Sony AX53 | Best Consumer 4K Camcorder | 2019 Review

[@-xplorenz7002]

I'm surprised almost all KZbinrs are using DSLR or Mirrorless cameras for vlogging. I bought Panasonic G85 but dont like its continuous focus. I bought AX53 and I love it so much.

[@ThisIsDavesGarage]

Exactly! I went on almost every forum and asked for a good video camera. They all say Mirrorless (Sony A6000 or G85) but the lenses are EXPENSIVE if you want the same zoom/range as the AX53. And the video isn't even close...the pictures on the AX53 are amazing! Not DSLR but still very very good for camcorder.

[@STATUEFANATIC]

I have tried a number of Mirrorless cameras, and I just can't get away from this camera. I can't believe they have not updated this camera either. also, it surprises me that this is not recommended by more KZbinrs. Nearly all of the videos on my channel I have used this camera.

[@BackusCreativeImaging]

Great video. It's still an amazing camera. I have the AX53 and there is a way to indirectly control the exposure settings, sort of. Buy a step up ring from 55mm to 67mm. Thread on a 67mm 0.3 ND, then on that a Tiffen 67mm variable ND. The 1st fixed ND is to help avoid reaching the limit of the variable one in bright days by reducing light by 1 stop. Okay, now, set auto gain limit (AGL) to 0db, for day time. Set white balance using a Color Checker or gray card to offset ND color shift. Then increase ND on the variable one, using zebras as an overexposure guide. Aperture will be forced down to wide open. You can get a little bit of bokeh. I prefer "Soft High Key" profile and -0.5EV (AE Shift) when in auto exposure for overall best dynamic range (I've done tests with waveform monitor) and minimal baked in sharpening (it is pretty soft). AND ... one AMAZING fact about this camera? It DOES NOT go beyond 180 degree shutter (unless in the Low Lux mode). Yes, so now with your ND set, you have wide open aperture, 180 degree shutter (or reasonably close to it) and minimal noise. Set the ring to "exposure", lock it if you wish, then if you want to manually focus, set it to "focus". Exposure will remain locked. You can "lock" exposure maybe at around 120 degree shutter when zoomed out, so that when you zoom to say roughly 200mm or so (use the exposure bar on the left bottom corner when manual exposure is set as an aid), the exposure doesn't flicker even though the aperture is variable and is stepping down, but the shutter speed is decreasing until it hits the 180 degree point, at which the shutter speed will not go lower. GoPros and nearly ALL other cameras in auto mode break the 180 degree rule. This camera doesn't. Only one issue though, there is some chromatic aberration and softness when aperture is wide open, but ... just thought I would let you know that even though there are no ways to control it FULLY manually, you can totally fake it with a variable ND and force the camera to do what you want for the most part. With sharpening in post and other tricks like by using a Color Checker and Davinci Resolve, I could imagine someone using this camera to shoot a short film, no gimbal of course. Could probably take the fixed ND filter off to avoid some of the color fringing when wide open. Try it. You're going to love this camera even more :) I used this setup as described to record the opening shot of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/op7ZiK2gm62jn7M Looks like a much more expensive camera took the video clip, on a gimbal, with a bigger sensor (got some good bokeh). Excellent dynamic range too. Yep, good old AX53.

[@TrailerYacht]

Great tips Gary - THANK YOU - The lack of proper manual controls drives my wife & I nuts !

[@entropiastudioYT]

Hello ! I didn't really understand the relationship between the shutter and the degree of the focal. Can you explain me ? And why you don't set shutter in double of frame rate (you know, it's a famous tip: 30fps = 1/60 (x2) for a "cinematic motion blur) ?

[@enmy2507]

Thanks

[@rmameghani]

@@entropiastudioYT 180° shutter is the same as the x fps -> 1 / (2x) rule. Film cameras used to have rotating shutters (one rotation per frame) and a shutter with an opening of 180° caused an exposure time of 180°/360° = 0.5 times the rotation time. See e.g. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5fJYqurrLF3bsk

[@ourendlessworld]

I take this baby with me everywhere in the world. Using it for 2 years and still happy

[@ElwynR]

Best video camera I'v owned!! would love Sony to bring the same camera but with 50\60p 4K

[@wildwoodtop]

can you use Sony playmemories with Sony FDR AX53 Handycam

[@tollbar5468]

Looking at your test video footage I can see it's from a Sony - simply outstanding. I'll keep saying this until I'm blue in the face: Your want video? - use a (Sony) camcorder; You want stills? - use a stills camera.

[@nickmakroglous6136]

Is this good for fire buffing

[@CasperLabuschagne]

Seven years later and this camera is 1) still on the market and 2) packs a lot of features at the price point. That can only mean that Sony hit the home run with this model. Though this is not a pro camera, this is widely used for prosumer level video recording with a specific niche for the wildlife videographer without tens of thousands to spend. It makes an excellent second camera for those using high-end still-cameras that can do with a backup camera supplementing their work. I wish this camera had a weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body making it far more robust, that it had the capability of being set up with multiple manual options simultaneously, that it had a built-in ND filter, a functional lens-hood that never interferes with the image being recorded and a propper rubber eye--cup with a vastly improved and double sized viewfinder screen, and a joystick for selecting menu options displayed inside the viewfinder. Allow dual recording in different formats to two SD cards, allow remote control from a cellphone app, make every cover fully removable to prevent them from breaking off while in use and with those features this camera that has already stood the test of time will move right into professional territory.

[@phillip_ino]

I think I need this camera. I love the zoom, gimbal, audio and battery! Thanks for the review.

[@Stallzyx]

did you get one in the end, or something else?

[@jonfletcher147]

Hi there, does it shoot 60fps in HD? thanks.....

[@VideoGizmology]

yes, 60fps in HD only, not 4K

[@videophoto1436]

Best run and gun camera for KZbin.

[@VideoGizmology]

Agreed!

[@TrailerYacht]

@@VideoGizmology - Agreed - it's our main camera for our KZbin channel. The stabilisation is simply unsurpassed.

[@furulevi]

Minimum focal distance of this camera is 1cm?

[@SuperRaven79]

I love this camera! But i will never understand why the headphone and the mic input are swapped... ;)

[@furulevi]

Funny that 1080p camcorders have much higher optical zoom... another intentional handicap!?

[@Stallzyx]

funny the standard definition DCR-SR models have 30x or 40x optical zoom worst case and up to 60x or 67x on the best

[@stanmancam]

heyman what do you think I should buy, I need the following features, wifi, be able to take photos from video footage, 4k and finally sslow mode function. I mainly shoot kids sport cheers

[@ArnsteinBjone]

How many times have you used the viewfinder...? (I will go for the AX-43 instead)

[@bismillahfoodsecrets2671]

Where i can buy battery and charger

[@mikeymike3889]

Would this Camera be good for Disney World Rides under Low Light? Im a 4k junkie and i need Great Video Quality. Lemme know if u can.

[@Tech1Tv]

I had this camcorder 2 years ago and it was good, but i had to let it go and get a Canon camera instead. The auto focus just not that good

[@canadacalling6892]

I have watched dozens of camera reviews, and this is the best of all of them because you not only supply the info, you know how to shoot. Great questions and equally great answers from the author. Video Gizmology, 6 months later do you still see AX53 as a good camcorder choice. Now priced around $800 Cdn on sale. Can you plug in a Rode mic on that top thing?

[@VideoGizmology]

Thanks for the comment. Yes, I still see the AX53 as a good choice for two reasons: 1. Sony hasn't released an updated model yet. 2. No other camera manufacturer has released a camera that does what the AX53 does for cheaper. The only thing you have to know is that you won't have full manual control over the camera. BUT if you only shoot on auto-settings, this is still an amazing camera to buy. I think a Rode mic can fit, but you might have to buy an adapter. I haven't been able to confirm this myself. Sorry.

[@canadacalling6892]

@@VideoGizmology thx for your reply. Much appreciated.

[@CreavistaStudios]

The manual settings for emerge exposure, shutter, wb, fs, is in the front left side of the camera. So if you hold the button it will allow you to select what you need to adjust. It even has a reset selection so can adjust from scratch.

[@VideoGizmology]

You cannot control all three aspects of the exposure triangle at the same time and see all their values. Gain/ISO, Shutter, and Aperture. You cannot control all three with their values at the same time.

[@DaveThompsonfairlife4all]

Do you still use this? Am I right in saying that you could attach to capture card and record 4K 60fps through the HDMI?

[@VideoGizmology]

I do not have this camera anymore, but it does not shoot 4K 60fps, internally or externally. It's limited to 4K 30fps internally. I don't know what it can do externally with HDMI, but I've heard it has limitations.

[@DaveThompsonfairlife4all]

@@VideoGizmology I know it can't record at 60fps, but it does display at 60fps right? So for those using it connected to their computer, the HDMI should output 4K at 60hz? So technically, you can get 4k 60fps from it. No on seems to know for sure, which is odd. Buying a 4K TV tomorrow so will find out for myself.

[@VideoGizmology]

The AX53 does not do 4K at 60fps, but it can do HD at 60fps, so maybe you heard 60fps and assumed it was 4K, but it's only HD.

[@DaveThompsonfairlife4all]

@@VideoGizmology Are you not understanding me? When you plug it into TV, do you see 30fps or 60fps? I am not talking about recording on the camera itself, just the HDMI display.

[@mauricioannunziata1992]

Great video Review. I need make music videos (solo piano at home) in 4k UHD. Do you suggest me buy the AX53? This cam is old 5 years. Thanks!

[@VideoGizmology]

For music videos, I recommend a mirrorless camera and a few lenses, such as the Sony a6400, a6600, or a7 III or IV if you want to stick with Sony. If you are doing live recordings, then also get a good audio recorder like a Zoom H5 or Zoom H2N.

[@g.king.]

I also have this camera, really love it amazing quality. So you filmed 4k 30 frames at what bit rate 60 or 100 ?

[@VideoGizmology]

I used the highest bitrate, I think that's 100.

[@NoName-nk8sc]

@@VideoGizmology if you film in 4k 100fps you need Highend pc .

[@mariuszwalicki8196]

Hello, 1) is it true that this camera supports SD memory cards in NTFS format? 2) is it true that when we shoot with this camera a long 4K video in XAVC S on an SD memory card in NTFS format, the camera does not divide files every 4 GB, only one large file is created, which size is over 4 GB? Please help :)

[@riverbrookstudio6357]

The audio seems very noisy. Also I've heard the auto focus is slow. Could you please comment on this?

[@demolitionbarbiedoll]

does this camera come with editing software that you can download to your PC

[@VideoGizmology]

I do not believe so, but you could download DaVinci Resolve or Media Composer First for free.

[@FalloutUrMum]

What's a more professional alternative to this?

[@VideoGizmology]

Panasonic X2, Canon XF605, Sony Z90V

[@eflix8474]

I've read the AX53 disappoints in low light. The Panasonic VXF1 presumably has much lower noise levels/better performance at low light than the AX53. Any thoughts?

[@VideoGizmology]

I'm not sure about the Panasonicy VXF1, but yes, the AX53 is not the best low light camcorder. If you want the best low light, you need to get a mirrorless or DSLR in this price range. However, for a small ship camcorder, I've been more impressed by the AX53 than I have been disappointed, but I understood the AX53's limitations.

[@mcoko63]

Best and biggest battery for AX 53 camcorder.??

[@lasarith2]

NP-FV100A 3400mAh.

[@enmy2507]

@@lasarith2 thanks

[@choumoua2666]

What is the other model with the total exposure control, which is similar to AX53?

[@VideoGizmology]

Sony AX100 or AX700.

[@ianstewartaviation2634]

Bought this camcorder but have issues when recording 4K videos it keeps crashing disappointed to say the least

[@dennispeaks]

I am looking at getting this camcorder, the only thing stopping me is the reviews on when people put it on a tripod. Have you tried and had any issues using it on a tripod?

[@VideoGizmology]

I've had no issues on a tripod. Maybe you'll have to deactivate the IS, but other than that, I've had no problems.

[@MotorsportsNation]

Would this be good for filming races

[@VideoGizmology]

Yes, this would be great for that depending on where you are filming at. If you're really far away, then the lens won't reach enough for close ups, but it'll capture wide shots perfectly.

[@MotorsportsNation]

Video Gizmology okay thank you

[@kaybhee6]

do tell us ur computer specs,,,, how to edit 4k vdo pls,,,,camcorder is half the cost

[@BeyondBaito]

I think camcorders are great for vlogging. I know a few guys who do HD convetion vids with camcorders (one of them uses this camera actually) I think it'd be a lot more comfortable carrying a camcorder if you're recording for a longer period of time

[@alshabi]

You forgot to mention that you can control it via your mobile

[@dennispeaks]

Is it true the A53 you cannot record 4 k hand held, only on a tripod?

[@VideoGizmology]

No, that is not true.

[@dennispeaks]

@@VideoGizmology not that I believe all the reviews on amazon, one reviewer posted they were returning because of that issue which didn't make any sense. Too bad Sony has not came out with an upgrade instead of the downgrade in the ax43.

[@juhaaavalaakso455]

It is sad that there is no newer version of this. I would buy it instantly with usb-c things and todays sensors. Excelent for long event shooting.

[@Stallzyx]

to be honest, it's still great in 2023 it seems but just too pricy as a single camera that I ended up buying a few of the old ones that record to tape or standard definition for nostalgic look instead

[@enmy2507]

I have the 55 with projector and it is amazing

[@tollbar5468]

That's interesting. The projector version is not available here in the UK only in the AX(P)33 version - and that's a rarity.

[@lasarith2]

No, when you zoom out it’s from F2.0 up to F3.8 .

[@kaybhee6]

usb can connect to mobile battery, while that charges ur dead sony batt,....

[@TheChakwow]

You sure can adjust exposure manually.

[@VideoGizmology]

Yes, you can, but you cannot see the exposure values and dial them in accurately and consistently. For example, you cannot see what your ISO/GAIN, Shutter, and Iris are all at the same time, nor can you fully control each one at the same time very easily. There are workarounds, but it's tedious and unnecessary as it's Sony's way of limiting professional control over their consumer branded cameras.

[@iancruickshank9364]

@@VideoGizmology Who cares?

[@VideoGizmology]

Apparently, TheChakwow does.

[@TheStockwell]

I'm not sure why you'd claim this camcorder is for parents and hobbyists "who wants to shoot on full auto and doesn't want to bother with manual controls." The FDR-AX53 has a control ring that allows me to manually adjust (from my owner manual) "zoom, focus, exposure, IRIS, shutter speed, AE shift, or white balance shift mode." I use those features - and I am not a parent or a someone who doesn't "want to bother with manual controls."

[@VideoGizmology]

The AX53 does not allow you to fully manually control the exposure triangle: ISO/GAIN, SHUTTER, and APERTURE at the same time without doing a few tricks that don't always work under every situation. Any camera can be used for professional shooting, and I've used the AX53 for paid work, but the AX53 presents a challenge to professionals who expect to be able to have that basic level of exposure control. Sony and other manufacturers do this intentionally to distinguish and protect their other camera models for their profit. Therefore, I recommend, not claim, but suggest, the AX53 is better suited for hobbyists who don't care about full manual control, because you cannot consistently achieve full manual control without additional tricks.

[@TrailerYacht]

@@VideoGizmology - EXACTLY ! So frustrating sometimes, and I'm certain it's deliberate choice by Sony to force me into the PXW-Z90 ! And the lack of ND filters is frustrating for shooting in daylight on the water when we're sailing.

[@rmameghani]

@@TrailerYacht Maybe the BOSS image stabilization interferes with internal ND filters. The whole lens/sensor unit has to be movable and should therefore be as light and compact as possible.

[@tollbar5468]

@@TrailerYacht Yes, I've been puzzled why Sony don't put any ND filters into their camcorders at this price range - I would have thought it essential. And yet they put ND's in their RX100Mk4's - nuts or what?

[@camiloflores9225]

Visión Nocturna tiene

[@taydestiny38]

Let's not forget that this camera has dual record and can be operated by your iPhone (limited functions).

[@YarmouthMark]

This or the AX43 ?

[@VideoGizmology]

I'd still go with the AX53 even though the AX43 is newer. The AX43 doesn't have a manual ring or EVF or night shot. The AX53 still appears to have more features than the AX43. However, if you don't care about all that and just point and shoot, then the AX43 is cheaper and gives you the same quality of image.

[@ABfromWindsor]

Bought this camcorder and found things that I didn't like about it. Like most cameras and camcorders, trying to use the screen in a Sunny day you have to deal with glare on the screen which almost makes it useles and I have bought a screen shade attachment but it was a waste of money. When I bought this camcorder I wanted to use the eye view but found that it was to small and really needed a good eye cup which there is non availible by Sony or anyone else for this model. Trying to get in touch with Sony to see if they can come up with an eye cup was a waste of time as their customer service sucks and they could care less about from hearing from you and trying to correct this problem that almost all owners experience . For that reason I hate this camcorder and Sony customer service and loyality.

[@anastasiosagnostos4441]

in motion the stabilization in 4k active mode is rather poor. same in hd mode both active and intelligent! very expensive action cameras shows better results.

[@lasarith2]

The only problem I have with the camcorder is the Slow Autofocus.

[@rajendrasalve1081]

What mrp

[@watermeloncat3319]

Does anyone know how to transfer videos from this camera to the MacBook Pro?

[@blitzbuffet8414]

Watermelon Cat depends on your MacBook version. I have the 2015 version that’s still have the sd slot on the right side. I can plug it into there and I use Final Cut Pro to then import the data over.

[@srabonentertainment4753]

favourites ho sonyAX53.

[@Speak_Out_and_Remove_All_Doubt]

Where on Earth are 4K60 camcorders at the £500-600 mark?! I've been waiting for a 4K60 camcorder in the $500-1000 price range for about 6 years now. But every year all anyone seems to do is rebrand their 4K30 again. The Sony AX-53 came out very late 2015 / early 2016, are Sony really saying they have no better sensor and processor to make a new camcorder? So instead they just take something off the AX53 and then charge the same price as what you can already pick up the AX53 for anyway. Why is 4K60 taking so long to come out arrive to the price point? Phones and GoPros have been doing 4K60 for years and even moved onto 4K120 and 8K30. When are we going to see Panasonic or Sony bring this to ~£600 price point, like a HC-VX2 or AX63??? They wouldn't need to spend that much money either, keep the lens and OIS and body and everything else the same but just update the sensor and processors to give us 4K60 on H.265. For my use case which is filming low league football, handheld, pitch side you do seem to need a proper dedicated camcorder because the image stabilisation is much better on these plus the electric zooming and super fast focusing. I just wish they brought out 60fps version as I need to slow down clips at times, a 4K60 AX43 or HC-VX1 would be perfect.

[@Stallzyx]

You would have thought they'd release a new one by now, but clearly camcorder sales have dropped off and everyone wants smaller digital camera or DSLR body style

[@Zenitvk]

Говор этот южный... поубивал бы начлен. Чесслово, уши вянут. А после Samsung HMX-H405... Ну, чего тут сравнивать-то - земля и небо. Если кому надо русифицировать AX60 или настроить AX53 (или иную камеру Сони) на 30/60/120 к/с - обращайтесь, научу. У меня АХ53 пишет в NTSC и дез получасового ограничения записи.

[@mambiproductions8960]

The Sony cripple hammer. Lol

[@elguapo42]

Curious why you say that?