SONY FDR AX53 UHD-4K, old tech or a contender? A comprehensive look.

[@ericramsay2275]

Thanks. I'll look into that.

[@allenmovies]

Such a pity that they gave up on consumer camcorder just as 4K was becoming more mainstream. Would have been nice to see an updated version of this with 4k 60P, a bigger sensor, and newer features.

[@cfldriven]

I agree with you 100%. Thank you for watching.

[@RackFocusProductions1226]

one of the best reviews out there, wow! not gonna lie the video looks really nice.

[@cfldriven]

Johnny, it helps to post the whole thing in 4K so you can actually see what it looks like, although the YT compression hurts it a little. Thank you for the kind feedback, much appreciated.

[@totaratree99]

Very thorough vid thanks. I have owned one of these for about six years and have found the quality to be very good, reliable, portable and versatile.

[@cfldriven]

Prior to this camera I was only using my Samsung S21 and while it has a great camera I prefer using the AX53. Although lacking in current camera technology, it still performs great. Thank you for sharing and watching.

[@breathtakingblue]

I've had this video camera since 2019. Only really using it since 2020. It is a fantastic video camera, I would very happily buy it again, so much so I'm considering buying another as a backup. Great piece of tech, would love an updared version but I don't see this happening because the tech has plateaued. It's literally as good as it gets and with Sony needing to protect their more premium range of camcorders, the AX53 is the only contender for now I think....almost 8 years since launch!

[@cfldriven]

Your right about Sony not wanting to make this too good when they have higher end camera to sell. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@minkhs]

just bought this camera - thank you for the clear explanation of all features :)

[@cfldriven]

Congrats on the purchase. You may also be interested in learning more about this camera by watching kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXy5m5mPq7mWa8k or kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKfVcpiMn8x8nbs Thank you for taking the time to watch.

[@joelconolly5574]

Yeah this and the RX100 have been long forgotten by the manufacturer. Although smartphones have zoom lens and stronger processing power, they do feel very limited especially in zoom and quality due to their smaller sensors and even worst is the gradual shift to point and shoot that's more catered towards content creators. I do wish for Sony to update the RX 100 and their camcorders one more time with more updated hardware and processing. I like taking videos with something like this than smartphones since it's zoom ranges are great without sacrificing image quality. Maybe they can give it one more push before calling it quits.

[@cfldriven]

It seems like they more interested in the pro market, I doubt we will see any hardware / software improvements to the consumer market. While my Samsung S21 has an amazing camera, like you said the ability to smoothly zoom with this Sony without image compromise is wonderful.

[@wildwoodtop]

17:46 Was this shot using the onboard microphone

[@cfldriven]

No instead of using the built-in microphone in this portion I utilized the Sony ECM-GZ1M zoom microphone.

[@DJAYMIXXMASTA-sv6qp]

How can I get firmware update

[@cfldriven]

Follow this Sony link www.sony.com/electronics/support/memory-camcorders-fdr-ax-series/fdr-ax53/downloads

[@WestCoastRoller]

Great run down on this camera with all the details. Thanks

[@cfldriven]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Thank you for watching.

[@vizionsys]

Hi mate thanks for your review. I have a few questions if you dont mind: With the nightshot function, if i fit onto the lens an 850nm or 950nm IR pass filter, can i use nightshot in 4k and HD during the day for infrared filming video - without any camera limitations like autofocus restrictions etc? Also, do you know of any other camcorders that can allow me to film in IR during the day that also has Live video out to external monitor while recording? Thanks for your help.

[@cfldriven]

David, I don't use night shot, but can confirm it works in 4K. I tried it during the day and anything shot outdoors will overwhelm the sensor. Since iris control is disabled you will would have to drop the light coming into it with ND? Auto focus works in night shot mode. I believe the Canon XF400 also have IR. Hope this is of some help.

[@angry_fluffy]

Thank you for the video. I'll go on a trip along the US West Coast soon and I'm looking for a small and leightweight camera, mainly for video filming, since I don't want to carry my 1,5kg heavy DSLR around the whole time. I just want to have some nice shots in good quality to remember and I think this camcorder could get the job done, even if it is not the newest piece of technology :) It's just a bummer that it is even more expensive than on release.

[@cfldriven]

You could go with the AX43 which is the same camera minus the rear viewfinder for at least hundred dollars less. Hope you have a wonderful trip.

[@ericramsay2275]

Well explained video. Can you tell me which editing software you were using at the end?

[@cfldriven]

Adobe Premiere Pro.

[@ericramsay2275]

@@cfldriven I was afraid you were going to say that. £22 a month is too rich for me. Thanks for the reply anyway.

[@cfldriven]

@@ericramsay2275 In the states Consumers Report is commonly avail for free at the public library so that might be worth a try in your area.

[@FreedomFiveFL]

Anyone have a link for a carry case that fits this camera. One that is pretty much just big enough to carry it with some protection. It almost fits in my GoPro case but its a tight fit.

[@cfldriven]

Try a google search for "carry case for SONY FDR AX53" lots of options from inexpensive to expensive. Currently I just wrap a sweatshirt around it before putting it in to a backpack, probably not the wisest option.

[@johnjantke484]

Very good review. It helped me alot! Thanks

[@cfldriven]

John, good to hear the video was helpful. thanks for watching.

[@qaecobitv2295]

what editing you use for editing software?

[@cfldriven]

I use Adobe Premiere.

[@tfwang5649]

best review, very detailed.

[@cfldriven]

Thank you for watching

[@krisbirth4761]

At Some point towards the end you say , you can reset the modes .? How ? Or is it done automatically? Can you save your own settings ?

[@cfldriven]

At 17:36 is the Manual Ring Setting menu and the last selection is RESET. Press Manual button>dial ring to RESET>press manual button. Any changes via the Manual Ring are stored until you RESET or select a different function, even if you power off the camera. thank you for watching.

[@JQCHealthyFit-rc2km]

how do you edit video? what app do you use?

[@cfldriven]

I use Adobe Premiere, but it is complex and expensive program. Windows PC and Mac computers usually have a more basic editing programs that are free and great for beginners.

[@Yoko.Kurama]

With camcorders does the lens extend when zooming like a regularly camera? Does it this have 4k 24p?

[@cfldriven]

The lens does not extend when zooming like it does with a DSLR. All the lens movements occur internal like other video cameras. 4K allows for either 24p or 30p in the NTSC version.

[@EinkOLED]

​@@cfldrivenI live in Europe, and I'm not sure if the latest one allows me to change to 30p. There are ways to do it via PC software, but this will likely invalidate my warranty.

[@cfldriven]

@@EinkOLED My understanding is these cameras are locked to the regional standard PAL, NTSC, etc, and can not be changed. And you care correct once out of the camera the format can be changed via editing and encoders software.

[@Wenzo404]

actaully, I've found the ax43-A variant brand new for 600 dollars. is that a good price you think?

[@cfldriven]

Yes great deal, it was released after the AX53. It is pretty much the same camera without a rear viewfinder.

[@JQCHealthyFit-rc2km]

how to download latest version?

[@cfldriven]

In the USA visit www.sony.com/electronics/support/memory-camcorders-fdr-ax-series/fdr-ax53/downloads

[@Ewuebitv_press]

How much can I get it

[@cfldriven]

$1098 US at B&H and other dealers.

[@manalishifilms]

I will pass...minimal tech for the asked bundle...piece of shit!

[@xradrd]

Love almost everything about the camera but hate the tiny hard plastic viewfinder 😢

[@cfldriven]

I have yet to find an eye cup that will fit, probably never will since no ones bothered making one in 7yrs.

[@barrysoutthere]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXvThWB5Z9x2d7M

[@jean-gabrielclermont-tonne2475]

Top Video ! Merci bien. ;))

[@cfldriven]

Thank you so much for watching and sharing your feedback.

[@ThisIsDavesGarage]

People say it’s expensive for old tech. But what other options are there?

[@cfldriven]

It seems camera makers are more focused on cinema mirrorless and high end cameras leaving the consumer market trapped in 2016 tech. While I may be able to get better images from my Samsung S21, the versatility of the AX53 makes it my preferred choice for my current projects.

[@Panotaker]

I never did break all those little doors on mine.

[@cfldriven]

I thought for sure they would get damaged at work, as I have seen pro gear damaged by novice. So far I guess we are all being careful with them. Happy to hear you have similar results. Thank you for sharing.

[@davefink2326]

Nothing anywhere near this price can get you better videos of performances or sports. Especially in a pocket sized package.

[@cfldriven]

Dave, I agree it is still an impressive camera for not being updated since 2016. Thanks for sharing.

[@eduardomaymes3679]

a little sour on the tabs

[@cfldriven]

Retro 2016 tech.

[@wallebo]

Seven year old model for 1,000 dollars more? No thanks. Great video though.

[@cfldriven]

Crazy the industry seems to have given up on this price point.

[@Kraken54321]

Too much money for what it can do.

[@cfldriven]

Unfortunately there is nothing else comparable at a lower cost, although the A43 is a hundred dollars cheaper it lacks a rear viewfinder. I do find the AX53 speeds up my production process and thus helps justify the cost.

[@Joscraft_05]

@@cfldrivenYes. That’s because the camcorders market is officially dead for most people. I like Sony handycam so much since my digital 8 Sony DCR TRV255E which uses also video 8 and Hi8 tapes. This camcorder recorded my birth and when I was a very young kid. If I can buy this AX53 I’ll do it. (The AX43 doesn’t have nightshot so is a very bad point to me when you want to buy a camcorder)

[@cfldriven]

@@Joscraft_05 I think you are right, for most consumers there is no desire to get a camcorder when the phone in their pocket is good enough. While I have played with the night shot mode, in my application I have yet to find a good use for it. I would be interested in learning how you would use night shot. Thank you for sharing and watching the video.