Sony AX53 Review in 2023

[@ImportantTech]

AX53 In 2024 Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXeplox-rbaGntE

[@Mastechin]

it’s an amazing camera, i used it on my trip to Tanzania and the footage I captured were awesome with good stability when shooting action from a moving vehicle.

[@kellmarktv]

Still my favorite. This camera i way before its time where images is concern 💯👌🏻

[@ImportantTech]

I still really like it as well, especially for macro shots. The quality is still really good and this doesn't have the smartphone look to it.

[@kellmarktv]

@@ImportantTech exactly 💯

[@elmensajedelabibliarafaelm8724]

This is a great camcorder. i use it for KZbin and the videos are amazing and very detailed. The autofocus is excellent and never fails. The colors are pretty accurate and the images are crystal clear. you can even use this camcorder for broadcasting news clips. it’s a power horse.

[@ImportantTech]

Nice! I agree except on the autofocus part. But that depends on what you are shooting of course

[@michaelbell75]

I just got a Panasonic VX891 which is very similar to this and it's also about 6 years old. Video quality is great, stabilization is awesome and the 20x optical zoom puts my iPhone 13 Pro to shame. It's also far less noisy in lower light despite having a smaller sensor than the iphone. These companies pretty much gave up on camcorders because everyone uses their smartphones these days and they are also trying to protect their more expensive camcorders and cinema cameras. There is no reason they can't put 1 inch sensors in these and shoot 4K 60p. but then who would spend $1,300 for an RX camera? Sad that this one doesnt take good photos, my Panasonic shoots 28 megapixel photos and can shoot in 3:2, 4:3 or 16:9 and the photos look surprisingly good, even on my 4.5k monitor. Would like to see Sony, Canon and Panasonic update these and make a really great $1k camcorder but I doubt they ever will.

[@ImportantTech]

I also hope that they will update them! It is sad that most manufacturers don't really care about their camcorder lineup anymore.

[@michaelbell75]

@@ImportantTechyea. Just give us a 1 inch sensor, 4k 60 and log profile and it would be awesome. I just compared footage from my VX891 to footage from my GX85 with Panasonic 25 f1.7 lens shot at the same time of day at the same place. The VX is noticeably better quality in 4K 30 despite having a much smaller sensor. I find that increasing. The camcorder is also more versatile. Zoom range as well.

[@andrascsirmaz3043]

You can control the shutter and aperture together if you set one or the other and use the AGC limit strongly, which will force the other value downwards. Not much control, I know, but at least some.

[@ImportantTech]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Bonitaaaification]

Hello! thankyou so much for your review! Soon I will have my wedding and I want to put up two camera's on a tripod to film my ceremony. The ceremony will be in candlelight however. Are these camera's easy to set up in automation mode, without much experience and work in a low light environment?

[@ImportantTech]

Thanks for the comment! The camera works pretty well in lower light, but with really dark candle light it will probably pick up a lot of noise. Especially when zooming in

[@ethanfuckingsux]

Hearing that you were at 750 and seeing now you are at 4k is awesome! Keep Up the good work!!!

[@ImportantTech]

Thanks so much!!

[@BigSmokeGTA6]

I liked it but I smashed mine up pretty badly still works but I could see the electronics inside lol Ended up going to mirrorless and i love it

[@Puxi]

Does is look like trevors phone on the top right corner!? :D

[@Michael_Kzyv]

I’m considering getting this camera for vlogs, do you think this camera is good for vlogging? If not, do you recommend any other cameras?

[@ImportantTech]

I think its a great camera for vlogging. If you do not need the manual ring and EVF, then the AX43a is also a good option. Or if you don't need a large zoom, close focus distance and a long lasting battery then the ZV-E10 with the kit lens is a nice option as well.

[@Puxi]

Fun Fact! The German police records videos with this camera in riots!!

[@lowrevver]

Can this camera record a long session while being plugged in to AC adapter? So eliminating the need to charge/change the battery?

[@PlaneSpotterJimmy]

How is the battery life? I just ordered one but not sure if spare batteries are a must. If so which spare batteries would be best?

[@ImportantTech]

Battery life is great in my opinion. You have the option for small or large batteries, but the standard is a medium sized one that will last about 2 hours for me

[@PlaneSpotterJimmy]

@@ImportantTech Great thanks. Do you have any suggestions for good spare battery to fit the ax53? I'm checking amazon but seems to be alot of variety

[@ImportantTech]

@@PlaneSpotterJimmy I have honestly not a good idea which ones are good and bad. I use the original Sony batteries, but I think they are expensive for what you get.

[@hami5655]

GOOD!

[@thezona6448]

Do you have a better option for similar price range?

[@ImportantTech]

If you don't need far zoom and close focus, then the ZV-E10 is a really nice option with better AF and a better looking image. It does sadly have a lot of rolling shutter in 4k, but for me that isn't a big issue

[@hollywoodbasterds]

With all respect I think you give us enough footage! Why these days creators afraid to go out and shoot something

[@ImportantTech]

Thanks for the advice! I'll try to add more samples in future videos

[@Toengelukgewoonwas]

Hey. Kan het zijn dat je Nederlands bent? Denk het te herkennen aan het accent. Ik overweeg deze camera aan te schaffen om podcasts in de natuur op te nemen. Beeldkwaliteit is voor mij vrijwel de enige voorwaarden… Denk jij dat deze camera geschikt kan zijn voor mij? Of is er een andere camera, die misschien nog betere kwaliteit heeft, voor een minder hoge prijs. Dankjewel! Ik abonneer.

[@ImportantTech]

Bedankt voor de reactie! Ik ben inderdaad Nederlands. Iets zoals bijvoorbeeld de Sony AX43 is bijna hetzelfde model met iets minder functies, maar wel dezelfde beeldkwaliteit. Zelf vind ik de Sony ZV E10 ook erg goede kwaliteit leveren. Let daarbij wel op dat het een ander type camera is. Dus de zoom is minder ver, niet goed voor macro, slechtere accuduur. Ik denk dat de accu van die te kort is voor een podcast, terwijl de ax43 of AX53 een betere accuduur heeft met grotere opties. Maar wel de mogelijkheid om verschillende lenzen erop te gebruiken, en betere autofocus. Het ligt net aan wat je prioriteiten zijn.

[@tvanstaveren]

Erg bedankt voor je reactie! Heb ik veel aan. Die kwaliteit van ZV E10 is super mooi ja..!

[@MXSSF_ACTUAL]

How is the weather/dust resistance? I need a rig to take on long trips without getting trashed due to the elements…

[@ImportantTech]

As far as I know it doesn't have any water or dust resistance just like most other camcorders

[@ennovaainternational1915]

Good. Whether Sony AX43 is same as AX53 in all respects sans EVF. Thanks

[@ImportantTech]

Yes, but the AX43 also doesn't have a manual focus ring and no IR nightshot. But other than that they are almost the same.

[@Ramovis]

Does this camcorder overheat at all when recording in 4k? I'm thinking of using this to record some performances (2Hrs+) but I would want to be able to hit record and not worry about it overheating mid-set. Thank you for taking the time to read this!

[@ImportantTech]

Never tried recording for more than 40 minutes, but from what I've heard from others it is possible without overheating. But you do need to make sure that you have a good and fast SD card. Otherwise it might split the video into multiple files.

[@ascomycotinazzz]

The longest time i use for this cam on 4k30fps is arround 1:45 and it handle no problem. also i have several 4k record (not continuous) around 5-7 hour on the same day using several battery, it handle like a champ with no issue

[@cineterapia7478]

I love camcorders 😉

[@ImportantTech]

Same!

[@user-fk7yo4jb1o]

Can you record with the flip screen closed? I’m very interested to buy one like this to record concerts but I feel like the flip screen open could be an annoyance to those around me and and would rather have it closed when recording but I’m not sure if it’s possible

[@ImportantTech]

Only if you open the viewfinder / EVF. You need to pull on the viewfinder thats on the back towards you, and then close the screen. So that means it's not possible on the AX43( i think), but it is on the AX53

[@user-fk7yo4jb1o]

@@ImportantTech Thank you so much for the information! I'll definitely consider buying it then

[@mikedogg139]

I really like this camera but the one thing I DON'T like is that you can't connect an external LCD and use 4K, only 1080.

[@ImportantTech]

Yes I forgot to mention that. Something that is nowhere listed on the specifications page I think. And very annoying

[@DaveThompsonfairlife4all]

That only applies to file recording doesn't it? Hooked upto TV I thought gave you 4K at 50-60 fps no?

[@qaecobitv2295]

When and where to use ax53 ? Where is it used often?

[@ImportantTech]

You can use the AX53 for a lot of things. But I use it mostly for this youtube channel, because of the close focus distance. And I shoot a lot of smaller products.

[@DaveThompsonfairlife4all]

1:00 You said no 4K at 60fps, but what about solely HDMI out? That will give you 4K at 60fps won't it?

[@ImportantTech]

No it won't. 1080p at 60fps if you're in NTSC region

[@DaveThompsonfairlife4all]

@@ImportantTech What does the 2160/1080 mean in the HDMI settings? Have you actually tried it with a 4K TV? I have this camera in the UK and am looking to get my first 4K TV. I came to the conclusion last night that this camera will display 4K at 50fps, it just won't record at that frame rate.

[@irn37894]

I realy want to buy this camcorder but I need your help. My uses are 2 main things: I am a scientific event organiser (Workshops, Seminars, etc.) So I need a camera to record videos for 4-6 hours without getting heated (my osmo pocket 2 can't handle this situation and gets heated after a few minutes on 4K). 2. I love the zoom capabilities because I'm a bird watcher and wildlife enthusiast. Now the only thing that I'm not sure about is the small sensor size of 1/2.5". I wonder if this makes the footage quality not as good. Second thing is when I compare 4K videos recorded on AX53 or AX60, I don't think that's really 4K! Please help me decide. If other options are available, I will be appreciated if you let me know about them too.

[@ImportantTech]

At first I thought that the sensor size would be an issue too, but once I got it, I thought it wasn't bad. Low light performance is good for a sensor size this small. And the images look nice and detailed. However, they aren't as detailed as something like a full frame camera, but those are also much more expensive. I think the ax43 or ax43a is probably a good option. It's cheaper, but doesn't have the nightshot infrared, no manual focus ring and no EVF. But if you don't need those features, it's a better option because other than that, it's almost the same as the ax53. And it's cheaper. Here is a video entirely shot on the ax53, except for a few shots. So you can see for yourself if it's sharp enough. Most of the videos are shot in aperture priority kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWmcn4N_fLdnptEfeature=shared

[@nickmakroglous6136]

Is this a good camera for fire buffing? (Basically filming trucks)

[@ImportantTech]

Yes

[@Sureshgrace]

How many hours can record videos continuously? And live?

[@ImportantTech]

Don't know because I didn't try that

[@Sureshgrace]

@@ImportantTech if you possible please try and update

[@LbatroxxDCobain]

One question, is this camera good to make any music vedio !

[@ImportantTech]

Yes! Only 2 things to keep in mind with this camera when it comes to shooting a music video is not being able to shoot with a blurry background (if you wanted that) And it is not the best in low light.

[@matthewhedge8955]

Are there any Sony camcorders that are modern that do infrared or night vision?

[@kevinclass2010]

The X53 also does it

[@ImportantTech]

This is one of the last Sony cameras with night vision. They don't have a newer model with night vision at the same price. The ax43 doesn't have night vision

[@ahmedchaabane6403]

Is there any difference between this camera and its sister Sony AX43A, except the viewfinder?

[@ImportantTech]

43a has no viewfinder, no IR night shot, no physical button to switch to photo and video, no manual lens ring. Maybe there is another difference that I don't know of but I think those are the main differences. Just because the 43a lacks some of those features doesn't mean it's a bad camera. It has the same sensor and lens which means the same great image quality but at a lower price point. But for me the manual ring is a very important feature

[@ahmedchaabane6403]

@@ImportantTech Thank you! I've already ordered a sony ax43a this week and can't wait to try it out 🔥

[@ImportantTech]

@@ahmedchaabane6403Awesome!

[@bartgr9008]

I own this camera and it is a good device. However, you get some out of focus background by choosing "portrait mode". I was wondering: which would be the best mic for this camcorder? Apparantly the sony ones suck.

[@ImportantTech]

It is also possible when you hold on the mode button, select iris and then turn it down to F2, but it isn't a large amount like 1 inch or full frame background separation. I havent had any issues with my ECM-GZ1m. It sounds pretty good outside when there is no wind, but inside it's not amazing. And it picks up wind really easily even with the included windscreen. I don't have it, but I have heard a lot of good things about the Sennheiser MKE400 microphone. So I think that is a good one for this camcorder. The best way to get good audio is to get the mic as close as possible, so something like a lav mic is also a good option, but then there is an annoying cable

[@bartgr9008]

@@ImportantTech Thanks for your reply. I must say that i'm quite satisfied with the amount of depth of field i got through portrait mode. I'm going to select Iris and give it a try. And hey,a big thumbs up for your sennheiser mic tip. The MK400 is above my budget, but i discovered it's little brother, the mk200, which might be one of the best mics under 100 bucks and has numerous 4 and 5 star reviews. Thanks again!

[@ImportantTech]

@@bartgr9008 nice! Thanks for the comment. The mke200 is also a good option.

[@inandaroundofficial]

Hi, can you screw in a ND filter in the front end of the lens?

[@ImportantTech]

Yes! But it works only with 55mm thread nd filters.

[@inandaroundofficial]

@@ImportantTech Nice! I am looking at these camcorders and I think they are still a great tool in content creation specially the zoom function.

[@ImportantTech]

@@inandaroundofficial I completely agree! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@gertsy2000]

You can get a step-up adaptor ring to put larger filters on it if you want. 58mm, or 72mm even. I have a 72mm one because I also have a hood.

[@adeleange]

Hi, an urgent question, what do I do if it suddenly won't turn on? it hasn't crashed or anything happened to it. I was trying to transfer files to the computer and the screen just suddenly got stuck first and now it doesn't turn on. Even when I charge it, the light doesn't come on, please help me! thanks

[@ImportantTech]

I'm sorry that you have that issue, but sadly I don't know how to fix it because that never happened to me

[@adeleange]

​@ImportantTech its okay, i already fixed it but thanks for replying

[@subzero9355]

Hi can you share what you did to fix that issue?im having the same problem

[@YunusCooking]

How much frames running on 4k?

[@ImportantTech]

30 in NTSC regions. 25 in PAL regions

[@pauly7166]

Hello all. Thanks for the vid mate, please could anybody tell me something..is the Night Vision zoom distance the same as when you zoom in a daytime?? I go into the woods at night in search of cryptids and need a hand held device that has tremendous zoom capability.

[@ImportantTech]

Thanks for the comment! Yes the zoom distance is the same when 'nightshot' is enabled. Just keep in mind that if you are in low light: the more you zoom in, the darker the image gets. This is with most cameras, because the aperture changes when you zoom in.

[@pauly7166]

@@ImportantTechNo no mate thankyou. So, all in all, for an old technofobe that wants to get in the woods through the night rambling and use a relatively simple device...is this the one for me?

[@Sureshgrace]

Can take photos?

[@ImportantTech]

Yes but the photo quality isn't great

[@Sureshgrace]

@@ImportantTech okay

[@Ruka-sz1xl]

Does it have usb c to charge with?

[@ImportantTech]

Micro usb sadly

[@ebenezeramoakoyirenkyi2312]

why does sony camcorder menu settings always reset to default when the battery pack is taken of? It has been so with many of the models of sony camcorders i have used. That has only be my dislike about sony camcoders unlike canon.

[@ImportantTech]

That's weird since I don't have that issue. But I always turn the camera off before I swap my batteries

[@LourdesRomero-g5z]

Hello, I am planning to film a solar eclipse and I wonder if this camera would do. it has a thread for the lens so that I can place a filter. That is great. But, how about the focus for distant objects? Can it properly focus something far away? Has anyone tried to film the moon? if so, does it show focused? If so, I would definitively buy it. thanks!

[@ImportantTech]

The focus is infinite on the AX53. I have never filmed a solar eclipse so I'm not sure if its too bright for the camera, but you can always put an nd filter on the front. I filmed the moon with it and it worked fine. You can also search on youtube: 'sony ax53 moon' and then it will show videos of the moon shot on the ax53.

[@davefink2326]

Place it on a very firm tripod and turn OFF the steady shot. YOU WILL LOVE THE RESULTS!

[@Th.Bremen]

Nothing new! Old camera!

[@emmanm5633]

Can you record video even if the lcd is not flipped and on? i mean the lcd is just closed?

[@ImportantTech]

Only if you pull out the viewfinder. Then it will stay on. So on the ax43 which doesn't have a viewfinder, it's not possible

[@emmanm5633]

ohh thats cool ill buy ths beast now hahaha thankyo @@ImportantTech