Class: Best 4K Video Settings For The Sony FDR-AX53 and FDR-AX33

[@SaintElvardielSHMD]

5 years later and still very useful information. I just bought this camera for $250 second hand. Excited to play with it.

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@NEED_Nn]

Where??? Ax53 or Ax33 I’ll give u 500$ if you can get me a good deal like that you can keep the change

[@qaecobitv2295]

where did u get it that low??

[@novoros_dance]

Мужик красавец ! Сколько я пересмотрел русских блогеров, никто так о ней не смог рассказать как ты. Низкий поклон, баланс белого и скорость затвора для 4к вместе ! Это гениально.

[@elijahreubensmith395]

BEST tutorial I have ever watched!! You should be a teacher my friend!!

[@BigPete222]

I just purchased the FDR-AX33 off Amazon and it came today i saw your vidro yesterday and save it to watch later I'm now following your steps on how to set it up. Thanks for posting this video very helpful.

[@jamesporter7205]

I've used this camera for over a year now and love it. I come from a professional video background so I am so pleasantly surprised by how well it works. I shoot most of my stuff on a light tripod and a light wind can create problems especially when fully zoomed in. I've kind of learned to live with it's little idiosyncrasies and occasionally focus for me was a real issue, which this how to video I think is going to solve. Didn't realize I had so many options to help me focus more accurately! THANK YOU! True story: I had the camera on a tripod balanced on the front of a kayak while I paddled through a salt water marsh. I turned too quickly and the camera fell (viewing screen first) into the salt water. I caught it before it was fully submerged in fact I'm pretty sure just the tilt out monitor was the only part that got in the water. I got back to land dried the camera off with a towel and left it next to a heater to dry, when I tried it a few days later, the screen was just a purple mess. Same thing when I tried it two months later. 3 months later, I tried it one more time before throwing it away. It worked fine and has ever since, now 6 months later!!!!! This camera is really a workhorse! Please note: You can't record in surround sound when shooting in 4K.

[@guyscott8055]

if stuff gets wet, the best way is to put in front of AC, air conditioning removed humidity. Some put things in rice as well as it can absorb moisture, heat sometimes can make it worse. Maybe why it took a while to work again, I have had a phone fall into the water when lauching a boat. Tried to dry it and then turned on, just for a sec, no luck, put in front of AC outlet for 4 hours and it worked !

[@tristanmckenzie1623]

Do you find the surround sound very echoey when you speak in it. How do you find the difference from that and the 2 ch mode? And do you use the manual audio mic settings or do you have that set to automatic? I recently bought the Sony FDR ax43

[@miklosnemeth8566]

Actually you do have control over the gain/ISO at 11:18: you can set the maximum gain (see AGC Limit in menu) value, set the Shutter Speed to 1/50s for 25fps, and with the exposure compensation (AE Shift) as you demonstrated practically you have full control on iris. It's absolutely brilliantly designed by Sony engineers for a simple camera like this. The only issue is that cameras have no Max Iris configuration option, when you want to avoid iris to go beyond f8 to avoid diffraction, you have to use anyway an ND filter.

[@TheReelport]

great explanation, and the exposure stays where it is when you move the camera around? so-called exposure lock?

[@FEARisCOLD]

I know this is years later but this video really helped me understand this camera much better. Thanks for posting it.

[@ImamHussein313]

No wonder my vids have been taking years to upload, they were on 4K this entire time. Really useful knowing how to reduce the resolution, thank you!

[@philscomputerlab]

This is an excellent video! Most "reviews" today just gloss over things and haven't been used long enough to notice the limitations. I am looking to upgrade from 1080p to 4k, but I'm so used to full manual controls on my Nikon D3300, I don't think I could do without them. And the next models up with the camcorders, they cost way too much.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Just got this camera. This was a great help. Thanks!

[@kendrickbode9189]

instaBlaster...

[@AviationNZ]

Thank you so much for this very extensive and helpful video! This camera has so many settings - it's easy to get lost in it. Your video helped me understand those settings. What they are for and what they do. Thanks!

[@aurimasguoga1894]

Great help. I bought this camera yesterday and awaiting delivery. So your instructions are right in time. Thanks a lot.

[@paulssounds7129]

Just got this camera yesterday, this video is better than the manual that comes with it. I will need to dedicate time to listen properly to you as I have 2 kids running around wild at the moment

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

I sure remember having kids running around lol

[@paulssounds7129]

I have a rode external mic for this camera which plugs into the mic jack do I need to adjust the settings for this or will it work automatically like a Sony external mic? Thanks.

[@7wun561]

This guy is great at explaining this stuff. Really has made it easy to understand

[@ScoTreVan]

Great video and nice comment below "Actually you do have control over the gain/ISO at 11:18: you can set the maximum gain (see AGC Limit in menu) value, set the Shutter Speed to 1/50s for 25fps, and with the exposure compensation (AE Shift) as you demonstrated practically you have full control on iris."

[@skioldart6629]

Thank you so much for all these advices ! Just bought one Ax53 cam and it'll be sure a good manual to follow.

[@dennispeaks]

I am trying to decided between the AX53 and the Sony A6400, tough decision. Thanks for your tutorial to help make the decision easier especially being able to fine tune the focus.

[@ThePhobicFlyer]

Great vid and now I successfully turned my PAL into a 30/60/120fps version, I found this really useful..thanks!!

[@SconHeadVideos]

Hi. I cant find 30p on my ax53 🤦🏼

[@KaimanaPine]

Love this camera... Good tips and had no idea you could press-hold the front manual button for the lens ring... Game changer as I've been using the custom on-screen button. Mahalo!

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Thanks for watching!

[@the_mad_leprechaun]

Brilliant 👏 I have now learnt more about my camera by watching your video. I really must get a filter for the front I haven't managed to get one yet. Thanks once again!

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@charlesfredricks5605]

Don't normally comment on these but I have to add my voice to others who've said 'great video!' Best one on this camera I've seen.

[@ugprojects4865]

Thanks for the very informative great video. It´s my first camcorder, I bought the AX53 mainly because of the BOSS system, but in many other aspects it is also a very good camcorder. Recording quality, size, weight etc. greetings Uwe

[@LiveMusicOntario]

I'm picking up an AX700 and this information can be applied to that I'm sure. Hearing what you like to have on manual and what you can live with in auto is helpful. Mostly I expect to be working with a tripod, continuous lighting with softboxes and external sound recording for interviews, business profiles, some product.

[@EthanImperialSoccer]

Thanks, I just got the AX33 and this video was very helpful.

[@Timsvideochannel1]

Hi, does the FDR AX 53 work with the GP-VPT2BT shooting grip? I know it works with my GP-VPT1

[@CHUKDEPHATTE]

i bought this camera a year ago to replace my first ever video camera, (sony dv) and i have not even tested half the things you show in this vid. i knew it was an epic cam, now i think i should have a proper play with it.

[@badyride909]

Muchas gracias por todos sus consejos,ya grabando con mi Sony ax53 y muy feliz,sus consejos me ayudaron en la desicion de compra,un abrazo¡ saludos desde Chile¡

[@SalisburyPlainAviation]

you can actually set multiple manual options with the front button/ring. you set yhe first manual choice (say focus) then reselect to the next option (say, exposure)and set that. both options will remain in the manual mode. choose reset to auto them when finished.

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

However, you do not get full manual control over Iris, Gain, and Shutter at the same time.

[@christoroppolo8742]

This particular range of cameras are amazing. Peace Christo 👽

[@alshabi]

Respect from Dubai...Thank you

[@ozuidema]

Nice, informative vid, well presented and without unnecessary clutter. Very useful; I like this camcorder but the Sony menus are usually a drag.

[@supergeekjay]

Thankyou for this! Just bought this camera, now I know how to get the best out of it! :)

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

You're welcome!!

[@SHAJ-US]

I have 3 of these for live streaming and it’s best with midrange budget.

[@adastra123]

Thank you so much , you held my attention for everything. Probably the best tutorial I have seen on the FDR-ax33.

[@OHAREAVIATION]

Very helpful video! thanks for making this and explaining everything so clearly.

[@mickeychance435]

Can u put a link to the batteries from Amazon?

[@ozzstars_cars]

Good tutorial, thanks

[@edkoenig5397]

Thank you. Easy to understand and follow.... would love to learn more from you on this camera.

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Awesome, thank you!

[@jams501er]

I can not wait to try it out . Thank you.

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

You are so welcome!

[@BestMuscleVideo]

Great video bro. This really helped me!

[@johnkaper1129]

This is a great informational video, I have had a problem with uploading my video onto my MacBook Pro computer. are you familiar with in too do it and can you explain? Thank you, John

[@metamech7383]

First time I've heard of zebra's...I've had this camera for 3+ years! Thank you, I hope this solves my exposure problems.

[@fadel1254]

Thank you I have this camera... I am happy to see your video

[@JonTopping]

Wow this was so helpful. Thanks so much for this, I definitely feel more confident using my cameras now. When I go into framerate, I only see 25p. Did they sell me a European camera or something? Also, the "my button" function on this camera looks interesting. Basically you get three quick buttons on the main screen when shooting. I have mine set to spot focus, spot meter, and white balance, then I set the manual ring to iris. This way I feel like I get a good amount of control, especially when I have peak and zebras turned on, like you suggested. Any chance you post a link for the Wasabi batteries you got? I can't find them.

[@pm7805]

Can you please let me know the battery with extended capacity you got? How is the quality of those batteries and where you bought it from? Awesome quality review!!

[@mosessemondo7776]

Oh thanks a lot brother... Please help me on the color issue. I am too dark to be seen but I would like my video to be a little bit brown. So what should I do?? And also, hiw do i improve the smoothness of the video because i have a rough skin? Thanks alot

[@johnbrus1780]

Thanks, very good video. Cleared up some settings issues for me.

[@genemetz1945]

How about doing the best setting on AX53 for action/sports.

[@fisherrich100]

Great camcorder, I bought it for the BOSS system primarily, but it is also a very good camcorder in many other aspects.

[@daneder3533]

Great vid, thanks! I doubt you bother checking comments here, but if you do, can you advise on the ND filter that you recommend? Seeing that there is no inside threading on the lens, how the heck would you attach a filter? Thanks!!

[@ordjk4797]

How did you change what the ring changes ? I press the manual button but I'm unaware as to how I can change the ring to make it control focus instead of exposure

[@cfldriven]

Press and hold manual button, until you see options on LCD screen. Turn ring to choose a setting and press manual again to enable it.

[@AlbertLebel]

Outstanding review. Thanks for taking the time and going through it so well. I get mine today so I am excited.

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AlbertLebel]

@@TheBoomerConsumer I do have a question. You may have covered it but I am not that technical. I been using mostly auto settings so my autofocus works well. I have tried several different types of light and now use COB LEDS. My entire scene looks great but my hands glow like their lit from the inside. Other than a tan is their anything I can do. Thank you

[@kensellar]

Is there a setting so that the camera doesn't keep shutting off after what seems like only a minute or so of inactivity? It's not like it's going to chew up a bunch of battery if I have to stop the camera and wait 5 minutes to record my next scene. I'm not sure exactly how long it is, but it only seems like a minute, 2 at the most.

[@YarmouthMark]

Is there like a tilt icon on this that lets you know if you are tilting the camera a bit too much to one side?Panasonic

[@darkencountersparanormal]

I just bought sony hdr sr7 what’s the best sd card to get for those cameras?

[@noneNone-mw1px]

Does this cam good tor vlog? How is quality of images and films?

[@TheSchoolOfGuitar]

Unbelievable, Thanks so much!!

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Glad it helped!

[@andrascsirmaz3043]

I wish there was an auto mic-gain limit... otherwise, all-round great cam.

[@cfldriven]

In the menu settings you can adjust mic audio gain setting

[@MuslinTree]

I see much of this in the menu of the older HDR-CX730 I recently bought and find your video very helpful. It's quite a switch from the HDR-CX220 I had been using. I use it mostly to film football matches and don't see sports in the automatic scenes which I have seen on other camera's. Anyway, especially shutter speed in video I never realized the impact. If I want to keep it at 1/100 or 1/120 at 50p it means I can't use intelligent auto nor spotmeter/focus but it seems I can use spotfocus. Manual focus jumps from 1.7 mtrs to infinite so doesn't seem very helpful for football. Thank you.

[@MuslinTree]

When I'm in videomode I can make 1/10000 shutterspeed but when in photo mode only up to 1/215. Does that make sense? I'm speaking of the HDR-CX730 whose menu is very similar.

[@fredfreddie3052]

Hi thank you for nice way to explain. I do live streaming and the audio sound is crinkle. Would you please explain how to gat good quality audio. Thanks

[@tristanmckenzie1623]

What audio mode is it on? 2 ch, or 5.1 Surround ? Explain exactly how it sounds too?

[@MattParson]

Why does custom white balance disable face detection in autofocus… Seems like a strange limitation

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Got to move up the line for full manual control

[@GadgetAddict]

Most of the features will disable face tracking 🤦 The interface and general software is really frustrating. But the hardware is decent. It's a shame they couldn't overhaul the firmware with something more modern.

[@projectxplora3834]

This camera is absolutely magnificent if you know how to use it!

[@muhdadliikram9515]

Is the ax43 good for sport use such as football games ?

[@lindasaunders9475]

Well done easy to follow helpful loved your tutorial

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ianbosserman4311]

Is the viewfinder accessible with the extended battery? Seems like it prevents you from getting up close to the view finder. Wanted to check/measure before I buy any new batteries, thanks.

[@songkh4340]

Thank you very much! It's a great no-nonsense instruction.

[@Gajbotron]

Nice vid! BTW how to check my FDR AX53 ACTIVE TIME (overall usage time of the camera)? Is there any shortcut or secret code to display that info?

[@josephmullen3254]

What settings are used to record lights like Christmas lights or car lights thanks

[@cfldriven]

Under Scene Selection I would try either night or fireworks.

[@Travel_addict_81]

I am a long way from filming in manual with this camera.Just bought the camera, but somehow the viewfinder doesn't work. Any ideas?

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Wow return it if it doesn't work properly

[@Travel_addict_81]

I will take it back, but i hope they will repair it. I payed 500 pounds( 50 cash back after 29days), it was a display model, the ones they have behind the glass. The new one cost 750 minus 50 cash back.

[@Knyght100]

Make sure you're actually pulling the viewfinder out.

[@Travel_addict_81]

Thanks, i manage to do it.

[@williamkacensky7858]

Nice commentary. Question. I am seeking a camcorder or Camera/video capability for photographing aerial aircraft at a moments notice. Close up clear zoom capabilities a must. Price under $2,000. What would be ideal for me?

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

I'm a big fan for the Sony FDR-AX700

[@williamkacensky7858]

@@TheBoomerConsumer Thanks, I like Sony too. Is there a tutorial for ideal point an shoot settings, at a moments notice?

[@magoob4334]

Great video. This helped me a bunch

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Awesome, thank you!

[@AyeshasFamily]

Thank you for the informative review. I have a question about the external mic. When I use an external mic with it it was giving me noise as a fan is running in my videos. Can you pls tell me how I can change my setting for the external mic?

[@tristanmckenzie1623]

It's called the famous hiss.. It's quite evident in many camcorders and quite predominant I found in my Canon Legria camcorder. High-end mirrorles cameras these days don't have that, but the older style camcorders do. You will find it making that noise too with the built-in mic, too, right?

[@brentwestbrook]

I've put my AX53 in a rig with a battery eliminator. They don't last long. I can now use Sony NPF970 batteries instead.

[@oliverleslie7382]

Are all the settings u spoke to for manual mode. I came here to learn some basics - and thinking for now, auto is good - but could still learn about getting the best image quality for videos, like the record mode settings, frame rate, file format etc. when u spoke about them were they for Manual only? Thanks.

[@CaptainStevenMarkovich]

Very helpful thanks

[@markjohnson6132]

Totally fantastic and very helpful tutorial, THANK YOU!

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

You're very welcome!

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

To clarify my comments on the AGC Limiter, it actually translates more to Auto ISO in the DSLR world, however, it pertains more to auto/manual auto exposure.

[@rtt008]

AGC Limiter does not work with Low Lux setup to On. For Photo mode is possible to go to min Shutter Speed 1/6 sec and to get better low light photo. Still I would prefer not to have 1/6 sec min Shutter Speed restriction (for low light photos using tripod). One more comment - BOSS is available and works great also for older Full HD Sony cameras. Something more - you may use the small Remote Control from older Sony cameras also with Sony AX53 - works great for start/stop recording, (out)zooming and taking photos on tripod.

[@SoundMediaVibes]

FrugalTech - Is it possible to record with the sound muted instead of muting in post, and if so how to set that feature?

[@rtt008]

Just go to Menu->Camera/Mic->Audio Rec Level (Auto) and change it to Manual. Then minimize it using "-".

[@SoundMediaVibes]

Roumen Trifonov - Thanks for the quick straight forward tutorial, used it today and it saved me a lot of time. THANKS!!! :)

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks!

[@bartgr9008]

Have you found a way to get some depth of field with this camera? By choosing "portrait mode", you will get some mild depth of field, but i was wondering if you have found some other way.

[@1StepTooFar]

Back up farther from the subject and zoom in.

[@hanayume86]

when i first took my sony cam back in 2012 they told me it record mp4 ,,, when i tried it ended up recording mtsc which is really annoying hard to watch or convert is there anything I should do??

[@danielelugani]

Thank you very much for your super clear video!

[@Fludded]

Active mode on steady shot had intermittent vignetting and image break up for me, I’d leave it in standard.

[@johnbaker1816]

Excellent presentation, thanks. Simple and to the point, without any techno babble.

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@covertmotorcyclist2842]

What settings would you use if you wanted to use the AX53 for indoor real estate video? Thanks!

[@markgwinnell7259]

Great info of some of the many features this camcorder has Bruce. Its a Great Camera !

[@axellezie2605]

Smashing review!!! Thanks, I feel like a semi pro right now!!!

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Great to hear!

[@sasmallmath]

Thanks for this video, very helpful and informative.

[@johnkaper1129]

Excellent video, very informative. Tks

[@muhammadaslamkhan5784]

I am using this and am quite satisfactory although it is costly but its ok

[@SavageScientist]

Best Video on setting up my AX53

[@NevenaH]

This was super useful! Thank you! I have one super lame issue I cannot solve though - when using it to stream, it got on stand by after a while (while plugged in main etc) and ofc this cuts the stream. I looked inside out and i cannot find how to turn this option off. Ideas?

[@Borszczuk]

Please be aware that you can shot 4k@30fps and fhd@60/30fps on US models only! European will offer just 4k@25fps and fhd@50/25fps respectively. That's really bad as it looks it is somehow related to power grid (electricity) frequencies so devices like lights do not flicker when filmed (not sure it makes much difference now with so many LED stuff around though). Anyway, if you are aiming at specific frame rate, double check the specs of unit you are going to order.

[@igor7000]

I really got screwed by this. I had no idea they would actually lock this by hardware and not let you change it in the software

[@thenameless5038]

​@@igor7000You can change it with a mod these days.

[@thenameless5038]

I just changed it on mine and now I have all options 24/30/50/60/100/120

[@igor7000]

@@thenameless5038 that's what I did

[@alblake3680]

Very interesting and informative. I am a beginner so off I go to experiment

[@paulallenMacca]

Thanks for sharing this video, what i hate about my FDR-AX53 is that you have to turn the Manual Ring for Manual Focusing at least 10 times i thought they would have brought out a Software Update.

[@mycustomswagronniebates9439]

Great video, I was hoping to learn WHY my Handyman takes a picture every time I start recording.

[@KidsToysFunTime]

Nice video! Lots of information. I use the same camcoder for my videos.

[@josecorrea8391]

Hi, Thanks for the video... For sporting events like soccer, which camcorder would you recommend? ax53 or ax33? Thanks

[@148bus]

Go for the Sony ax53, it's more up to date and is a lot better, I have one.

[@wiseguyscooking]

Excellent review!!!

[@johncarambat4762]

Good stuff Thanks for the helpful review

[@TheBoomerConsumer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ITSEGFILMS]

But, what about DOF, can this camera do this?

[@SUN7SHINE25]

Learning how to use my new camcorder