in the theatre that were shot with an I phone 5 ('Tangerine' USA)
None, in the same price range for an enthusiast. Don't forget those gorgeous iphone films tend to have been shot with a lot of extra gear, a lot of set-up time and effort and a lot of expertise!
True! I wanna try to shoot a (low budget) movie with this one. Havent bought the camera yet. Hence my question. Still a bit worried about the sound (should maybe do that separately) and the editing. Which editing software would you recommend?
Depends if you're on a Mac or PC, what your budget is and what your experience of editing is...
I really appreciate you're taking the time to answer my questions. I'm a professional film/documentary maker from Amsterdam. www.bramvansplunteren.nl Most of my stuff has been shot with a filmcrew, but I have shot some short films my self using a DV camera. Now I'm going to make a low budget feature film and i'm thinking of maybe shooting it myself with a small crew of course, and sandman and gaffer, assistants make up and so on. I have an I mac and Macbook here, and a test version of Adobe Premiere. Which I sort of liked. But the editors I work with all work on FCP or Avid. thnx again for your time
*soundman
Hi there, very helpful and informative video. To confirm, when you explain the issue surrounding exposure and how when one item (e.g., Shutter speed) is set manually, the other items become adjusted automatically. Is this the case only when using the toggle button and the ring to adjust? If going through the screen menu to adjust, can each be set separately and maintained?
Thanks.
Nick
There is no manual adjustment of iris from the menus, only selection of whether it's auto or manual (in which case you use the ring). But only one aspect of the exposure can be adjusted manually, the others instantly go to auto. I tend to fix shutter speed, thus using auto exposure and just use exposure adjust (+/-1) to push it either way a bit. It's not ideal but it's OK
You cannot adjust three settings individually. You can set one but the other two go into Auto when you do so.
+UKAirscape The ax33 multiple manual adjustments are in the menu. Located under the camera/mic setting, scroll till you see My Button. Selecting it will give you the option to choose which 3 functions you would like on your display at all times. Iris, shutter, focus, spot focus, exposure, and so on. There're several to choose however you can only assign 3 to your touch screen. They will not make the other assigned buttons switch to automatic as long as you have them all set to manual. They will remain there even if you turn off the camera or even take the battery out and reinsert it. You can delete it if you want.
I am aware of how to set the My Button functions. However, only one of the exposure controls (iris, shutter) can be set manually. The other will always switch to auto, even if you have put these functions in My Button. I have just tested it, to confirm I'm not going demented. Setting Shutter to 1/50th for example switches the Iris into Auto. Setting the Iris to a set value switches the Shutter to Auto. You cannot have both set to a manually-adjusted figure!
+UKAirscape I stand corrected. You are 100% correct.
nice video tutorial I have a question I have a iMac and this cámara can I do Facebook live using both computer hook to this camera and how do I do this help please I'm new with all this thank you
I don't know anything about Facebook live but connecting the computer will require a device to capture the HDMI out from the camcorder for a start.
You need the Elgato Camlink4k
Can you put an ND filter on the front end?
Marhalim Abas Hi. Yes, there is a thread on the front and it's 52mm diameter I believe
Thinking to buy this camera tomorow any sugestion on a likewise , meaning price and quality...thanks in advance
I would buy the newer AX53 over this one, it is substantially better and not much more costly.
UKAirscape thaks for the advice! Went for the ax33...travelling soon and could not find the ax53 anywhere . Still a great camera, about the weight issue, no problem. Good and funny review!
Thank you. Yes, I still use my AX33 as well as the 53 and it does good service. Enjoy your travels :-)
+UKAirscape Hi, I record rally and racing, i don't need 4K, Panasonic hc x920 (700€) or this one (700€) ? Thanks a lot
Depends which one you prefer to operate; x920 is better for manual controls. Don't discount 4k though; shoot in 4k and you can crop in to HD and that gets you two HD shots (the uncropped wide and the cropped "zoom") for the price of one!
I've had this cam for almost a year, and never realized it had a hidden cold shoe built in. Lol.
No way!!
I sure wish that Sony makes this lighter. This is the only reason why I am not getting it yet....
Also, can you review this with a wide angle lens. Thanks
Unfortunately I don't have a suitable wide angle but if I get one, I will (trouble is, a wide angle adapter would make it even more bulky)
Hello! Thanks for the video! I would like to purchase a very good video camera so as to be able to record musical perfrormances of very good video and great audio quality. I am between this sony AX33 and Panasonic HC-VX870. Which of the two would you recommend? Also, I suppose I need (an) additional microphone(s).. what would you recommend for around 100 pounds? When I connect an additional microphone is the built-in microphone working as well? Thanks!
+pianomarios The inbuilt mic does not work when an external mic is connected otherwise it would have to record 4-channel sound, which neither camcorder will do. Both of those camcorders have decent quality pictures and audio *provided* (and this is essential) that what you are filming is very well lit. It is no good expecting to film indoors and get a good picture without lots of bright lighting.
What sort of musical performances? I can't recommend something if I don't know what it is you want to do.
+pianomarios Oh, and how close are you going to be able to get to the performance? £100 is a very limited budget indeed for a decent mic.
+UKAirscape thanks for your quick reply! The use of the camera would actually be to record my performances on classical music recitals. So, imagine some distance from the camera (therefore I would need to zoom). Of course the room is not well lit but there is light on my figure because I am on the stage. There are cases where I would use it for recordings so in that case I could manage to have good light but it is not sure.
As for sound I should have a very very good sound which you imagine is supposed to be even more important. I was taking a look on ax100 which seems to be professional but it is much more expensive...do you think it would suit better for my case? Any other idea? Thanks again
+UKAirscape the distance from piano is quite difficult to calculate but I would say ideally around 5-10meters but there are cases I might need even 20 meters of more. In fact I have a zoom q3 which is pretty insufficient from the point of view of image (also problem with lighting) but is ok with sound (not great also) how much should I spend for a decent microphone? I suppose it will be stereo, so it will have two channels.
This is a very difficult situation for any consumer-grade camcorder not least because the more you zoom, the more the iris will close down ("lens ramping") so letting less light in.
But I can't really say whether any camcorder is perfect for you because I don't know what you want to do with the finished videos. If it's for broadcast for example, then the broadcaster will have their own spec (and a consumer camcorder won't cut it). If it's just for your own reference, then the AX33 does a very decent job - indeed practically any current camcorder does a very decent job in decent light (and as you say, you will be lit well)
there are many difference in software between the axp33 and ax33 biggest one is the AXP has not a built in memory so no 4k photos can be taken why in 4k mode
also the axp33 does not record 5 channel audio in 4k mode
sony fail to mention these,, if you look at the promotion video in the cam the videos are identical but the axp33 is missing some footage i.e taking still photos in 4k mode
This is not correct. The AX33 has no internal memory either (at least here in the UK, no idea if it's different abroad) - both require purchase of an SDXC card. Neither will record 5.1 audio in 4K mode either.
AXp33 is for the UK and european Market and no internal memory unlike the AX33 and AXP35
all 3 use a SDXC card but the AXP35 and AX33 have a inbuilt memory not the AXP33
AXP33 cannot snap still when in 4k mode unlike the other 2 models
The AX33 and AXP33 are both sold in the UK. Neither has internal memory.
Models with internal memory are the AX30 and AX35 (and the projector variants thereof), I believe, which are not sold here.
UKAirscape Not sure about the AX33 that is sold here,, but i have a AX33 from the states and a AX35 from asia which give me this option,, as for the ax30 i have yet to see this model,,,,
Also what i find with these models id there are no Lanc connections unlike all other sony camcorders they have all gone wifi which is a pain as i am currently in talks with REcsea in japan about a underwater housing which they seem to having problems with.
I have set up a temporary housing with an old gates housing which i set the cam prior to the dive and let it continuously run
i set the peaking at red but cant do the white balance,, i have to leave all functions on auto, i then convert the file then upload to fpcx which then i can sort out
I am currently happy with this model more so the AX35 and the boss for makro work under water is awesome,
looking forward to get a full working housing with all the functions
Lee Ricketts Ohhh, I totally agree about the LANC! Using WiFi for remote control is such a pain. Not only do you have to squint at a phone screen but stabbing away at virtual buttons is nowhere near as useable as "real" buttons on a LANC controller. And the lag is frustrating too. Such a shame all the manufacturers seem to think all we want to use are our smartphones now :-(
The fact that you cannot see what you'r shooting on an external monitor is a deal breaker for me though. The mini HDMI output cannot be used whilst shooting.
ForeverMods It's a right royal pain, I agree!
You can only see your footage when shooting 4K if you're using a 4K monitor. If you choose to shoot in one of the other formats HD AVCHD or HD XAVC S HD you will see your output. I use a Feelworld 7" and a Sony CLM-V55 and no problems here.
Thanks for the info Jacqie. Guess I will go for the newly released model
Hello. I am a paranormal investigator. I need a reasonable camcorder that records in Infrared that I can have it modded for full spectrum. I have spent countless hours researching trying to find the right one for documentaries, great image quality in the infrared and UV spectrum. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the awesome work!
With apologies, absolutely no idea. I wouldn't have thought any modern camcorder left itself open to modification whatsoever (not that I know what a "full spectrum" modification looks like)
.It is removing the Hot mirror and installing a clear glass filter so the camera can see deep Infrared and Ultraviolet. Your camera knowledge is awesome but there is a lot of things cameras can see that we can't. I trust your reviews because you really question every single aspect on them. Can you do a analysis on camcorders that can see true infrared in zero lux if you can find the time. Thanks
Unfortunately it's something I have precisely zero expertise in so I'm very unlikely to be able to do this, sorry.
Thanks for the video! Seems like sony limits the funcionality for the price
Yes, I presume it's intended to make it easy for the average consumer but it is frustrating if you know what you're doing.
Like, im into movie making. Im really unsure to go with handycam or dslr. My budget is 600 $
+Alexander Hamm That's not a lot of budget. A camcorder will give you an "all in one solution" including a zoom lens so you can recompose shots easily, maybe some stabilisation for moving shots etc. A DSLR will probably give a more filmic look, shallow depth of field etc but you'd need to shell out on lenses and probably accessories such as additional sound gear. Remember you're going to need a (good) tripod too and at least one decent microphone (never rely on inbuilt mics, even on a camcorder), they're terrible unless the sound is very, very close indeed, which would limit your shots.
oh ok, i think im gonna go with a dslr
Weight is good. The most noticeable difference between professional quality video and shitty mobile phone footage, is not the resolution or colour reproduction. It's all the damn shaking around! More weight = greater inertia. Greater inertia = less shaking
Nice review, though not comparable to any broadcast camera. Different animals in every way.
what its the hdd?
There is no HDD in this (I don't think any camcorders use hard disc drives anymore, they're all solid state eg SD cards). It takes SDHC or SDXC cards.
Thanks UKAirscape
The lack of manual controls are a 100% deal breaker for me and it's unacceptable that the AX33's software is intentionally crippled like this. If Sony wanted to market this just for average consumers, then they would have put a bright "Intelligent Auto" button on the top and hid the zebra function deep in the menus. I find it really disappointing that video dedicated hardware is so lacking when compared to still or hybridcameras.
It's particularly odd since, as you say, the camera does offer zebra functions yet doesn't give you that precise exposure control!
cuanto cuesta ???😊😊😁😂
And what about that horrible not-detachable usb cable? :S
I like it. Very useful for when you're out and about without access to mains charging (eg camping / boating / motorhoming)
But when it's broken you're done.
Fortunately, mine is not broken!
Lucky Man :D