Sony 4K HD Video Recording FDRAX33 Handycam Camcorder
Brand | Sony |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Video Capture Resolution | 4K |
Maximum Focal Length | 298 |
Maximum Aperture | 1.8 f |
Flash Memory Type | Micro SD;Micro SD;SDXC; |
Video Capture Format | 4K, HD |
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
Color | Black |
About this item
- Capture 4K/24P/30P video that far exceeds HD resolution
- Zeiss lens w/ balanced optical Steady Shot image stabilization
- Direct Pixel read out for smooth edges and color gradation.Iris Diaphragm:6 blades
- Manual control ring (Iris/shutter/exposure/white balance). manual Iris control: F1. 8-F9. 6, shutter speed: manual Iris control (photo mode) 1/30–1/10000
- Versatile shooting w/ XAVC S3, AVCHD and MP4 codecs
- 0. 27” EVF (201K) and touch screen 3" Extra Fine LCD (921K)
- 5. 1Ch surround sound mic w/ manual audio controls
- Automatically creates highlight7 video in MP4 from multiple clips
- Connect, control, backup and share wirelessly with NFC2/Wi-Fi
- Broadcast live From your camcorder using upstream live-streaming
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What's in the box
From the manufacturer
Sony 4K HD Video Recording FDRAX33 Handycam Camcorder
Features
Compatible Models
VCT-CSM1/AC-L200/AC-VQV10/BC-QM1/BC-TRV/HVL-F20M/HVL-F32M/HVL-LE1/HVL-LEIR1/ECM-AW4/ECM-B1M/ECM-CG60/ECM-GZ1M/ECM-W1M/ECM-XYST1M/XLR-K1M/XLR-K2M/XLR-K3M/RM-VPR1/VCT-MP1/VCT-R100/VCT-R640/VCT-VPR1/LCS-U11/LCS-U21/LCS-U30/LCS-VA15/ADP-MAC/NP-FV100A/NP-FV50A/NP-FV70A/AC-UD11
Depending on the model, the operation may be restricted or additional accessory products may be required. Please refer the manufacture site for details.
NP-FV70A | ECM-XYST1M | ECM-AW4 | ECM-GZ1M | XLR-K2M | VCT-SGR1 | GP-VPT1 | |
Customer Reviews
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
230
|
— |
3.9 out of 5 stars
206
|
4.2 out of 5 stars
737
|
3.6 out of 5 stars
37
|
4.4 out of 5 stars
208
|
4.4 out of 5 stars
258
|
Price
| $78.77$78.77 | — | $178.00$178.00 | $86.28$86.28 | $448.00$448.00 | $56.34$56.34 | $89.31$89.31 |
Accessory Type
| Battery | Microphone | Microphone | Microphone | Microphone | Shooting Grip | Grip and Tripod |
Product name
| Rechargeable Battery Pack | Mic For Multi-Interface Shoe | Wireless Microphone | Gun zoom microphone | Adapter Kit and Microphone | Shooting Grip | Remote Control Tripod |
Compatibility
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Dimensions
| 1 5/16 X 1 11/16 X 1 13/16 in | - | - | - | - | 1 7/16 × 4 3/8 × 1 3/16" | - |
Weight
| 3.2 oz (89 g) | 3.53 oz | - | - | - | 3.3 oz (93 g) | - |
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This Item Sony 4K HD Video Recording FDRAX33 Handycam Camcorder | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $609.99$609.99 | $948.00$948.00 | -28% $684.99$684.99 New Price: $948.00 | -25% $462.99$462.99 List: $614.99 | $380.99$380.99 | -12% $1,099.00$1,099.00 List: $1,249.00 |
Delivery | Get it Aug 6 - 8 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Aug 7 | Get it as soon as Monday, Aug 5 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Aug 7 | Get it as soon as Monday, Aug 5 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Aug 7 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Picture quality | 4.4 | 4.7 | — | 4.3 | — | 3.7 |
Image stabilization | 4.3 | 4.8 | — | 4.3 | — | 4.0 |
Zoom | 4.0 | 4.8 | — | 4.5 | — | 4.4 |
Sold By | Replay Tech | Amazon.com | 6ave | Amazon.com | Electronics Basket | Amazon.com |
model name | 1 | 4K Camcorder | 4K Camcorder | HV-V785K | — | CNHFG70 |
display size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 2.7 inches | 3.5 inches |
digital zoom | — | 30 multiplier x | 20 multiplier x | 60 multiplier x | 30 multiplier x | 800 multiplier x |
optical zoom | 10 multiplier x | 20 multiplier x | 20 multiplier x | 20 multiplier x | 30 multiplier x | 20 multiplier x |
video resolution | 4K | 1280p, 720p | 1280p, 720p | 1080p | 1080p | 4K |
connectivity tech | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, USB | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI | USB | USB |
shooting modes | video | — | 4K time-lapse movies, Fast Intelligent Autofocus, Portrait, Landscape, Sports | Automatic | — | Slow Motion, Fast Motion, Face Detection |
lens type | — | Zoom | Wide Angle | Zoom | Wide Angle | Zoom |
Product guides and documents
Product information
Product Dimensions | 7.05 x 6.02 x 4.09 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 3 pounds |
ASIN | B00R5LH9G0 |
Item model number | FDRAX33/B |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #282,212 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #768 in Camcorders |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | January 1, 2015 |
Manufacturer | Sony |
Warranty & Support
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Sony 4K HD Video Recording FDRAX33 Handycam Camcorder
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Product Description
Preserve your memories in 4K and get smooth footage thanks to balanced optical Steady Shot image stabilization. You can adjust settings with the manual control ring, and take advantage of versatile shooting formats in XAVC S, AVCHD and MP4. There’s built-in Wi-Fi so you can easily share your memories too.
Read about our customers' top-rated camcorders on our review page: Camcorders
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the image quality, performance, and value of the camcorder. For example, they mention it has outstanding picture and video quality, and the built-in stabilization is flawless. Some appreciate the performance and value. That said, some disagree on ease of use, audio quality, or light.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the image quality of the camcorder. They mention that it has outstanding picture and video quality, and the built-in stabilization is flawless. Some say that the camera fits their needs for image quality and stabilization when shooting. They also appreciate the clear videos from night shots.
"...The Sony AX100 video camera takes great video, but it is just heavier and bulkier enough to worry me that I might be less inclined to pack it around..." Read more
"...It is crystal clear, crisp and noticably better in video performance. I think I will never use the dual rec mode, as the MP4 is near to useless...." Read more
"...The picture, standing at 2 feet from the tv, looked amazing. There were literally no pixelation whatsoever...." Read more
"...•PICTURE and SOUND: This camera gives beautiful 4K at a max 100Mb/s data rate, which is the highest you're going to find (as of 2017) in any..." Read more
Customers like the quality of the camcorder. They mention that it's a great product, in very good condition, and amazing. Some say that the external hard disks are cheap and reliable, and that it is a good camera for home use.
"...Besides, external hard disks are cheap and reliable now… there really is no real downside to capturing your memories in 4K now, enjoying them in HD..." Read more
"...2. Auto White balance is giving me a very nice skin tone under low light 2700K3...." Read more
"...soon as you pick it up you will immediately recognize this is a quality built camera...." Read more
"...The lens is poor quality in that it has full sharpness only when zoomed all the way out...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the image stabilization of the camcorder. They mention that the internal stabilization helps hold the picture as if they're using a tripod. The BOSS lens stabilization system is astounding, and the shots are steady and crystal clear. The camera feels well-balanced and secure while holding it, and it handles shaky videos superbly.
"...The very high end image stabilization system of the AX33 (Sony calls it "BOSS”) is head and shoulders above anything on any DSLR camera right now..." Read more
"...4. BOSS Image stabilization is amazing, beyond standard optical image stabilization.5. Audio quality (built-in mic) is superb.6...." Read more
"...The BOSS stabilization system is almost perfect, but not as good as if on a real tripod...." Read more
"...Finally, the AX33 feels well-balanced and secure while holding it and offers both a flip-out LCD touch-screen display AND an internal EVF viewfinder...." Read more
Customers like the performance of the camcorder. They say it works well, produces nice results, and is easy to set up. Some mention that the zoom is long range and useful. They also say that the picture looks awesome and that it works great for projectors. Overall, most are satisfied with the performance and functionality of the product.
"...6. Digital zoom is very long range and usable. Especially with BOSS image stabilizer.7...." Read more
"...Extreme PRO 128GB UHS-I/U3 SDXC Flash Memory Card, and the camera operations are perfect. Great price for the features. Easy to use...." Read more
"...The picture looks awesome and it works great for projectors as well! It also has a built-in image stabilization inside the camera." Read more
"...Great decision for our use." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the camcorder. They say it's worth the price, has value packed features, and is a great way to boost your purchasing abilities.
"...love, but you WILL get crisp, stable, in-focus footage with both low cost and high portability...." Read more
"...Less than $900? Wow, what a great price too!..." Read more
"...This is a great way to boost your purchasing abilities and get what you REALLY want and not have to settle for inferior products...." Read more
"Fantastic camera for the price. It does weigh more than my Sony HDD camera it replaced, but the 4K feature makes up for the difference...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the camcorder. Some mention that it's easy to use, intuitive, and straight-forward, while others say that it is not user-friendly, frustrating, and unpleasant to work on. The screen LCD is not sensitive, and it can be difficult to access the menu.
"...It makes the reader easy to use where ever it is plugged in.Batteries and charger - I got two Sony NP-FV70 spare batteries as well...." Read more
"...Although the DSLR objectively offers more overall, the ease of use is astounding with this camcorder...." Read more
"...Great price for the features. Easy to use...." Read more
"...2. Touch screen LCD is not sensitve, difficult to access the menu. Hope to be like Iphone or Galaxy S5. But not quite.3...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the audio quality of the camcorder. Some mention that the sound does really well for onboard audio, and the microphone is respectable and useful. However, others say that there were lots of visible noise and graininess when compared, and that the door was flapping open and rattling on the microphone.
"...I had limited the gain on the camcorder to 9db, there were lots of visible noise and graininess when compared to my nikon, which looked 5 times..." Read more
"...3. The built-in Microphone is respectable and useful. It has good frequency response, good clarity and sensitive enough to be usable in normal..." Read more
"...Even with the gain set for zero, an indoor shot still had way too much noise in it...." Read more
"...The sound does really well for onboard audio and for most users it will suffice as the *only* audio source...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the light. Some mention that the sensor on the AX100 is better for low light, and the camera does well with proper natural light. However, others say that it's terrible in low light and the quality quickly falls off in lower light.
"...The low light is good, but for serious recording, the noise is still noticable, and using Neat Video in Premiere CC take forever..." Read more
"...However, it's not bright enough for a this camcorder. I simultaneously took some video footage with my Nikon D810 camera using 35mm prime lens...." Read more
"...I give it 5 stars just because it handles night shots good. I didn't use much of its other built-in functions...." Read more
"...It also doesn't do great in low light, but in normal lighting, it looks great...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews from the United States
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I've thrown out (or given away) dozens of televisions over my lifetime, each time trading up to something better... but I've never thrown away a video of a cherished family memory. Have you?
Our home videos tend to far outlast whatever technology was used to record them, consequently, capturing precious moments in great quality is something we will never regret later.
Besides, external hard disks are cheap and reliable now… there really is no real downside to capturing your memories in 4K now, enjoying them in HD for the short term, and then enjoying them anew in 4K when it becomes commonplace.
Okay, about the Sony FDR-AX33 specifically.
I have to tell you that I *agonized• before buying this camera, and way over researched the matter. I read every review Google could find me, saw every YouTube I could find — some of them I watched over and over again. I even went to brick and mortar stores to check out my short listed cameras hands on before buying on Amazon (the power of having an Amazon gift card balance).
On the one side, there are the 4K DSLRs -- particularly those made by Panasonic -- which are very well reviewed and forward thinking.
On another side, there is the Sony AX100, the AX33’s big brother, which reviewers rave about as well.
In the end, three factors tipped me toward the Sony AX33.
(1) PORTABILITY.
It doesn’t matter how great your camera is if you don’t have it with you.
The Sony AX100 video camera takes great video, but it is just heavier and bulkier enough to worry me that I might be less inclined to pack it around with me as often for common use.
As for the portability of DSLRs vs. the AX33, the form factor of the Sony AX33 is much better than the form factor of DSL cameras for video. With the AX33, you can shoot video with one hand — which really matters when the shot is long and your body parts start to tire. For example, my daughter’s high school graduation went longer than 2 hours. I was able to use my left hand and arm to prop up my right, and thus fought fatigue. If I would have tried it with a DSLR, I’d have had to give up.
(2) VIDEO QUALITY.
Don’t undervalue the impact image stabilization has on 4K and HD video.
The crisper the video, the more affected it is by any shakiness of hand. The very high end image stabilization system of the AX33 (Sony calls it "BOSS”) is head and shoulders above anything on any DSLR camera right now, and better than the AX100’s as well.
The very remarkable image stabilization system of the AX33 really saved the footage of my daughter’s graduation, as I was able to zoom to get details of her sitting on the stand, and zoom to get expressions of speakers and the kids as they walked to get their diplomas.
One interesting side effect of shooting in 4K when discs and televisions aren’t 4K is you have the ability to zoom in quite a bit in your software on your Mac or PC, and still have crisp, HD quality video as an end product.
(3) VIDEO LENGTH
My mind was pretty much made up to get a mirrorless Panasonic DSLR camera that reviewers say shoots gorgeous 4K video… but I had to concede I frequently need clips that are 30 minutes or longer — something no DSLR camera can do shooting video.
Apparently, in Europe there is a different tax rate for video cameras as opposed to still image cameras. Consequently, manufacturers limit DSLR cameras so that the longest single clip they can shoot is 29 minutes and 59 seconds, thus keeping the DSLR below the threshold which would make it be taxed at the higher rate of video cameras.
Sure, more often than not the 30 minute limit would not be an issue, but sometimes it really is.
If recording a basketball game, you can stop the camera at each quarter and be okay, but if recording a live musical or theatrical performance, that 30 minute shut off is going to force you to make choices — and ones I won’t always be happy about.
Consequently, I chose the Sony FDR-AX33 over the very nice DSLR options that are out there.
I realize others would choose differently, but given that my kids like to perform, the AX33, with its amazing image stabilization, long battery and video clip length and its portability made it the best fit for me.
PHOTO QUALITY
I didn’t expect much from the Sony FDR-AX33’s camera, which is probably why I’m so pleased. To get to know the camera better before something important needed to be recorded, I took it hiking and fiddled with manual settings. The results were very nice, and would probably be even nicer if I knew what I was doing.
I was pleased, though, that I could easily get that neat photo effect where the primary object is in perfect focus while the background is not. Fun stuff. The video camera has a mode to do this as well by the way.
AUDIO QUALITY
Audio quality is another really good reason to get the Sony AX33 instead of a high end DSLR to shoot video.
It is surprising (and disappointing) how the operation of many high end DSLR cameras can be heard in their own mics. Not so with the Sony. Built first for video, you cannot hear your camera in your footage, and that’s a plus.
To help make my audio even more amazing in some situations, I bought Sony’s bluetooth lavalier mic (Sony ECMA4W4 Wireless Microphone). It was wonderful, but then when I went to use it again a month later, it was dead. Very frustrating. Couldn’t return it.
DOWNSIDES
This brings me to the AX33’s touch screen. It is a pain — annoying even — but eventually I got used to how hard you have to press on it and it stopped annoying me so much.
The AX33 has some dumb limitations — like not being able to show 4K footage through the ports while shooting. Some of these limitations almost feel deliberate, as if Sony was trying to create space between the AX33 and the AX100.
This is a little thing, but I have large hands, and so I have to keep reminding myself not to lay my fingers over the mic.
HELPFUL EXTRAS
Filter - Some of the reviewers were concerned that the BOSS stabilization system could degrade over time if dust got to the system, so I purchased a 52 mm filter — the B+W 52mm Clear with Multi-Resistant Coating (007M) here on Amazon to be exact — to protect the camera. This gives me the peace of mind that my expensive camera’s lens and stabilization system are protected, but my shots are not degraded in the process.
Storage - I also purchased on Amazon a Transcend 128 GB SDXC USH-3 95/60 MB/s storage card for recording video at 60 MB per second, and I bought a SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB UHS-I/U3 SCXC card with 95 MB/s transfer speeds for capturing video at the camera’s 100 MB/s setting. So far both are recommended, but they haven’t really been put through their paces yet.
Card reader - To read these cards I bought a Saicoo USB 3.0 4 in 1 digital memory card reader. It has a short pigtail like cord which is super useful. It makes the reader easy to use where ever it is plugged in.
Batteries and charger - I got two Sony NP-FV70 spare batteries as well. There are off brand alternatives I researched, but in the end opted for Sony because I don’t want something dumb causing me to miss a treasured moment. I bought the Sony ACQV10 AC charger as well for them. With a battery on the camera, and two in the charger, I can charge everything overnight and have ample power in my camera bag as I go about catching memories.
This camera was a great purchase, and I’m already very glad I’ve had it to capture some important family memories.
1. Low light performance is very good (I compare it with my Nikon D800 Video performance).
2. Auto White balance is giving me a very nice skin tone under low light 2700K
3. 4K + MP4 dual recording mode is very handy, like having RAW+JPG in my D800.
4. BOSS Image stabilization is amazing, beyond standard optical image stabilization.
5. Audio quality (built-in mic) is superb.
6. Digital zoom is very long range and usable. Especially with BOSS image stabilizer.
7. WIFI remote control with android is very good (fast image update), disadvantage is, the HDMI output cannot be use in this mode.
The not so good:
1. LANC is no longer supported (Multi connector does not support A/V accessories). Didn't try yet, but it is said so in the manual
2. Touch screen LCD is not sensitve, difficult to access the menu. Hope to be like Iphone or Galaxy S5. But not quite.
3. As mentioned above, on remote WIFI operation, no output from HDMI. Meaning cannot use Smartphone remote control for LIVE HDMI output application (which I use a lot)
4. The EVF is a nice addition, but too tiny for my eyes. Probably because I get used to my D800 viewfinder....
Will update later when I get chance to use it!
In summary, very happy with this purchase, and highly recommend it...
Update #1:
After using it indoor and outdoor, this is my impression:
1. 4K is really amazing. I can see the different between Full HD highest, and 4K 100Mbps. It is crystal clear, crisp and noticably better in video performance. I think I will never use the dual rec mode, as the MP4 is near to useless. The only downside is, rendering 4K (with Premiere CC 2014) is taking so long (with my core I7 Haswell, 512GB SSD, 16MB ram).
2. The Sony Zeiss optic is really good. The combination of 1/2.3 inc CMOS, 4K 100 MBps and the good optics is really delivers....
3. The built-in Microphone is respectable and useful. It has good frequency response, good clarity and sensitive enough to be usable in normal environment.
4. For $1K 4K, it is absolutely worth it. Having shoot Video with DSLR (Nikon D800 with good glass), I think I will only use the Nikon on long static performance using Tripod (like Piano recital, etc). For active movement, I will use this Video, especially in a well lit environment. The low light is good, but for serious recording, the noise is still noticable, and using Neat Video in Premiere CC take forever (long rendering time).
5. The downside. The remote Android app is not usable. After taking 3 minutes clip, the video in Smartphone getting out of sync (lag) and becoming erratic, and end up crashing. For short shot it is ok, but really it is no practical use for me.
Happy Easter!
Update#2:
I think this need SONY attention, to be updated in new Firmware:
As I use (almost always) the 4K 100Mbps format, it consume SD space so fast.
I use new Transcend 128GB UHS-1 (which can record without any problem) BUT, when it saving approx. 50GB (out of 128GB capacity), there is message pop-up saying no more space for XAVC-S.
I cannot record 4K 100Mbps anymore, but when I switch to other format, it still keep going.
So I suspect that, there is 'bug' in VTOC that assumes max SD capacity is 64GB (as said in the manual, the max SD capacity is 64GB).
I am about to buy the 256GB card, so SONY.... please fix this with firmware upgrade!!! And there is already 512 GB SDXC card available, do not restrict the max size....
Update#3:
2 months later:
* I still like this camcoder. In fact, I like it more and more as I get use to it.
* After so many recording cycle (Record and Re-format), I can use the whole 128GB Transcend without any problem (I am now only use 4K 100Mbps exclusively)
* Try the 64GB KomputerBay, amazingly it works for 4K 100Mbps without problem. BUT the 128 GB KomputerBay, does NOT work. It simply refused to Initialized the SD Card (for 4K).
* I take a lot of low-light video with amazing result. As long as it is in the wide angle side, and not to dark (extremely dark is not recomended), My definition of low light is recording inside Church with standard lighting. On the telephoto side, it is still acceptable.
* White Balance is AMAZING. I like it even better than my Nikon D800 (auto white balance). Skin tone is almost perfect.
Happy shooting!
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2015
1. Low light performance is very good (I compare it with my Nikon D800 Video performance).
2. Auto White balance is giving me a very nice skin tone under low light 2700K
3. 4K + MP4 dual recording mode is very handy, like having RAW+JPG in my D800.
4. BOSS Image stabilization is amazing, beyond standard optical image stabilization.
5. Audio quality (built-in mic) is superb.
6. Digital zoom is very long range and usable. Especially with BOSS image stabilizer.
7. WIFI remote control with android is very good (fast image update), disadvantage is, the HDMI output cannot be use in this mode.
The not so good:
1. LANC is no longer supported (Multi connector does not support A/V accessories). Didn't try yet, but it is said so in the manual
2. Touch screen LCD is not sensitve, difficult to access the menu. Hope to be like Iphone or Galaxy S5. But not quite.
3. As mentioned above, on remote WIFI operation, no output from HDMI. Meaning cannot use Smartphone remote control for LIVE HDMI output application (which I use a lot)
4. The EVF is a nice addition, but too tiny for my eyes. Probably because I get used to my D800 viewfinder....
Will update later when I get chance to use it!
In summary, very happy with this purchase, and highly recommend it...
Update #1:
After using it indoor and outdoor, this is my impression:
1. 4K is really amazing. I can see the different between Full HD highest, and 4K 100Mbps. It is crystal clear, crisp and noticably better in video performance. I think I will never use the dual rec mode, as the MP4 is near to useless. The only downside is, rendering 4K (with Premiere CC 2014) is taking so long (with my core I7 Haswell, 512GB SSD, 16MB ram).
2. The Sony Zeiss optic is really good. The combination of 1/2.3 inc CMOS, 4K 100 MBps and the good optics is really delivers....
3. The built-in Microphone is respectable and useful. It has good frequency response, good clarity and sensitive enough to be usable in normal environment.
4. For $1K 4K, it is absolutely worth it. Having shoot Video with DSLR (Nikon D800 with good glass), I think I will only use the Nikon on long static performance using Tripod (like Piano recital, etc). For active movement, I will use this Video, especially in a well lit environment. The low light is good, but for serious recording, the noise is still noticable, and using Neat Video in Premiere CC take forever (long rendering time).
5. The downside. The remote Android app is not usable. After taking 3 minutes clip, the video in Smartphone getting out of sync (lag) and becoming erratic, and end up crashing. For short shot it is ok, but really it is no practical use for me.
Happy Easter!
Update#2:
I think this need SONY attention, to be updated in new Firmware:
As I use (almost always) the 4K 100Mbps format, it consume SD space so fast.
I use new Transcend 128GB UHS-1 (which can record without any problem) BUT, when it saving approx. 50GB (out of 128GB capacity), there is message pop-up saying no more space for XAVC-S.
I cannot record 4K 100Mbps anymore, but when I switch to other format, it still keep going.
So I suspect that, there is 'bug' in VTOC that assumes max SD capacity is 64GB (as said in the manual, the max SD capacity is 64GB).
I am about to buy the 256GB card, so SONY.... please fix this with firmware upgrade!!! And there is already 512 GB SDXC card available, do not restrict the max size....
Update#3:
2 months later:
* I still like this camcoder. In fact, I like it more and more as I get use to it.
* After so many recording cycle (Record and Re-format), I can use the whole 128GB Transcend without any problem (I am now only use 4K 100Mbps exclusively)
* Try the 64GB KomputerBay, amazingly it works for 4K 100Mbps without problem. BUT the 128 GB KomputerBay, does NOT work. It simply refused to Initialized the SD Card (for 4K).
* I take a lot of low-light video with amazing result. As long as it is in the wide angle side, and not to dark (extremely dark is not recomended), My definition of low light is recording inside Church with standard lighting. On the telephoto side, it is still acceptable.
* White Balance is AMAZING. I like it even better than my Nikon D800 (auto white balance). Skin tone is almost perfect.
Happy shooting!
Top reviews from other countries
To my surprise, the box was not damaged as bad as I had thought and there was no noticeable scratch to the camcorder.
In saying that, this camcorder is very good as an addition to my livestreaming equipment.
The camcorder only has a 10X zoom but works out just right for my intended use. The CMOS sensor has apparently been improved on the new edition AX43 and AX53 but this unit does just fine for indoor livestream shoots (additional lighting added). Actually, the first use of the camcorder was during an all lights out part of a church service (soft box accent lighting only used for scripture readings). This camcorder did better then what I had heard from YouTubers and Vloggers.
Regarding easy of use and mobility, this camcorder is a treat to have.
I am satisfied with the addition of this camcorder.
Reviewed in Mexico on June 10, 2020
Reviewed in Mexico on September 4, 2019