Sony AX Series Camcorders Compared to Sony XDCAM [AX700, Sony HXR-MC88, Sony PXW-Z90V]

[@distantsignal]

Love this video...and I agree with everything you found on the AX700. I shoot train video with mine and it's great for the type of run-and-gun shooting that I do.

[@masiguru9982]

The Sony RM-VPR1 remote provides zoom/power control for the AX33 and most likely the other AX cameras. Probably was not around when this video was recorded.

[@timyarbro4783]

I have owned the ax33 since it first came out. Low light is so so but why I like the evf is if it's a dark room using the evf is not distracting to other people and it lets your battery last longer. I'm ready for an upgrade and the ax700 is looking pretty good. Thanks for all of the information you're providing.

[@PNWSamson]

Awesome, thanks for the help. My AX53 is in the shop so I'm buying a Ax700 for a backup. Excited for the upgrade!

[@PMRTV]

Glad I could help! But your AX53 will be the backup when you get it back. You will love using the AX700!!!

[@kobolila-yt]

Informative, thanks. One note though, if I understood you correctly, at about 12:09, you talk about LANC & how the 700 has the ability to plug in a remote to control the camera which the others do not. Sony has the RM-VPR1 which, from what I have found, will work with at least, the AX53. Supposedly their wireless version, RMT-VP1K will as well. There are 3rd party brands, like JJC, which have wired and wireless versions as well; they all plug into the mini usb shaped multiport next to the Mic in jack.

[@PMRTV]

while that is true, the control is lack luster compared to the LANC connector. Doing super slow zooms (creeping) is about impossible with the other type of zoom controller IMO.

[@philjensen5151]

Really appreciate the great comparison! Excellent work.

[@icecorebaby]

Wish the ax700 had night shot. I have the ax53 but would love the 1 inch chip with night shot

[@joshguacamolean6959]

Is the AX53/AX43 any better than than the CX405 in indoor lighting situations? I’m looking to shoot indoor soccer games.

[@mixflip]

Great video. I want that BOSS for filming at SEMA in Vegas.

[@PMRTV]

That would be cool!

[@davidnelmsesq]

Great information! I have an AX700 and wouldn't trade it. The super slow motion makes it hard to compete with.

[@PMRTV]

Very true!

[@njrivetelite]

Ok so I know this vid is 2yrs old now but I just ordered an AX700. I have a Canon R5 & R6 but for some projects I want an easier quick set up and have always liked Sony cinema cameras.. I do feel a pull towards Sony. Simply because I really enjoy systems that work well together. I do see myself working with cameras like the FX line such as the fx3, fx6 & fx9. My AX700 will help me with the sony menu learning curve.. Im moving more & more of my business into video.

[@StudioGalvan]

Great overview 👍🏼

[@PMRTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@IOOIIIV]

The AX-700 badly needs to be updated to a 60P version.

[@gertsy2000]

Agree. Its 2023, surely they've sorted that all out by now.

[@IOOIIIV]

@@gertsy2000 That’s what I was thinking. But it could be the chip shortage that’s holding things back. I wouldn’t buy a 4K camcorder until a 60 P version comes out.

[@gertsy2000]

@@IOOIIIV In the meantime Pans are out and a dolly seems to be the horizontal move of choice that works much better at low fps. Remember shutter speed should be forced to exactly twice fps for the best results. (It blurs the motion jutter)

[@IOOIIIV]

@@gertsy2000 you can do slow pans, but you’d have to rely on the 7 second rule and the TV’s ability to handle motion and not all TVs are great in that regard. That’s why 60 fps is badly needed.

[@yodailycupotea]

2024 now

[@tonycaudle40]

Thanks for the reviews. I just bought an AX700 to record some league basketball games starting next week.

[@stephenreeve6732]

I have the AX53 but the only difficulty I have is seeing the screen in bright conditions. As you I am a glasses warer and can't see the screen. Do you have any suggestions.

[@PMRTV]

If you have the AX-53, then you can pull out the EVF from the back of the camera and then view from there. That's what its for :)

[@deetee-uk]

Which would be best for shooting wildlife clips?

[@JuanPerez-ql9nt]

This is a fantastic review, very useful. Thank you sir.

[@ahmedchaabane6403]

Besides the AX700 , which Camcorder do you recommend for weddings? AX43/AX53? Thank you!

[@PMRTV]

AX43 more than AX53 as it's better in low light and gives cleaner output.

[@fletchf.fletch3276]

Great video; have had my ax53 for a few years and have never looked back (reformed micro 4/3 user). Have been tempted to buy the a700 for a while but really think for skiing and youth sports I’d miss that BOSS stabilization; your commentary about doing bike shoots reinforced my enthusiasm for that internal gimbal. Love it for that reason. Hoping Sony upgrades their camcorder line at some point (I, too, was reluctant to buy a camera first released in 2015), but this is quality kit that has aged well!

[@PMRTV]

if you can live without the EVF, I find the AX43 to be even better than the AX53. Sony has proven to be very good at working hard to get more out of their sensors, long after they have been out for a few years. This is the case with the AX43.

[@danbilotto7785]

Hi, what is AX43 better than AX53? thank you@@PMRTV

[@JJ-wm9lo]

@@danbilotto7785 good question

[@AngelaADD]

I am looking at buying a used a X 700. I will need to shoot in full HD and would prefer some thing with automatic features. I am looking for something to record interviews of historical importance. Do you think this model is overkill or I should look at something simpler? I am interested in this model because of the low light features and the great lens.

[@juhaaavalaakso455]

Is there coming any new usb-c camcorders?

[@PMRTV]

none that I am aware of

[@gatewaysolo104]

Our very old hvr z5u focus motor died on us. It worked great for our livestream setup since we don't have the best quality lighting. Would the ax43 or the mc88 be a better replacement?

[@cg2439]

Will Sony release an updated version or newer camcorders this year?

[@PMRTV]

I hope so but the chip shortage world-wide won't help us get new products... :(

[@sathir-5990]

Thanks for the video. I thought AX700 also had the gimble until I saw your video. Does AX700 have touch to focus as the canons ? I love that function.

[@PMRTV]

Yes it does

[@mikester1963]

Which one best for live streaming hockey please

[@PMRTV]

Sony just announced two new camcorders that will be available soon. First update in a long time. Wait for one of those if you can.

[@DNKDY55]

thank you for this video! I am considering buying either a ax43a, or an ax700. I will use it primarily for shooting my grandkid's sports, and maybe some grandkids school plays. I don't mind spending the extra money for the ax700, but will the ax43a be the better camcorder for these events?

[@PMRTV]

the AX700 will be better in lower light, but outside, they would be more equal. Remember to shoot great stuff of the kids now for their future wedding videos ;)

[@DNKDY55]

@@PMRTV thank you. I decided on the AX700. I should receive it on Wednesday. Looking forward to taking lots of movies of the grandkids, church, etc.

[@PMRTV]

great! let us know how you like it after you've used it a couple times@@DNKDY55

[@GiuseppeArenaPhoto_Video]

I have a AX53 from more than 1 year and I'm really happy for that. I use frontal ring for exposure control but i'm really dissappoint that when im recording 4K there is no hdmi out, so I can not use an extrwernal monitor to control all. Can you confirm me that on AX700 hdmi out works also during 4k saving? I'm thinking to buy a second hand AX700 to add to my AX53.

[@PMRTV]

typically all sony cameras shut down their internal monitors once you connect up an external one to the hdmi port. it's not just the AX53. You will love the AX700 as it is so much more refined than the smaller camcorders. It has phase detect AF, a larger sensor (1"), and even has logs and S Cinetone. Your AX53 will quickly be relegated to wide shots as your AX700 will become your primary camera instantly.

[@ajambo2010]

Thanks, found the comparison really useful. Currently been creating movies with an iPad and now looking to step it up. I have been looking at the Sony AX43 compared to the Sony ZV E10. My concern with the 43 is that it has been about 5 years since it has been updated. Not interested in photos or vlogging. What are your thoughts between the two for shooting movies?

[@ricr.4669]

different tool different job. I'm still using a Canon 7D for photo work. You can't tell the difference because people views on phones and even you on your ipad

[@FilmingAustralia1623]

I have the ax33 and its fantastic would you say its worth upgrading to the ax700 or should i just stick with the ax33 until sony release a new one.

[@PMRTV]

yes, ax700 gives you a much larger sensor, better low light performance, s-log, and phase detect AF. All of this adds up to a result that is 4-5X better than what you have in the AX33.

[@FilmingAustralia1623]

@@PMRTV Thats interesting i may end up getting one when its time to uprade

[@BobPetrone]

I currently use the Sony FDR-AX53 with an XLR-A2M adaptor. Would my XLR-A2M adaptor work on the Sony FDR - AX700? Does the XLR-K2M have 2 XLR connections? As you mention the gimbal works great on the AX53. I would like to trade up to the FDR 700 but I would miss the gimbal. Thanks

[@PMRTV]

yes, and no. The XLR-K2M will work on the AX-700 no problem but there is no built-in gimbal on that camera. You gain better and faster AF, a much larger 1" sensor, and you get S-log and HLG settings for video though. If your gimbal is a good one and can take the added weight of the AX-700, you might really like it. Otherwise, just stay with what you have.

[@Icelandlover]

I have an older version of the AX700 (about 5-6 years ago). It does not have SDI output or other professional features you mentioned. 🤔. Beware if you are buying used i guess.

[@PMRTV]

AX700 never was made with SDI out

[@vygzzable]

For Birding..which of these camcorders would you suggest ?

[@PMRTV]

sadly, none of them has a long enough lens to really do birding justice. One of the hybrid cameras that sony makes would probably be better, like the RX10II or IV. These are cameras that have the same 1" sensor as the AX100/700, but are also equipped with a real 600mm optical lens. These would be better suited for shooting birds, IMO. RX10IV: amzn.to/34zd6jd

[@vygzzable]

@@PMRTV thanks a lot for your inputs. These help. Just to add I have a canon 80D with a 400 mm lens and I am extremely happy. The camcorder is to shoot / record bird calls , birds in flight etc. So then I was actually seeking something compact. The AX 53 looks ideal or else panasoncic G50 . What are your views ?

[@vygzzable]

@@PMRTV also I own a Canon Vixia R800 now. Will a AX 43 be a better option 🤔? Or AX 53 ?

[@DavidLGood]

First -- the title is VERY misleading, as this video has almost nothing to do with the PXW-Z90V, or anything other than the AX Series. I came for information between the AX700 and Z90V, or at least something about the AX vx PXW. A bit disappointing to learn in the final section of the video that you talk about the PXW series in the "next video". Also, you might want to add a text overlay to correct the part of the video (starting around 8:27) that claims that the AX700 has SDI out (and shows the back of a Z90V)... and again the claim is made via text on the screen at 10:54. VERY inaccurate there. I have to assume you have a non-Sony person editing your videos, as this is an outstanding and obvious thing to include or not include on a camera and isn't just a simple oversight (at least, not for an operator with any real experience with either of these cameras). That said -- I did enjoy the video overall, even if it had a clickbait titles and inaccurate information here and there.

[@3D205TV]

Hello Sir... For football games, night and day.. Which do you recommend?

[@PMRTV]

As the AX700 is the only camera with phase detect AF, you kind of have to go that way. All the others only have contrast detect like older DSLR's. the AF performance on the AX700 is stellar.

[@3D205TV]

@@PMRTV Thanks

[@mychannel2016HD]

Sony FDR-AX700 or Sony Alpha A6600 for KZbin Videos?

[@PMRTV]

larger sensor is in the a6600. I'd go that way and use the faster glass.

[@elvisrafi]

A bit of a basic question but Let’s say the AX 700 has 100% picture quality in 4k what would the AX 43 be in comparison? Thanks

[@PMRTV]

in bright sun or a well lit situation, they make look very similar, but once you shoot in lower light levels, the 1" sensor will beat out the smaller chip on the AX43. Remember too that you can get S-log, Cinetone S, and HLG LUTs right in camera with the AX-700. AX700 also AF's much faster and more accurately.

[@maizesoft]

AX700 has SDI out?

[@PMRTV]

no, only the Z90V

[@devineimageworks]

What remote control do you have that goes on the LANC port?

[@PMRTV]

libec

[@purificationdetoxification7122]

panasonic x1500 vs sony ax700? Which is better

[@PMRTV]

no idea, I only shoot sony, sorry

[@NebulousFilms]

Also looking into this, have you found anything?

[@purificationdetoxification7122]

@@NebulousFilms theres articles on google, but not many videos on KZbin. It seems apparent from my research that Sony is better according to the professionals. For what I was interested in using it for the ax53 seems sufficient. I dnt intend on upgrading for a while, I was hyped about the 4k but recently came to know it's a tough process working with such large files. And most videos are 1080p, but if I do the ax53 makes the most sense.

[@adipop]

Great video ! 👍 I have ax-100 :) do you know if Sony plan to release a new camcorder in the future ?

[@PMRTV]

Not sure

[@Pavlu6a]

Is it true that AX43 doesn't have Nightshot which AX33 and AX53 have?

[@PMRTV]

not sure about that, sorry

[@sergeyperlov1893]

Thanks for the video

[@PMRTV]

You bet

[@pavelavietor1]

I have the AX 700 since 2018 and the only feature I like and is super is super slow motion, I never like the camera at low light it does not perform well , I replaced it with a DJI pocket 3 and the DJI 2 microphone. saludos

[@KarelZweefvlieger]

at last sombody explains goooooood!!

[@PMRTV]

thanks!!!

[@الكون-ف1ط]

The difference between a camera 43 and 53 is 150 dollars, is it worth it to pay off and buy a 53 or buy a better 43

[@PMRTV]

I would get the AX43

[@الكون-ف1ط]

@@PMRTV Is it suitable for party photography or not?

[@yoochief5827]

@@الكون-ف1طget the 53 if you haven’t already

[@bazza1041]

The hotshoe flap on the ax53 keeps banging on the camcorder body , hear it in reply. Got rid of mine the optical image stabilization was over hyped and not that good on mine. So got rid pretty quick

[@PMRTV]

That happened to me as well while riding backwards on a motorcycle covering a bicycle race. A little piece of gaffer tape fixed the problem for me. I really like the stabilization on the ax43/53 and use it all the time in lieu of a gimbal setup for run & gun stuff.

[@wedrivetheworld]

Hi Thanks for the video fantastic

[@PMRTV]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dadufal]

Would you recommend the AX700 for shooting soccer games or stick with FDR43/53? Thx!

[@PMRTV]

yes, it's AF speed is much better and you can shoot in S-log, S-Cinetone, and has a 1" sensor which will gather more light and give you less noise in post.

[@petrub27]

@@PMRTV there no s cinetone

[@KiaTaatje]

I always use the EVF 99 % and not the LCD screen ( never buy a Camera without a EVF !!! )

[@samjawahar460407]

Ax700 doesn't have sdi output

[@PMRTV]

correct

[@MrSurvivalexpert]

I can't stop wondering why this guy is wearing safety glasses

[@PMRTV]

LOL

[@sportslovers5423]

Best camcorder for soccer live streaming under 500$

[@ecmjr]

700 it is…

[@nomadikmind3979]

lol wut.....i cant see a single reason why one would use one of these over any other mirrorless camera. For much cheaper.

[@PMRTV]

when you shoot long form video, these cameras are all designed to go the whole way. Their batteries are much larger and have a greater capacity too. You can set up an AX43 with an extended battery and it will shoot continuously for about 3.5 hours. No alpha camera is really set up for that, save for the FX3 and FX6.

[@nomadikmind3979]

@@PMRTV ok so add a large battery when needed? I like having the option to be kitted out or small and streamlined

[@lingham2099]

Looks like Sony is getting out of this end of the market. These are all old models and no new ones are apparent. I will be surprised to see Sony producing a new model in the camcorder format.