My complaint would be a lack of a clear visible tally light. The tiny REC on the top of the screen is too easy to miss. Several times now I have lost footage because I thought it was recording when it wasn't.
My complaint is the onboard microphone doesn't sound too good when you're standing behind the ax53 🤨 I do a lot of outdoor footage. I'm outside but the microphone sounds like I'm in a studio 🤪 sure wish they had a pop-up Mic that I could spin around 🤟 What I'm getting at is the older Sony cameras sounded great right out of the box no need to buy a separate mic 💋
So if I set the Shutter to 1/60th of a second, my aperture adjusts by itself? Beacause in the best lighting scenario, you can bring the iso low and keep a 2.0 aperture right?
Yes. That's pretty much it. However, you could only limit the maximum gain/iso, not actually control it. Also, you can't see what the aperture is doing so it's not practical in reality. Don't let this put this off. The camera does an amazing job by itself. It depends what you will need the camera for.
I got an AX53 open box unit from Best Buy for $680 and it is FANTASTIC! I love everything about this camera with ONE exception: Sony should have included a rubber eyecup on the viewfinder. I took an eyecup off an older camcorder and slipped it on the AX53 and WHAT A DIFFERENCE IT MAKES! Do it! The EVF was the main reason I upgraded to the AX53. So glad I did!
I'd definitely say the AX53. The AX33 is the older model (some useful changes were made) and the whole projector idea on the AXP55 just makes no sense to me. It would simply not be something I would ever have a need for. Just my opinion.
thank you so much! I'm a new subscriber from Italy ^_^ I'm hardly looking for a good camera to make my ASMR videos for RUclips but I'm so insecure about the effects of this model in low light conditions. I confess I was looking for a mirrorless (expecially for the possibility of changing the lens) but it seems that with the same price I cannot have the same good characteristics of a handycam :(
I bought mine a week ago and I’m pretty impressed with it. However there is one bad point that you didn’t mention- you can’t remove the flip-up cover over the hot shoe, and it’s annoying when using an external mic. The one on my old JVC Everio used to be detachable. I don’t see how you can remove it without butchering it, and I don’t want to do that while it’s under warranty. Perhaps you know how it can be taken off without destroying it? Haven’t found anything on google or forums.
I don’t know of a way. I’ve never found it a problem. It folds down to the side and has never obstructed anything I’ve put on top. It would be nearer if it came off but it has never blocked me adding a shock mount, mic pack or light.
Thanks for explaining the HDMI out clean being available. I record footage via an external recorder to a computer directly and this is a key scenario. Once set on a tripod and recording starting, I am not touching the recorder so the on screen menu will not be coming up but good to know that it will if you mess with anything. The manual ring explanation is great as well.
Serious questions: a) How did you MoC yourself for this shoot? What mic? b) I want to do interviews with two people. Should I do two clip on mics? How do I do that? Have you used something a Zoom H6 or other intermediary recorded? c) what about wireless mics? How could I use two wireless shirt/clip mics with AX33 ? Thoughts
Thanks very much for this video, it made me decide to buy this camera. But I'm disappointend about filming in 4k. By steady filming the shots are stunning, but when I'm panning it looks very jerky. Even when panning slowly. Is there something with the settings that I can make this better? 4k shots are in 25fps/100 shutter speed. I hope you have a solution for this.
have you ever encountered the jpegs that get added to every video you upload? Its 1 for 1 and it looks to be a thumbnail of the first frame of the video. Do not confuse this with actual photos taken with the photo button, they come in as separate expected files. thanks
Hi, great review, I am buying one shortly, to replace my Sony PJ650 I have had from 2013 when it was launched. My 650 also comes on when you open the screen up, so this is a problem that has been going on for years! I am keeping the 650 for its projecting feauture from any HDMI source. The 650 also has the OIS, the first Sony consumer camera to have a floating lens. Alas 5 years on, I can see the 1080 video it records has it's limit!
Thanks for your videos, TDCatTech - you really helped me buying this camera one month ago and I am totally happy with it. Thank you, thank you, thank you. :) Here are my negative points with the camcorder: - Agreed with the ND filter, sometimes a few shots at day looking way over exposed! Especially on cloudy bright days. - The LCD Display is big useless thing at very bright sunny days, because you cannot see anything - too much reflexions on it. - Smooth Zoom-control (in and out) is very very bad. It does not matter if you´re using the zoom seesaw on top of the camera or if you use the "W" and "T" Buttons on the touchscreen .... Sadly it is NOT possible to make a complete zoom from 0x to 20x without a variety in speed during the zooming. Sometimes it starts good, but then suddenly it goes slower and then faster again. Before this model I owned the Sony HDR-CX 130 HD Camcorder - there the zooming control was waay better. Sony should fix this. - The focus control with the manual ring is sometimes really annoying because sometimes you need to turn the wheel seven complete times around for just small adjustments - that is way too much. Finally I found out, it depends on the factor, how much you are zoomed into the picture in that moment.
My ax 53 has got problem with touch screen in 1 year and 3 month. It is in Sony repair shop for 2 weeks. I think it won't be healthy since it has opened.
Hi, thanks for the video! Could it be that you had manual focus on or turned face detection off? Your face looks a bit out of focus. There is another unnecessary downside. You can’t zoom into pictures or videos in viewmode. My JVC could do this very easily. Also there is a background noise of the Micro if recording in silent environments. Fixable with a small mounted mic (e.g. from comica). Besides of this this camera is really good, especially zoom and stabilisation.
Yes. Though the viewfinder is small. External monitor is fine as long as it’s HDMI and is fairly small and light. The body of the camera just doesn’t have enough size, strength or weight to support something like a larger Atomos.
Got a quick question for you, will this camera replace the iphone? What I mean is, want to purchase it to record my kids gymnastics competition, I need a good camera with good zoom. I will be using the zoom the most and was wondering your opinion, thanks for the video and the video is really hepful.
Totally. It's where a camera of this type shines. It has better stability, better image quality, better codec and then you have the zoom on top...but then it does cost as much as a top of the range iPhone so you would expect better results. An iPhone is much more convenient for sharing the video you shoot but if you accept that you may need to edit the results, the Sony is a great upgrade.
One point I'd like to add is that, while the camera is touted as having 5.1ch surround, it should be stressed that this is ONLY true in AVCHD 1080p mode. When you switch to one of the two XAVC S modes (either HD or 4K), you are now limited to 2ch audio only. This took me by surprise at first. Like most everyone else, I would otherwise highly recommend this camera - the image quality, stabilization, and feature set are top notch for its price point.
Thank you for the video. I have a question. When I use the slo-mo recording it only records for like 5 seconds and then cuts off. Can I change this? What if I want to record in slo-mo for 20 seconds? Thank you.
It shouldn't. I don't believe there is any limit on the slow mo record. Is it always exactly the same time (pointing to a setting or 'feature') or does it vary which could point to poor card transfer or other fault. Really don't know. Is all OK in 4K?
I know it has been a few years since this video, but on my AX53 I can set Focus, Exposure, Shutter speed, etc. to manual simultaneously, so I assume there has been a software update since to address this.
Nothing since 1.02 in 2016 as far as I can see. Are you certain you can do this? It's easy to think that it's possible as the camera is fairly sneaky about shifting one of the options back into auto mode. It doesn't make a song and a dance about it. 🎥
@@tdcattech Upon closer inspection I can set white balance, focus, and exposure to manual simultaneously, but exposure, shutter speed, and IRIS cannot simultaneously be set to manual (so I have to choose one of the three to operate manually). White balance and focus will remain unchanged and in manual however.
It doesn't resolve the problem I discuss here (the latest firmware is September 2016). Tripod use is fine. With the level of zoom this camera offers, you'll need a decent tripod but it works fine as you can just turn the stabilisation off. My issue is the BOSS automatically turning off when I temporarily rest the camera on a steady surface during a handheld shot. This is yet to be resolved. Not a massive deal but worth being aware of.
Thanks for the Video. I recently updated to the AX-53 last Week (Birthday Present from my wife) and so far i have only positive Things to report. Except from the Menus who are really a little bit tiny for my big fingers. Till now i have no big complaints. With the ND Filters are good thought to buy ones that screw on. I am looking for my first shoots outside.
ND filters aren't needed at all as the camera will work great outside. You'll just notice the slightly jarring look that a high shutter speed gives. It depends what you're shooting. Definitely nice to have but also not essential.
Good video! Have you tried using filmic pro to record with your iPhone? It gives you manual control over your camera. Have been able to compare the Sony to the Panasonic HC-VX981K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder or Panasonic HC-WXF991K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder with Twin Camera? When you zoom in does the f-stop close? Meaning zooming in make the image darker? Thank you for you time!!
Filmic Pro is nice but in reality, controlling a camera with a touchscreen in an iOS app is not ideal. I found it to be extremely buggy too with regular crashes...something you absolutely never want. Then there's the limitations of the sensor, lens and zoom. It's a nice app which really opens up the camera but nothing like a hands on device IMHO.
I've been doing my research on this camera and have heard in other videos all those negatives you mentioned. For me none is really a deal killer, so far I would say the one I would be most concerned about is the shut off of the stabilization when it's on a tripod. Even if the camera is on a tripod weather its a home video, live event, wedding or anything else; sometimes we're still gonna move the tripod with the camera on it so that stabilization needs to remain on. The only down that's made me not pull the trigger on this camera yet is the fact that when viewing through wifi the camera's LCD shuts off on the camera. I'm hopefully gonna get a couple of these cameras or something similar. I'm trying to have camera people that man the cameras while I see what they're looking at remotely from phone or tablet. If the camera person can still see through the view finder then things might be fine. But I would prefer my remote monitoring of the camera to not interfere with the camera person's ability to operate it, including viewing via the LCD.
just bought one for 700 euro's... there aren't many camera's out there, mirrorless, cam, or whatever that do 4K video like this one. It's weird that this 'old' camera still 'beats' many other cams out there... and that most other cams nowadays are almost 1000 bucks more expensive.
funny you should say about stuttery footage . with my camcorder a basic point and shoot panasonic hc vx870, i used a great manfrotto video head with tripod use the other day , for the first time panning and tilting aircraft footage in a field next to bristol airport HD 50fps with shutter speed ,was set right the good thing i kept the aircraft in frame but when zoomed in i had that stuttery slight wobbly look this is a bit weird 50fps should be smoother footage and stabilization was turned off the camcorder and the manual settings were right too the cam doesnt have NB filters thou plus is it just the wrong type of camcorder to do this kind of filming aircraft wise to lower class compaired to semi or pro camcorders
Awesome critique. I was worried that you would be just bitch slapping the camera but, you were very measured and fair. I'm getting it, I already have a Sony cx 900 and I like it.
i am filming my friend but this camera focuses background wall instead my friend. between the wall and my friend is 10 meters and camera always focussing background even i centered my friend at screen. my friend is not moving (just moving his arms, turning his head etc.) and getting focused to my friend takes 4-5 seconds at least. i really dont understand why the camera tries to focus just one object instead of whole scene?
You may laugh at this, I solved the occasional problem with an AX53 by buying an AX700 where I could set the frame rate to NTSC (30/60). I like the AX53 and its a very good 1080 camera but 25 frame 4k was extremely difficult to shoot freehand, particularly without control of the shutter speed AND exposure together. I solved the problem in 1080 at 50 FPS by setting the exposure to the adjusting ring and visually dialling the exposure through the viewfinder and got usually OK results. The AX700 is a different animal, I found the manual settings the easiest to understand but they are slow to set up but with a lot of playing with the full auto options, I can manually shoot 4k@30 fps by hand without any problems. Unusual way to set auto exposure, you must keep track of which ND filter is displayed and adjust it to the required exposure level. Your tutes were very useful ti me when I started on the AX53, keep up the good work.
This is the 3rd review video I watch for this camera and each one has poor audio quality, which is a deal breaker for me. Were you using an external mic?
@@tdcattech These are important things to mention if you're doing a review, and frankly if I'm watching a camcorder review, I want to know and hear how the audio sounds, not an external mic.
I recently updated my family home video camera to the Sony XA53. Just got it yesterday and it seems good. Before this, I was archiving years of mini-DV tapes and labeling them properly for storage. My question to you is- what system of archiving and managing non-tape video files is best? I'm tempted to put all these new files into folders on an external hard drive, separated into yearly folders and maybe events. But am I missing some great application or product that will help me organize, backup and play these? What do serious home video makers do? Is there an app or system that will automatically import only the new shots and label them by date? Sony has a system called 'PlayMemories'- is it just a goofy proprietary spinoff? If I take some home videos on my iPhone (all my hardware is Mac), can I mix the different video formats chronologically and play them through on a master timeline? Is there a future proof system in case I change or mix camera formats or companies? Thanks!
Hi!!! sorry if I annoy you again!!! I got the camera! Is it normal that when you connect it to the pc to do dowload the video files they are already un mp4 format? thanks
+Thomas L. Yes. The extension of the files in the CLIPS folder is .mp4 but if you look in detail at the properties (using e.g. MediaInfo on Windows) you'll see that they are XAVCS in an MP4 wrapper.
Good video. I just bought one of these for travel, since my Blackmagic URSA is just too big to discretely carry around a foreign country :P My big adjustment is to auto controls - usually I never change camera settings at all, and just make adjustments to shots with a cine lens. As you said, I think the best way to use the camera is leave it in auto and just capture footage as well as you can. I was psyched to have the manual focus/iris etc. ring, but have so far found the auto settings are fine, and just leave the manual ring set to exposure shift, so I can make small adjustments to overall exposure. Would be nice if the ring was useable with a follow focus. Lack of 2160p30 is a killer though. Is close to a dealbreaker for me. 25 is hard to justify for web distribution. Nice to know it has a semi-clean HDMI feed, wasn't expecting that so didn't even bother testing. I'll try and do some cinematic shooting with, but I think the sensor is just too small.
TDCatTech if I set my AX53 for 1080p@60FPS and record in strong sunlight then are you saying that the AX53 will automatically start to drop frames even though I set it at 60fps?????
No, definitely not. Which part of the video are you referring to? The footage looks weird in sunlight due to the lack of ND filter but the frame rate will still be 60fps (59.97)
Ah, yes. This this the stuttering and choppy look that footage has when there is no natural motion blur. It happens when each frame is only exposed for a very short time and is a sharp image. It’s completely unnatural to look at. The camera is still shooting 60fps but the images look a bit jarring when played as a video. It’s a common problem with mobile phone footage. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not the worst thing in the world but if you want your footage to look really nice, you need to get that shutter speed down.
@@tdcattech I don't understand, I get the issue with cellphones because I think I had the issue you are describing last year at the dragraces in Norwalk, i happen to use my S9 cellphone to record 2 TopFuel dragsters at about the 600ft mark is where they blew by me going to the 1320ft finish line so i panned quickly as they blew by me.....i was able to pan & keep both dragsters in my frame of view but when i got home & played the videos back which was recorded at 1080p@60fps it was a jitter or strobe like effect when the dragsters blew by me....I haven't really been able to pinpoint the issue, however i read somewhere online that for some fast motion scenes the camera may not be able to display 60fps....However i know that in lowlight a friend told me that even if your phone is set at 60fps it will automatically drop frames to allow more light in..... Now i have the Sony ax53 given to me by my wife 6 to 7 weeks ago as a gift, i have not used it yet, i took it out the box once to charge the battery but it's still in the box now.....I will take it out next week to start to practice, I'm going to the NHRA Sonoma Nationals in nearby Sonoma California & recording dragraces is a hobby of mine which I haven't done in over 4 years BUT now im itching to get back to shooting maybe 3 hours of footage in July @ The NHRA Nationals in Sonoma....I'm a bit confused because I didnt think the Sony ax53 would have any jittery or stuttering problems as long as I record in 60fps.....If I read your reply correctly did you say to lower the framerate to eliminate the jitter ?????? Thank you
I have one of these and since getting it now realize that my fully variable zoom controller with what I thought was the correct adapter will not operate this camera. Do you use or have seen anything about external controllers for the new Sony multi connector (protocol) Nice camera except for this major problem. I use tripod mounted a lot for weddings and concerts ect. Cheers
TDCatTech I've heard so many horror stories about bricking cameras, that I'm a little scared of updating the firmware... Are the differences worth the risk? Thanks
Might have to test this. I've hardly ever used the built-in mic with this camera because I find it one of the weakest parts of the camera so I don't remember.
Yes. Better sensor in many respects. The difference may be minimal on some footage as the AX53 performs very nicely but FDR-AX700 should serve you better.
have you tryed the " my voice cancellation" feature ? does it work well for example, youre directing a person while youre shooting ... how well does it cancel your voice ? Thank you Great channel !
Hi, can you help me to choose 4k video camera between sony ax100 - ax53 ? Use it for youtube , maybe in car and outdoor interview and my cat.. I 'm beginner :) and i'm looking stabilization, focusing and low light situation.
Tricky question. The AX100 is a better camera unless stabilisation is critical. The BOSS system on the AX53 is amazing and that could be a deal breaker. AX100 is probably better in low light but the AX53 is good in low light. It's certainly not weak. AX53 is much cheaper and a little more portable. I frequently use my AX53 for videos and the output is excellent. I would not buy the AX100 over the AX53 now as the image quality from the AX53 satisfies what I bought it for. Your decision but I reckon you'd be more than happy with the AX53.
I imagine it's for reasons that are largely NOT beneficial to the customer but do probably protect us in some ways such as limiting grey market sales. It's very annoying!
thanks, seem valid 'negatives' and let's see how to get around most of them. My wife thinks she should use the one handycam or the other to do her documentaries. I am not favoring her angle, yet what do you think. could the AX53 get the job done? probably mainly indoor work and interviews. I've seen a few reviews and footage now on YT, the image is quite good, and the BOSS is simply amazing.
If I was doing paid client interview work, I wouldn't use a small sensor camera like this. I'd go with 4/3" or DSLR / mirrorless with crop or full frame sensor. GH5 could be great for this. If this is personal work and budget is limited, this is best in class for the money IMHO and will give you an overall workhorse that will save you a ton of trouble with focus etc. Portability cannot be beaten but it sounds like that is less of a concern for you. Just my opinion. :)
🙂 I was just being picky about terminology. True 4K is a resolution of 4096x2160. However 4K (as seen on pretty much everything in 2018) is really UHD which is 3840x2160. 4K sounds better though so marketing people decided to use that.
I'm amazed to hear you claim that the AX53 doesn't have inbuilt (admittedly undocumented) ND filtration. Mine has two, and as the light levels increase they slide gently into position to stop the lens resorting to using apertures smaller than one stop down from fully open.
You say: 'if anyone should watch this from Sony ..' but I'm sure they'd dismiss your review. If you take a series of test pictures at wideangle, using apertures from f/2 down to f/11 you'll see immediately why Sony don't want you selecting any aperture smaller than f/2.8, or f/5.6 at full tele. The debilitating effects of diffraction are only too apparent when you're dealing with such incredibly short focal lengths (necessitated by using such a tiny 1/2.5'' chip). For what it's worth I think Sony have done a grand job at the price, and the auto-off stabilization on a tripod is a must because of the inevitable overshoot and bounce-back in pans and tilts with OIS turned on.
Are you sure that the manual controls are only one at the same time? I mean, I think you adjust the shutter, for example, then you change the ring dial to focus or whatever and the shutter is in the same position you put. Isn't that right?
Hi! Please help me...I bought the AX53 about 3 weeks ago and after several tests I can't understand how people can be satisfied with the 4k filming at 25 fps (Europe): after shooting i connect the camera to an oled sony 4k 65" tv (a1) but the result is a jerky movie (both filming in automatic and with manual 1/50). If i film in 1080p (at 50fps) instead, the movie is smooth and perfect (but obviously less detailed and colourful). Do you have any advice? I tried so many settings but without any result at all. Maybe I have to edit the video with some software? Is it mandatory in your opinion? I'm pretty desperate and seriously thinking about giving it bak.... Thank you!
I'm not really sure what to advise as I've never watched 4K footage directly from the camera in this way though I can imagine that the playback may not be perfect from camera as it won't be optimised to do this. I'm only guessing though. I know that 25fps can look jerky at the best of times...particularly as more and more content is delivered in 50/60fps now. However, if your footage is stable and free from any fast pans or movement, it should work just fine. Pan speed rules etc. are massively more critical at these lower framerates. How does your footage look when playing the .mp4 files on a computer? I can imagine that your TV (sounds nice BTW) will massively highlight the 'imperfections' of 25fps when comparing like this. Sorry I can't help. Anyone else got any thoughts on this?
For sure playing the .mp4 on my Mac is better but you can easily see the jerks are always there, just less visible because of the smaller screen. I tried with slow movements, no zoom, 1/50 and 100 mbps instead of auto mode but the situation does not get better. Do you have any advice in terms of specific manual settings to try? I don't think my camera might be faulty but I have read just few other complaints like mine (maybe beacusa only a few people shoot in 4k instead of 1080p?)....do you think the USA version with 30 fps might be better?
In the comments, I noticed that you mentioned you use Premiere Pro... Just wondering if you're aware of any options in Adobe Premiere Pro (I'm using CS6) that will reduce choppy/stuttering pans? I've read that stuttering pans are an issue with this camera... Thanks
Not in Premiere, no. I know this would be simple in After Effects if you have that too. I don't think it's a problem with the camera as such. If the shutter is locked at 1/50 (UK) and an ND filter used, it would prevent this. Of course, pans will always look horrible if they're too frequent and fast :-)
Hi thanks for responding. I really appreciate that info... It looks like a great camera. I ordered it yesterday, and I'm looking forward to playing around with it when it arrives :) ... I'm thinking about picking up a Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan & Tilt Head too as I've heard good things about it... Awesome videos by the way. Cheers!
What's also a bigger problem with th BOSS stabilizer is the awful noise which makes this camera useless without an external microphone. Sorry but I don't get it how you can use a video with this noise in the background all the time. To pay that much money for a camera is really ridiculous.
I have to test it myself. But it's a problem of the stabilization system, it's some kind of motor making this noise. If you're recording in a very silent surrounding, you can hear this with every AX53 camera but it I guess it also depends on the setting of the microphone because it normally boosts the input level if there is no noise around which makes the stabilization noise worse. There are videos on youtube, where you can hear it perfectly.
No this wasn't fixed. It's less of a problem on a good tripod as the tripod will be stable and secure so you can probably disable the stabilisation. The problem is when you're handheld but take advantage of a resting on a fairly secure surface...the camera then thinks you don't need the stabilisation anymore and turns it off which can change a steady zoom shot into a wobbly mess. They do need to add a permanently on option.
Thaks for your answer!!! I really appresciate your videos!!! I bought it few days ago, so I'm waiting for it! On a tripod I think I won't use the zoom that much so it's fine for me! I read that another guy put the stabilization control inside custom button so he said he can re-activate quickly when turns off. Of course It should not do that but I suppose Sony as all the others companies do not want to make the perfect camera, but push people to buy next ones that come out with "magically" new options that they could have put before! Many customers bought it to make very far zoom footages and I wouldn't buy it for that! At that point is better buy a mirrorless with lens 300mm and that's it....yeah :-) sure....1k more for that!!!
I have a variable ND filter that I put on my AX-53 and it works well. Just set the shutter speed (1/48 for 24p) manually so it doesn't go crazy by itself, turn on the filter setting in the camera so the edges aren't darkened, set the gain to 0 and it works really well outdoors. There is still a teeny bit of noise for whatever reason but I get rid of that easily by using Neat Video noise correction. The camera will control the brightness and aperture (which will usually be around 2.0-2.8), and you can kind of trick the camera into doing what you want with those settings by turning the variable ND. With all the settings I am able to get great bokeh and image quality out of this consumer camera.
Can you record while the camcorder is powered from an external power source (the 5V input)? I'm thinking about this model for recording 2hour+ interviews/debates.
Thank you for insights into this camera they have been incredibly helpful as we have been getting set up with them (we just purchased two for our studio). Two questions that Sony could not answer. 1: Multi Cam Control works when controlling with a camera, but you can not multi cam control the FDR-AX53 with the iPhone app, it will only control 1 camera at a time. Have you experienced this? 2: For low light shooting, turning on "Lux Light" i the only options (if needed)?
1. Sorry, I have no experience with using the app so can't answer that. 2. Yes, if you're after a switch to give the highest gain possible. I would personally use the 'Max AGC' setting to maybe set to 18dB so that low light, while still visible, also still looks like low light on camera. Depends on what you're after.
Thank you for the reply and I appreciate your expertise! We will try your suggestion on low light and after further research on multicam it appears that we are correct about the app, it will only operate (1) FDR-AX53 at a time, but the FDR-AX53 can internally multicam up to (5) cameras. We finally got a chance to use the cameras for recording and speaking gig this weekend and at first glance in editing we are very satisfied with them. We (like you) were upgrading from multiple iPhone 7plus as well as collection of HDR-CX220 (that were purchased years ago as disposable handy cams for live stage shots). We also used Adorama's Hammer and Anvil stereo shot gun mic on one to A/B against the AX-53's HD only 5.1 surround. Thank you and we look forward to more of your videos!!!
+Bas Kolthof True enough :-) . It would be nice for this to be a selectable option though. If I want to look at some clips, it would be nice not to power up the camera and gimbal only to switch modes. Not a big deal really. Just a nice one to have.
Or you could just go and find out somewhere else! When someone has taken the time to put this together the least you could do if you had nothing positive to say was shut up.
How cheap is cheap? I would go with a Rode Videomic (less compact but tried and tested and widely used and respected) or the Sennheiser MKE 400 (super compact, great quality and uses standard batteries not the silly 9V thing in the Rode). They're both £100+ which is not expensive to get good audio when you compare to the price of the camera but may be more than you're looking to pay. The Azden SMX-10 is also a nice mic and you should be able to pick this up for £80 or less.
I love most the features, but I work with a bunch of pro video people and am afraid they'd make fun of me because of the power switch situation and the constraints on manual controls. I figure I will save up more money and keep researching. I may have to step up to the $1500-2k range.
Yes. Experience since owning the camera and doing this video suggests that the input isn't amazing quality but it's much better than the onboard mic in most cases and is perfectly fine for most cases.
@@tdcattech When i watch it on the screen on the camera it looks perfect, when i connect the camera into my 4k tv through a wire it looks perfect, but once i plug the sd card into my macbook pro it looks terrible, looks like 480p with a lot of blurring. I think something is wrong with the sd card
Just bought this FDR AX-53. Didn't realise the inbuilt stabilisation deactivates on a tripod but that would explain the shake I was getting in light wind with it fitted to a Manfroto action tripod. What video editing software would you recommend? Ideally looking software with in build stabilisation tool to get rid of the shake and knocks to the tripod.
Good to hear bro, usually reviewers provide only the good stuff, whereas your review helps people to look at the bad points and then decide whether that affects their usage or not prior to buying. Loved your views and comments. thanks
My complaint would be a lack of a clear visible tally light. The tiny REC on the top of the screen is too easy to miss. Several times now I have lost footage because I thought it was recording when it wasn't.
My complaint is the onboard microphone doesn't sound too good when you're standing behind the ax53 🤨 I do a lot of outdoor footage. I'm outside but the microphone sounds like I'm in a studio 🤪 sure wish they had a pop-up Mic that I could spin around 🤟 What I'm getting at is the older Sony cameras sounded great right out of the box no need to buy a separate mic 💋
So if I set the Shutter to 1/60th of a second, my aperture adjusts by itself? Beacause in the best lighting scenario, you can bring the iso low and keep a 2.0 aperture right?
Yes. That's pretty much it. However, you could only limit the maximum gain/iso, not actually control it. Also, you can't see what the aperture is doing so it's not practical in reality.
Don't let this put this off. The camera does an amazing job by itself. It depends what you will need the camera for.
Thanks
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yes will do! Have you thought about using a gimbal with this!? if so which one!?
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.
Thank you for this video, it is really good to know the negative sides of a device as well before buying it.
I got an AX53 open box unit from Best Buy for $680 and it is FANTASTIC! I love everything about this camera with ONE exception: Sony should have included a rubber eyecup on the viewfinder. I took an eyecup off an older camcorder and slipped it on the AX53 and WHAT A DIFFERENCE IT MAKES! Do it! The EVF was the main reason I upgraded to the AX53. So glad I did!
Scott Seely which one do you mean pls give details thank u
hi! it's a very interesting review! Which one is your favourite among FDR-AX53 FDR-AXP55 and FDR-AX33? :)
I'd definitely say the AX53. The AX33 is the older model (some useful changes were made) and the whole projector idea on the AXP55 just makes no sense to me. It would simply not be something I would ever have a need for. Just my opinion.
thank you so much! I'm a new subscriber from Italy ^_^ I'm hardly looking for a good camera to make my ASMR videos for RUclips but I'm so insecure about the effects of this model in low light conditions. I confess I was looking for a mirrorless (expecially for the possibility of changing the lens) but it seems that with the same price I cannot have the same good characteristics of a handycam :(
I bought mine a week ago and I’m pretty impressed with it. However there is one bad point that you didn’t mention- you can’t remove the flip-up cover over the hot shoe, and it’s annoying when using an external mic. The one on my old JVC Everio used to be detachable. I don’t see how you can remove it without butchering it, and I don’t want to do that while it’s under warranty. Perhaps you know how it can be taken off without destroying it? Haven’t found anything on google or forums.
I don’t know of a way. I’ve never found it a problem. It folds down to the side and has never obstructed anything I’ve put on top. It would be nearer if it came off but it has never blocked me adding a shock mount, mic pack or light.
Thanks for explaining the HDMI out clean being available. I record footage via an external recorder to a computer directly and this is a key scenario. Once set on a tripod and recording starting, I am not touching the recorder so the on screen menu will not be coming up but good to know that it will if you mess with anything. The manual ring explanation is great as well.
Serious questions: a) How did you MoC yourself for this shoot? What mic? b) I want to do interviews with two people. Should I do two clip on mics? How do I do that? Have you used something a Zoom H6 or other intermediary recorded? c) what about wireless mics? How could I use two wireless shirt/clip mics with AX33 ? Thoughts
one other thing - the manual ring while using focus is painfully slow - so slow it's basically useless.
Yes. It does sometimes need a ridiculous amount of rotation.
i agree, it's far too slow- one should be able to make it more sensitive
How fast those adjustments react to the manual ring on the camcorder depends on, how far you zoomed into the image.
Thanks very much for this video, it made me decide to buy this camera. But I'm disappointend about filming in 4k. By steady filming the shots are stunning, but when I'm panning it looks very jerky. Even when panning slowly. Is there something with the settings that I can make this better? 4k shots are in 25fps/100 shutter speed. I hope you have a solution for this.
What software and plugin for your transitions are you using ? ! Looks super clean. Great review.
have you ever encountered the jpegs that get added to every video you upload? Its 1 for 1 and it looks to be a thumbnail of the first frame of the video. Do not confuse this with actual photos taken with the photo button, they come in as separate expected files. thanks
Have you tested your ND filter? On another board a user said an ND filter gave the AX53 an undesirable color shift (like an amber tone) .
You should have included sample video of the "fatiguing" effect of high shutter speeds - missed opportunity
Fair point. That would have made a good addition.
Said the guy with four subs
Does anyone know when or if Sony will be releasing a successor to the AX53?
I'm wondering to, ax53 came out in 2016 and never came out with new one.
2021 about to be here...no news on a new one still?
seriously considering one of these - so thanks for the update.
Definitely worth it. The quality never disappoints and, most importantly, the image quality is excellent for the money.
Hi, great review, I am buying one shortly, to replace my Sony PJ650 I have had from 2013 when it was launched. My 650 also comes on when you open the screen up, so this is a problem that has been going on for years! I am keeping the 650 for its projecting feauture from any HDMI source. The 650 also has the OIS, the first Sony consumer camera to have a floating lens. Alas 5 years on, I can see the 1080 video it records has it's limit!
Thanks for your videos, TDCatTech - you really helped me buying this camera one month ago and I am totally happy with it. Thank you, thank you, thank you. :)
Here are my negative points with the camcorder:
- Agreed with the ND filter, sometimes a few shots at day looking way over exposed! Especially on cloudy bright days.
- The LCD Display is big useless thing at very bright sunny days, because you cannot see anything - too much reflexions on it.
- Smooth Zoom-control (in and out) is very very bad. It does not matter if you´re using the zoom seesaw on top of the camera or if you use the "W" and "T" Buttons on the touchscreen ....
Sadly it is NOT possible to make a complete zoom from 0x to 20x without a variety in speed during the zooming. Sometimes it starts good, but then suddenly it goes slower and then faster again. Before this model I owned the Sony HDR-CX 130 HD Camcorder - there the zooming control was waay better. Sony should fix this.
- The focus control with the manual ring is sometimes really annoying because sometimes you need to turn the wheel seven complete times around for just small adjustments - that is way too much. Finally I found out, it depends on the factor, how much you are zoomed into the picture in that moment.
My ax 53 has got problem with touch screen in 1 year and 3 month. It is in Sony repair shop for 2 weeks.
I think it won't be healthy since it has opened.
which ND filter to buy? 0.3 , 0.6 or higher ?
Hi, thanks for the video! Could it be that you had manual focus on or turned face detection off? Your face looks a bit out of focus. There is another unnecessary downside. You can’t zoom into pictures or videos in viewmode. My JVC could do this very easily. Also there is a background noise of the Micro if recording in silent environments. Fixable with a small mounted mic (e.g. from comica). Besides of this this camera is really good, especially zoom and stabilisation.
800 pound camera? How the hell are you supposed to lift that up!? (no I'm not serious)
Can you operate this with the view screen closed and just use the view finder? What about top mounting an external monitor?
Yes. Though the viewfinder is small. External monitor is fine as long as it’s HDMI and is fairly small and light. The body of the camera just doesn’t have enough size, strength or weight to support something like a larger Atomos.
Got a quick question for you, will this camera replace the iphone? What I mean is, want to purchase it to record my kids gymnastics competition, I need a good camera with good zoom. I will be using the zoom the most and was wondering your opinion, thanks for the video and the video is really hepful.
Totally. It's where a camera of this type shines. It has better stability, better image quality, better codec and then you have the zoom on top...but then it does cost as much as a top of the range iPhone so you would expect better results. An iPhone is much more convenient for sharing the video you shoot but if you accept that you may need to edit the results, the Sony is a great upgrade.
Thank you, I will be making my purchase.
One point I'd like to add is that, while the camera is touted as having 5.1ch surround, it should be stressed that this is ONLY true in AVCHD 1080p mode. When you switch to one of the two XAVC S modes (either HD or 4K), you are now limited to 2ch audio only. This took me by surprise at first. Like most everyone else, I would otherwise highly recommend this camera - the image quality, stabilization, and feature set are top notch for its price point.
This point too, is important.
Thank you for the video. I have a question.
When I use the slo-mo recording it only records for like 5 seconds and then cuts off. Can I change this? What if I want to record in slo-mo for 20 seconds?
Thank you.
It shouldn't. I don't believe there is any limit on the slow mo record. Is it always exactly the same time (pointing to a setting or 'feature') or does it vary which could point to poor card transfer or other fault. Really don't know. Is all OK in 4K?
Removing the battery before opening the viewfinder (to retrieve the SD card) solves the unnecessary power on cycle.
Hadn't thought of that. Definitely a workaround to use if required.
Only because there is no other option, this will work. Great idea!!!
Gary Hauptli - good idea, I’m always nervous to remove Media while powered on because of corruption
I know it has been a few years since this video, but on my AX53 I can set Focus, Exposure, Shutter speed, etc. to manual simultaneously, so I assume there has been a software update since to address this.
Nothing since 1.02 in 2016 as far as I can see. Are you certain you can do this? It's easy to think that it's possible as the camera is fairly sneaky about shifting one of the options back into auto mode. It doesn't make a song and a dance about it. 🎥
@@tdcattech Upon closer inspection I can set white balance, focus, and exposure to manual simultaneously, but exposure, shutter speed, and IRIS cannot simultaneously be set to manual (so I have to choose one of the three to operate manually). White balance and focus will remain unchanged and in manual however.
I believe that Sony have a firmware update that helps with the stabilisation when on a tripod do you know if it works?
It doesn't resolve the problem I discuss here (the latest firmware is September 2016). Tripod use is fine. With the level of zoom this camera offers, you'll need a decent tripod but it works fine as you can just turn the stabilisation off.
My issue is the BOSS automatically turning off when I temporarily rest the camera on a steady surface during a handheld shot.
This is yet to be resolved. Not a massive deal but worth being aware of.
Thanks for the Video. I recently updated to the AX-53 last Week (Birthday Present from my wife) and so far i have only positive Things to report. Except from the Menus who are really a little bit tiny for my big fingers. Till now i have no big complaints. With the ND Filters are good thought to buy ones that screw on. I am looking for my first shoots outside.
ND filters aren't needed at all as the camera will work great outside. You'll just notice the slightly jarring look that a high shutter speed gives. It depends what you're shooting. Definitely nice to have but also not essential.
Forgot to say, nice present to get :-)
Good video! Have you tried using filmic pro to record with your iPhone? It gives you manual control over your camera.
Have been able to compare the Sony to the Panasonic HC-VX981K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder or Panasonic HC-WXF991K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder with Twin Camera?
When you zoom in does the f-stop close? Meaning zooming in make the image darker?
Thank you for you time!!
Filmic Pro is nice but in reality, controlling a camera with a touchscreen in an iOS app is not ideal. I found it to be extremely buggy too with regular crashes...something you absolutely never want. Then there's the limitations of the sensor, lens and zoom. It's a nice app which really opens up the camera but nothing like a hands on device IMHO.
Yes. The aperture changes from about f/2.0 to f/4+ when zoomed so you do lose a fair bit of light.
I've been doing my research on this camera and have heard in other videos all those negatives you mentioned. For me none is really a deal killer, so far I would say the one I would be most concerned about is the shut off of the stabilization when it's on a tripod. Even if the camera is on a tripod weather its a home video, live event, wedding or anything else; sometimes we're still gonna move the tripod with the camera on it so that stabilization needs to remain on.
The only down that's made me not pull the trigger on this camera yet is the fact that when viewing through wifi the camera's LCD shuts off on the camera. I'm hopefully gonna get a couple of these cameras or something similar. I'm trying to have camera people that man the cameras while I see what they're looking at remotely from phone or tablet. If the camera person can still see through the view finder then things might be fine. But I would prefer my remote monitoring of the camera to not interfere with the camera person's ability to operate it, including viewing via the LCD.
Do you know how to just turn off that feature?
Does the ax43 stabilization turn off when on a tripod 🤔
just bought one for 700 euro's... there aren't many camera's out there, mirrorless, cam, or whatever that do 4K video like this one. It's weird that this 'old' camera still 'beats' many other cams out there... and that most other cams nowadays are almost 1000 bucks more expensive.
funny you should say about stuttery footage . with my camcorder a basic point and shoot panasonic hc vx870, i used a great manfrotto video head with tripod use the other day , for the first time panning and tilting aircraft footage in a field next to bristol airport HD 50fps with shutter speed ,was set right the good thing i kept the aircraft in frame but when zoomed in i had that stuttery slight wobbly look this is a bit weird 50fps should be smoother footage and stabilization was turned off the camcorder and the manual settings were right too the cam doesnt have NB filters thou plus is it just the wrong type of camcorder to do this kind of filming aircraft wise to lower class compaired to semi or pro camcorders
Awesome critique. I was worried that you would be just bitch slapping the camera but, you were very measured and fair. I'm getting it, I already have a Sony cx 900 and I like it.
i am filming my friend but this camera focuses background wall instead my friend. between the wall and my friend is 10 meters and camera always focussing background even i centered my friend at screen. my friend is not moving (just moving his arms, turning his head etc.) and getting focused to my friend takes 4-5 seconds at least. i really dont understand why the camera tries to focus just one object instead of whole scene?
I tend to fix the shutter speed to 50fps and the exposure to manual with the focus ring in some situations that can give good results.
You may laugh at this, I solved the occasional problem with an AX53 by buying an AX700 where I could set the frame rate to NTSC (30/60). I like the AX53 and its a very good 1080 camera but 25 frame 4k was extremely difficult to shoot freehand, particularly without control of the shutter speed AND exposure together. I solved the problem in 1080 at 50 FPS by setting the exposure to the adjusting ring and visually dialling the exposure through the viewfinder and got usually OK results. The AX700 is a different animal, I found the manual settings the easiest to understand but they are slow to set up but with a lot of playing with the full auto options, I can manually shoot 4k@30 fps by hand without any problems. Unusual way to set auto exposure, you must keep track of which ND filter is displayed and adjust it to the required exposure level. Your tutes were very useful ti me when I started on the AX53, keep up the good work.
This is the 3rd review video I watch for this camera and each one has poor audio quality, which is a deal breaker for me. Were you using an external mic?
I was using a Sennheiser lav pack on this video. I didn't think the audio was too bad...maybe a little processed but pretty good.
@@tdcattech These are important things to mention if you're doing a review, and frankly if I'm watching a camcorder review, I want to know and hear how the audio sounds, not an external mic.
dunno if you actually mentioned this, but with panasonic 990 we would be able to actually see your face...some french guy did them side-by-side....
There are really not big deal. The main issue is not supporting 4K 50 or 60 fps. 4K panning and tilting is not easy.
I recently updated my family home video camera to the Sony XA53. Just got it yesterday and it seems good. Before this, I was archiving years of mini-DV tapes and labeling them properly for storage. My question to you is- what system of archiving and managing non-tape video files is best? I'm tempted to put all these new files into folders on an external hard drive, separated into yearly folders and maybe events. But am I missing some great application or product that will help me organize, backup and play these? What do serious home video makers do? Is there an app or system that will automatically import only the new shots and label them by date? Sony has a system called 'PlayMemories'- is it just a goofy proprietary spinoff? If I take some home videos on my iPhone (all my hardware is Mac), can I mix the different video formats chronologically and play them through on a master timeline? Is there a future proof system in case I change or mix camera formats or companies? Thanks!
Can I ask what gear you shot this information video with?
This was shot on the AX53 camera using the Sennheiser EW-100 G3 lav mics for audio.
tdcat.com thanks
what video editing software did you used?
Adobe Premiere Pro. The titles and graphics would have been done in Adobe After Effects.
Hi!!! sorry if I annoy you again!!! I got the camera! Is it normal that when you connect it to the pc to do dowload the video files they are already un mp4 format? thanks
+Thomas L. Yes. The extension of the files in the CLIPS folder is .mp4 but if you look in detail at the properties (using e.g. MediaInfo on Windows) you'll see that they are XAVCS in an MP4 wrapper.
Great thanks a lot!!! You saved me many hours searching around!!!
are you shooting this video (The Bad Points - Sony FDR-AX53) with the ax53? does the megapixel matter?
Good video. I just bought one of these for travel, since my Blackmagic URSA is just too big to discretely carry around a foreign country :P My big adjustment is to auto controls - usually I never change camera settings at all, and just make adjustments to shots with a cine lens.
As you said, I think the best way to use the camera is leave it in auto and just capture footage as well as you can. I was psyched to have the manual focus/iris etc. ring, but have so far found the auto settings are fine, and just leave the manual ring set to exposure shift, so I can make small adjustments to overall exposure. Would be nice if the ring was useable with a follow focus.
Lack of 2160p30 is a killer though. Is close to a dealbreaker for me. 25 is hard to justify for web distribution.
Nice to know it has a semi-clean HDMI feed, wasn't expecting that so didn't even bother testing. I'll try and do some cinematic shooting with, but I think the sensor is just too small.
TDCatTech if I set my AX53 for 1080p@60FPS and record in strong sunlight then are you saying that the AX53 will automatically start to drop frames even though I set it at 60fps?????
No, definitely not. Which part of the video are you referring to? The footage looks weird in sunlight due to the lack of ND filter but the frame rate will still be 60fps (59.97)
@@tdcattech 1:55
Ah, yes. This this the stuttering and choppy look that footage has when there is no natural motion blur. It happens when each frame is only exposed for a very short time and is a sharp image. It’s completely unnatural to look at. The camera is still shooting 60fps but the images look a bit jarring when played as a video. It’s a common problem with mobile phone footage.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s not the worst thing in the world but if you want your footage to look really nice, you need to get that shutter speed down.
@@tdcattech I don't understand, I get the issue with cellphones because I think I had the issue you are describing last year at the dragraces in Norwalk, i happen to use my S9 cellphone to record 2 TopFuel dragsters at about the 600ft mark is where they blew by me going to the 1320ft finish line so i panned quickly as they blew by me.....i was able to pan & keep both dragsters in my frame of view but when i got home & played the videos back which was recorded at 1080p@60fps it was a jitter or strobe like effect when the dragsters blew by me....I haven't really been able to pinpoint the issue, however i read somewhere online that for some fast motion scenes the camera may not be able to display 60fps....However i know that in lowlight a friend told me that even if your phone is set at 60fps it will automatically drop frames to allow more light in.....
Now i have the Sony ax53 given to me by my wife 6 to 7 weeks ago as a gift, i have not used it yet, i took it out the box once to charge the battery but it's still in the box now.....I will take it out next week to start to practice, I'm going to the NHRA Sonoma Nationals in nearby Sonoma California & recording dragraces is a hobby of mine which I haven't done in over 4 years BUT now im itching to get back to shooting maybe 3 hours of footage in July @ The NHRA Nationals in Sonoma....I'm a bit confused because I didnt think the Sony ax53 would have any jittery or stuttering problems as long as I record in 60fps.....If I read your reply correctly did you say to lower the framerate to eliminate the jitter ?????? Thank you
I have one of these and since getting it now realize that my fully variable zoom controller with what I thought was the correct adapter will not operate this camera. Do you use or have seen anything about external controllers for the new Sony multi connector (protocol) Nice camera except for this major problem. I use tripod mounted a lot for weddings and concerts ect. Cheers
do tell us ur computer specs,,,, how to edit 4k vdo pls,,,,camcorder is half the cost
NOTE: My experience with the camera is based on firmware 1.02.
TDCatTech I've heard so many horror stories about bricking cameras, that I'm a little scared of updating the firmware... Are the differences worth the risk? Thanks
Since now, there is no update :-/
What about the noise from the camera if u recording a silent Scene with the built in mic?
Anyone have this Problem?
Sorry for my Bad english ^^
Might have to test this. I've hardly ever used the built-in mic with this camera because I find it one of the weakest parts of the camera so I don't remember.
Would you advise using this camera for micro-budget, indie film making? Or do the downsides weigh it down?
If you have tried the Sony FDR-AX700 would you say the 4K Quality is better on it than on the Sony FDR-AX53 as i was thinking of buying the FDR-AX700.
Yes. Better sensor in many respects. The difference may be minimal on some footage as the AX53 performs very nicely but FDR-AX700 should serve you better.
Lennon & McCartney Fanatic I believe it has a bigger sensor 1” so 4K will be far better due to the larger sensor .
have you tryed the " my voice cancellation" feature ? does it work well for example, youre directing a person while youre shooting ... how well does it cancel your voice ?
Thank you
Great channel !
Excellent points - what you think about the AX53 vs Lumix FZ300 4k - with respect to only video quality on tripods?
You just saved my day from buying Ax53
Have you tried selfie mode? I am just curious if AF works good when you film your face as a main subject with some things in the back.
This video has been very informative and has opened my mind about this camera,
I am very much into manual settings, maybe this ain’t for me :(
Useful, many thanks. What value ND have you bought please? How many stops.
Hi, can you help me to choose 4k video camera between sony ax100 - ax53 ? Use it for youtube , maybe in car and outdoor interview and my cat.. I 'm beginner :) and i'm looking stabilization, focusing and low light situation.
Tricky question. The AX100 is a better camera unless stabilisation is critical. The BOSS system on the AX53 is amazing and that could be a deal breaker. AX100 is probably better in low light but the AX53 is good in low light. It's certainly not weak. AX53 is much cheaper and a little more portable. I frequently use my AX53 for videos and the output is excellent. I would not buy the AX100 over the AX53 now as the image quality from the AX53 satisfies what I bought it for.
Your decision but I reckon you'd be more than happy with the AX53.
Can I switch between PAL and NTSC for the AXP55 model?
No. It is region locked to with PAL or NTSC.
TDCatTech oh man, this really is a drawback! Why do maker still make camera/camcorder with region lock and not able to change?
I imagine it's for reasons that are largely NOT beneficial to the customer but do probably protect us in some ways such as limiting grey market sales. It's very annoying!
TDCatTech I hope Sony will release ax100 and axp55 Mark 2!
thanks, seem valid 'negatives' and let's see how to get around most of them. My wife thinks she should use the one handycam or the other to do her documentaries. I am not favoring her angle, yet what do you think. could the AX53 get the job done? probably mainly indoor work and interviews. I've seen a few reviews and footage now on YT, the image is quite good, and the BOSS is simply amazing.
If I was doing paid client interview work, I wouldn't use a small sensor camera like this. I'd go with 4/3" or DSLR / mirrorless with crop or full frame sensor. GH5 could be great for this. If this is personal work and budget is limited, this is best in class for the money IMHO and will give you an overall workhorse that will save you a ton of trouble with focus etc. Portability cannot be beaten but it sounds like that is less of a concern for you.
Just my opinion. :)
Based on reviews, your best bet is to have the ax53 and the nx100. Best of both worlds.
Will the time lapse and night shot work at 4K, and work in full daylight?
Is that a Duluth Trading Company 100% Shetland wool sweater?? I have one awesome but itchiest manliest sweater ever.
It is isn't it!!
What do you mean by it doesn’t shoot 4K it’s uxd? What’s uxd? How would you know if s camcorder shoots true 4K??
🙂 I was just being picky about terminology. True 4K is a resolution of 4096x2160. However 4K (as seen on pretty much everything in 2018) is really UHD which is 3840x2160. 4K sounds better though so marketing people decided to use that.
Great video, I enjoyed watching it.
Can I ask for the music in the background, please?
Background music here is Mike Luck - Mir. It's a track I use as background in a few of my vids. Fairly gentle and soothing :-)
I'm amazed to hear you claim that the AX53 doesn't have inbuilt (admittedly undocumented) ND filtration. Mine has two, and as the light levels increase they slide gently into position to stop the lens resorting to using apertures smaller than one stop down from fully open.
You say: 'if anyone should watch this from Sony ..' but I'm sure they'd dismiss your review. If you take a series of test pictures at wideangle, using apertures from f/2 down to f/11 you'll see immediately why Sony don't want you selecting any aperture smaller than f/2.8, or f/5.6 at full tele. The debilitating effects of diffraction are only too apparent when you're dealing with such incredibly short focal lengths (necessitated by using such a tiny 1/2.5'' chip).
For what it's worth I think Sony have done a grand job at the price, and the auto-off stabilization on a tripod is a must because of the inevitable overshoot and bounce-back in pans and tilts with OIS turned on.
Are you sure that the manual controls are only one at the same time? I mean, I think you adjust the shutter, for example, then you change the ring dial to focus or whatever and the shutter is in the same position you put. Isn't that right?
Yes, with focus you can but you can never join shutter and iris. One will always revert to automatic the moment you select the other :-(
What kind of ND filter do you recommend? Nd 6 or 8 or higher!?
Promaster has a 55mm Variable that is fantastic.
Hi! Please help me...I bought the AX53 about 3 weeks ago and after several tests I can't understand how people can be satisfied with the 4k filming at 25 fps (Europe): after shooting i connect the camera to an oled sony 4k 65" tv (a1) but the result is a jerky movie (both filming in automatic and with manual 1/50). If i film in 1080p (at 50fps) instead, the movie is smooth and perfect (but obviously less detailed and colourful). Do you have any advice? I tried so many settings but without any result at all. Maybe I have to edit the video with some software? Is it mandatory in your opinion? I'm pretty desperate and seriously thinking about giving it bak.... Thank you!
I'm not really sure what to advise as I've never watched 4K footage directly from the camera in this way though I can imagine that the playback may not be perfect from camera as it won't be optimised to do this. I'm only guessing though.
I know that 25fps can look jerky at the best of times...particularly as more and more content is delivered in 50/60fps now. However, if your footage is stable and free from any fast pans or movement, it should work just fine. Pan speed rules etc. are massively more critical at these lower framerates.
How does your footage look when playing the .mp4 files on a computer? I can imagine that your TV (sounds nice BTW) will massively highlight the 'imperfections' of 25fps when comparing like this.
Sorry I can't help. Anyone else got any thoughts on this?
For sure playing the .mp4 on my Mac is better but you can easily see the jerks are always there, just less visible because of the smaller screen. I tried with slow movements, no zoom, 1/50 and 100 mbps instead of auto mode but the situation does not get better. Do you have any advice in terms of specific manual settings to try? I don't think my camera might be faulty but I have read just few other complaints like mine (maybe beacusa only a few people shoot in 4k instead of 1080p?)....do you think the USA version with 30 fps might be better?
How have you found the flip out screen for reflection? it drives me mad
Not great but it’s very bright and white so it’s usually OK.
In the comments, I noticed that you mentioned you use Premiere Pro... Just wondering if you're aware of any options in Adobe Premiere Pro (I'm using CS6) that will reduce choppy/stuttering pans? I've read that stuttering pans are an issue with this camera... Thanks
Not in Premiere, no. I know this would be simple in After Effects if you have that too. I don't think it's a problem with the camera as such. If the shutter is locked at 1/50 (UK) and an ND filter used, it would prevent this. Of course, pans will always look horrible if they're too frequent and fast :-)
Hi thanks for responding. I really appreciate that info... It looks like a great camera. I ordered it yesterday, and I'm looking forward to playing around with it when it arrives :) ... I'm thinking about picking up a Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan & Tilt Head too as I've heard good things about it... Awesome videos by the way. Cheers!
You gotta have the built in ND filter. No doubt.
What's also a bigger problem with th BOSS stabilizer is the awful noise which makes this camera useless without an external microphone. Sorry but I don't get it how you can use a video with this noise in the background all the time. To pay that much money for a camera is really ridiculous.
Is the noise present with every ax53 camera or is it just problem of one single piece?
Can you post video with the noise?
I have to test it myself. But it's a problem of the stabilization system, it's some kind of motor making this noise. If you're recording in a very silent surrounding, you can hear this with every AX53 camera but it I guess it also depends on the setting of the microphone because it normally boosts the input level if there is no noise around which makes the stabilization noise worse. There are videos on youtube, where you can hear it perfectly.
Plus, there’s no GPS is there?? That’s a disappointment.
Nope. No GPS. That doesn't bother me personally for video footage (I would miss it on stills) but I imagine many would. Didn't think of that.
Hi!!! Did they fix with firmware the problem of stabilization on the tripod? If not do you have any tip to make it works properly on tripod? Thanks!
No this wasn't fixed. It's less of a problem on a good tripod as the tripod will be stable and secure so you can probably disable the stabilisation. The problem is when you're handheld but take advantage of a resting on a fairly secure surface...the camera then thinks you don't need the stabilisation anymore and turns it off which can change a steady zoom shot into a wobbly mess.
They do need to add a permanently on option.
Thaks for your answer!!! I really appresciate your videos!!! I bought it few days ago, so I'm waiting for it! On a tripod I think I won't use the zoom that much so it's fine for me! I read that another guy put the stabilization control inside custom button so he said he can re-activate quickly when turns off. Of course It should not do that but I suppose Sony as all the others companies do not want to make the perfect camera, but push people to buy next ones that come out with "magically" new options that they could have put before! Many customers bought it to make very far zoom footages and I wouldn't buy it for that! At that point is better buy a mirrorless with lens 300mm and that's it....yeah :-) sure....1k more for that!!!
I have a variable ND filter that I put on my AX-53 and it works well. Just set the shutter speed (1/48 for 24p) manually so it doesn't go crazy by itself, turn on the filter setting in the camera so the edges aren't darkened, set the gain to 0 and it works really well outdoors. There is still a teeny bit of noise for whatever reason but I get rid of that easily by using Neat Video noise correction. The camera will control the brightness and aperture (which will usually be around 2.0-2.8), and you can kind of trick the camera into doing what you want with those settings by turning the variable ND. With all the settings I am able to get great bokeh and image quality out of this consumer camera.
+Steven Dawdy Thanks Steven. Sounds like a really good usage example to get the best out of the camera. The image quality really is superb.
interesting. you have a link to that variable ND filter??
Can you record while the camcorder is powered from an external power source (the 5V input)? I'm thinking about this model for recording 2hour+ interviews/debates.
Yes. It's great for this. Also, the HDMI output is clean so you can feed an external recorder with the power connected and leave it on all day,
Fantastic, thanks for the info!
Cool thanks!
Thank you for insights into this camera they have been incredibly helpful as we have been getting set up with them (we just purchased two for our studio).
Two questions that Sony could not answer.
1: Multi Cam Control works when controlling with a camera, but you can not multi cam control the FDR-AX53 with the iPhone app, it will only control 1 camera at a time. Have you experienced this?
2: For low light shooting, turning on "Lux Light" i the only options (if needed)?
1. Sorry, I have no experience with using the app so can't answer that.
2. Yes, if you're after a switch to give the highest gain possible. I would personally use the 'Max AGC' setting to maybe set to 18dB so that low light, while still visible, also still looks like low light on camera. Depends on what you're after.
Thank you for the reply and I appreciate your expertise! We will try your suggestion on low light and after further research on multicam it appears that we are correct about the app, it will only operate (1) FDR-AX53 at a time, but the FDR-AX53 can internally multicam up to (5) cameras.
We finally got a chance to use the cameras for recording and speaking gig this weekend and at first glance in editing we are very satisfied with them. We (like you) were upgrading from multiple iPhone 7plus as well as collection of HDR-CX220 (that were purchased years ago as disposable handy cams for live stage shots). We also used Adorama's Hammer and Anvil stereo shot gun mic on one to A/B against the AX-53's HD only 5.1 surround. Thank you and we look forward to more of your videos!!!
What lavalier did you use for this?
Thank you for this video!
You can just take off the battery if you dont want to turn it on
+Bas Kolthof True enough :-) . It would be nice for this to be a selectable option though. If I want to look at some clips, it would be nice not to power up the camera and gimbal only to switch modes. Not a big deal really. Just a nice one to have.
Great review, thanks!
LIST it so we can save 10 mins
Or you could just go and find out somewhere else! When someone has taken the time to put this together the least you could do if you had nothing positive to say was shut up.
Can you pls recommend a good and cheap microphone for this cam?:)
How cheap is cheap? I would go with a Rode Videomic (less compact but tried and tested and widely used and respected) or the Sennheiser MKE 400 (super compact, great quality and uses standard batteries not the silly 9V thing in the Rode). They're both £100+ which is not expensive to get good audio when you compare to the price of the camera but may be more than you're looking to pay. The Azden SMX-10 is also a nice mic and you should be able to pick this up for £80 or less.
Great thank you :)
Thanks a whole bunch.. You saved me $900..
Well, I imagine that's a good thing :-). It's an amazing camera so I'm curious to know, which one of these bad points was the deciding factor for you?
I love most the features, but I work with a bunch of pro video people and am afraid they'd make fun of me because of the power switch situation and the constraints on manual controls. I figure I will save up more money and keep researching. I may have to step up to the $1500-2k range.
PXW-X70? I'd love to have a go with one of those. So portable but a pro level camera.
Thank you. Thank you. Kenneth Branagh. ;)
You're welcome!
Does this camera have a date and time stamp embedded on the video?
No. Not possible to add this into the video that I'm aware of but there are a number of options around timecode and userbit.
What mic is attached to your jumper?
Sennheiser ME-2.
Thanks for that. Just checking the audio that's all. I am guessing it was connected to the AX53?
Yes. Experience since owning the camera and doing this video suggests that the input isn't amazing quality but it's much better than the onboard mic in most cases and is perfectly fine for most cases.
Thanks for that. Most helpful.
I'm going on an adventure
Er...OK. :-) With this camera?
tdcat.com
Nope, hahaha, I see your video for the first time and I think you looked like Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman).
That's why I said that
Hehe! Fair enough. No-one has said that before but it's not the worst thing in the world so I'll take that! :)
the quality is so much worse once i transfer it to my computer, idk why
In what way is it worse? What's different?
@@tdcattech When i watch it on the screen on the camera it looks perfect, when i connect the camera into my 4k tv through a wire it looks perfect, but once i plug the sd card into my macbook pro it looks terrible, looks like 480p with a lot of blurring. I think something is wrong with the sd card
Just bought this FDR AX-53. Didn't realise the inbuilt stabilisation deactivates on a tripod but that would explain the shake I was getting in light wind with it fitted to a Manfroto action tripod. What video editing software would you recommend? Ideally looking software with in build stabilisation tool to get rid of the shake and knocks to the tripod.
Good to hear bro, usually reviewers provide only the good stuff, whereas your review helps people to look at the bad points and then decide whether that affects their usage or not prior to buying. Loved your views and comments. thanks
change sd card,,, file number always starts w c0001,,,, sony is screwed in brain
It's good the camera powers up so you don't miss the shot. It's no big deal to switch off?
I must admit that I have got used to it. It's more of an annoyance now but you're right as far as start up times go. It does make it very fast.