The Sony FDR-AX53 is a palm-sized Handycam camcorder that combines a Zeiss 20x optical zoom lens and a high-sensitivity image sensor to produce crisp and high-quality UHD 4K video. The Exmor R CMOS image sensor supports UHD 4K video capture at 24 or 30 fps using Sony's XAVC S codec and features pixels that are approximately 1.6x larger than the previous model for enhanced performance in all conditions, particularly low-light scenarios. Further enhancements include improved autofocus speed and accuracy, a lower-noise built-in microphone, and a high-speed 1080p 120 fps recording mode to create high-resolution slow-motion content. the camcorder features a range of automatic image and audio options for easy point-and-shoot operation, as well as enhanced manual controls that give you more creative freedom. An assignable ring on the front of the camcorder can be assigned to control zoom, focus, exposure, iris, shutter speed, exposure, or white balance. The FDR-AX53 comes equipped with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens. It features a wide 35mm-equivalent focal length of 26.8mm (in movie mode) to fit more into your shots and a 20x optical zoom range. In HD shooting mode, it further reduces effects of camera shake even under unstable conditions with 5-axis Intelligent Active mode compensating for vibration in five different directions, so you can shoot stable high-quality movies even while running. Shoot in 1080p at 120 fps and bring it into your editing software to produce high-resolution slow-motion footage. The FDR-AX53 records 4K and HD movies in the XAVC S format, which uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 for video compression and linear PCM for audio compression, while saving files in an MP4 wrapper which allows for extensive record times and easy editing. Enhance your viewing experience even without a 4K television. Using super-sampling, the camera automatically down-converts 4K footage to exceptionally detailed Full HD. The Time Code function records hours/minutes/seconds/frames on image data for precise advanced video editing. User Bit function records information such as date, time, and scene number in eight-digit arbitrary numbers, and is useful for editing movies using two or more cameras. The optical design uses four dual-surface spherical lenses, which provide a wide 33-degree viewing angle for clear images from the center to the edge of the viewfinder. Easily scroll through menus and view footage thanks to WhiteMagic technology that dramatically increases visibility in bright daylight. NFC (near field communication) provides "touch connection" convenience when transferring images to Android smartphones and tablets. Connect to up to five compatible Sony cameras via Wi-Fi and use the camcorder's LCD to preview what the other cameras are seeing and simultaneously start recording on all synced cameras. Connect to your 1080p HDTV via the camcorder's HDMI output and select a specific portion of the 4K picture for playback; you can move the section using the camcorder's menu toggle, and scale it using the zoom lever.
Sony FDR-AX53 Specs
Sensor | 1-Chip 1/2.5" CMOS |
Backside Illumination | Yes |
Effective Pixels | 8.29 MP (16:9 Video) 8.29 MP (16:9 Photo) 6.22 MP (4:3 Photo) |
35mm-Equivalent Focal Length | 26.8 to 536mm at 16:9 32.8 to 656mm at 4:3 |
Maximum Aperture | f/2 - f/3.8 |
Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.4" / 1.0 cm |
Zoom | Optical: 20x Clear Image Zoom: 30x 4K Clear Image Zoom: 40x (in HD) Digital: 250x |
Filter Size | 55 mm |
System | NTSC |
Recording Media | x Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Memory Stick Pro Duo (Mark 2), Memory Stick XC-HG Duo, SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Video Format | 3840 x 2160p at 24/30 fps (100 Mb/s XAVC S) 1920 x 1080p at 24/30/60 fps (60 Mb/s XAVC S) 1920 x 1080p at 60 fps (28 Mb/s AVCHD) 1920 x 1080p at 24 fps (24 Mb/s AVCHD) 1920 x 1080p at 24 fps (17 Mb/s AVCHD) 1920 x 1080i at 60 fps (24 Mb/s AVCHD) 1920 x 1080i at 60 fps (17 Mb/s AVCHD) 1440 x 1080i at 60 fps (9 Mb/s AVCHD) 1440 x 1080i at 60 fps (5 Mb/s AVCHD) 1280 x 720p at 30 fps (3 Mb/s MP4) |
Slow Motion Mode | 120 fps Recorded at 1920 x 1080p |
Still Image Support | JPEG 16.6 MP (5440 x 3056) JPEG 12.5 MP (4080 x 3056) JPEG 8.3 MP (3840 x 2160) JPEG 6.2 MP (2880 x 2160) JPEG 2.1 MP (1920 x 1080) JPEG .3 MP (640 x 480) |
Channels | 5.1-Channel |
Audio Format | AAC-LC Dolby Digital 2ch Dolby Digital 5.1 LPCM |
Sampling Frequency | LPCM: 48.0 kHz |
Bit Rate | LPCM: 16.0-Bit |
Display Type | LCD |
Touchscreen | Yes |
Screen Size | 3" |
Screen Resolution | 921,600 Dots |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Rotation | Opening Angle: 90° Turning Angle: 270° |
Screen Size | .24" |
EVF Resolution | 1,555,200 Dots |
Shutter Speed | 1/8 - 1/10000 Second () |
Exposure Metering | Multi, Spot |
Exposure Modes | Modes: Auto, Manual |
Interval Recording | 1 Second 2 Second 5 Second 10 Second 30 Second 60 Second |
Self-Timer | 10 Sec |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Scene Modes | Preset: Yes |
Lux | 1.8 (4K: Low Lux, 1/30 shutter speed) 9 (4K: Standard, 1/60 shutter speed) 1.2 (HD: Low Lux, 1/30 shutter speed) 6 (HD: Standard, 1/60 shutter speed) 0 (NightShot) |
White Balance Modes | Auto Indoor 1 Onepush Outdoors |
Creative Effects | Yes |
Built-In Mic | Yes |
Built-In Speaker | Yes |
Built-In Light/Flash | Light - No Flash - No |
Wi-Fi | Yes |
Accessory Shoe | 1 x Multi Interface Shoe |
Tripod Mount | 1/4" - 20 |
Outputs | 1 x Micro-HDMI (Type D) 1 x Multi-Terminal micro-USB |
Microphone Input | Yes |
Headphone Jack | Yes |
Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 6.8 VDC, 1960 mAh |
Charging Method | AC Adapter |
Power Consumption | In LCD Operation: 4.9 W In Viewfinder Operation: 4.9 W |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 2.9 x 3.2 x 6.6" / 7.4 x 8.1 x 16.8 cm with battery attached |
Weight | 22.4 oz / 635 g |