Sony FDR AX53--Crazy or Genius?

This video is an in-depth review of the 4K Sony FDR-AX53 camcorder. Does it make sense to get a camcorder now? This video will answer that question.
Many video and photo examples, explanation of the menus and controls, a thorough review of the various stabilization settings, strengths, weaknesses, tips and suggestions and more!

Green screen graphics credit to: Easy CG Channel, cool green studio

[AwesomeDocumentary]

This is my favorite camera, I’ve dropped it on the ground, got it splashed with rain mud and other fluids. After 8 years and half a billion views I decided to retire it, only, to buy it over again.

[anastasios]

I bought mine used on eBay in 2018 for about $700, in preparation for a trip to Disney World. Yep, I was basically the only dude walking around with a camcorder (and I had a DSLR as well; I would hold the AX53 strap on my pinky and flip it around quickly if I needed to take video). When I got home, I was so impressed to watch the footage on my 4k TV. I am not an expert, but I felt like the "depth" of the video was much better than what I could take on my Samsung Galaxy S6 at the time. Still prefer it over my S21 that I have now.

[cfldriven]

I got the AX53 in the start of 2023 and it pretty much become the workhorse replacing the Samsung S21. I mainly shoot in 4K and post in FHD. The extra raster allows for moves and zooms without degradation. Yes it old tech and expensive but I happy to be using it.

[andrascsirmaz]

I bought one of these a couple of years ago to record my wife's friend's wedding. (Amateur enthusiast here.) It turned out great and all the functions served well. I did get an external mic though (that pointing type) just to make sure I'm covered from wind (and I did need it). The screen was totally unusable due to sunlight, but I had the EVF - yay! Completely worth its price - it was a childhood dream come true to have a semipro camera. There is one catch about the manual controls: you can only set 1 thing at a time. If you try to set Shutter speed while the Aperture is set - you'll get an error. To overcome this: set the gain limit to low, set your shutter speed and that'll force the aperture automatically open up as much as possible. :)

[rgmtb]

I picked up this camera to record my daughter's filed hockey games. I got it specifically for the zoom because I'm not always able to get close to the field. I can tell you with 100% confidence that the zoom is AMAZING! Everything you're seeing in this video is totally accurate. You will not believe just how great the zoom is. I now us this camera to record a lot of my YouTube and Amazon videos because the quality is soo good. Also, it's simple to connect an external mic. I'm a fanboy of this camcorder for sure!

[JQUOIS]

appreciate the video! you are a buyers guide for so many folk i genuinely appreciate all the effort brotha

[Luna-cfop]

Great review especially all the footage that shows real quality. Thank you.

[gstree]

I have been making films since the 1960s first on actual film and then going through all the various formats of videos and recorders until we got to the amazing digital gear that we have at our disposal today. I have various camcorders that I have bought new that I still have, like the Panasonic 900/990/HCX2000 a GoPro a Sony AX53.also the ax700.that is brilliant in low light.
The old 900 Panasonic is still a good 1080p HD camera and is a brilliant workhorse that I don't need to get rid of and the 990 is even better and 4k. The HCX2000 is a beautiful piece of kit that is capable of producing very good videos as it has all the bells and whistle's, however it is a lot heavier and not that easy to use hand held with a lot of the buttons not easy to get at but is excellent on a tripod. The Sony AX53 is my go to camera as the majority of my films are made of live music bands and I like the flexibility of it hand held with it's brilliant stabilization. OK you can't alter the shutter speed and the iris independently but so what! there are ways to compensate for it in post. I use any of the other cameras as a back up or for 2 or 3 camera shoots.

[MtnManJack]

Love the AX53! Technology has come a long way and while cell phones certainly record great video these days, I still love the feel of a camcorder. I purchased the AX53 in May and used it to record my daughters field day. Some interesting looks from people being the only one with a camcorder. Great purchase and an excellent camcorder!

[felixbrandau]

These are the peak camera tech. Ergonomic, smart and lots of zoom. This is so much better than an action cam rig, or a smartphone with horrible ergonomics. This ends around 2016 but with all the ai tech would a dope product could be possible

[stevenqirkle]

I bought an ax45 to record my kids’ soccer games. It’s definitely the right tool for the job - power zoom with a massive zoom range, and able to record for a long time without overheating or running out of battery. I also use Sony’s shotgun mic which plugs into the hotshoe - which is pretty convenient.
I do wish Sony would release an updated version with 4K60p support, though.

[TorontoJon]

Another great in-depth video, Tech to Remember. I really enjoy your vintage camcorder videos too which are like comfort food to me. All the best! :)

[Baldcafe]

I really enjoy your videos man. I’d love to see you do one dedicated to the Panasonic DVX200!

[kimjonsson-laplandhusky]

I enjoyed your video (fun, and informative) and think you covered all the important information about the camera. I had an ax53 a couple of years ago but chose to sell it as I was disappointed with the image quality in low light (I live in northern Sweden at the height of the arctic circle so part of the year is a little darker).
Realized after a couple of months that it is brilliant if you only accept the limitations that naturally come with a compact video camera with a rather small sensor.
If there is something that I wish was possible with the camera, it would be that it would be possible to disable the photo button as it is very easy to access during filming with an error message in the display as a result (as you show in the video).
But if you take it for what it is, that it is very user-friendly with good stabilization and not to forget good zoom scope in a complete small camera that is easy to always have with you.
Yes, after a year I regretted selling it and bought an ax53 again.
I have an A7iii as well but prefer if the light is good to film with the video camera.
I simply have to accept that a camera is always a compromise between image quality in different conditions if it has to be a suitable size and ease of use at a reasonable price for how you use it.
This camera is fun to use and will definitely make you film more and capture moments you might otherwise have missed.

[broadwwway]

I also have AX700 and camcorder rocks! Thanks for sharing, a really fun video to watch!

[djmessiahnyc]

Really in depth review, thanks for this!!

[gertsy]

Great video man. Good info on the settings.

[ColumbiaFrancis]

Thank you for this-- I purchased mine in January 2020, immediately used it on a trip, and am only now getting it out again. I will be using it for creating Instagram video content (as this is what it's all about now....)
.

[RackFocusProductions]

such a good review, thank you for this!

[JMVD]

Thank you very much, nice description of the AX53 camcorder.