Sony FDR-AX33 Review

[@DetroitBORG]

Great overview, especially for existing AX100 user. What is your audio setup with your AX100?

[@DarwinP765]

The FDR in the name stands for Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Sneaky Japanese!

[@denzelpardillo1181]

that's not it !!!

[@ForeverMods]

You are the only person to note HDMI out limitation, which is a dealbreaker for me. The best review I've seen.

[@JimLeonard]

Next time, please include footage shot with the camera you're reviewing after the overview. It's hard to judge a camera without seeing what it produces...

[@TheNineFiveSeven]

Ditto

[@joedidit3233]

+Jim Leonard I totally agree. Especially with 4k camcorders. Many of us have Ultra-HD televisions capable of displaying KZbin 4k video. All the specs and video showing the camera are great, but seeing the actual video the camera is capable of is even better. No reason not to include it.

[@geekanoids]

Great review. Can you lock exposure on this model? And on the AX100?

[@videonut28]

I know that I'm pretty late to the party, but I wanted to thank you for such a helpful review of this product. I'm doing video work at a university, mainly recording live recitals and concerts. I needed a good quality secondary camera and this was highly recommended. I received it today and am looking forward to using it. Thanks, again!

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Hi! How do you get 30p? My maxes out at 4K 25fps. Cheers

[@user-fy7ru4ii1i]

My very first camcorder was the SONY DCR-SR100. It served me very well, until I plugged into high definition, 1080p with the SONY HDR-TD10 (3D + 1080p) handi-cam. I bought a GOPRO HERO4 a couple years back. This FDR-AX33 has all the bells and whistles I'm looking for, at a reasonable cost. Thank you for the review. Very informative!

[@geghanushavetisyan]

I have a Sony FDR-AX33 4K camera. Suddenly stopped working, the display shows the error E 61:30. Maybe someone knows the problem? Thank you.

[@CaliforniasSuperCars]

do you know if this camera is compatible with iMovie?

[@danzai]

I noticed it powers up when you open the displat and shuts down when you close it. Does that mean you have the display upon to power on and record? You can't record with it closed?

[@danzai]

actually never mind, I just read the manual online "You can also turn on the camcorder by pulling out the viewfinder (models with the viewfinder (FDR-AX33/AXP33/AXP35) only)." The viewfinder, I assume is the thing you can stick your eye into in the back

[@bodgitandleggitgarage]

hi i have the Sony fdr ax33 and I use an external screen when I'm recording videos put on this camera it is saying cannot output screen in 4K mode is there anything I can do so we will output the screen I've tried the settings and cannot see anything thank you

[@Goomer]

Great Review. What are the after market batteries that you liked? Thanks.

[@Techtablets]

The AX100 used to film this looks so sharp even in 1080p. Was it recorded using the XAVC S codec at 100mbps? Or another setting, great quality the video and great review.

[@wildlifehd6839]

Great review. I chose the Panasonic 870 for its 20x optical zoom.

[@studiosinger]

Buying this in 2019, well worth the wait of a price dive. Got a ton of accessories with this on Amazon for $769

[@EdwardKulinski]

I have a question. Does this camera you can change the language to Polish?

[@Richard5873]

Since this video was made in 2015 is this still the best Sony Handy Cam, or is there another model that replaced it ??

[@noveltyhat]

how long can i record? looking for something that can go ~3 hours continuously. thanks!

[@jagerslessen6328]

Question. Why does my camera not show 30fps after the 4k settings? It only shows 25fps. That's the only frame available. Is there anything i should do before can get it? I have the exact same camcorder.

[@tlingit]

FYI, I bought this camera new when it first came out and this workhorse STILL takes beautiful video. These days I rarely record video to an SD card with it though. I either connected to a MacBook Pro with an Elgato Cam Link 4K, or with an RGB Link Mini Pro 4K, and use it for live streaming live speakers at conferences. Given how great this camera has been for all these years, it is the best bargain I've bought in cameras and broadcast tech.

[@veggiepowered]

I Have This Camcorder I Can;t Get All The Settings Right

[@AgendaVideoProdns]

Thanks for the in-depth review. Quick question though: on the specs...the zoom ratio is 10 power but when you turned camera to show right side... I saw 15X Clear Image Zoom near the lense. Could you shed some light on that?

[@LowBudgetProductions]

The 15X Clear Image Zoom is 10X optical zoom combined with 5X digital zoom. In 1080p mode you can have 20X Clear Image Zoom.

[@ElwynR]

Low Budget Videos would love to see a clip at 20x

[@robertnicol1077]

Hi there, was wondering if you have say 2 or 5 videos in storage and want to combine them into one video is there a way to do that? cheers

[@JRESHOW]

How does it do in low light, like bar scene or candle light? Do you have any video examples? :) I'm watching whole video so sorry if you mention that later

[@PeteyLeeTV]

Excellent review. Does this camera shoot in 2.7k? My computer cannot handle 4k well

[@Z-add]

have you reviewed it's competitor the Panasonic HC-WX970

[@dalem7504]

Thanks for the excellent update. Regarding the AX33's EVF: How would you compare it to the Sony A7 EVF, which I think is outstanding, and the RX100 M3 EVF, which I think is just OK and is pretty small. (I'm glad it has one though -- having an EVF is one of the reasons I bought the RX100 M3.) Is the AX33 EVF closer to the A7 or to the RX100 M3 -- in terms of size, magnification, brightness, clarity, etc.?

[@johnhmaw]

Hi. Very detailed revue. Many thanks. I was disappointed at learning that you can't shoot 4k and use an HDMI monitor. I'm not quiet sure from Sony's info, but do you know if you can monitor the AX53 at 4k? Many thanks.

[@LetterToVoltaire]

Awesome Review! What do you think a fair price for a decent AX33 would be these days?

[@Digitalnomad8]

Great video, thanks for sharing, does the FDR-AX33 allow an external monitor while recording in 4k? Do you know if there is a firmware upgrade for the FDR-AX100 to use an external monitor while recording 4k, I heard that was a problem. Cheers,

[@Revealonlight]

Can ax33 steady shot upload a burndisk? Or blue-ray disk?

[@NicoleNikkiB]

Can you record while plugged in and charging.

[@oscarbarros5487]

I didn't quite get what is it that I don't get when I use the hdmi connection on the left side of the camera. Something about picture quality not being as good as expected. Is it while monitoring movies that I am talking at that moment? Or does it apply to viewing movies already taken? Will I get full 4K resolution when the camera is connected to my 4K TV set? Thanks.

[@demolitionbarbiedoll]

not interested in 4k, what is the most inexpensive model with Balanced Optical SteadyShot

[@Lpmgato1]

Excellent video presentation. How difficult is editing videos with this model camcorder?

[@konalavajava]

Great review. Would be even better if you would do an indepth, thorough tutorial regarding AX33.

[@petetoma]

hi, Great review and a couple of questions: 1. Which memory card you use in AX33 and if you could recommend any good but cheap ones. 2. you clearly edited your 4K videos, ans since it's SONY i'm guess you use Sony Vegas Pro 13 ? How beefy is your PC, how much? Thanks

[@AndieBlack182]

Hi! Nice review! I wanted to know if this camera has a special software to finally get the videos you recorded (as it happens with cheaper sony cameras (HDR-CX240E) ) or if you just can open your files from the SD card in your computer (like with a "normal" camera like DSLR). I wanted to know that because I don't know if it was a "Sony cameras thing" or if it only happens with the cheaper and worst cameras they have. (Sorry if I haven't explained it well because english is not my native language, as I don't know the technical stuff in english either). Thank you!

[@MusicOfMario]

i want to shot on video, should i stick with the a6000 or get this camera?

[@jackjohnson493]

The Sony FDR-X1000 was announced and released after the GoPro Hero3 (4k15), Hero3+ (4K15), and the Hero4 (4K30). Sony's action cam is not the first with 4K.

[@joemarotta2237]

Bought it, as it is my 1st camcorder, so I'm reviewing this video a few times. You have helped me considerably. Wish You Well. Thanks, From Joe

[@Nocentz66]

fader has to be set each time. I would love a button on screen or on the cam itself to turn it on and off without scrolling through menu. Still top notch camera

[@PalHopDays]

Thanks for the abundance of useful information. You indicated that you left the default settings in place for the purpose of making the video. However I noticed your Record Mode is set at 100Mbps, while the default setting on mine is 60Mbps. You did not cover the advantages and disadvantages of 60 vs. 100 so I would appreciate seeing a discussion on that. Also, the two fastest Sony Memory Cards being pushed with this camera are rated at 94MB/s and 95MB/s, not 100. What gives with that?

[@cisco150]

I bought the Panasonic fz1000 and dont know if i should exchange it for the ax33 let me know, i do alot of 4k and photographing. whats a better one please help. Thanks again

[@WarBearGaming]

So with the HDMI out, do you mean you can't capture and output at the same time? Meaning could you still output (to say an external capture card) a live feed over HDMI? I hope that question made sense?

[@hauntedhose]

You need an Elgato Camlink 4K

[@bartgr9008]

Thanks for your great review. This camera creates excellent video. But is the sound good enough to make an amateur documentary film with lots of interviews?

[@TheDigitalDigest]

A dedicated mic would be a better option

[@theveryrev]

I bought my FDR-AX33 from Amazon. First Camcorder that I have had so a bit overwhelmed. I have downloaded the full manual and need to spend some time with it. This overview has been Great. I tried recording with the preset settings and the enclosed micro disk memory and it would not record. I found from here that I was in 4K. Do I need a different memory card? Hard to ask them at Best Buy since I did not buy it there. Any ehlp appreciated.

[@thearchive4109]

How do you see or record through the other viewer without needing the lcd monitor?

[@BuddyBullwinkel]

No tapes, dvds or hard drive.. data is stored on a memory card.. recording at a low level setting, how long can you record on a 32gb card Thanks

[@TheGhostSeeker]

Which brands are the best for extended batteries? And could you use a SD card on this or is it a specific card?

[@DumbGuysTalkAboutSmartStuff]

This has been ordered to use on our channel. I think we will get a nice quality upgrade

[@charlesfowler7049]

Hi Ed, great review, very detailed. However, if you may allow me some constructive criticism. I think you could condense all of your very valid comments into about half the time. You make a lot of grate points, it would just help if you cut to the chase....28 minutes is way to long for most of us in this day and age... with that said please keep them coming!

[@konalavajava]

Please do a Sony FDR ax 33 vs Panasonic FZ 1000 comparison

[@shashiji27]

Very good Live show of fdr-ax33 please upload Golf shot and use ND filter shot

[@dixonagency]

i returned mine to sony was not pleased with the panning it was taking to long to focus and it jumped like a strobe effect when you panned around so went and bought the Panasonic HC-VX870 4K and like it very much

[@Wavester64]

Hello Ed, quick question - with a budget of $600 or less - what camcorder would you recommend..?

[@joemarotta2237]

I watched all the reviews for this camcorder, and you are indeed the most knowledgeable by far! Some of these folks can't even open the packaging, without wasting my time. You Have A Great voice and I will, absolutely buy this camera. Hay Best Buy here in Amarillo sells these for around $170.00. Is that an OK price for 4-6-2018 ?? Hope your stall around to reply, and thanks for Great Review. I'll save your video for user instructions. Best out of around 30 I've listened to. Most of them make asses out of themselves. Gosh!!!

[@NWUAP]

Hi great posting thanks just bought this camcorder maybe you can help me, im only finding mp4 files on my SanDisk Extreme 128 GB SDXC Memory Card up to 90 MB/s, Class 10, U3, V30, FFP card that im using in my ax33? no 4k files listed under PRIVATE/M4ROOT/CLIP? your help very much appreciated thanks

[@marybraun6185]

What 3rd party battery is good for this camcorder, great review, thank you.

[@Tactical_Nightwach]

None if you use a non Sony battery you will damage the power read chip system inside every Sony battery that gives you the the most accurate down to the min readout no other companies in the world has this system it's the best in the world

[@MrVincent97133]

hi , do you know if the rode stereo video mic pro rycote can work with the AX 33 SONY .

[@GoodPixelProductions]

Is the hot shoe proprietary sony like on the FDR-AX1000???

[@hamNaz100]

Hi, how many hours of footage cannot I record on this camcorder with a U3 64GB card if I shoot in 4K?

[@alinawafleh4744]

What do you suggest for 4K camera video with higher zoom?

[@sumangurung3970]

I bought FDR-axp35 from Japan and it has Japanese font. How can I change font?

[@jammindesigns7135]

i love the video watched both the review end to end and i think this is my pick for a camera. i will be fishing in the used market though. one thing i was concerned about that no one touched on are the still shot quality. not needing 70d stills but ones i can proudly post on sites that will look better than ones on my iphone 6. do you think the camera picture is comparable say to a panasonic g7 or something of its caliber?

[@0001Hussain]

Hi Great video I have just purchased this camcorder and I am having problem with editing in 1080p I used light works for editing. The video slows down and skips when editing Please can you tell me what software you use for editing and how can I solve this problem. I have searched the Internet but had no luck. Please can you help Thx

[@TrickersNL]

zains world Cs I don't know what program you're using, but maybe you need to render it, or just save it, that's always what I do when it's buffering and most of the time it works!

[@samhuguet861]

Hi there! I've had exactly the same experience as you. Unfortunately, this probably isn't a problem with lightworks, it's more likely to be because your computer isn't powerful enough to edit the video. To solve this problem, I now use prepiere pro which can create low resolution proxy files (copies) to edit instead of the original high resolution videos (this reduces the effort your computer needs to make). I'd recommend that you read about proxy editing (aka offline editing) or search for some KZbin videos to explain the subject. Good luck!

[@CrazyFunnyCats]

Does panasonic fz200 have direct pixel readout? Its got the best image under 1500$

[@staugfl1991]

Can you manual focus from the dial on front of the camera? 2nd I have a bluetooth mic EMC-AW3(T) will that work with it?

[@desertdispatch]

that lens cap is automatic right? its all fun and games until it either gets stuck in the closed or open position.

[@AutomotionMedia]

yes its automatic and im sure if that were to happen the store can repair it

[@RobotOnLine]

I'm on the edge of purchasing the FZ1000 and I was wondering how the video (and stills) quality compared to this dedicated camcorder?

[@Snowvdo]

Sony ax33 have an external flash (sold separately) you can mount to take some amazing pics.

[@l2technologies369]

We had one of the Sony FDR-AX33 and the low quality image in low light just killed us. We had to return it. Still looking......

[@MudPeppers]

I just got this camera- All the videos I see are in mp4. am i doing something wrong? I am shooting in 4k, yet i only seem to import mp4s. using a new mac

[@letsracewithrccar]

you might want to check your sd card. it requires sdxc high speed uhs3 class 10 sd card to shoot xavc s 4k. even sony's action cams requires high speed uhs 3 class 10 micro sd in order to record in xavc s format. hope this helps

[@LincolnHoPhotos]

Is this a hard disk drive recorder? Or do I need to use a card?

[@LowBudgetProductions]

You need to use a memory stick or SD card.

[@dannybourne_]

absolutely brilliant review and demo. Thank you so much.

[@rivi268]

Hi, If you had to choose what would it be the AX100 or the FDR -AX33 thanks

[@OpenbaarVervoer2D]

For picture quality the AX 100

[@wiseguyscooking]

Where do you plug in external mic?

[@jyvais1001]

Merci de nous faire découvrir ce modèle avec des explications détaillées.

[@ricke6854]

I picked up one of these a few days ago used, but in perfect condition for $ 300 cad.

[@johnoneill6957]

This is the second review I'm watching for this product and both models had the same evidence of something sprayed on the outside of the camera.

[@mikekash810]

Its time to retire my HDR-CX150 and all I shoot is 1080 but my cx150 will only do 30fps and needing to go 60 and shoot with a wide angle lense

[@Tickettoriderailway]

Very professional review - thank you. Have you seen the European version yet? Does the international version support 25 / 50p?. SONY seem to have an inbuilt projector built in (yuk) and charge 25% more for the privilege! Tim in the UK

[@LowBudgetProductions]

I've seen that version, it's the FDR-AXP33.

[@johngbx88]

Great review, man! I was saying to myself it would have been perfect if you included sample video, and then I looked to the side and saw that you have! Awesome. I'm trying to make my final decision on this or the ax100. Do you think it's worth the extra $800?

[@dimi3585]

@Mike Colonna there is a slot in the side but I own this camera and already nice aac 5.1 or stereo sound. Stabilisator is amazing I film also indoor judo from public seats super quality. My a77 is better but also complicated and gets warm

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

Thinking of buying one tomorrow. Two things I missed in the review was the photo quality and the diopter for the viewfinder. Other than that helpfull review. PS the diopter comment gives away my age a bit ;)

[@mastersupreme6126]

I JUST DID THE UPDATE TO 1.10 FROM 1.00 THANKS TO THIS VIDEO I DIDN'T KNEW THAT BEFORE I CONNECT MINE WIRELESS TO MY WINDOWS 10 COMPUTER I CONTROL IT REMOTELY OR I USE THE CAMERA AS SURVEILLANCE CAMERA ON A TRIPOD I ADDED BLUETOOTH TO THE CAMERA ALSO AND COOL LED LIGHTS! ALL MY CAMERAS ARE SONY!

[@jerryfaldetta]

If Sony made an AX-100 with BOSS I would buy it today.

[@OpenbaarVervoer2D]

It would be really bulky.

[@JamesRobertOsborne]

TheDigitalDigest, whoever is narrating this, I gotta say this, and it is completely random, but his voice sounds a lot like Randal from Clerks and Clerks II. :) (Yes, it's a compliment)

[@TomLouwell]

... does the ring used for manual focus?

[@erwinalien68]

Yes it does. You could also adjust the iris with the focus ring. And even zooming could be done by it to.

[@spo5egy]

+Tom Louwell Basco Hi Tom, Yes it does and so much more when you press the manual button on the front which by turning it can control zoom, focus etc. etc. I have just bought this camera and there is a lot of settings which I can't wait to try out. I was a faithful Panasonic customer for many years but took the jump for sony because of the stabilisation. I may go for the ax100 soon as well simply for image quality on a tripod. All the best on your decision.

[@TomLouwell]

spo5egy thanks!

[@spo5egy]

No problem at all, I also meant to mention that I have tested out an IR torch which works but will give a more shallow viewing area kind of like a flashlight effect. I used the ledray IR torch for this and it has three settings but found that two of those settings seemed to cause a stuttering effect where one worked smoothly, the torch would be useful for a very long range night time view outdoors so I guess the Sony accessory would be suited best. Anyway, apologies for rambling on here and hope whatever you chose works great for you.

[@alessiopelusocoach]

Hello to all. I own the Sony fdr33 ax 4K. I have an external screen attached: The full hd 7 "4K HDMI Fiel Monitor. I regularly watch movies recorded in 4K ... But I can not see anything while logging (from the external monitor). The camera warns me that you can not display the 4K during recording. Who can help me? Thank you

[@CalumBurford98]

5:40

[@TheVacaoso]

Which SDXC memory card do I need to buy in order to record at 100mb/sec? Every SDXC in amazon can only record up to 95mb/sec. and none at 100mb/sec. Can you guys recommend me one? Or are they just not available yet?

[@HermanKruisman]

+TheVacaoso the cam records at 100Mbps, the card records at 45MBps (Class 3). 100Mbps is about 12.5MBps (note the difference (Mega bits and Mega Bytes) in the uc / lc B?)

[@OpenbaarVervoer2D]

Sandisk Extreme Plus 95Mbits/s U3 or higher

[@SatyaSaiMaitreyaK]

thanks by far the most useful and helpful video tutorial out there!!! depth explanation

[@ColGadarby]

BOSS sounds great but almost impossible to achieve a shallow DOF with such a small sensor. No ND filter built in either and no rocker for a nice slow smooth zoom. The big killer for me though is the inability to achieve a shallow DOF. What shame - looks great otherwise.

[@spo5egy]

+ColGadarby This was the same for me but I just bought it anyway and planning to buy the ax100 as well so I will use the ax33 for on the move but the ax100 for a tripod to get that depth of field as well. So far the camera is producing very sharp imaging all the same but totally agree with you on those missing features.

[@rawdonut]

HipStar haven't tried but watched video in getting depth of field. They simply put it on Portrait mode. Looking at their video, looks pretty good.

[@Denspion]

I managed to pick this one up at Best Buy for $700, so couldn't pass that up. So far I've used more 1080p 60fps over the 4k @ 30fps. Haven't gone into the customizable options so far, but I have been using the XAVCHD codec which I hear is better than AVCHD.

[@johnallnite6700]

Sony FDR-AX33 VS Sony FDR-AX100 What one has the best night vision. and overall what one gives the best Picture

[@OpenbaarVervoer2D]

AX 100

[@charleslane2735]

I heard that sony makes the best 4k camcorders.

[@OpenbaarVervoer2D]

Mmm, for the price point their aps c sensor line up mirrorless cameras from A6300 onwards are almost unbeatable regarding their high quality in 4K video especially low light situations, their autofocus etc. It is so detailed that it looks almost cinematic, especially combined with S Log, it could well be used as b or c cam for movies and blow almost all of the consumer/prosumer camcorders out of the water. That is why i went with the A6300 despite the overheating.

[@OMAR526811]

MI PC NO RECONOCE ESTA CAMARA - ALGUIEN ME PUEDE AYUDAR

[@kamal_38]

Getting this but hesitant as im forging out 700$ off of fb marketplace

[@KOOLBROTHA]

THIS VIDEO WAS CRAZY AWESOME!!! Thanks

[@NicoleNichelle]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@australianpatriot]

is it touch screen?

[@SuperBrianGames1]

Yeah, I just got it.

[@SuperBrianGames1]

Yeah, I just got it.