Sony FDR-AX53 - 4K video camera

Sony FDR-AX53 - 4K video camera

The Sony FDR-AX53 is a palm-sized Handycam camcorder that combines a Zeiss 20x optical zoom, with a super-sensitive sensor to deliver high-quality UHD 4K video. The Exmor R CMOS sensor supports UHD 4K video at 24 or 30 fps using Sony's XAVC S codec and has around 1.6 times the pixels of the previous model. This is a good thing when the lighting conditions are more dim than usual. The camera features Sony's Balance Optical SteadyShot image stabilizer which produces smooth and stable images throughout the zoom range. Other improvements over its predecessors include autofocus accuracy and speed, a low noise microphone and fast shooting at 1080p 120 fps which gives pretty good slow motion of the footage.

The screen is a 3-inch extra fine LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 921k. You can also use the HDMI output for a larger screen, you can even ”trim” some of the 4K video to fullHD resolution. The Sony FDR-AX53 also offers Wi-Fi connectivity and NFC connectivity, allowing you to operate the camera from your smartphone, transfer files to your mobile device or stream live to Ustream.

Designed for multiple uses, the camera has a wide range of automatic image and sound features for easy shooting. Of course, the camera has advanced manual controls for creative freedom. On the front of the camera is a knob where you can set the controls for zoom, focus, exposure, iris, shutter speed or white balance. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery is included to power the camera, as well as a mains power adapter, micro-HDMI cable, and micro USB cable.

The camera is capable of 5.1 channel audio recording (in AVCHD mode, not in 4K UHD mode which uses the XAVC S codec).

The FDR-AX53 records 4K and HD video in XAVC S format, which uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for video compression and linear PCM for audio compression which is saved to an MP4 file. This material is easy to edit. You can also record in HD size in AVHCD format for HDTV and disc burning, or in mp4 mode for easy web sharing. You can record two files simultaneously: one in maximum quality in XAVC S or AVCHD format and the other in MP4 format. This way you get a small file for quick sharing and a higher quality one for further work.

Main features

• 0.24″ OLED EVF with 1,555K dot resolution with deep blacks and rich colours.
• 3.0″ Xtra Fine LCD touchscreen with 921K dot resolution
• Easy to connect to mobile devices via NFC and wifi.
• Live streaming directly to Ustream
• Manual steering ratchet
• Double recording
• NightShot infrared recording
• Face recognition and smile reminder
• BRAVIA Sync (CEC)
• Lock-on AF
• Lightweight 4K UHD video camera
• Built-in gimbal and image stabiliser for high image stability
• 20x optical zoom
• Control the camera with your smartphone via Wi-Fi
• Fast focus
• 5.1 audio track recording
• 4K Timelapse

Technical specifications

• Sensor 1/2.5″ CMOS backlit
• Video format AVCHD and MP4
• Resolution 3840 x 2160 - 30, 25, 24fps / 1920 x 1080 120, 60, 25, 24fps
• Aspect ratio 16:9
• 3″ LCD humidity display - 921600 dots
• Optical zoom 20x / 26.8 - 536mm focal length f/2 - f/3.8
• Clear Image Zoom: 30x 4K
• Clear Image Zoom: 40x (HD)
• Digital zoom: 250x
• Closest focusing distance 1cm
• Filter thread 55mm
• Image stabilisation + gimbal stabilisation
• Stereo microphones
• Wi-Fi
• Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXC / Memorystick
• Outputs 3.5mm, HDMI micro, Micro USB
• Battery NP-FC70 Lithium-ion 6.8 VDC, 1960 mAh
• Size 74 x 81 x 168mm
• Weight 635 g