Interesting, this camera is the one I have used for the last couple years. I am very happy with it. When I am hand holding it, I find it works best with the weight of my Z mount under it. The extra weight gives me a much smoother video when handheld. The only two negatives I've found is it is not that quick to focus when going from long shots to close-ups. The other thing is the onboard sound is surround. I get tremendously better sound for TH-cam with Sony's stereo hot shoe mic, ECM-XYST-1M.
Thanks for a very informative video. Liked the footage of Shillingstone railway, i used to work with a guy that was heavily involved in the restoration project and I visited ii many times. That Track is new probably why it hadn't had ballast laid. It has changed over the years, the last I was there was about 4 years ago, when I lived in Dorset, I now live in Wales.
Hi Charlie, your review of the Sony FDR-AX33 was absolutely excellent!! A lot of detail but well paced so I could understand it all and presented by a camera user who knows his way around video shooting. You created curiosity to find out what such as camera could be purchased for in the U.S. As always well done, informative and entertaining. THANKS SO MUCH !! Dean from Minnesota USA
Very interesting video, now clicking through to Amazon! The microphone comparisons were very interesting; your lapel microphone still sounded much the best although confirmed external microphone a necessity. Thanks again for this series of videos.
Great review... Ive been using a compact panasonic lumix wifi camera , Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Mobuis micro camera and a Kodak special wide angle wifi cube camera for the last four years + with no external mics for all my general shooting . (May be getting the go pro 7 black) The problem is with expensive camers is they go out of date in a year year or two.
Great stuff. Thanks Charlie. I am thinking about starting a TH-cam channel featuring my N Gauge wall-mounted layout, but not sure what I will need and your videos certainly help decide. Keith
Thanks again Charlie this was just what I was trying to find out what was the best camcorder to get to do something else like the way you explained just amazing the way you went through all the details and specks of this camcorder and I am sure I am going to get this model and the videos are just perfect and just keep your videos coming Charlie
Looks like a nice little camera, Charlie. Thanks for doing this review! Current Amazon price for just the camera is $698 US, so it may have to wait a bit.
I use both this and the 1K version the 810. The image stabilization blew me away when I first saw that lens move around as if alive, and the difference switched on and off when fully zoomed in is astonishing. The sound records with great separation considering it is all on-board - you can click your fingers around the camera and the sound travels through you head on playback. Mirrorless cameras are fine for specific applications I find (I use an A7), plus I also have a Nikon 810 for still and a Fuji camera. but for overall use I still find a video camcorder suits me much better. I do want to upgrade one day to a Sony Z-150 to replace my old PD-170 but that camera costs about £2,500 new, so it'll have to wait. Cheers, Laurie
Hi Laurie, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video. I have found that all of my Nikon’s have had dreadful AF. This little Sony was a real joy to use. There are short comings with all cameras but not many with this one. Regards Charlie
Nice review Charlie. For the £499 price tag we are spoilt for choice as both Sony and Panasonic make excellent 4K cameras with generous specifications. I personally use a Panasonic HC-VX870 which suits me fine, but has recently been replaced with a newer model. It has all the features you mention including external microphone sockets, headphone sockets and is wi-fi enabled. Unlike the Sony, the cold shoe on the Panasonic is a slot in device, but it still requires an additional accessory so you don't foul the microphone when using the zoom function. I personally think the placement of the hot shoe on the Sony makes the camera very hard to use hand held. At least the grip on the Panasonic isn't affected when using external microphones. Talking of which, I didn't notice a great deal of improvement when you did your test with the small shotgun mic, but when using the Rode the band sound was rich and full. The Panasonic cameras come with a lens hood, which prevents the glare entering the lens, however what annoys me is that you can't fit additional filters to the camera when the lens hood is in place, which is a big oversight in my opinion. It would be very hard pressed to find a camera in this price point that doesn't have any cons with them, but cameras such as the HC-VX980 and the Sony FDR-AX33 provide excellent functionality without braking the bank.
What an excellent comment Malcolm. I’m still staggered that Sony popped it in the post. Perhaps next year, following your recommendation, I’ll chat with Panasonic.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Personally I don't think you'll find much difference in the video / audio performance between the two. It will be down to things like the option viewfinder that the Sony has over the lack of one on the Panasonic range in that price point. But you could always ask :)
Nice review. I currently use a combination of a galaxy s9+ and a row 700d which seem to mostly cover my needs for still & video(which is usually at model railway shows). I have been rather lapse in bothering to edit the footage mind!! I believe the locomotive in your video is a USA tank sent over in ww2 and used at places like Southampton docks by the southern.
Now this looks like a good upgrade for myself. I use a Sony phone with full HD capabilities and I have no issue with it. However I do believe a handicam or video camera will give me better video recording and zoom capabilities. I will look into this handicam further. Thanks for a great review, Clint
Clint, 1080 HD video is 1080 HD video regardless of what it's recorded on. The main differences will be the quality of the lens and it's focal range, the compression codec the device uses to store the data, and "quality" settings that codec runs to. The review camera is around the £400 - £500 range, and as mentioned above there are lots of offerings from Canon, Panasonic etc in this range. It's worth shopping around and see what takes your fancy. Try to visit a shop that has your shortlisted cameras in stock and test each one to see how it feels. If you can opt for a 4K camera I'm sure you will not be disappointed. If you want to see how my Panasonic performs, have a look at this th-cam.com/video/phhKI9sQT8c/w-d-xo.html - this was a local model show - shot in 1080
Great video Charlie looks a good camcorder for he money think I will be ordering one not to worried about 4k more interested in the mic socket as have been trying to make videos by recording the audio using a zoom1 and trying to match it in software.
Sony make great camcorders. I have the FDR-AX53 model that has the 20x optical zoom. One very handy feature you forgot to mention, and to me one of the most important, is the duel recording mode. You can record in the usual AVHC modes but also MP4 mode. I do this and then by the WiFi, I transfer the separate videos to my IPad and then import and edit them In I-Movie to make a full movie. It’s easy to the upload wherever you want. The only thing I wish they did was a proper eye cup to fit it.
Hi Charlie, great video review, funny i’m just debating what type of camera i want next, i tend to take more photos than video, and would still like that option to video. What is the MPix on this Sony cam for photos...? i’m trying to make my mind up on a video camera that’s compact like this one you are reviewing or go for a GoPro type, i say Type as there are better MPix on far cheaper lesser brands than the more expensive GoPro, at 24-20-16-12 mpix in the smaller cube type GoPro looking and will shoot in 4K-2k-1080p etc., with a possible option of a stick like the DJI OSMO stick or similar, for on the move fast photo taking or shooting movie etc., It would be nice to do a compare on these like you have on here, and much appreciated to. I’m i bit lost on fps (Frames Per Second) is a 4k@24fps worse than a 4k@30fps, or even 4k60/30fps is that just slow motion the higher the fps after 30+ and would i notice the difference as we know standard film runs at 30fps. i’m just unsure which is best, i good compact camera, mainly for photos at a good mpix, with option to Film or a GoPro style cube and additional OsMo stick or similar which enable you to control zoom, Video/Photo buttons etc., and which are the best to go for on those,. The usage is purposely to use on Trains / Stations, whether the real life or in any club room MRC open day etc, or even YouTubing but more in the future or is that a no no for those type of cameras to blog from. Nice to see you have gone the extra mile on this subject rather than just Layouts, not that i don’t like the layout, they are equally as brilliant and love to watch your blogs, no matter what the subject is, as you know i love to watch all aspects and this subject as certainly reached those boundaries which i didn’t expect you to cover and so thankful for blogging your efforts, knowledge and ‘ups n downs’ with this blog! It came at the right time as i’m out to compare most things before parting with cash and value for money but also gives me the quality i still want or better from my older cameras in days gone, currently 12-mpix,. Sorry it’s a bit long worded, i have so many unanswered questions more so on fps etc., on what’s best for both Film and Photo. Huge 👍Thumbs Up👍 look forward as always to your next blog!
Hi Jamie, Well where do I start! FPS ideally should be 25 FPS in the PAL regions but what really matters is that if you use more than one camera, their FPS should be identical except for slow motion when it should be doubled. Sadly, the Sony AX33 has been returned so you need to check it out online for the camera pixel count. It’s priority is for quality video and not photo, so please do your homework. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, great video and so good I purchased the AX53 model as couldn’t find the AX33 model. VERY happy with it, but I have one question if I may....... what mic do you use on your shirt. I presume this can be used with the SONY? Many thanks Charlie and ALL your videos are very inspirational. Thank you and keep them coming! Rob
Hi, you should try Sony's 'Clear Image' zoom, it's NOT your standard digital zoom - clever software manipulates the image to add sharpness where sharpness is needed. Give it a go if you still have the camera. BobUK.
Hi, Nice informative video looks good but at £500 pounds + for "old" technology still a little expensive would you recommend any other "newer" cameras with more features that although more costly because of manufacturing advances are better value for money as my Panasonic DMC-TZ60 is wanting some help primarily in the fast focusing department.Keep up the good work. Cheers Robert.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Hi Mr Bishop, I did look at your 1st video on this subject and did comment on £3000 -£4000 cameras and although this one is only £500 odd in the 1st one they were still cameras that could do video where as this one is a video cam one so the point I made was have you tried the competition in this segment of the market and if you have not there may be newer ones that although a little more costly are better future proofed for say £100 odd more after all I am You tubing (Thank you very much for subscribing hope after this you will stay with me)but I like lots of us does not get any money for what we do and on a pension from the state £500 is a lot to pay for an old design.But please keep making your video's they are from a well known saying exceedingly good. Cheers Robert.
Hi Robert, I’m pleased that you found the review interesting. Sadly, I’m not in the camera review circuit, I just check out the odd one that I find interesting and may be useful to other Railway TH-camrs. Good luck with your channel. Regards Charlie
HI Charlie, Thank you very much for your reply and being patient with me & wishing me luck with my channel, if you have time please look at some of my content from a photographic point of view and give me any tips to improve them and I promise to do what you suggest (if I can) with out argument. Cheers Robert.
Charley, I thought my Canon ZR 850 had been stolen. Today cleaning out my closet I found out! How about that. Do you have an opinion on this ancient model too? My other question is are you familiar with the ” cheap” Amazon video cameras? Have seen, used one? I will post a link to both shortly. Thanks for your great review again.
great review ! and clearly a great camera - but cant see you have to pay region £900 or slightly less to film a model railway - that eventually will mostly be viewed on a 2 inch screen on a smart phone ! - its just got too many features that are not really needed - like a gimbol ! - like a screen that turns in many different directions etc etc - I have a canon sx620 cost about £200 - got more controls and menu options that I would ever want or be arsed to learn - than thinks thats good enough - those swords look sharp!
@@ChadwickModelRailway good point - I am worried about sound as it seems to pick up the wind and spoil the video - I may need one of those hairy caterpillers but not sure how they work
Hi Charlie and thanks for this very informative review. I noticed quite a lot of jerkyness during panning when you were at Shillingstone. Was this due to the antishake lens mount or the shutter speed that the camera chose? I must admit that stuttering moving objects are the thing I find most distracting and it seems to be very common on TH-cam model railway videos. I saw your suggestions about using a shutter speed of about 2x the frame rate but have yet to experiment with this. I must say that I would struggle to justify a £500 price tag for TH-cam work but I do understand that you get what you pay for. Mostly! .........................John
Hi John, I deliberately left on auto, as that is was most folks new to the hobby would do. In hindsight perhaps I should have kept it on 50 FPS but that isn’t available in 4K.
Enjoyable Charlie like you I have heaps of equipment and so hard to justify another outlay, even on the business. A couple of questions though if I may. 1. How long will it film for before auto shut off, is it the normal 30mins? 2. I assume that I can use my Lavalier Mic? 3. Set against Canon DSLRs ie 650D which would you go for, as I understand that DSLRs have the edge on the depth of field or is that negated with this little gem? All the best chum as usual Paul at Sandling Junction
Hi Paul, As a camcorder, it isn’t governed at 29 minutes as DSLRs are. It kept recording until the battery gave up. The sound recording is better too, probably because of the poor pre-amp in DSLRs as there main aim is photos. As for the 650D, I have never used one I’m afraid. You’ll soon crack the 1000 subs. Time to celebrate.
Charlie, I spotted this vid on the borrowed Sony and I remembered that you also did a review for the Panasonic Lumix FZ82 60x Zoom which I have, but have not used very much as an amateur shootest. From your experience with the latter (as it is a bridge camera) and as a photographer, what do you think of the FZ82 as a photo/video camera for recording TH-cam modeling material? Plus what would you recommend as a mic to use with it i.e. a hot shoe or a lapel unit? I ask because I was thinking of starting a Channel myself, and what else do I need to get started? Plus how do you go about getting a loan of stock to review on loan?
Hi John, I think that you have your wires crossed. I haven't revewed the Lumix camera. Please check out my older videos, I'm sure that I did one on camera choice. Remember that auto focus is key!
@@ChadwickModelRailway Then it must have been your pre-recorded twinnie... lol. I'll have to search for it again and send you the link to see what you think.
They are alright for those who take photograpy seriously, but there are much cheaper cameras out there to be able to take decent video of their layouts, to put on you tube. Most modelers are satisfied to use Go Pro type action cameras that produce good results. I certainly wouldn't spend that kind of money and I don't think many people would either. But that's just my view.
I very much appreciate your view Geoff. The video is in reply to the many request for a “middle of the road” option rather than the £1,000 price point. Regards Charlie
Geoff, you are quite right, there are lots of cheaper cameras that do 1080 and 4K, my brother-in-law opted for one (a Sony) which was half the price of the review camera and my Panasonic mentioned above. But the quality of the video is not as good as the video my camera outputs, mainly because of a cheaper sensor and the lens his camera uses (it's not a Leica or Zeiss). Go-pro s are great cameras, but they are designed for a different purpose. The modeller would have no need for the built in GPS and waterproofing capabilities of the Go-pro 7, and with the average price of the black GP7 is £340, you can still get a decent Camcorder with all the features Charlie mentioned, albeit in standard 1080 HD for the same sort of money. I don't class myself as a serious photographer, but look at my camera as an investment. I shoot everything in 1080p, and our old LG tv is standard HD that's fine. But I opted for a 4K camcorder as nearly all TV's these days are 4K so I was future proofing myself for when I need to replace the TV.
@@melanierhianna "If you take photography seriously you would spend a lot more than that on a camera" - I agree, which is probably why Charlie invested over £3000 in a Sony PXW-Z190V 4K HDR XDCAM which is in the semi-pro category, which as Charlie has mentioned is that photography is how he makes a living. Having said that, I do find it amusing that some of the tech channels on youtube seem to feel that you need to invest £30,000 in a RED camera just to make 1080p youtube videos !!
I think the price tag is still a bit hefty when 1080p can be had for a fraction of the price with the same features, does 4K really make a difference? I think the camera looks great, but the train shots were all over the place (stabilised or not), I just think the cameraman needs to pack a monopod!
Interesting, this camera is the one I have used for the last couple years. I am very happy with it. When I am hand holding it, I find it works best with the weight of my Z mount under it. The extra weight gives me a much smoother video when handheld. The only two negatives I've found is it is not that quick to focus when going from long shots to close-ups. The other thing is the onboard sound is surround. I get tremendously better sound for TH-cam with Sony's stereo hot shoe mic, ECM-XYST-1M.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it the video Rob. I also like it and I’m inclined to buy one too!
Chadwick Model Railway Get the hot shoe mic from Sony too. It comes with a wind sock and has great sound.
Thanks for a very informative video. Liked the footage of Shillingstone railway, i used to work with a guy that was heavily involved in the restoration project and I visited ii many times. That Track is new probably why it hadn't had ballast laid. It has changed over the years, the last I was there was about 4 years ago, when I lived in Dorset, I now live in Wales.
Thanks Ian, That’s very interesting.
Charlie, Thank you for taking the time to show us a nice piece of kit. Cheers, Chris Perry.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Ainsley.
Hi Charlie, your review of the Sony FDR-AX33 was absolutely excellent!! A lot of detail but well paced so I could understand it all and presented by a camera user who knows his way around video shooting. You created curiosity to find out what such as camera could be purchased for in the U.S. As always well done, informative and entertaining. THANKS SO MUCH !! Dean from Minnesota USA
Hi Dean, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
Very interesting video, now clicking through to Amazon! The microphone comparisons were very interesting; your lapel microphone still sounded much the best although confirmed external microphone a necessity. Thanks again for this series of videos.
I’m so pleased that you found it useful Keith.
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, Thank you for the honest review and demonstration of the Sony FDR-AX33 video camera, I found it very helpful. Cheers, Rich S.
Thanks Rich, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting.
love the honest overview
Thanks Craig.
Great review...
Ive been using a compact panasonic lumix wifi camera , Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Mobuis micro camera and a Kodak special wide angle wifi cube camera for the last four years + with no external mics for all my general shooting .
(May be getting the go pro 7 black)
The problem is with expensive camers is they go out of date in a year year or two.
They might go out of date but their performance doesn’t change.
Great stuff. Thanks Charlie. I am thinking about starting a TH-cam channel featuring my N Gauge wall-mounted layout, but not sure what I will need and your videos certainly help decide. Keith
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Keith.
Thanks again Charlie this was just what I was trying to find out what was the best camcorder to get to do something else like the way you explained just amazing the way you went through all the details and specks of this camcorder and I am sure I am going to get this model and the videos are just perfect and just keep your videos coming Charlie
I’m so pleased that you found it useful.
Looks like a nice little camera, Charlie. Thanks for doing this review! Current Amazon price for just the camera is $698 US, so it may have to wait a bit.
Quite understandable Flyboy.
Regards Charlie
I use both this and the 1K version the 810. The image stabilization blew me away when I first saw that lens move around as if alive, and the difference switched on and off when fully zoomed in is astonishing. The sound records with great separation considering it is all on-board - you can click your fingers around the camera and the sound travels through you head on playback. Mirrorless cameras are fine for specific applications I find (I use an A7), plus I also have a Nikon 810 for still and a Fuji camera. but for overall use I still find a video camcorder suits me much better. I do want to upgrade one day to a Sony Z-150 to replace my old PD-170 but that camera costs about £2,500 new, so it'll have to wait. Cheers, Laurie
Hi Laurie,
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video. I have found that all of my Nikon’s have had dreadful AF.
This little Sony was a real joy to use.
There are short comings with all cameras but not many with this one.
Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway That's a good point Charlie. Hence why I have more than one camera. Cheers, Laurie.
Nice review Charlie. For the £499 price tag we are spoilt for choice as both Sony and Panasonic make excellent 4K cameras with generous specifications. I personally use a Panasonic HC-VX870 which suits me fine, but has recently been replaced with a newer model. It has all the features you mention including external microphone sockets, headphone sockets and is wi-fi enabled. Unlike the Sony, the cold shoe on the Panasonic is a slot in device, but it still requires an additional accessory so you don't foul the microphone when using the zoom function. I personally think the placement of the hot shoe on the Sony makes the camera very hard to use hand held. At least the grip on the Panasonic isn't affected when using external microphones. Talking of which, I didn't notice a great deal of improvement when you did your test with the small shotgun mic, but when using the Rode the band sound was rich and full. The Panasonic cameras come with a lens hood, which prevents the glare entering the lens, however what annoys me is that you can't fit additional filters to the camera when the lens hood is in place, which is a big oversight in my opinion. It would be very hard pressed to find a camera in this price point that doesn't have any cons with them, but cameras such as the HC-VX980 and the Sony FDR-AX33 provide excellent functionality without braking the bank.
What an excellent comment Malcolm.
I’m still staggered that Sony popped it in the post. Perhaps next year, following your recommendation, I’ll chat with Panasonic.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Personally I don't think you'll find much difference in the video / audio performance between the two. It will be down to things like the option viewfinder that the Sony has over the lack of one on the Panasonic range in that price point. But you could always ask :)
Nice review. I currently use a combination of a galaxy s9+ and a row 700d which seem to mostly cover my needs for still & video(which is usually at model railway shows). I have been rather lapse in bothering to edit the footage mind!!
I believe the locomotive in your video is a USA tank sent over in ww2 and used at places like Southampton docks by the southern.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Warship Kelly.
Now this looks like a good upgrade for myself. I use a Sony phone with full HD capabilities and I have no issue with it. However I do believe a handicam or video camera will give me better video recording and zoom capabilities. I will look into this handicam further. Thanks for a great review, Clint
Clint, 1080 HD video is 1080 HD video regardless of what it's recorded on. The main differences will be the quality of the lens and it's focal range, the compression codec the device uses to store the data, and "quality" settings that codec runs to. The review camera is around the £400 - £500 range, and as mentioned above there are lots of offerings from Canon, Panasonic etc in this range. It's worth shopping around and see what takes your fancy. Try to visit a shop that has your shortlisted cameras in stock and test each one to see how it feels. If you can opt for a 4K camera I'm sure you will not be disappointed. If you want to see how my Panasonic performs, have a look at this th-cam.com/video/phhKI9sQT8c/w-d-xo.html - this was a local model show - shot in 1080
As Malcolm says Clint, it pays to shop around. It’s the gimbal type stability does it for me with the Sony.
nothing beats a good old trusty IPhone SE
especially when it comes to uploading the video due to the youtube app
The best camera, is of course, the one that you have with you.
wise words
Good review Charley
Thanks Charles.
Great video Charlie looks a good camcorder for he money think I will be ordering one not to worried about 4k more interested in the mic socket as have been trying to make videos by recording the audio using a zoom1 and trying to match it in software.
Thanks for leaving a comment on both channels Neil, much appreciated.
When is the next layout update please
Hopefully next Friday.
I’m currently up to my neck in polystyrene!
Sony make great camcorders. I have the FDR-AX53 model that has the 20x optical zoom. One very handy feature you forgot to mention, and to me one of the most important, is the duel recording mode. You can record in the usual AVHC modes but also MP4 mode. I do this and then by the WiFi, I transfer the separate videos to my IPad and then import and edit them In I-Movie to make a full movie. It’s easy to the upload wherever you want. The only thing I wish they did was a proper eye cup to fit it.
A fair point Colin and much appreciated.
Thanks, and both modes at the same time. I love it.
Hi Charlie, great video review, funny i’m just debating what type of camera i want next, i tend to take more photos than video, and would still like that option to video. What is the MPix on this Sony cam for photos...? i’m trying to make my mind up on a video camera that’s compact like this one you are reviewing or go for a GoPro type, i say Type as there are better MPix on far cheaper lesser brands than the more expensive GoPro, at 24-20-16-12 mpix in the smaller cube type GoPro looking and will shoot in 4K-2k-1080p etc., with a possible option of a stick like the DJI OSMO stick or similar, for on the move fast photo taking or shooting movie etc., It would be nice to do a compare on these like you have on here, and much appreciated to. I’m i bit lost on fps (Frames Per Second) is a 4k@24fps worse than a 4k@30fps, or even 4k60/30fps is that just slow motion the higher the fps after 30+ and would i notice the difference as we know standard film runs at 30fps. i’m just unsure which is best, i good compact camera, mainly for photos at a good mpix, with option to Film or a GoPro style cube and additional OsMo stick or similar which enable you to control zoom, Video/Photo buttons etc., and which are the best to go for on those,. The usage is purposely to use on Trains / Stations, whether the real life or in any club room MRC open day etc, or even YouTubing but more in the future or is that a no no for those type of cameras to blog from. Nice to see you have gone the extra mile on this subject rather than just Layouts, not that i don’t like the layout, they are equally as brilliant and love to watch your blogs, no matter what the subject is, as you know i love to watch all aspects and this subject as certainly reached those boundaries which i didn’t expect you to cover and so thankful for blogging your efforts, knowledge and ‘ups n downs’ with this blog! It came at the right time as i’m out to compare most things before parting with cash and value for money but also gives me the quality i still want or better from my older cameras in days gone, currently 12-mpix,. Sorry it’s a bit long worded, i have so many unanswered questions more so on fps etc., on what’s best for both Film and Photo. Huge 👍Thumbs Up👍 look forward as always to your next blog!
Hi Jamie,
Well where do I start!
FPS ideally should be 25 FPS in the PAL regions but what really matters is that if you use more than one camera, their FPS should be identical except for slow motion when it should be doubled.
Sadly, the Sony AX33 has been returned so you need to check it out online for the camera pixel count. It’s priority is for quality video and not photo, so please do your homework.
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, great video and so good I purchased the AX53 model as couldn’t find the AX33 model. VERY happy with it, but I have one question if I may....... what mic do you use on your shirt. I presume this can be used with the SONY?
Many thanks Charlie and ALL your videos are very inspirational. Thank you and keep them coming!
Rob
Hi Rob, it’s a pro lavalier JK Mic J 044. Search on eBay for around £30.
Hi Charlie, thank you so much for such a quick reply. Really appreciate it, thank you
Hi, you should try Sony's 'Clear Image' zoom, it's NOT your standard digital zoom - clever software manipulates the image to add sharpness where sharpness is needed. Give it a go if you still have the camera. BobUK.
Thanks for the tip Robert.
Hi,
Nice informative video looks good but at £500 pounds + for "old" technology still a little expensive would you recommend any other "newer" cameras with more features that although more costly because of manufacturing advances are better value for money as my Panasonic DMC-TZ60 is wanting some help primarily in the fast focusing department.Keep up the good work.
Cheers Robert.
Hi Robert, please check out the my first of these 3 video reviews. It’s Making TH-cam Videos.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Hi Mr Bishop,
I did look at your 1st video on this subject and did comment on £3000 -£4000 cameras and although this one is only £500 odd in the 1st one they were still cameras that could do video where as this one is a video cam one so the point I made was have you tried the competition in this segment of the market and if you have not there may be newer ones that although a little more costly are better future proofed for say £100 odd more after all I am You tubing (Thank you very much for subscribing hope after this you will stay with me)but I like lots of us does not get any money for what we do and on a pension from the state £500 is a lot to pay for an old design.But please keep making your video's they are from a well known saying exceedingly good.
Cheers Robert.
Hi Robert, I’m pleased that you found the review interesting. Sadly, I’m not in the camera review circuit, I just check out the odd one that I find interesting and may be useful to other Railway TH-camrs.
Good luck with your channel.
Regards Charlie
HI Charlie,
Thank you very much for your reply and being patient with me & wishing me luck with my channel, if you have time please look at some of my content from a photographic point of view and give me any tips to improve them and I promise to do what you suggest (if I can) with out argument.
Cheers Robert.
Charley, I thought my Canon ZR 850 had been stolen. Today cleaning out my closet I found out! How about that.
Do you have an opinion on this ancient model too?
My other question is are you familiar with the ” cheap” Amazon video cameras? Have seen, used one?
I will post a link to both shortly. Thanks for your great review again.
Hi Charles, no I'm afraid that I have used neither.
Regards Charlie
great review ! and clearly a great camera - but cant see you have to pay region £900 or slightly less to film a model railway - that eventually will mostly be viewed on a 2 inch screen on a smart phone ! - its just got too many features that are not really needed - like a gimbol ! - like a screen that turns in many different directions etc etc - I have a canon sx620 cost about £200 - got more controls and menu options that I would ever want or be arsed to learn - than thinks thats good enough - those swords look sharp!
If the output is good enough for you Roger, then it’s clearly good enough. The sound quality is also something to consider though, regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway good point - I am worried about sound as it seems to pick up the wind and spoil the video - I may need one of those hairy caterpillers but not sure how they work
Hi Charlie and thanks for this very informative review.
I noticed quite a lot of jerkyness during panning when you were at Shillingstone. Was this due to the antishake lens mount or the shutter speed that the camera chose? I must admit that stuttering moving objects are the thing I find most distracting and it seems to be very common on TH-cam model railway videos. I saw your suggestions about using a shutter speed of about 2x the frame rate but have yet to experiment with this.
I must say that I would struggle to justify a £500 price tag for TH-cam work but I do understand that you get what you pay for. Mostly! .........................John
Hi John, I deliberately left on auto, as that is was most folks new to the hobby would do. In hindsight perhaps I should have kept it on 50 FPS but that isn’t available in 4K.
Enjoyable Charlie like you I have heaps of equipment and so hard to justify another outlay, even on the business. A couple of questions though if I may.
1. How long will it film for before auto shut off, is it the normal 30mins?
2. I assume that I can use my Lavalier Mic?
3. Set against Canon DSLRs ie 650D which would you go for, as I understand that DSLRs have the edge on the depth of field or is that negated with this little gem?
All the best chum as usual Paul at Sandling Junction
Hi Paul,
I’ll investigate further and let you know.
Regards Charlie
Hi Paul,
As a camcorder, it isn’t governed at 29 minutes as DSLRs are. It kept recording until the battery gave up.
The sound recording is better too, probably because of the poor pre-amp in DSLRs as there main aim is photos.
As for the 650D, I have never used one I’m afraid.
You’ll soon crack the 1000 subs.
Time to celebrate.
Charlie, I spotted this vid on the borrowed Sony and I remembered that you also did a review for the Panasonic Lumix FZ82 60x Zoom which I have, but have not used very much as an amateur shootest. From your experience with the latter (as it is a bridge camera) and as a photographer, what do you think of the FZ82 as a photo/video camera for recording TH-cam modeling material? Plus what would you recommend as a mic to use with it i.e. a hot shoe or a lapel unit? I ask because I was thinking of starting a Channel myself, and what else do I need to get started? Plus how do you go about getting a loan of stock to review on loan?
Hi John, I think that you have your wires crossed. I haven't revewed the Lumix camera.
Please check out my older videos, I'm sure that I did one on camera choice.
Remember that auto focus is key!
@@ChadwickModelRailway Then it must have been your pre-recorded twinnie... lol. I'll have to search for it again and send you the link to see what you think.
They are alright for those who take photograpy seriously, but there are much cheaper cameras out there to be able to take decent video of their layouts, to put on you tube. Most modelers are satisfied to use Go Pro type action cameras that produce good results. I certainly wouldn't spend that kind of money and I don't think many people would either. But that's just my view.
I very much appreciate your view Geoff.
The video is in reply to the many request for a “middle of the road” option rather than the £1,000 price point.
Regards Charlie
Geoff, you are quite right, there are lots of cheaper cameras that do 1080 and 4K, my brother-in-law opted for one (a Sony) which was half the price of the review camera and my Panasonic mentioned above. But the quality of the video is not as good as the video my camera outputs, mainly because of a cheaper sensor and the lens his camera uses (it's not a Leica or Zeiss). Go-pro s are great cameras, but they are designed for a different purpose. The modeller would have no need for the built in GPS and waterproofing capabilities of the Go-pro 7, and with the average price of the black GP7 is £340, you can still get a decent Camcorder with all the features Charlie mentioned, albeit in standard 1080 HD for the same sort of money. I don't class myself as a serious photographer, but look at my camera as an investment. I shoot everything in 1080p, and our old LG tv is standard HD that's fine. But I opted for a 4K camcorder as nearly all TV's these days are 4K so I was future proofing myself for when I need to replace the TV.
@@melanierhianna "If you take photography seriously you would spend a lot more than that on a camera" - I agree, which is probably why Charlie invested over £3000 in a Sony PXW-Z190V 4K HDR XDCAM which is in the semi-pro category, which as Charlie has mentioned is that photography is how he makes a living. Having said that, I do find it amusing that some of the tech channels on youtube seem to feel that you need to invest £30,000 in a RED camera just to make 1080p youtube videos !!
I think the price tag is still a bit hefty when 1080p can be had for a fraction of the price with the same features, does 4K really make a difference? I think the camera looks great, but the train shots were all over the place (stabilised or not), I just think the cameraman needs to pack a monopod!
I couldn’t agree more. Hell it was windy.
Yes, there is a huge difference between 4K and 1080, even when the 4K is "downgraded" to 1080.
Hi Charlie
Hi Jim.