Sony FDR AX53 & AX43 Review, Unboxing, User Manual

SONY FDR AX53 & AX43 - OVERVIEW

Sony brand is well-known for the large image sensors; also, efficient Balanced Optical Steady Shot image stabilization mechanism. Both AX-53 and AX-43 Sony camcorder models share the same image stabilizer, 1/2.5" Exmor R CMOS image sensor, BIONZ-X image processor, and Zeiss Vario Sonnar T 26.8 mm wide and 20X optical zoom lens.

But, the FDR AX53 is comparitively superior in features, so obviously it is pricier than AX-43. You will find a few extra functionalities in AX53 like Night Shot infrared recording mode, a tilting EVF, and higher resolution on the LCD screen.

However, in terms of build quality and handling, both camcorders come with an easy-to-carry compact body, improved manual control options, Dolby audio microphone, high-speed and crystal-clear 4K UHD video shooting ability. Let’s discuss in detail what you will get from these budget camcorder models of the Sony FDR series. 

SONY FDR AX53 & AX43 REVIEW

DESIGN

Generally, Sony gives the FDR series model a lightweight but well-built plastic body design to make it handy and perfect for outdoor shooting. They incorporate some function buttons, smooth going manually controlled dial, and lens ring to ease the handling process. These manual control options enable users to handle the camcorders; or adjust the composition aspects easily, even just with one hand.

The Sony FDR-AX43 is slightly lighter than AX53. But, both models have a similar sturdy and compact palm-sized design. You can rely on either of these pocket-sized video cameras for on-the-go shooting.

The AX53 comes only with a 2.95” LCD screen. On the other hand, Sony enhances the display screen size to 3” and adds a flip-out EVF in the AX53 camcorder model as per the user's demand.

Features

The FDR-AX43 and AX53 both have Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens; that provides a 35mm equivalent focal length range. It lets you capture more background in your 16:9 video or still image frames by adjusting the length between 26.8-536.0mm.

The camcorders have an optical zoom range of 20x that can be extended up to 30X magnification during video recording and up to 40X zooming point for capturing still images. The FDR AX43 and AX53 have added an exclusive 250X digital zoom to their lossless zooming capacity to attract users.

The multi-layered Zeiss T lens maintains crystal clear clarity and sharpness at the highest magnification range, even in dark areas. The multi-layer lens coating reduces unwanted lens flares, ghosting, and reflection, thereby increasing the picture quality.

NOTE: Most professional music artists prefer using the AX43 and AX53/B camcorders for recording music albums because these cameras give brighter footage in dimly lit conditions.

The backside-illuminated 1/25 Type Exmor R CMOS Sensor captures stunning high-quality images and videos in both bright and dark lighting conditions. Both AX53/43 offer 8.29 MP effective pixels for video and 6.22 MP for still images; which, is 1.6 times larger than the previous Sony camcorder models.

Both camcorder models come with the BIONZ X image processor that increases their low light performance by reducing RAW noise. 

NOTE: Purchasing a video camera for hunting is not very easy because not all camcorders excel in low-lights. However, that's not the case with these cameras. If you're a serious photographer who likes to self-film animal hunts, then there could be no better option than these cameras. 

You can also check my article on best picks for the most recommended camcorders for hunters to know more.

The FDR AX43 model has a Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilizer with a gimbal mechanism; that effectively reduces the camera shake effect under unstable conditions. The 5-axis intelligent active mode also compensates for vibrations from five different directions that may get included because of the camera rolling, tilting, panning, pitching, and yaw movements.

This enhanced image stabilization system helps to capture stable, smooth, and sharp professional-looking videos and images, even while running or zoomed at the highest magnification point. Similarly, The FDR AX53 also comes with a B.O.S.S mechanism and 5-axis intelligent active mode image stabilization system; but, there is no Gimbal mechanism inside. 

Both camcorders have a 3” 20 degree rotatable LCD screen that displays bright and sharp image quality. But, the key difference is their offered resolution; the FDR A543 comes with 460K dot resolution, while the AX53 offers 921K dot resolution for more brightness and sharpness.

Sony FDR AX53 also features White Magic technology to increase visibility under bright daylight. The extra resolution and availability of white pixels in the RGB pixel pallet let users watch their captured frame more in detail under all shooting environments. 

Sony FDR AX53 has a 0.24” OLED type viewfinder that offers rich color and deep black with a 1,555K-dot resolution. The viewing glasses have the construction of four dual-surface spherical lenses, which provide 100% field of view and a 33-degree angle of view from center to corner of the EVF. This is why people always prefer Sony AX53 when it comes to choosing the best camcorder with a viewfinder. On the other hand FDR AX43 does not have any viewfinder.

Both professional camcorder models automatically adjust focus, color, and exposure for your subject in a shot. You only need to focus a face, compose, and narrate the scene using the touch-friendly LCD screen. The intelligent AF system provides precise autofocusing, even for fast-moving targets.

This is one of the features that makes the AX-53/43 the best camcorder for sports photography. The automatic function modes track the frame, lock on the subjects into the frame, and spontaneously adjust the composition aspects for the focal points (areas in the frame you want to keep in focus). These modes accelerate the lens's driving capacity; so, you never miss a single magical moment to capture. Even the smile shutter captures still images of fleeting smiles and candid moments even while recording videos. 

Moreover, both camcorders enable slow-mo recording, 4K time-lapse recording, motion-shot recording, and much more options in scene selection mode. But, the FDR AX53 enables an attractive night shooting mode under infrared light. It takes superb night shots in complete darkness using infrared light.

Image and Video Quality

Both camcorders record 4K and HD video in XAVC S format and save files in MP4 wrappers to extend recording time and make it easy to edit. The video format uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec to compress video and linear PCM to compress audio. If you are shooting for HD TV you can shoot HD videos in AVCHD format and MP4 videos for broadcasting over social media platforms. These Wi-Fi connection enabled camcorders also offer live streaming facility. So, if you're a YouTuber/vlogger, you can blindly trust these cameras as they are one of the best video cams for YouTubers.

With FDR AX43 and AX53, you can record 4K UHD 24/30P video at a higher frame rate, even slow-mo or quick-motion video up to 100/120 fps. The camcorder captures up to 16.6 MP still images with up to 5440x3056 resolution.

Both camcorders let you record two videos simultaneously, but one UHD or FHD in XAVC S or AVCHD format and another low-quality HD in MP4 format.

Both camcorders come with 5.1-channel built-in microphones that are three times more effective in Dolby audio reproduction, two times more efficient than 2-channel stereo recorders, and include 40% less noise. The microphone captures audio signals from five directions and lets users track the levels of each channel on LCD panels.

NOTE: 5.1 channel audio recording only available for HD recording in the AVCHD format; you would not be able to record 5-directional audio while recording 4K UHD video in XAVC S. 

MI accessory shoes are there to help you in expanding the shooting possibilities with both camcorders. It lets you attach an external flashlight, microphone, or other compatible camera accessories.

Sony AX53 and AX43 both camcorders support HDMI (Type-D micro) and multi-terminal micro USB ports. These ports support a wide range of cables and connectors.

Both Wi-Fi/NFC-enabled camcorders offer one-touch remote-controlled connection options. The users can set a stable connection between these camcorders and their smartphones or other NFC-compatible devices. They can transfer the recorded videos or captured images to the devices using the Wi-Fi facility.

Storage

Both camcorders support speed class 4 or higher rated SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, including Memory Stick PRO Duo, PRO-HG Duo, and XC-HG Duo, while recording in AVCHD format. You can only use SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards while recording in XAVC S format.

The camcorders come with a rechargeable lithium-ion 1960 mAh battery pack that provides around 235 min shooting time after a single full charge.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF SONY FDR AX53 & AX43

Professionals often appreciate Sony FDR AX53 and AX43 camcorder models for their enhanced image stabilization mechanism, improved manual controls, noise-canceling microphone, and fast intelligent AF (Automatic Focus) and AE (Automatic Exposure) system.

On the other hand, the AX53 gives you a bonus with night shooting mode, electronic viewfinder, and higher resolution and brightness in LCD. The surprising fact is that camcorders costs only less than 1000 dollars isn't that great.  

SPECIFICATIONS OF SONY FDR AX53 & AX43

LENS SPECIFICATION

IMAGE SENSOR

Camera Specification

Video Recording

Audio Recording

DISPLAY SCREEN

EVF

CONNECTIVITY

MOUNTING FEATURE

BATTERY

Sony FDR AX43 and AX53 USER MANUAL

You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a Sony AX43 and AX53 handycams. But, you can also view the user manual from the Company's official website. The user manual will have a complete guide on the different camera settings, firmware, and safety precautions you will need to follow while using this camcorder.

If you wish to check the official user manual of these Sony AX43 camcorder and Sony AX53 camcorder.

Sony FDR AX43 and AX53 accessories

STEREO MICS AND FLASHES

Filters

The camcorder models do not come with any ND filters. The 6-bladed aperture may not be able to satisfy you with provided bokeh quality. You can keep some decent bokeh filters, take ND filters(like ND4 or ND8) with you for arranging cinematic compositions in your frame.

Tripods

Though these camcorders have a decent image stabilization mechanism; still, we would suggest using tripods to ensure professional quality pictures and videos. And, your cameras are also ready to get mounted with a tripod via a 1/4"-20 terminal.

Conclusion

Sony features all of those specialties in their FDR AX53 and AX43 camcorder models that one can expect from a point-and-shoot camera. Sony is leading the 4K camcorder market with these two models, which have the sharpest HD and Ultra HD 30P video recording capability with a powerful image sensor, processor, and stabilizer. Overall, these two camcorders are more versatile and better performing than other precursor models of the Sony FDR series. Beginners to professionals, everyone can choose these portable and quality-performing camcorders to expand their creative possibilities.