Excellent review! I bought the FDR AX53 three weeks ago and so far the 4k results are wonderful. Your review highlighted many features that are in the nearly 300 page operations manual, but typically the manual does not explain why and when those many features should be used. (Yes, I printed the manual back-to-back so that notes could be added).Thank you!Bill
I still have the camera. I just got the Sony A7S3 but this camcorder has things that DSLRs don't like the BOS and super long fast zoom. I keep it around for travel because it just works and also everything is always in focus. For product videos sometimes you want everything in focus and big sensor cameras are hard to do that with sometimes.
Because of you, I bought the sony ax 53 .... and I'm sincerely very satisfied ... thank you very much for your videos .... mine got much better with this 53....bye bye...keep the good work....big hug from Terceira Island in Azores....thanks
Thanks for this excellent review! Your arguments conviced me to buy this AX53 although I was keen to go for the AX700. It is not a 1” sensor camera but it costs much less and seems to have impressive image quality. Also, it has a number of extra features that I need (e.g. extra gimbal stability!) and also weighs half as much :) It’s time to turn in my HDR-CX550 for this new technical wonder.
Just got this for Christmas and dying to use it! Loved the video and would love an introductory video of you actually using the camera on a project taking us step by step through the process as you take us on an informational journey.
Great! Used it yesterday for a shoot. I have a HCX1000 4 K from Panasonic that is use in the studio, and this little Sony is perfect for the field. Operating it from the app remotely is the bomb. Bought because I will be filming some surgeries for a physician client in Germany, and I wanted a light, 4k cam that I could mount on a pole and control remotely. Fits the bill perfectly. And basically I can travel with one suitcase less since dont have to take the large 4k with me. Thanks again!
Superb review it was clear precise simple to understand. And the video footage you attached really showed the performance of this camera I've subscribed cant wait to see more videos like this.
Thank you so much for this video! The way you covered the functionality of the multipurpose ring was very comprehensive. I've looked at other camcorders and their rings are only dedicated to focusing. Also the hummingbird and flower footage was beautiful. The moon footage, spectacular!
Great review of the AX53, the best yet. I have been considering getting one of these camcorders, do you still recommend as this several years later? Tk you
Thanks. Helpful to know zoom has been improved. Also like the zoom feature on-screen too. I bought an ax53b. Do you know if the b designation indicates it is the newer version you are talking about?
Ken, you'll love the image stabilization. Here are my review thoughts: This camera really excels in one department, and that’s the wonderfully effective Balanced Optical SteadyShot. There are four choices: intelligent, active, standard or off. When you turn the camera on (opening the side-screen or pulling the viewfinder rearwards will do) the camera shakes in your hand as the whole lens assembly jumps from rest and centres itself on the chip’s optical axis. This very powerful five-axis image stabilisation mechanism floats the whole lens block unnervingly, the block comprising (probably) 18 elements, two ND filters, the iris diaphragm, the zoom and autofocus operating solenoids. It’s quite remarkable to watch in operation as the complete lens assembly wafts about with a 7mm maximum excursion, as if it’s all floating on some invisible oil. This happens in real time; as fast as you can shake the camera the lens block counteracts you, painting the stationary chip with the stabilised image. The on-screen results are truly remarkable, and when combined with just a touch of Mercalli in-post stabilisation, make walks across a field look like tracks have been laid. I knew how I could catch it out. Powerful OIS systems all show the dreaded and inevitable ‘overshoot and bounce back’, effectively ruining tripod shots. Of course such negative artefacts are there in your hand-held footage too, it’s just that the pros of OIS visually outweigh the cons. Anyway, I put the camera onto a nice fluid-headed tripod and did some quick pans and tilts. And you know what? The camera needs but one pan to ‘learn’ that its on a tripod, and how clever is this - it immediately switches the OIS off. Result: no overshoot whatsoever. Flicking the tripod’s quick release immediately and automatically re-engages the powerful OIS for hand-held use. It’s undocumented and I’m impressed. It’s a pity that shooting in 4k disables this magic OIS, but more of this later.
Thanks, Tom, for the additional excerpt from your review. I almost missed it because it is in a new comment! The camera definitely has some impressive stabilization technology. I’m puzzled as to why Sony doesn’t advertise the built-in ND filters. They would definitely be a selling point. A number of reviews note the lack of ND filters since they are common on competing cameras, especially camcorders. I’m not familiar with Mercalli; I’ve mostly used Premiere Pro’s built-in stabilization. I’ll have to take a look at it.
Actually Ken I don't think highlighting the built-in and undocumented ND filters WOULD be a good selling point. The reason they're there of course is because camcorders of this ilk use tiny sensors (the 53 uses a chip slightly larger than ⅓'') and diffraction losses are horrendous, especially at short focal lengths (wideangle end of the zoom) and small apertures. Manufacturers have been doing this for years. The Canon 310XL Super-8 camera had built-in undocumented ND way back in 1973. So if your camcorder doesn't have an ND filter switch on the outside then sure as hell they're built in. Panasonic, Canon, you name it. Problem is of course that you're denied access to the lens apertures, so you can't control the DoF. I found out in my review though you CAN shoot in manual mode at smaller apertures than f/4, but the picture softness is horrible. You can see why Sony 'pretends' you can choose any aperture to control exposure, but in reality you're shuffling NDs in and out. But making decent looking movies means keeping the shutter speed at 1/50th or so, any faster and the 'frozen frame' gives footage a very stataco look. So there's reason for adding yet more ND to the front of the 53 to stop the camera upping the shutter speed in bright conditions. Except that I'd NEVER recommend it. Adding filters to any lens with such very short focal length is a real no-no. Ah - compromises, huh?
@@tomrhardwick Yes, definitely a lot of compromises and complexity. I think I follow some of what you are saying, but not all. Are you saying that Sony wouldn’t want to advertise the ND filters because it would bring more attention to the camera’s limitations (e.g., poor small aperture performance, lack of full manual controls)? I am not understanding the last paragraph, particularly the last sentence: “Adding filters to any lens with such very short focal length is a real no-no.” It seems like adding an ND filter would cause the camera to adjust by opening the aperture, thus compensating, at least partially, for the diffraction induced softness associated with the short focal length.
That's exactly right Ken, if 'filmmakers' thought they weren't able to operate the camera in full manual control they'd feel cheated somehow. But Sony aren't alone, all manufacturers keep stum about the internally deployed auto ND. It's there of course to give you sharper footage, so it's there for all the best intentions. The NDs are very close to the iris diaphragm so they're completely out of focus, even if they're only obscuring part of the aperture as they slide into place. Placing filters on the front of the camera is a no-no because of the very short focal lengths give huge depth of field, even at wide apertures. Filters are ALWAYS dirty, however beautifully you clean them, and shooting into the light shows up the impurities as 'bits' on the footage. I'm afraid using such camcorders means accepting staccato footage in bright light.
@@tomrhardwick Thanks Tom. I appreciate your insights. I don’t have a pressing need for a new camera right now. The ax53 is over 4 years old, and I’m tempted to wait and see if Sony comes out with an updated version. The recently released ax43 suggests that Sony does see a future for the consumer camcorder market, but the fact that it is a downgrade from the ax53 is discouraging. They may see more potential in the low end of the consumer market rather than the high end, so I have no idea when or if Sony will release an upgraded version of the ax53.
This was the best review of the product... Good presentation and it answered some questions for me! Thank you! (And the music wasn't annoying... LOL) Well done!
at 8:31 you present "BOS ...shot in fairly shaky conditions". But, or it is BOS shot 1080, or not BOS in 4k (as the ax53 does not support BOS for 4k). Which one?
Someone said the low light on this camera was grainy and they preferred the ax100 for such circumstances but your night footage looks pretty damn good on my iPhone screen. The overall capability of the image capture is phenomenal. 😱. If this is what they call alright and no usb attached inconvenience then I’ll take it! Thanks for the helpful clarifications. ✅🤓
This was a great review! I think about an upgrade from full hd to 4k, and my question is, what camcorder would you recommend? The old Sony AX-33 or this AX53? I have a lot of shoots in the inside.
+DominoJOJO The AX33 is cheaper but for me definitely the AX53. The quality is better, low light is better and a lot of small improvements. But mainly the video quality is awesome.
+DominoJOJO I was like you...ready to upgrade my old HD cam. Didn't know if I wanted to go 4K or not (was getting the Cannon VIXIA HF-G40, $1,300 HD cam), but in the end decided to go 4K. I looked at the Panasonic HC-WX970 ($900), Panasonic HC-WXF991K ($1,000) and the VX for $900 and the Sony AX53 ($1,000). But was really unhappy with the results of these "consumer" 4K cameras. I mean, if I'm going to spend that kind of money on a camera, it had better be good. So I looked at the Prosumer cameras...wow, expensive...but they had what I wanted; superior quality (way better than the consumer 4K's), multiple manual controls and built in ND filters. I settled on the Sony FDR-AX100/B but didn't want to pay $1,700 for one. Started looking around and Best Buy had a bunch for $1,000-$1,200 as open box demos, complete with factory warranty and full return policy. I basically got a Prosumer camera for the price of the consumer AX53.
Tech Connect Likewise! Great review of the AX53. Well done and very informative. On a side note, I found right off that video camera audio processors aren't very good. I always use an external source now for my audio, such as the Zoom H1. I match the H1 with a JK MIC-JO44 for interviews (the Giant Squid would also be a great choice). Even if you use a Rode shotgun mic mounted on the camera, you're still using the camera's weak audio processor. Great talking with you!
+Tech Connect Thanks for the answer. I'm trying to decide.So confused.Which one should I choose?cx 900 or this ax53? I'll use it for my youtube toy reviews.İmage quality and autofocus is important as I'm filming small detailed objects or dolls.Which one do you recommend?
hi Rivers. did you ever post your calif trip you mentioned to show the fdr ax53 features/samples? I do videos for my club and my hd camcorder is 6 yrs old and i need to update it soon. thanks
I have not had very good luck with green screen on this camera. Basically you want to put it into spot metering mode to use a green screen. You can have someone tap the screen on you to lock metering on you in front of the green screen. On the Sony a6300 it does amazing on green screen. Just put it in center metering and center focus and shoot in front of the green screen. It looks amazing. The first part of this video was shot on the a6300 amzn.to/2fKkWZu with a green screen.
Mahalo, Thanks for the review and info on the battery / where to get it!!! The pictures and video are fabulous!!! makes me realize I need to park the old HDR-CX7 (You think??)
Nice review and the video footage looks amazing. I was blown away by the quality of the video. Keep up the good work. Im already suscribed. A thumb up. God Bless.
I have this baby for a few weeks now, too. The touch screen sensitivity thing is just the other way around with me - my AX33's screen wanted a bit more attention to react while the AX53's is just right without having to break the glass. ;-) I guess it's just production tolerance, then...
After having used the camera longer I think the touch screen sensitivity is pretty good. The problem was some of the buttons are on the edge of the screen and I was hitting a little off the screen so it wasn't hitting the buttons every time..
I've used several Panasonics in the past and they are amazing outdoors. Indoors the white balance was off sometimes. Sony nails it indoors and does a good job outdoors for me much more often.
GREAT Review and I'd say that video has come a long way since the days of the full-size camcorders. I really like the test footage, it makes the most simple video come alive with the brilliant color. Tell me, I'm totally sold on this camera, but first I'd like to know if step-up and step-down rings can be threaded in to attach modifier filters for modification to photography? Thanks again for your great review.
Nice review, especially ur comments on the improved zoom control and airplane low light shots. Will the AX53 take standard hot shoe accessories in addition to Sony’s propriety stuff?
I have to correct my earlier question - I have a trv350. FX430 was the camera I had before that. The FX430 had a lot of motor noise when zooming. the trv350 is better but still picks it up in the recording. How is the zoom feature in the ax53? Also the other question was about the viewfinder. I see that it extends but is that a problem with the larger battery? Thanks and excellent review - really helped.
+Pablo Vidaurre Thanks Pablo. Unfortunately I don't think there is any easy way to sync this with another camera for 3D. That is actually pretty hard to find these days. Maybe it will make a come back with VR becoming so popular now.
i have bought this camera and i am very impressed with it. the b.o.s.s is incredible effective. when using a new sdxc card in 4k do i need to convert it first then.?. good review.
Thank you for the video. Was all of this handheld? I am looking for a camcorder that gets stable handheld footage without using a tripod. Thanks again. Awesome video!
Hi Rivers! I just want to say I have enjoyed your channel. Thanks for the informative material. I recently got a like new Sony AX-53 for 1/2 price on craigslist. My camera is a cannon Powershot SX-50. The cannon serves my needs for now and I LOVE the simplicity and image on the AX-53. However, I am wondering if the Sony a6500 would replace both. If so I would rather spend a little more to bring the minimum gear on my night time fishing charters. Their are few comparisons of the 2 on you tube. So That might be a great video Idea. What is your recommendation? The AX-53 or the a6500? Thanks and keep up the great work!
One of the best videos so far. Thanks. One question: the example video of your vacation is that in 4K or FullHD? And other question does the BOSS also work in 4K?
BOSS works in all modes but I'd say turn it off if using a tripod because you may find a very slight fitter when panning or tilting then flick it back on if using free hand. other than the camera is pretty much unfaultable found it to be so good I bought 2 , why 2? that way I get two cameras that are identical same lens bloom so eliminate colour correction in post. I've had video cameras since they basically hit the market place and these would be the best consumer cameras I've ever used they are approaching some of the professional cameras I've worked with in their end product quality.
Thanks for the review - Excellent. I have an older Sony FX430 and looking to buy a new camera. My 2 cameras I am considering are the panasonic wfx991k and that Sony AX53. Both really look good and you were able to anwer a lot of questions - but I have 2 more - (1) when zooming do you get any of the motor noise in the recording - the FX430 was really bad for that and most of the pro cameras are the only ones that did not do that. (2) I use the viewfinder a lot so how convenient or problematic is that with the larger battery sticking out the back? Thanks again for the review - well done.
The Balanced stabilized is king!!! Never again a camcorder without it. For moving around, tourism, anywhere where you do not want to carry tripods, mono pods or gimbals etc. with you. So, that's why e.g. Panasonic is ruled out. Once you have this stabilizer, you simply cannot live without it. I have the older CX760. Still great...especially thanks to the same balanced stabilizer.
There are two (undocumented) ND filters built into the camera. Because of the tiny chip and the way diffraction softens the image, the camera inserts ND rather than closing the iris as light levels increase. So DoF doesn't alter even though you think you're 'stopping down'.
@@kendufner9733 I tested the camera for Film and Video Maker magazine. You can use a bright led light to look down the lens, and as the light levels increase you can see the NDs slide gently into place. If there's more light than the NDs can happily absorb, the camera raises the shutter speed per frame rather than stopping down the lens.
Here are my words: To avoid the loss of resolution caused by diffraction, the camera uses undocumented automatic internal ND filtration. As light levels increase, the 6-bladed diaphragm closes by one stop and from then on two ND filters slide gently into place. The fact that the camera has such a wealth of manual controls has let me shoot footage and take stills at all apertures down to f/11 and I can tell you this: don’t allow the camera to shoot at anything smaller than f/4 at wide angle and f/5.6 at full tele, as the results are horrible. As light levels decrease the gain is pumped up to +24dB but even at this high amplification the results are acceptable. The only thing I’d say is I wish the displayed manual exposure bar would tell you when you were moving into the realms of gain-up and ND in.
@@tomrhardwick Thanks for the excellent detective work in discovering those undocumented ND filters! Those filters help to explain the versatility of this camera in full auto mode. I’ve seen a number of youtube comments from people considering adding external ND filters, but it looks like that may not be necessary unless working in very bright conditions or if you want even finer control over the aperture and/or shutter speed. Also, thanks for providing the excerpt from your article. I looked for an online version, but I guess it is only available to Film and Video Institute members.
nice review. I've seen some complaints regarding the autofocus not being able to locate faces, and it keeps focusing on the back ground. Have you noticed this problem?
Id say its possible but for me and what I shoot I have never had a problem with focus . In fact this has gotten some of the most consistently good shots for me. The camera does not have a shallow depth of field so it makes it easy to keep things in focus most of the time. I have the sony a6500 which is amazing but it gets out of focus much more often than the ax53.
+Michael Kearney Its articulating. That small EVF that you look though slides back about 3/4 inch which turns on the camera and then folds up. You can view the image either strait back or tilted up. It works well when you are working in bright sunlight and can't look at the screen.
Excellent review...just wanted to know whether AX40 available in India is same as AX53 or some upgrade?? I saw 64GB internal hard disk in the leaflet that I got from Sony store here.
Hey, nice video! Thanks. I was hoping to hear something about the HDMI... Do you know if it'd stream so one could also use the camera as a broadcast device? Obviously given that the receiving end can handle incoming signal through HDMI.
there is no HDMI monitoring while recording in 4K yet works fine in 1080 formats will play back 4K fine via HDMI just not output while recording in 4K if you want that facility then look at the AX700 the only reason I found out was when out very bright sun the flip out screen can be a little hard to see but I got around that problem by 3D printing a slip on should for the flip out screen, that is proving to work fine .
+The Wooded Beardsman The screen says 2hr 40 min. I haven't actually run the camera for 1 hours starit recording but I have been out shooting for a few hours and I've never run all the way through the battery yet.
Thinking about getting this for my dad. Typing this from his PC so its his account that this is coming from, but we've been using an HDR-XR160 that was purchased in 2011 (think the camera is a '10 model). It's 1080p and had a built in 160gb hard drive. Kinda weird that these new ones don't have built in storage, but no biggie. He has a new 1440p 27 inch PC monitor and a nice 2015 60 inch 1080p TV... I've read that if you have the money you still want to go with a 4k camera because of super sampling it'll look better on 1440p and 1080p screens. Seems logical right? What kind of jump in quality are we looking at coming from a 6 year old Sony camera that blew us away back then but now we can tell we feel the need to upgrade. He has a band for the record and this is mainly used to record his concerts as well as the occasional family event. I'm thinking about getting that external mic too if it really does improve the audio noticeably. $230 is quite a bit for a MIC which is something we've never used on a camera before. Is it worth it? I'd say 85% of his concerts are indoors (mostly in churches) so they aren't outdoors or in windy conditions. What do you think? Thinking about going with the Panasonic HC-WXF991K due to stabilization issues on a tripod of the AX-53. We do A LOT of recording off a tripod. Thoughts? Great review and thanks. Is it safe to get this camera or is there a newer model about to come out that you know of?
Thanks for the review I appreciate it very much. Quick question. If I were doing continuous recording like recording a seminar for 5 hours. How long will the after market battery last? And how long will the memory card last? I guess what I'm asking is how many batteries and memory cards would I need?
Closing the LCD while recording will stop the recording and close the lens UNLESS you first pull out the mini viewfinder. Then it will keep recording and you can look through the mini but you don't have to.
Nice review. one question I may have missed, will it operate on AC power so I don't have to rely on batteries? If so does it come with those accessories, cords, etc?
Excellent review! I bought the FDR AX53 three weeks ago and so far the 4k results are wonderful. Your review highlighted many features that are in the nearly 300 page operations manual, but typically the manual does not explain why and when those many features should be used. (Yes, I printed the manual back-to-back so that notes could be added).Thank you!Bill
Great video review, even 4 years later! What do you think of this camera now that it’s 4 years old... still worth it?
I still have the camera. I just got the Sony A7S3 but this camcorder has things that DSLRs don't like the BOS and super long fast zoom. I keep it around for travel because it just works and also everything is always in focus. For product videos sometimes you want everything in focus and big sensor cameras are hard to do that with sometimes.
Outstanding review on the AX53. best I have seen yet
Thanks so much Stewart!.
You have explained really well. I have viewed several clips on this matter but I think you were most clear, honest and professional. Thanks.
best review i've seen out there.
Because of you, I
bought the sony ax 53 .... and I'm sincerely very satisfied ... thank
you very much for your videos .... mine got much better with this 53....bye bye...keep the good work....big hug from Terceira Island in Azores....thanks
Glad to hear that Fernando. I love the AX53 as well and I'm still using it today along with the a6300.
Keep the good work, better reviews are yours...very well explained....thanks
Thanks for this excellent review!
Your arguments conviced me to buy this AX53 although I was keen to go for the AX700.
It is not a 1” sensor camera but it costs much less and seems to have impressive image quality. Also, it has a number of extra features that I need (e.g. extra gimbal stability!) and also weighs half as much :)
It’s time to turn in my HDR-CX550 for this new technical wonder.
Wow, those night shots are gorgeous
Just got this for Christmas and dying to use it! Loved the video and would love an introductory video of you actually using the camera on a project taking us step by step through the process as you take us on an informational journey.
Very helpful. Thanks
THANK YOU for taking the time to do this. Really helped me make my decision. Gonna go get one!
No problem. How is the camera treating you?
Great! Used it yesterday for a shoot. I have a HCX1000 4 K from Panasonic that is use in the studio, and this little Sony is perfect for the field. Operating it from the app remotely is the bomb. Bought because I will be filming some surgeries for a physician client in Germany, and I wanted a light, 4k cam that I could mount on a pole and control remotely. Fits the bill perfectly. And basically I can travel with one suitcase less since dont have to take the large 4k with me. Thanks again!
Superb review it was clear precise simple to understand. And the video footage you attached really showed the performance of this camera I've subscribed cant wait to see more videos like this.
Thank you so much for this video! The way you covered the functionality of the multipurpose ring was very comprehensive. I've looked at other camcorders and their rings are only dedicated to focusing. Also the hummingbird and flower footage was beautiful. The moon footage, spectacular!
Best review I’ve seen so far, cheers dude!
Excellent review , nice camera , your videos are outstanding !!!
I just bought the ax33 not four months ago, love it to death, but you're really making me wanna upgrade now. Thanks for the review.
Great review of the AX53, the best yet. I have been considering getting one of these camcorders, do you still recommend as this several years later?
Tk you
John Kaper great question. I’m looking to get one too
@@RobFuz me too
I just picked one up and also the ax700. To be honest I like the 53 better.
K.V. Surdas your welcome! I hope you enjoy it. Great little camcorder 👍🏻😊
Thanks. Helpful to know zoom has been improved. Also like the zoom feature on-screen too. I bought an ax53b. Do you know if the b designation indicates it is the newer version you are talking about?
Thanks for your recommendation on the Opteka higher capacity battery. It's great for the price.
Very good presentation with useful information. Your video clips are sparkling good.
I've bought 2 of these AX-53 cameras, both developed the same fault; touch-screen stopped responding to touch, making camera useless.
Thanks for the info - looks like a nice camera. I'm leaning more towards this camera because of your review. Thanks.
Thank you!
Awsome shots of California flowers and nice presentation. Thanks
Thanks Ahmed!
Nice job. Thanks very much for taking the time to do the review.
Thanks for the nice presentation of the AX53. Tomorrow I will buy one for myself. It will make a real nice companion to my A6300.
+Ron Soderlund Nice Ron. I have the AX53 and a6300 as my main cameras as well. I think you are making a good choice.
+Tech Connect which one shoots best videos?
Ken, you'll love the image stabilization. Here are my review thoughts:
This camera really excels in one department, and that’s the wonderfully effective Balanced Optical SteadyShot. There are four choices: intelligent, active, standard or off. When you turn the camera on (opening the side-screen or pulling the viewfinder rearwards will do) the camera shakes in your hand as the whole lens assembly jumps from rest and centres itself on the chip’s optical axis. This very powerful five-axis image stabilisation mechanism floats the whole lens block unnervingly, the block comprising (probably) 18 elements, two ND filters, the iris diaphragm, the zoom and autofocus operating solenoids. It’s quite remarkable to watch in operation as the complete lens assembly wafts about with a 7mm maximum excursion, as if it’s all floating on some invisible oil. This happens in real time; as fast as you can shake the camera the lens block counteracts you, painting the stationary chip with the stabilised image. The on-screen results are truly remarkable, and when combined with just a touch of Mercalli in-post stabilisation, make walks across a field look like tracks have been laid.
I knew how I could catch it out. Powerful OIS systems all show the dreaded and inevitable ‘overshoot and bounce back’, effectively ruining tripod shots. Of course such negative artefacts are there in your hand-held footage too, it’s just that the pros of OIS visually outweigh the cons. Anyway, I put the camera onto a nice fluid-headed tripod and did some quick pans and tilts. And you know what? The camera needs but one pan to ‘learn’ that its on a tripod, and how clever is this - it immediately switches the OIS off. Result: no overshoot whatsoever. Flicking the tripod’s quick release immediately and automatically re-engages the powerful OIS for hand-held use. It’s undocumented and I’m impressed. It’s a pity that shooting in 4k disables this magic OIS, but more of this later.
Thanks, Tom, for the additional excerpt from your review. I almost missed it because it is in a new comment!
The camera definitely has some impressive stabilization technology.
I’m puzzled as to why Sony doesn’t advertise the built-in ND filters. They would definitely be a selling point. A number of reviews note the lack of ND filters since they are common on competing cameras, especially camcorders.
I’m not familiar with Mercalli; I’ve mostly used Premiere Pro’s built-in stabilization. I’ll have to take a look at it.
Actually Ken I don't think highlighting the built-in and undocumented ND filters WOULD be a good selling point. The reason they're there of course is because camcorders of this ilk use tiny sensors (the 53 uses a chip slightly larger than ⅓'') and diffraction losses are horrendous, especially at short focal lengths (wideangle end of the zoom) and small apertures.
Manufacturers have been doing this for years. The Canon 310XL Super-8 camera had built-in undocumented ND way back in 1973. So if your camcorder doesn't have an ND filter switch on the outside then sure as hell they're built in. Panasonic, Canon, you name it.
Problem is of course that you're denied access to the lens apertures, so you can't control the DoF. I found out in my review though you CAN shoot in manual mode at smaller apertures than f/4, but the picture softness is horrible. You can see why Sony 'pretends' you can choose any aperture to control exposure, but in reality you're shuffling NDs in and out.
But making decent looking movies means keeping the shutter speed at 1/50th or so, any faster and the 'frozen frame' gives footage a very stataco look.
So there's reason for adding yet more ND to the front of the 53 to stop the camera upping the shutter speed in bright conditions. Except that I'd NEVER recommend it. Adding filters to any lens with such very short focal length is a real no-no.
Ah - compromises, huh?
@@tomrhardwick Yes, definitely a lot of compromises and complexity. I think I follow some of what you are saying, but not all.
Are you saying that Sony wouldn’t want to advertise the ND filters because it would bring more attention to the camera’s limitations (e.g., poor small aperture performance, lack of full manual controls)?
I am not understanding the last paragraph, particularly the last sentence: “Adding filters to any lens with such very short focal length is a real no-no.” It seems like adding an ND filter would cause the camera to adjust by opening the aperture, thus compensating, at least partially, for the diffraction induced softness associated with the short focal length.
That's exactly right Ken, if 'filmmakers' thought they weren't able to operate the camera in full manual control they'd feel cheated somehow. But Sony aren't alone, all manufacturers keep stum about the internally deployed auto ND. It's there of course to give you sharper footage, so it's there for all the best intentions.
The NDs are very close to the iris diaphragm so they're completely out of focus, even if they're only obscuring part of the aperture as they slide into place.
Placing filters on the front of the camera is a no-no because of the very short focal lengths give huge depth of field, even at wide apertures. Filters are ALWAYS dirty, however beautifully you clean them, and shooting into the light shows up the impurities as 'bits' on the footage. I'm afraid using such camcorders means accepting staccato footage in bright light.
@@tomrhardwick Thanks Tom. I appreciate your insights.
I don’t have a pressing need for a new camera right now. The ax53 is over 4 years old, and I’m tempted to wait and see if Sony comes out with an updated version. The recently released ax43 suggests that Sony does see a future for the consumer camcorder market, but the fact that it is a downgrade from the ax53 is discouraging. They may see more potential in the low end of the consumer market rather than the high end, so I have no idea when or if Sony will release an upgraded version of the ax53.
Good detailed review. The test shots looked great 😎👍
that moment when you slowmotion a humming birds wings but still cant see them
Very good presentation and a lot of helpful tips and techniques.
This was the best review of the product... Good presentation and it answered some questions for me! Thank you! (And the music wasn't annoying... LOL) Well done!
Thanks so much Shewwler!
thanks for doing this vid. It was very helpful.
take care -Chris
Thanks Chris. Glad you liked it.
i am so getting this based on your straight up review.thank you.
the part where the plane takes off was sick! :D
Nice presentation. Does it have an audio in?
fv3video watch the video!
at 8:31 you present "BOS ...shot in fairly shaky conditions". But, or it is BOS shot 1080, or not BOS in 4k (as the ax53 does not support BOS for 4k). Which one?
Great Review. Most likely going to buy this camera soon.
thanks, your review was last drop and now I decided to buy it :-). Good review!
Awesome review. What camera are you actually using for shooting this review? Thanks
Good Job. I'm thinking of getting one. Pictures and video looked great at the end. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Russell. Its a very versatile camcorder.
There is grain in the video of AX53, and even on the AX700 big brother. All 8bit YUV videos must have grainy footage.
Someone said the low light on this camera was grainy and they preferred the ax100 for such circumstances but your night footage looks pretty damn good on my iPhone screen. The overall capability of the image capture is phenomenal. 😱. If this is what they call alright and no usb attached inconvenience then I’ll take it! Thanks for the helpful clarifications. ✅🤓
This was a great review!
I think about an upgrade from full hd to 4k, and my question is, what camcorder would you recommend?
The old Sony AX-33 or this AX53?
I have a lot of shoots in the inside.
+DominoJOJO The AX33 is cheaper but for me definitely the AX53. The quality is better, low light is better and a lot of small improvements. But mainly the video quality is awesome.
+DominoJOJO I was like you...ready to upgrade my old HD cam. Didn't know if I wanted to go 4K or not (was getting the Cannon VIXIA HF-G40, $1,300 HD cam), but in the end decided to go 4K. I looked at the Panasonic HC-WX970 ($900), Panasonic HC-WXF991K ($1,000) and the VX for $900 and the Sony AX53 ($1,000). But was really unhappy with the results of these "consumer" 4K cameras. I mean, if I'm going to spend that kind of money on a camera, it had better be good. So I looked at the Prosumer cameras...wow, expensive...but they had what I wanted; superior quality (way better than the consumer 4K's), multiple manual controls and built in ND filters. I settled on the Sony FDR-AX100/B but didn't want to pay $1,700 for one. Started looking around and Best Buy had a bunch for $1,000-$1,200 as open box demos, complete with factory warranty and full return policy. I basically got a Prosumer camera for the price of the consumer AX53.
+METAL-CROSS Cool guys . Nice to talk so people who make videos and have subscribers.
Tech Connect Likewise! Great review of the AX53. Well done and very informative.
On a side note, I found right off that video camera audio processors aren't very good. I always use an external source now for my audio, such as the Zoom H1. I match the H1 with a JK MIC-JO44 for interviews (the Giant Squid would also be a great choice). Even if you use a Rode shotgun mic mounted on the camera, you're still using the camera's weak audio processor. Great talking with you!
Nice review. Is it better than CX900 except the 4K ???
+Buse ve Anne TV I think the cx900 is more lie the AX100 but without 4k. It doesn't have the balanced optical steady shot either.
+Tech Connect Thanks for the answer. I'm trying to decide.So confused.Which one should I choose?cx 900 or this ax53? I'll use it for my youtube toy reviews.İmage quality and autofocus is important as I'm filming small detailed objects or dolls.Which one do you recommend?
+Buse ve Anne TV AX53 is better. IT is 4k has STEADY SHOT which is excellent and it is cheaper that cx900
Thank you, very well done, unbelievable footage made by the FDR-AX53 :)
Good job on the video. Does it shoot s-log 2 or 3?
hi Rivers. did you ever post your calif trip you mentioned to show the fdr ax53 features/samples? I do videos for my club and my hd camcorder is 6 yrs old and i need to update it soon. thanks
What difference you found between SteadyShot Active, intelligent active. In moving from shooting hand?
you keep referring to 'last year's camera" versus "this year's'. Are you talking about 2 different models or just last year's ax53 versus this year's?
Thanks for the review man. Very useful.
Really nice discussion and review. Thanks!
Can you make a video of this camera explaining menus and also telling us how to put in best video mode for green screen
I have not had very good luck with green screen on this camera. Basically you want to put it into spot metering mode to use a green screen. You can have someone tap the screen on you to lock metering on you in front of the green screen. On the Sony a6300 it does amazing on green screen. Just put it in center metering and center focus and shoot in front of the green screen. It looks amazing. The first part of this video was shot on the a6300 amzn.to/2fKkWZu with a green screen.
Looks great... I don't know whether to get that one, the Canon HF G40, or the Canon XA30
Mahalo, Thanks for the review and info on the battery / where to get it!!! The pictures and video are fabulous!!! makes me realize I need to park the old HDR-CX7 (You think??)
Nice review and the video footage looks amazing. I was blown away by the quality of the video. Keep up the good work. Im already suscribed. A thumb up. God Bless.
+Solesky Thanks so much Solesky!
Great review!
Great Video! I appreciate your in depth review.
Great info video. How much noise does night mode produce? Is it usable?
I have this baby for a few weeks now, too.
The touch screen sensitivity thing is just the other way around with me - my AX33's screen wanted a bit more attention to react while the AX53's is just right without having to break the glass. ;-)
I guess it's just production tolerance, then...
After having used the camera longer I think the touch screen sensitivity is pretty good. The problem was some of the buttons are on the edge of the screen and I was hitting a little off the screen so it wasn't hitting the buttons every time..
Excelent review!
OK this or the panasonic fz1000?
I've used several Panasonics in the past and they are amazing outdoors. Indoors the white balance was off sometimes. Sony nails it indoors and does a good job outdoors for me much more often.
good job man! very nice review thanks
+TommyTom - channel Thank you.
GREAT Review and I'd say that video has come a long way since the days of the full-size camcorders. I really like the test footage, it makes the most simple video come alive with the brilliant color. Tell me, I'm totally sold on this camera, but first I'd like to know if step-up and step-down rings can be threaded in to attach modifier filters for modification to photography? Thanks again for your great review.
Nice review, especially ur comments on the improved zoom control and airplane low light shots. Will the AX53 take standard hot shoe accessories in addition to Sony’s propriety stuff?
+BailandoLee Thanks BailandoLee. Yes it has a standard shoe and its a hot shoe for Sony accessories.
Thank you!
Which camera did you use to record the video cause it's good
you live in Canada? Looks like Ottawa
I have to correct my earlier question - I have a trv350. FX430 was the camera I had before that. The FX430 had a lot of motor noise when zooming. the trv350 is better but still picks it up in the recording. How is the zoom feature in the ax53? Also the other question was about the viewfinder. I see that it extends but is that a problem with the larger battery? Thanks and excellent review - really helped.
Brilliant stuff, really considering this for my next upgrade for youtube
Is this video filmed with the same camera?
Fantastic revue sir...when I get this cam...I would use it only in HD-mode...1080p..because of the stabilization..what do you think?thanx
Love your decorum.. The mirror in the back is beautiful.. Is it custom? I came here just to watch your camera review and I got so much more.. Thanks
Thank you so much Tamesha. This was actually shot on green screen and that is a stock photo from pond5.com
Images look ultrasharp. Very nice. Any way to sync with other camera and record 3d?
+Pablo Vidaurre Thanks Pablo. Unfortunately I don't think there is any easy way to sync this with another camera for 3D. That is actually pretty hard to find these days. Maybe it will make a come back with VR becoming so popular now.
i have bought this camera and i am very impressed with it. the b.o.s.s is incredible effective. when using a new sdxc card in 4k do i need to convert it first then.?. good review.
My advise is go for the fastest cards you can get then running at 100MBS is never a problem
Thank you for the video. Was all of this handheld? I am looking for a camcorder that gets stable handheld footage without using a tripod. Thanks again. Awesome video!
Very Good video man informative and thought out 👍
Nice review & footage!
+briank46 Thank you!
Nice review , great shots from California. Keep it up.
Hi Rivers! I just want to say I have enjoyed your channel. Thanks for the informative material.
I recently got a like new Sony AX-53 for 1/2 price on craigslist. My camera is a cannon Powershot SX-50. The cannon serves my needs for now and I LOVE the simplicity and image on the AX-53. However, I am wondering if the Sony a6500 would replace both. If so I would rather spend a little more to bring the minimum gear on my night time fishing charters.
Their are few comparisons of the 2 on you tube. So That might be a great video Idea. What is your recommendation? The AX-53 or the a6500? Thanks and keep up the great work!
One of the best videos so far. Thanks. One question: the example video of your vacation is that in 4K or FullHD? And other question does the BOSS also work in 4K?
BOSS works in all modes but I'd say turn it off if using a tripod because you may find a very slight fitter when panning or tilting then flick it back on if using free hand. other than the camera is pretty much unfaultable found it to be so good I bought 2 , why 2? that way I get two cameras that are identical same lens bloom so eliminate colour correction in post. I've had video cameras since they basically hit the market place and these would be the best consumer cameras I've ever used they are approaching some of the professional cameras I've worked with in their end product quality.
Thanks for the review - Excellent. I have an older Sony FX430 and looking to buy a new camera. My 2 cameras I am considering are the panasonic wfx991k and that Sony AX53. Both really look good and you were able to anwer a lot of questions - but I have 2 more - (1) when zooming do you get any of the motor noise in the recording - the FX430 was really bad for that and most of the pro cameras are the only ones that did not do that. (2) I use the viewfinder a lot so how convenient or problematic is that with the larger battery sticking out the back? Thanks again for the review - well done.
The Balanced stabilized is king!!! Never again a camcorder without it. For moving around, tourism, anywhere where you do not want to carry tripods, mono pods or gimbals etc. with you. So, that's why e.g. Panasonic is ruled out. Once you have this stabilizer, you simply cannot live without it. I have the older CX760. Still great...especially thanks to the same balanced stabilizer.
Do you really need a ND filter and if so what do you recommend.
There are two (undocumented) ND filters built into the camera. Because of the tiny chip and the way diffraction softens the image, the camera inserts ND rather than closing the iris as light levels increase. So DoF doesn't alter even though you think you're 'stopping down'.
@@tomrhardwick Very interesting. I hadn't heard about this anywhere else. How did you discover this?
@@kendufner9733 I tested the camera for Film and Video Maker magazine. You can use a bright led light to look down the lens, and as the light levels increase you can see the NDs slide gently into place. If there's more light than the NDs can happily absorb, the camera raises the shutter speed per frame rather than stopping down the lens.
Here are my words:
To avoid the loss of resolution caused by diffraction, the camera uses undocumented automatic internal ND filtration. As light levels increase, the 6-bladed diaphragm closes by one stop and from then on two ND filters slide gently into place. The fact that the camera has such a wealth of manual controls has let me shoot footage and take stills at all apertures down to f/11 and I can tell you this: don’t allow the camera to shoot at anything smaller than f/4 at wide angle and f/5.6 at full tele, as the results are horrible. As light levels decrease the gain is pumped up to +24dB but even at this high amplification the results are acceptable. The only thing I’d say is I wish the displayed manual exposure bar would tell you when you were moving into the realms of gain-up and ND in.
@@tomrhardwick Thanks for the excellent detective work in discovering those undocumented ND filters! Those filters help to explain the versatility of this camera in full auto mode. I’ve seen a number of youtube comments from people considering adding external ND filters, but it looks like that may not be necessary unless working in very bright conditions or if you want even finer control over the aperture and/or shutter speed.
Also, thanks for providing the excerpt from your article. I looked for an online version, but I guess it is only available to Film and Video Institute members.
nice review. I've seen some complaints regarding the autofocus not being able to locate faces, and it keeps focusing on the back ground. Have you noticed this problem?
Id say its possible but for me and what I shoot I have never had a problem with focus . In fact this has gotten some of the most consistently good shots for me. The camera does not have a shallow depth of field so it makes it easy to keep things in focus most of the time. I have the sony a6500 which is amazing but it gets out of focus much more often than the ax53.
Thanks Rivers! Is the EVF articulating or immovable?
+Michael Kearney Its articulating. That small EVF that you look though slides back about 3/4 inch which turns on the camera and then folds up. You can view the image either strait back or tilted up. It works well when you are working in bright sunlight and can't look at the screen.
Excellent, that's good news. Seems that only higher end cameras have this very useful feature. My old Sony DV tape camera did, and I used it often.
Oh yeah, I'm buying one of these! Superb!
Thank you! For a real beginner in video, will one of the previous models also be OK?
I guess I’m 5 yrs late, but am thinking of getting one.
Gorgeous video shots.
Excellent review...just wanted to know whether AX40 available in India is same as AX53 or some upgrade?? I saw 64GB internal hard disk in the leaflet that I got from Sony store here.
I think they are similar but the AX40 has no viewfinder. Personally I rarely use the viewfinder anyway.
Hey, nice video! Thanks. I was hoping to hear something about the HDMI... Do you know if it'd stream so one could also use the camera as a broadcast device? Obviously given that the receiving end can handle incoming signal through HDMI.
there is no HDMI monitoring while recording in 4K yet works fine in 1080 formats will play back 4K fine via HDMI just not output while recording in 4K if you want that facility then look at the AX700 the only reason I found out was when out very bright sun the flip out screen can be a little hard to see but I got around that problem by 3D printing a slip on should for the flip out screen, that is proving to work fine .
How did you get the "bokeh effect" at 7:38 ? Suddenly passed by the second plan to the first plan... Thanks by advance.
You can really get over an hours of footage on one battery? I heard it was like 40 minutes.
+The Wooded Beardsman The screen says 2hr 40 min. I haven't actually run the camera for 1 hours starit recording but I have been out shooting for a few hours and I've never run all the way through the battery yet.
Tech Connect
Great, thanks for the reply!
No problem.
Did you post the night / low light vid for the AX93?
Good/helpful review; nice job, thanks!
Great review and very helpful for me making up my mind to buy one. Cheers :)
Thinking about getting this for my dad. Typing this from his PC so its his account that this is coming from, but we've been using an HDR-XR160 that was purchased in 2011 (think the camera is a '10 model). It's 1080p and had a built in 160gb hard drive. Kinda weird that these new ones don't have built in storage, but no biggie. He has a new 1440p 27 inch PC monitor and a nice 2015 60 inch 1080p TV... I've read that if you have the money you still want to go with a 4k camera because of super sampling it'll look better on 1440p and 1080p screens. Seems logical right? What kind of jump in quality are we looking at coming from a 6 year old Sony camera that blew us away back then but now we can tell we feel the need to upgrade. He has a band for the record and this is mainly used to record his concerts as well as the occasional family event. I'm thinking about getting that external mic too if it really does improve the audio noticeably. $230 is quite a bit for a MIC which is something we've never used on a camera before. Is it worth it? I'd say 85% of his concerts are indoors (mostly in churches) so they aren't outdoors or in windy conditions. What do you think?
Thinking about going with the Panasonic HC-WXF991K due to stabilization issues on a tripod of the AX-53. We do A LOT of recording off a tripod. Thoughts?
Great review and thanks. Is it safe to get this camera or is there a newer model about to come out that you know of?
nothing?
How do you keep your house so clean and picked up?
+barbershop22 Its really easy. That's a green screen. I wish I could keep my house that clean.
Thanks for the review I appreciate it very much. Quick question. If I were doing continuous recording like recording a seminar for 5 hours. How long will the after market battery last? And how long will the memory card last? I guess what I'm asking is how many batteries and memory cards would I need?
Nice review... Does the lense cap close when you close the LCD screen, in the middle of recording??
Closing the LCD while recording will stop the recording and close the lens UNLESS you first pull out the mini viewfinder. Then it will keep recording and you can look through the mini but you don't have to.
Thanks for the review
Nice review. one question I may have missed, will it operate on AC power so I don't have to rely on batteries? If so does it come with those accessories, cords, etc?
This or the a6300? I just wanna know your opinion