This comparison between the Sony AX53 and Panasonic WXF1 is exactly what I needed. I have been torn between these two camcorders and this video really helped me make a decision. The detailed image quality tests and comparisons were so helpful. Thank you for this thorough review. My choice is SONY.
So I may have a different need for these, as I am a private investigator. I started with the Panasonic v180 which had great zoom, but is outdated for sure. Bought the VX981 and the zoom was awful. Traded in for Sony for-ax43 and I must say, it doesn’t work well for my job. If something quickly happens like a person quickly exiting their home, the Sony lacks prerecord and has a delay turning on, AND takes a second or two to focus. Even with auto. Panasonics have prerecord settings and seem to pick up image quicker. I am now considering the wxf1 or the newer vx3 but unsure. Any thoughts? My goal is to get clear video quality, solid zoom , and prerecord is a huge plus
have you considered a mirrorless camera with a long lens? that may be a better option for you? better photos as well which I'm sure you may need at times as a PI.
If 4K is not mandatory get a blazing fast Canon SX60 HS, the best budget 4K device is Panasonic FZ-1000 (with 1 inch sensor) or if no zoom needed get DJI osmo pocket 1 or 2. cheers!
I am lucky in that I have a choice of 3 camcorders, I have the SONY AX53 and the AX700 also a Panasonic HCX 2000 so I am spoilt for choice. I will be quite honest and say that my most go to camcorder (especially if I am travelling light) is the AX53 ! Obviously the other two are capable of doing more for controllability ( and better images) ? but they are both larger and heavier for hand holding. The AX53 is one of the best all round cameras that I have ever owned in my 50 years of film making and is still capable of holding it's own against a lot of other more expensive models.
I love to have a camcorder too and all three you have are what I interested in, Lean toward X1500 but AX53 is more practical but I haven't able to afford one and I'm a freelance designer, can I help you to design something like a logo, artwork and so on to help me afford one sooner? 😊
Sad the Panasonic VX3 doesn't have a viewfinder but at least it has improved image quality. Maybe we'll see some reviews on that. I do see the fun on Panasonic though. Still overall video definitely goes to Sony. Better colours, better sharpness and definitely better quality. I hope they'll update thie camera one more time to an AX63 model and just have slightly bigger sensor, wider FOV, more sensitive sensor with noise reduction, better AF and probably modern picture profile. Camcorders should be a better camera option for zoom than mirrorless since they have better ergonomics and battery life. It should not be a dead experience.
Another great video comparison! Sony clearly is a winner. I used to have VXF1 but sold it due to two major cons: lack of sharpness/details and weird color science, especially the greens. VXF1 4K have excellent stabilization and fast zoom but footage looks exactly like upscaled 1080p. compared side by side, my Canon SX60 HS full HD 60fps looks way more sharp and detailed. Also, Pansonic FZ300 with 12 megapixel 1/2.3 sensor, constant f2.8, 10 yrs old produces waaay superior footage than this camcorder. Camcorders are interesting, perfect video capture devices but are totally left aside by manufacturers, with obsolete and outdated caracteristics.
Model in front of lake wasn't clear, couldn't make her out and the surrounds. Seems it was overall too dark for those tiny sensors to get good quality. Otherwise the video looked great.
The scenes when she was by the lake yes, the harsh sunlight did put a strain on the sensor but I thought the closeup shots were better. That's the unfortunate issue is the dynamic range of the small sensors you are right. Thanks for the comment!
I have the Panasonic HC-VX1 and its great. Very impressed with its low light abilities to. One interesting note is that on the Panasonic you can access the service menu and turn it from NTSC to PAL and vise versa. When you do that you can change the frame rate which is great for anyone in UK as we can now have it shoot 4K at 3FPS instead of 25 th-cam.com/video/RbAd4F_qyog/w-d-xo.html
They are really very different beasts. The AX53 is a camcorder design, for video mainly. The zve10 is more for vloggers with its design much smaller but also has a much bigger sensor so will give you better results overall. But of course less zoom built in. People like the AX53 for video because there is no recording limit, no overheating issues and they like holding an operating a camcorder better than a traditional camera so the choice is yours!
@techtoremember8096 i see, is it a lot smaller than X1500 to make it worth to get and bring as everyday camcorder or just get the X1500 for the 4K60p? Any IR mode? No build in light? Why they don't make it 4K60p since it's a usual spec nowadays?
@@вечная_мерзлота from what I found, they all have 5.1 and to activate it you need to go down to the AVCHD file which is lower bit rate even for Sony too, higher nitrate go back to 2channel, worth the trade off?
Ive had the Panasonic VX981 and the newest Canon Vixia, returned both. These modern videocameras have terrible video quality compared to mirrorless cameras with much larger sensors. It would be different if they were under $500 but for $1k? You can get FAR better video quality out of a used mirrorless camera and zoom lens. Was hoping for something improved in the VX3, looks no different. It's a real shame no one can make a better quality video camera because the form factor is great.
ummm.....Panasonic VX1 and VX3? As someone who knows the Sony CCD-VX1 and CCD-VX3 by heart, I can't be certain why Panasonic is calling their cameras "VX" anything, it's confusing.
Hey, good memory on the Sony VX cameras. I guess Panasonic figured it was so long ago, that it won't cause any confusion. I reviewed the Sony VX3...quite a piece of tech for the time.
I don't have the VX3 as it hasn't been released yet but am aware of all the specs on it and image quality wise will be identical to the WXF1 reviewed here. Thank you
Good question The VX1 does and I suspect the VX3 will keep that feature as they are essentially the same camera with a few small changes so it’s not confirmed yet but I suspect it will be able to do wireless multicam
Actually in checking the AX700 prices they are quite a bit more, unless you can grab a really good deal you'll spend closer to $1500 for that camera on the secondary market. Also it doesnt have as long a zoom, but its certainly a more professional camera with a larger sensor and more manual controls. That camera I would call more "prosumer" than the 2 cameras reviewed here and would more likely appeal to a different audience. Thanks.
Vx3 no 5nm prosessor ,no higQualyti 4k ,no Dedicated profesor ,no memori internal usf 3.2 ,no GPS ,wifi amd SO nee naoo Este vx es una burla en pleno 2024 no tiene un procesador avanzado de imagen con hdr live 4k 60fps ,no tiene memoria interna mínimo de 256 GB ,no tie!e carga rápida de batería modo massive estorague ,no tiene un senso4 de imagen vanazado de ultimagene4acion..no tiene pantalla brillante su autofocus es rápido no tiene infrarrojo modo no tiene eis avanzado para el año 2024
I hope we never lose the camcorder! I have a Panasonic HDC-TM900. I only shoot 1080p. Really enjoy using it even to this day! Thanks for sharing!
I still too only shoot in 1080p.
just see no need in slightly noticeable difference at x2 space needed for 4k.
Underrated channel!!!!
Thanks a lot !!
Thank you so much!!!
It was exactly what i searched for!
Very important information and excellent examples !!!
Great to hear !
this is an incredible comparison, i'm torn. great review!
Thanks so much! Yes, both cameras have their strengths for sure. Good luck with the decision!! Thanks again for the comment
This comparison between the Sony AX53 and Panasonic WXF1 is exactly what I needed. I have been torn between these two camcorders and this video really helped me make a decision. The detailed image quality tests and comparisons were so helpful. Thank you for this thorough review. My choice is SONY.
That’s great to hear !! Thank you !
@@techtoremember8096 You are welcome.
Great job. Overall, I'd go for the Sony's image.
Thanks very much!
So I may have a different need for these, as I am a private investigator. I started with the Panasonic v180 which had great zoom, but is outdated for sure. Bought the VX981 and the zoom was awful. Traded in for Sony for-ax43 and I must say, it doesn’t work well for my job. If something quickly happens like a person quickly exiting their home, the Sony lacks prerecord and has a delay turning on, AND takes a second or two to focus. Even with auto. Panasonics have prerecord settings and seem to pick up image quicker. I am now considering the wxf1 or the newer vx3 but unsure. Any thoughts? My goal is to get clear video quality, solid zoom , and prerecord is a huge plus
have you considered a mirrorless camera with a long lens? that may be a better option for you? better photos as well which I'm sure you may need at times as a PI.
If 4K is not mandatory get a blazing fast Canon SX60 HS, the best budget 4K device is Panasonic FZ-1000 (with 1 inch sensor) or if no zoom needed get DJI osmo pocket 1 or 2. cheers!
I am lucky in that I have a choice of 3 camcorders, I have the SONY AX53 and the AX700 also a Panasonic HCX 2000 so I am spoilt for choice. I will be quite honest and say that my most go to camcorder (especially if I am travelling light) is the AX53 ! Obviously the other two are capable of doing more for controllability ( and better images) ? but they are both larger and heavier for hand holding. The AX53 is one of the best all round cameras that I have ever owned in my 50 years of film making and is still capable of holding it's own against a lot of other more expensive models.
I love to have a camcorder too and all three you have are what I interested in, Lean toward X1500 but AX53 is more practical but I haven't able to afford one and I'm a freelance designer, can I help you to design something like a logo, artwork and so on to help me afford one sooner? 😊
Sad the Panasonic VX3 doesn't have a viewfinder but at least it has improved image quality. Maybe we'll see some reviews on that. I do see the fun on Panasonic though.
Still overall video definitely goes to Sony. Better colours, better sharpness and definitely better quality. I hope they'll update thie camera one more time to an AX63 model and just have slightly bigger sensor, wider FOV, more sensitive sensor with noise reduction, better AF and probably modern picture profile. Camcorders should be a better camera option for zoom than mirrorless since they have better ergonomics and battery life. It should not be a dead experience.
Where did you find better image quality mentioned?
Thanks for the review. Do you have any idea which of the two cameras would not overheat after long use (about an hour and a half)?
Thank you! :)
Hi there ! The great thing is since these are camcorders , no worry about overheating ! Just make sure you have enough card space and power !
Camcorders dont overheat
Another great video comparison! Sony clearly is a winner. I used to have VXF1 but sold it due to two major cons: lack of sharpness/details and weird color science, especially the greens. VXF1 4K have excellent stabilization and fast zoom but footage looks exactly like upscaled 1080p. compared side by side, my Canon SX60 HS full HD 60fps looks way more sharp and detailed. Also, Pansonic FZ300 with 12 megapixel 1/2.3 sensor, constant f2.8, 10 yrs old produces waaay superior footage than this camcorder. Camcorders are interesting, perfect video capture devices but are totally left aside by manufacturers, with obsolete and outdated caracteristics.
Very well said ! Thanks for the insightful comment !
I wish i have VX981 but with VX1/VX3 newer lens
Model in front of lake wasn't clear, couldn't make her out and the surrounds. Seems it was overall too dark for those tiny sensors to get good quality. Otherwise the video looked great.
The scenes when she was by the lake yes, the harsh sunlight did put a strain on the sensor but I thought the closeup shots were better. That's the unfortunate issue is the dynamic range of the small sensors you are right. Thanks for the comment!
I have the Panasonic HC-VX1 and its great. Very impressed with its low light abilities to. One interesting note is that on the Panasonic you can access the service menu and turn it from NTSC to PAL and vise versa. When you do that you can change the frame rate which is great for anyone in UK as we can now have it shoot 4K at 3FPS instead of 25 th-cam.com/video/RbAd4F_qyog/w-d-xo.html
5 years later, Panasonic only changed the name of VX1 and introduced VX3, like the FZ82D. Let's run and get it now.
Haha Sad but true
Would you say the Sony AX53 is better than the Sony zve10?
They are really very different beasts. The AX53 is a camcorder design, for video mainly. The zve10 is more for vloggers with its design much smaller but also has a much bigger sensor so will give you better results overall.
But of course less zoom built in. People like the AX53 for video because there is no recording limit, no overheating issues and they like holding an operating a camcorder better than a traditional camera so the choice is yours!
Nice 😃
Thanks to you
Panasonic HC-X1500 has 4K60p, is it better than VX3 in image quality as well?
It’s the same sensor so I suspect it’ll be the same image quality yes just more features and 4k/60
@techtoremember8096 i see, is it a lot smaller than X1500 to make it worth to get and bring as everyday camcorder or just get the X1500 for the 4K60p? Any IR mode? No build in light? Why they don't make it 4K60p since it's a usual spec nowadays?
no 5.1 sound is deal breaker on x1500
@@вечная_мерзлота from what I found, they all have 5.1 and to activate it you need to go down to the AVCHD file which is lower bit rate even for Sony too, higher nitrate go back to 2channel, worth the trade off?
good video I film all my videos with the Sony;)
Ive had the Panasonic VX981 and the newest Canon Vixia, returned both. These modern videocameras have terrible video quality compared to mirrorless cameras with much larger sensors. It would be different if they were under $500 but for $1k? You can get FAR better video quality out of a used mirrorless camera and zoom lens. Was hoping for something improved in the VX3, looks no different. It's a real shame no one can make a better quality video camera because the form factor is great.
ummm.....Panasonic VX1 and VX3? As someone who knows the Sony CCD-VX1 and CCD-VX3 by heart, I can't be certain why Panasonic is calling their cameras "VX" anything, it's confusing.
Hey, good memory on the Sony VX cameras. I guess Panasonic figured it was so long ago, that it won't cause any confusion. I reviewed the Sony VX3...quite a piece of tech for the time.
Do you have HC-VX3 ?
I don't have the VX3 as it hasn't been released yet but am aware of all the specs on it and image quality wise will be identical to the WXF1 reviewed here. Thank you
@@techtoremember8096 does VX3 also support multi cam setup?
Good question The VX1 does and I suspect the VX3 will keep that feature as they are essentially the same camera with a few small changes so it’s not confirmed yet but I suspect it will be able to do wireless multicam
@@techtoremember8096 I like the timestamp feature of VX3.
Does the vx3 have night vision?
For that price you can buy Sony AX700 much better from both cameras
Actually in checking the AX700 prices they are quite a bit more, unless you can grab a really good deal you'll spend closer to $1500 for that camera on the secondary market. Also it doesnt have as long a zoom, but its certainly a more professional camera with a larger sensor and more manual controls. That camera I would call more "prosumer" than the 2 cameras reviewed here and would more likely appeal to a different audience. Thanks.
@techtoremember8096 I bought AX700 for $860, just 14h of working...
You got a great deal ! Congrats
I have some TH-cam recordings with AX700, it is a really amazing camera.. I recorded butterflies at 960fps 😃
It is ! I reviewed that camera and its excellent
the 43 also dropped nightshot, like the new vx3, LAME!!!
Oh really ? Anything to cut costs !!
The Sony ax53 beats the Panasonic. It certainly has the awesome 4K sharpness and purity of the Sony
I would buy the Sony but it’s more money and I don’t like the massive battery
Vx3 no 5nm prosessor ,no higQualyti 4k ,no Dedicated profesor ,no memori internal usf 3.2 ,no GPS ,wifi amd SO nee naoo
Este vx es una burla en pleno 2024 no tiene un procesador avanzado de imagen con hdr live 4k 60fps ,no tiene memoria interna mínimo de 256 GB ,no tie!e carga rápida de batería modo massive estorague ,no tiene un senso4 de imagen vanazado de ultimagene4acion..no tiene pantalla brillante su autofocus es rápido no tiene infrarrojo modo no tiene eis avanzado para el año 2024