Exploring Sony camcorder menus on an AXP33 (AX33 AX53)

[@Bushchannel]

Great vid man. I've now returned to your video a few times, I wish you had time stamps in your description to sort this video into clickable chapters.

[@UKAirscape]

Thank you. That's not a bad idea. Maybe if I get time (don't hold your breath!)

[@Bushchannel]

Hey man, I just bought a Rode Stereo Video Mic Pro for my Sony AX-53. Have you got any videos regarding operating on camera mics? Could be a good topic, knowing which settings to use is tricky.

[@UKAirscape]

Not for the stereo Videomic, no. But there aren't that many settings, are there??

[@Bushchannel]

No not many settings on the Rode. But I meant, do you have any videos regarding using external mics attached to cameras.

[@UKAirscape]

Ah, I see. No I don't. Just plug them in, set the mic output (if it can be adjusted) as high as it can go without distorting, set the camcorder input as high as it can go also without heading into distortion (and make sure you leave enough "headroom" for any unexpected peaks in the sound, typically when people start a sentence or when they use plosive sounds like "p" or "t"). Better to have it a bit quiet than too loud because once sound has been recorded distorted there's essentially nowt you can do to fix it.

[@Allottedaaron]

I have been using my FDR-AXP33 for a while now and am really pleased with it. It is my first camcorder ever and so I don't have anything to compare it to. I am still learning all the various menus and settings but I have learned enough that I can film outside and get results that please me. I too find the menu interface fiddly but I am that person who doesn't really understand photography so its auto settings help me a lot whilst I am learning. I can see that in time I will outgrow it but for now I can't help but think that it was made with people like me in mind. There are some other things as well, such as the on board microphones which are quite stunningly good and the steady shot technology which never ceases to blow me away at how good it is. All in all I find it an amazing machine, and this video really helped me understand it better so many thanks for taking the time. It is greatly appreciated.

[@UKAirscape]

Thanks. I agree about the mics. In my recent review of Rode's VideoMicro mic, I tested it on the AXP and was surprised at how good the onboard mics did in comparison. A rare treat on a camcorder.

[@jibester1]

Wow! What a great explanation of the menu settings. I just bought an AX53 and this was extremely useful. I have watched it twice and I am sure I will refer back to it. I wish all YT videos were this useful. Thanks.

[@UKAirscape]

Glad you liked it, cheers :-)

[@RickMenHome]

Ditto. Just got the ax53 and this video is very helpful. Thanks.

[@perrythorvig6446]

I've got a Sony cx675 that I've had for almost two years. I have been confused about various menu items and have been looking for some explanation. This is the best video that I've found. Thank you so much.

[@PhannyObsession]

I was looking for ages for a Menu run-through. So much so that I was thinking of doing my own!! Then, I found yours. Good job!

[@UKAirscape]

Ah! Good. Cheers :-)

[@dramaqueen3306]

A thousand times thank you for this video. Just bought the Sony AX53 and had not a clue on what the screen settings meant, or how to change them. Now I do. Having some control and knowledge of my new camera is a wonderful thing.

[@MelconWagner]

I love this! It is my "go-to" video for reacquainting myself to the settings. I am so thankful to UKAirscape for making this treasured resource.

[@UKAirscape]

Thank you!

[@GBLynden]

I have a feeling that I will do that too. Lots of great info!

[@hdskousen]

What a pleasant surprise your video turned out to be! I've had my AX33 for over a year and continually fought the settings. You covered it all--just what I needed to love my camera all that much more. And there's something about a British accent that just kind of makes me relax and enjoy! Thanks for a great, informative video. Sony should post this on their website!

[@UKAirscape]

Haha, thank you! Glad it was useful. Cheers.

[@iantroup]

Thanks for a great video, I took delivery of this camcorder yesterday. I wasn't looking forward to wading through the 329 page manual. Your explanation is very clear & concise & gave me all the information I require to get started. Thanks again.

[@UKAirscape]

Glad it helped! I've never yet read a camcorder manual that actually helped anyone to use the darned thing :-)

[@Snowvdo]

Great portable camera for video and stills. My primary use is video but when I'm in need to capture a few photos, this camera will give you what you need. I always keep my flash available with this camera so my pics can give me the pop of color I need.

[@RPDCH1]

Just bought a Sony AX 53 and this was a fantastic help ! Many thanks for taking the time to do this. A great resource.

[@goodairin]

I found your video very helpful in the past; now I'm back. I left my Sony FDR-AX53 in storage for so long, I forgot how to use it. Thank you so much for this excellent "refresher." It covers exactly what I need to go out there and capture the world once again!

[@UKAirscape]

Excellent! Glad to hear it. Have fun :-)

[@PlanetImo]

I have the FDR Ax43 and have recently got a Rode Wireless and I've been having terrible trouble with getting consistent volume and tone out of it. This has given me lots to be going on with and I bet it will make a huge difference as it's taught me lots. Thanks so much!

[@UKAirscape]

Glad it helped!

[@hypnosiscenternyc]

Great video. Nice and concise. Not boring like the other half dozen tutorials I fell asleep on. You're good. Thanks

[@UKAirscape]

Cheers

[@stevemcdonald1033]

Thank you, David. You've made things much easier for me in trying to make sense of Sony's often inscrutable menu system. And I have decided that choosing the EV compensation (AE Shift) makes the best use of Sony's stingy allocation of one manual exposure-related control. I've noted that you not only have to select manual AE Shift, but then you have to go farther into the menu and assign that function to the control ring. I've just become the owner of an AX53 and despite it being a 4-year old model, I think it's the best for my purposes. But it doesn't appear so far, that there's any way to make a video recording time readout appear as you're shooting.

[@user-jx3jp3gb4x]

what a nice level headed job you did on this video ! Thank you! I am now more familiar with my new FDR-AX53.

[@UKAirscape]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Frank.Steenkiste]

This is a video I am going to keep! Much better than the manual! I own a AX-53, this video makes it so much fun! Big hug brother {}

[@UKAirscape]

Thank you!

[@CAV3MAN227]

Thank you for this video. Really helped me out learning the settings in the AX33 camcorder.

[@motunesmusicandvisuals]

This video was extremely helpful. I just picked up this camera, and your video was a great introduction to how I should set it up. Much appreciated!

[@UKAirscape]

Excellent! Glad to hear it.

[@vanged2468]

Thank goodness for your video, I nearly sent it back to Currys because the audio was so bad, the manual setting made a huge difference!

[@UKAirscape]

Glad to have helped!

[@mcc9887]

A good way to get a depth of field and keep your shutter speed, is to go to scene selection choose portrait and this will blur out the back ground.... Many thanks for this tutorial..very usefull

[@mcc9887]

have commented before but will again,,, ,,i bought one today £699 from curyys that include an extra battery and a case so pretty good value ,,,i had to refined this film as it is by far the most helpful on youtube ....so thankyou again ...

[@AlainTrentini]

I bought my AX53 yesterday and it was very interesting, much more entertaining than reading the manual :) Not sure yet tho how to make some infrared footage.

[@UKAirscape]

Glad you liked it, cheers. Have fun!

[@tollbar5468]

As usual another thoroughly informative tutorial - great stuff. Also; what I find equally annoying, besides the lack of full manual control (outrageous), is the fact that if in either aperture or shutter priority the cam doesn't show the corresponding auto-set shutter or aperture readout at the same time. The combined exposure combination only show as an OSD in playback mode.

[@joelprestonsmith]

From ClaudeAI: "The "adjust interval of track" menu item on digital video cameras typically refers to a feature related to time-lapse photography or interval shooting. This feature allows you to set the camera to automatically capture images or short video clips at predetermined time intervals. Here's what this feature is generally used for: Time-lapse photography: By setting the camera to take photos at regular intervals (e.g., every 30 seconds or every 5 minutes), you can create a time-lapse video that shows slow processes sped up dramatically. This is often used for capturing things like cloud movements, plant growth, or construction projects. Interval shooting for video: Some cameras allow you to record short video clips at set intervals, which can be used to create interesting effects or to document long-term processes without using excessive storage space. Stop-motion animation: By setting short intervals between shots, you can easily capture a series of images for stop-motion animation projects. Long-term monitoring: In some cases, this feature might be used for surveillance or long-term observation of a scene, capturing images periodically over an extended period."

[@brandurteitsson9887]

Good video. Just got a sony ax53 and this video really helped me with the settings

[@UKAirscape]

Great. It's a good little camcorder!

[@ottiliedotzenrod531]

Thank you very much for this video. I have bookmarked your video and will return to it over and over again. I made a checklist about the items you talked about. Sorry for my English, its lon ago since I learnt it at school.

[@UKAirscape]

Cheers

[@ajarnlucky1807]

Thank you very much. I bought an AX 55, the menu is the same. Very steep learning curve and very frustrating when trying to change settings, sometimes several settings can be changed in manual, sometimes only one, no idea why. Thanks to your informative video I now understand a lot more about the camera. There are so many variables and cannot on this setting or that setting it really was very confusing and made my head spin.

[@CaptnJackHammer]

Hi there, your vlog is a fantastic tutorial. Looking forward to seeing more. I have returned many times to help me setup my AX53

[@UKAirscape]

Great; thanks

[@HelmCast]

Great vid ! I watched everything, and now my cam is really clear issue to me :) great job !

[@UKAirscape]

Thank you

[@Megamare1]

Useful info. & very similar menus on the FDR Ax-100...thanks 💯👌🏽

[@jacquijohnm4554]

Very useful, particularly when comparing this with the Panasonic HC-WXF1/VXF1 range, which seem to have a far better menu navigation system and can be set to full manual control. Pity that the HD performance of the Panasonic is not that good, compared with their previous HD only models (fast bit rate modes do nothing except consume the memory card faster!).

[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

Thanks a lot. This was just what I was looking for!

[@UKAirscape]

Good!

[@44Mag]

Great video. I shoot RC airplanes on my channel, and I picked up a used AX53 to try and get better footage to post. Your video helped sort a few things out I had questions about. - Thank you.

[@UKAirscape]

Glad it helped

[@MK-xl8ym]

Thanks a lot for all this, makes everything so much clearer.

[@UKAirscape]

Glad it helped

[@hardhitter0421]

Very appreciative here mate....Some of the menu features have not been included in my early Sony camcorders, I am a Sony fan and own four cameras/camcorders combined. Seems these features really didn't need to be in my AX and some are true upgrades. Thx

[@UKAirscape]

Glad it was useful, cheers

[@MattMicucci]

Oh...I wish you would have clicked on the audio level just for a second! That's really the reason I watched the entire video...I need to see if and how you can adjust audio levels in-camera while recording.

[@UKAirscape]

On which Sony cam particularly?

[@frankcanha]

Very useful, thank you very much sir! 👍 I recently got a Sony HDR PJ-810.

[@travelmoto]

Many thanks

[@edkoenig5397]

WELL DONE! Thank you indeed very useful and easy to understand you. Great reference.

[@sentfrom4477]

Jolly useful since the instruction manual provided with the camcorder is very short. Thank you.

[@THE-50CENT-SHOW]

Good video! Just bought this camera.

[@UKAirscape]

Thanks. Have fun!

[@gabaktech]

great video as usual. i got one but it has no IR remote control can i get one? or i must use my cellphone for that?

[@UKAirscape]

I don't think they offer a dedicated IR remote so yes it would probably have to be wifi control although I can't remember if it's any good on the AX33.

[@gabaktech]

UKAirscape i had a pocket camera sony mark 3 and i could control it using multi output or micro usb i guess an external control remote. facing the camera it seem to have some IR sensor if you see.

[@Snowvdo]

GabakTech - Cursos de Computación y Tecnología iPhone will control the zoom feature for stills and video.

[@geraldkyle5819]

Thank You. That was very good for me and my new camera.

[@UKAirscape]

Great!

[@красивыеитальянскиевиды]

Great video! The best of all! Only that I'm Italian and it was difficult to me to understand the part where you speak about the iris and exposure... Basically what do I have to do? Do I have to enable iris or not? Thank you for help

[@alexaraenicole]

Great video and I will return to it to go over it again. Thank you, much easier than the manuel

[@UKAirscape]

Glad it helped. Cheers.

[@FloraDoehler]

Thank you SO MUCH! I just got mine 10 days ago and really needed this tutorial to get me up and running. I've bookmarked your video and will be returning to it. I will be using imovie to edit. Do you have any recommendations for mac software?

[@UKAirscape]

Thanks. Other than imovie, Mac people seem to love FCP X once they get used to it.

[@alexisshaffer832]

Explained very well, extremely informative.

[@UKAirscape]

Glad you liked it

[@gabaktech]

one more question sony fdr-ax33 how to disable demo mode ??? i want to use it with my ATEM video switcher and i don't want DEMO crap and turning off my camera ;-) i disabled the power save mode and even that , i still got that issue

[@UKAirscape]

I seem to recall there's a dedicated menu option for turning demo mode on and off. It should be off when you bought it so I'm surprised you're having trouble with it!

[@gabaktech]

UKAirscape i tried to search on google and i don't anywhere where to disable it. it is quite annoying. If you see it online please would you be so kind to send it to me. thank you in advance

[@UKAirscape]

MENU -> Setup -> Spanner icon -> DEMO MODE switch to OFF

[@gabaktech]

UKAirscape thank you i ll try that.

[@UKAirscape]

Did it work?

[@travelmoto]

Anybody knows what program to download (for windows PC) to be able to see the thumpnails from AVCHD videos? when I want to find one video I need to click to each video to see what it is about and thats sucks

[@UKAirscape]

I think there's a setting in Windows for that, isn't there? Otherwise try VLC.

[@travelmoto]

Just tried the VLC player and it doesnt show the icon again, strange... there must be a solution

[@mixwizard2310]

By gum - you just saved me from having a safety valve fitted to me head....wonderfully descriptive and informing presentation....great presenting style, you are a true pro....I must say after owning many of the recent Panasonic plasticky handycams this Sony FDR-AX33 is a heavy beast when used one handed, I have yet to try it out in the field so your explanation of the Menu system was most helpful....Thank You.

[@UKAirscape]

Glad you liked it, cheers.

[@Johannes19able]

Great video! I have learned a lot about my Sony. Thank you!

[@UKAirscape]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ChadChristian]

What is the best way to get that bokeh effect when shooting videos and close ups on objects? I use the AX55 for tech videos.

[@UKAirscape]

Quite tricky with the little AX camcorders as they don't have much shallow depth of field. Either go *really* close so it goes into macro mode, in which case everything more than a few cm away will be out of focus - this only works on small objects else they'll fill the entire screen - or go a long way away, zoom in a lot and make sure there's a lot of distance between what you're filming and the background. Try to keep the iris as wide open as possible (unfortunately, this lens closes down when you zoom so it's a bit contradictory)

[@ChadChristian]

Thank you. I have been messing around with going in really close today and it looks like it will work. I will do everything else I need in post. Thanks for the quick response!

[@redsrollingnow1]

A very useful video . . . . thank you!

[@lukec7921]

Fantastic video very useful!

[@DantheProduceMan]

Thank you for the detailed video. I've been having a problem with my camera shutting off when I press the record button. Do you know of any fix for this?

[@UKAirscape]

That's an odd one. Other than the camcorder simply being faulty the only thing I could thing of is that the battery is flat so as soon as you press record, the drain on it causes the camera to switch off.

[@DantheProduceMan]

@@UKAirscape Thank you, it only happens in 4K mode

[@nyhhak]

Really good and helpful ! Clever instructor ! I would also like to say that your English is perfect :-)

[@UKAirscape]

Thank you :-)

[@FredWilbury]

Thanks for this I’ve just bought a cheap Sony hdr cx240e....not a touch screen but works the same as you say some of the options a bit annoying..thanks for showing.....fred

[@GBLynden]

Good stuff sir! Big like for your efforts.

[@UKAirscape]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ObservingBeauty]

Great video and still relevant... can you say anything (or point to another video) about the difference in video quality between their 4K and FHD (other then resolution of course), more towards noise etc

[@tristanmckenzie1623]

What audio sounds better in your opinion, 5.1 surround channel which gathers sound in 5 different directions or 2 ch? I do understand you can only have it on 5.1 surround mode on AVDHD mode. I would be using this camera for the outdoors

[@UKAirscape]

5.1 would inherently sound "better" due to recording more aspects of the soundscape but it depends on your audience having the correct equipment to play it back. For most everyday purposes, stereo would be fine and what much video is viewed as. This then gives you the flexibility to choose the better video format.

[@leonardhenry180]

BRILLIANT AND WELL DONE LEARNT ALOT HERE

[@UKAirscape]

Great, thanks

[@mycustomswagronniebates9439]

Great video. I was hoping to discover WHY my camera takes a picture every time before I start recording.

[@UKAirscape]

My only guess would be that you’re accidentally touching the stills button on top next to the zoom rocker maybe?

[@artur1987r]

If you plug camera to TV with HDMI, monitor in camera Off? If i plug HDMi to monitor i will be see all system icons?

[@UKAirscape]

I do not know, sorry. I have not tried it.

[@RedHeifer]

Hola. Cuando lo conectas en HDMI no sale los iconos, y para evitar que se apague la cámara se tiene que desactivar el ahorro de energía.

[@boxleyroadstudios3286]

Very useful walk through. Thank you. The 70%Caucasian skin tone tip was new to me. Do you have any other videos which would take a relative newcomer to videography through fundamental framing and shooting tips? For example, should I pan left to right or right to left, when does zooming work well, what works well when framing a shot, what's the effect of different shutter speeds, how do I pull focus, what about a polariser.? Those kind of things. Shooting professional looking video 101! Thanks again. Robin

[@UKAirscape]

I don't have any such videos really; there's my fuller Zebra bars explanation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKCbZ5mmm96sq6c and one about connecting up XLR mics on my other channel at kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH61l6Cqm9l6i7s But in brief, and from the beginners perspective: both panning and zooming should always be used sparingly, especially zooming because it's not something the eye does naturally (you walk forward to "zoom") and too much camera movement just makes the viewer feel sick and distracts from the shot. As a general rule of thumb - all rules can be broken of course but this is for beginners - cameras should have minimal movement and the action should take place in front of them. Remember the camera represents the viewer's eye so if it's moving all over the place (like most home videos) then you end up disorientated as you watch. Panning can work if you have a distinct start and end point (that's crucial; just panning randomly is pointless). Likewise zooms should be in to focus in on a specific item or out to reveal a specific shot. But go slowly and use sparingly. Shutter should largely be left fixed, at 1/50th for PAL countries (Europe, Australia etc), 1/60th for USA. If you increase shutter speed, movement begins too look jerky. Slow it down and everything gets too blurred. Don't use shutter for exposure as you would on a stills camera. Better to use iris, gain (aka ISO) and ND filters. You pull focus by starting in focus on one item and changing focus until a nearer or further object becomes sharp. LIke pans and zooms, you need to have a definite start and end point.

[@UKAirscape]

Oh, and framing - which loads of people get wrong, including professionals - there are loads of "rules" but the most oft-quoted is the rule of thirds (Google it). I don't quite buy it because I often think eyes should be slightly lower and further in than strictly on the line but as a good starting point, it works well.

[@peterdepippo8281]

Well done. Thanks. I'm using the US version FDR ax53. Any additional info for this camera. Also, you checked the ver. number. If out of date, how do you get updates to the camera? Thanks again. PeterD

[@UKAirscape]

The menus are pretty much identical on the AX53 as I recall. Updates are from the Sony website.

[@DanChanPiano]

I have a Sony PJ-790 with many of these same menu items. The operating guide is comically vague when describing how to use individual settings. i.e. "White Balance - Adjusts the white balance". Thanks for this video.

[@UKAirscape]

Hahaha that is brilliant!!

[@checkedholidays]

I have what looks like a guy walking with a suitcase behind it on my dispaly. I have no idea what they mean or where they are coming from . It's the ax53 ... any ideas what it is?

[@blackvulcan100]

Excellent,thank you I learned more from this than any other videos on the AX 53.I have just bought one and I am getting to know it better every day.Would be good to be able to control the camera from a smart phone ?

[@UKAirscape]

I vaguely recall something about being able to do that but it's not something I've ever needed to do.

[@blackvulcan100]

Thanks, Like I said I have only just got the camera gives me something to do these dark cold days ( I am semi retired ) so no work until late Spring.

[@ernieluckhardt8584]

Excellent Video

[@dtaboso]

Hi, I had bought one week ago Sony AX33, when I record I have on LCD left 3 icons (zoom macro, zoom tele and rec), is there any way disabled those icons? regards

[@UKAirscape]

I don't think you can disable them but you can choose which functions to have there from a menu of options.

[@honestdez]

thank you, you taught me about my camcorder

[@UKAirscape]

Great! Cheers

[@enzoprincipe3606]

Hello good afternoon. Congratulations on your tutorials. I wanted to ask you for a little help on the sony fdr-ax33 camera. Question: Can I connect it to my PC and turn it into a webcam for a live Facebook? I'm not very practical and I wanted to get help as I can't find anything about it. Thank you in advance and sincere congratulations indeed.

[@UKAirscape]

Not directly; the video output of the camcorder is by HDMI so you will need to add an HDMI capture device to your PC to bring the video and sound in. There are some very cheap ones on Amazon for as little as £10-£20 and these do work (I have one) but you may find the sound is a little out of sync with the picture; in software such as OBS this can be adjusted for but if using the camcorder directly into Facebook, I'm not sure any adjustment can be made. More expensive (£100?) HDMI capture devices (such as the Elgato CamLink) should be in sync from the outset so if you have the cash, are probably a better purchase. You will also need an HDMI cable to connect the camcorder to the capture card of course (full size HDMI at one end, micro HDMI for the camcorder end)

[@MecCreativeStudio]

nice video and very helpful, thank you for your time.

[@click789101112]

What I'm not seeing, unless I just missed it, is any way to add any kind of exposure compensation (knowing Sony, its probably well-hidden on the menu!). My DSLRs can shoot with +/- 3 EV of compensation, and even film cameras as far back as the 1970s or 1980s had this too. Is there a way to brighten my video by a stop or so?

[@UKAirscape]

Not hidden, in fact I have it assigned to one of the on-screen "quick buttons", you can set it to +/-2. It's in the "camera/mic" settings, labelled "AE shift"

[@click789101112]

Oh now I see it! Thank you! I must've missed it before because I was concentrating on the Manual settings above it. Yes, its probably a good candidate for one of the quick buttons, or even for the manual ring.

[@travelmoto]

Thank you for your help

[@UKAirscape]

Cheers

[@nonoyfroilan6933]

I wish that you could have explain more time on the manual ring setting at 29:29

[@chantalpique]

I have a SONY CX 405, AND MY MENU BUTTON DOESN'T WORK, WHAT I DID DO WRONG, and also, how to stay on the continuous recording? Another Question, I'm shooting food dishes for the KZbin videos, and I also need longer hours, what kind of camcorder would you suggest? There is one of the Canon 4K VIXIA HFG50 CAN be RECORDING MORE THAN 12 HOURS, Also, the COLOR COMPARE TO SONY VS CANON, SONY HAS a kind cold OF BLUE tones, and CANON HAS MORE OF ARTISTIC natural COLOR. I would appreciate your responses in advance!

[@UKAirscape]

I've no idea about the menu button and don't know what you mean about the continuous recording. The camcorder should shoot continuously until the memory card is full provided you supply it with power. What kind of shooting requires 12 hours?!!

[@carstenwilliams7733]

We record about 30 minutes and it turns off every time and it doesn't stay on do it turn it back on do you have any idea why I keep turning off on us

[@TaylorWrightWX]

Wow! I've been trying to figure out why my zoomed video is so horrible looking with this camera, even with digital zoom turned off, and it had to be because I had my stabilizer set to active. I'll be testing this out to see if there is any difference. Thanks for the video! PS, if you want to see videos of tornadoes shot with this camera check out my channel.

[@UKAirscape]

For a peculiar moment I misread that as "tomatoes" and wondered why on earth you were filming those...

[@MarylandCloakedSinger]

Thanks, so much, very informative!

[@jloza9840]

Hi great video! I have a question, what are the best settings for depth of field you would use on this camera. Thank you.

[@UKAirscape]

For depth of field on any camera you need the iris as wide open as possible (as far as is practicable), use the zoom, and have as much distance between camera, subject and background as possible.

[@ElErranteVapeador]

Hey Mate, that was a great video! Thanks! What would you recommend in order to get the best of depth of field possible? I know this camera is not the best for that, but maybe there is a way to achieve some sort of nice depth of field. Thanks in advance!

[@UKAirscape]

Shallow depth of field (which is what I presume you mean) is achieved by a combination of a) wide iris, b) long zoom, c) distance between camera, subject and background. Unfortunately on most camcorders, zooming in closes down the iris so you're fighting against yourself. Nonetheless, you need to stand back so that you can zoom in, use manual iris and open it to the max, and put as much distance between the subject and the backdrop as you can.

[@ElErranteVapeador]

Thank you so much for your answer! I will try that, although I don't have very high expectations to be honest. But anyways thanks a lot mate! :)

[@JoeBlac]

You can use 'Portrait' mode (Menu > Camera/Mic > Scene Selection > Portrait) to make the camera prioritise a wider aperture. Manually set the frame rate as required. The camera will use gain to get the exposure it thinks is right, so you might need to set the 'AGC Limit' to keep it in check.

[@frankmessely2156]

thanks! Where can I see I'm filming at 100fps (slow motion)? When I select 'Image Size', 'Frame Rate', it only shows 25p in 4K and 25i,25p,50p in AVCHD.

[@bikdav]

Is there a way to bring up a counter? I like to have a time counter going while recording. My previous camcorder had that by default.

[@TAPPChannel]

do you guys have that shakiness on that camera??? It work like there is no gimbal in that lens...

[@UKAirscape]

Do you mean when it's mounted on a tripod and you try to adjust the controls? This is a well-documented bug with the AX53 / AX55 range of camcorders and yes, we see it.

[@ashscott6068]

There is a firmware update to fix that

[@Erich_U]

I wonder if the current firmware verion 1.02 fixed the auto/manual problem you mention around the 19:00 mark?

[@UKAirscape]

What did at I say at that point, I can't remember?

[@Erich_U]

That if you change the exposure manually, followed by changing, for example, the shutter speed, the exposure goes back to auto, and vice versa.

[@UKAirscape]

I'm pretty certain that's not altered; it's a fairly standard method of operation for Sony's consumer-level camcorders. Not something they'd "fix" as they don't see it as broken.

[@ohshowproductionsllc]

Wonderful video, really appreciate the indepth explanation. We purchased a Pixel 50-Channel Professional UHF Wireless Lavalier Microphone System, will this work with this camcorder, and have you tried to use an external wireless lavaliere with it? Thanks for the video!

[@UKAirscape]

I have used the Rode Filmmaker kit wireless but I have never heard of a "Pixel 50 channel" kit so cannot comment on that, unfortunately. If it has a standard unbalanced 3.5mm stereo or dual mono TRS jack output at typical mic levels then it should work.

[@ohshowproductionsllc]

Thanks for the reply @@UKAirscape . I would assume it would work, after watching your video.

[@frallebuppen]

Great instruction for my AX53

[@Tritonprince]

Hello UK. I own the FDR AX53. I shot vid images on a 64GB 80mb Sandiisk XC (1)(10) and now I can’t locate the vid images on the camcorder. Is there a secret compartment holding the images or did they delete when I changed to “Still images?”

[@UKAirscape]

No, they'll still be there unless you formatted the card or had a card error. They're either in the AVCHD folder or the MP4 folder If you're putting the card into a computer, just drill down a bit with File Explorer (or whatever the Mac equivalent is if you're on a Mac) and you'll find them. If you're trying to watch them on the camcorder itself, you have to have the format set to the same as the files you want to view eg it hides the AVCHD files if the camcorder's set to mp4 (4K or XAVCS mode) and vice versa.

[@larrymasterspowerbuildingc4477]

UKAirscape I bought the same camcorder --FDR AX53-- a month ago and I am going to be recording my Spanish class for a wix website to catalog the lectures. I plan on setting the camera basically to the settings that you prescribe in this instructional video. I will be recording in a standard 20x20 classroom. Does that sound like a good strategy? And what mode do I need to be shooting in so that it will upload to Wix? And am I right to think that if I shoot in 4K what I shoot will not upload to KZbin? Also I am going to be doing some recording outside and in the gym for my channel. Which mic(s) do you prefer for loud gyms and/or to deaden the sound of wind? This was the video that I needed to see so I can get over the learning hump. Thank you again for giving me a great start. All the best and I look forward to learning more from you.

[@larrymasterspowerbuildingc4477]

If I may ask, What did you find out, Sir? I have the same camcorder and I am ready to begin learning how to use it. Thank you for any help you may be able to provide.

[@UKAirscape]

Lawrence, KZbin is happy to accept 4K files (but they will be very large). To record lectures with good audio, you will need a wireless microphone to clip to the person speaking, and a receiver on the camcorder. If the camcorder is simply in the same room, the audio will be far too distant to be good quality. All microphones need to be reasonably close to their subject to sound any good. I have no experience of Wix so cannot comment on what format they need for videos. You will need a furry windjammer, sometimes called a "deadcat" to go over the microphone when shooting in windy conditions. My preferred tiny mic for the AX53 is the Rode VideoMicro, which comes with a windjammer.

[@larrymasterspowerbuildingc4477]

Thank you so much for the information I am purchasing the RVM and Deadkitten, but you mentioned that you would need a mic to clip to the speaker, what mic would you recommend for that? I sit in the front row so I may be able to get some decent audio, but I want to get the mic for the professor. Thank you again so much for responding. This is fun. And as far as stepping up the quality of cam, you mentioned that if you want to adjust things on the FDR-AX53 it goes into commercial mode and just gives you what you think it needs. For an amateur but a budding enthusiast like me, what would be the next non-commercial/comparable $$ 4K camcorder that can do time lapse without having to use Adobe Final Cut Pro to link together all the clips?

[@completepreservation]

Fantastic video that has helped me out :)

[@andrewferguson2249]

That was very helpful. Thank you!

[@UKAirscape]

Great! Cheers

[@WheresBal]

Thanks for the tutorial. It's a big help. Just got the AX53. Love the quality. Mine seems not to always retain memory settings. For example, if a new memory card is used, the filename number is reset to C0001. Or if I delete a video, the next recorded video reuses the deleted filename. Or my shutter speed is set to manual and if I go to view the playback, it changes to auto sometimes. Got any suggestions for this?

[@UKAirscape]

The first two are standard behaviour; the last one is odd and I don't have a suggestion, sorry!

[@WheresBal]

Thank you for replying!! I reset my camera to see if it will fix things. It was frustrating having to turn back cinematone on or seeing 4k videos in playback when I was shooting in hd. At least sometimes it remembers the shutter speed number when I switch between frame rates or modes. Although it's brand new, the lens shutter was opened. I thought maybe it was mishandled.

[@familiaazuaje941]

Greetings very interesting, since I have an Ax33 camcorder, I would like to ask a question; How do I blur the background with this equipment? And how do I get pictures without so much noise? thanks and congratulations

[@UKAirscape]

Noise is introduced when there is insufficient light so add more light or film in brighter environments (the camera footage looks best when filmed outside in good daylight). It's very hard to get background blur with small-sensor cameras like this which reduce the iris the more you zoom - but you need to put as much distance between the subject and the background as possible, and zoom in to the subject as much as possible (you may have to stand further away to achieve this) and this will blur the background.

[@familiaazuaje941]

OK thank you very much. What lenses do you recommend me to buy? or that other accessories

[@UKAirscape]

The lens on the camcorder is fixed so there are no lenses to buy for it, though you could look into filters to screw on (eg UV or polarisers or ND). The Rode VideoMicro microphone is an excellent addition for better sound.

[@familiaazuaje941]

Thanks, your information is very useful, you have a new subscriber, any other recommendation for this camera would be useful, I am fond of video and photography

[@flaminski]

Hey, so my new company have this camera, they never used it before, it appears to be a problem in that camera which is basically the camera is stuck on a "Create date, timezone, etc" Menu, the thing is when try to skip or finish the setting it won't display anything, it just keeps me in the timezone menu and I feel like I can't do anything without passing that menu. some co workers say they might be a button that will unlock it and makes everything work, so I was wondering is there a lock button or something to unlock the settings?

[@UKAirscape]

Weird. No, there shouldn't be as far as I'm aware, you just set them and then never worry again unless the little (internal, circuit-board) battery fails. I think you must make sure you have entered everything it wants before it will let you move on, although I also seem to recall you can skip the date/time setting but I don't recall how, sorry.

[@reeteshtimilsina5249]

Thank you

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Excellent

[@wingsoffreedomking8709]

thank you for your video, i didn t catch if you say how to deactived the mic and connect the sony camera to a mixer, i just put the cable in mixer and in camera and i don t receive sound, i receive only a buzz

[@UKAirscape]

I don't quite understand. Are you saying you've plugged the output of a sound mixer into the microphone input on the camcorder? That will absolutely overload the mic input and will likely have the wrong signal format (eg it may well be balanced line output from the mixer which you're feeding into an unbalanced mic input on the camcorder). It's not designed to accept such signals.

[@wingsoffreedomking8709]

@@UKAirscape i used more cable, and yes i put cable on 2 ports in mixer, like rec out or phone, and when i connect to camcorder i don t receive sound, is like is not connected, the cables are not good or i don t know where exactly to connect? i want to receive sound from mixer directly to camcorder when i rec, to have a better sound and not use the mic from camcorder

[@UKAirscape]

As I said, the camcorder is not designed to receive signals from a mixer. It is possible but it would require the correct cables and possibly a converter box to change the signal type and levels. Without seeing the exact setup, it’s impossible to give a solution. You are probably better to record the mixer sound to a suitable audio recorder and then sync it with the camcorder’s sound during editing.

[@donaldmason4959]

Is this the camcorder you use on your canal trips?

[@UKAirscape]

I use the AXP33 at the bow of the boat and the newer AX53 handheld at the back.

[@wildfisher]

Excellent tutorial thank you.