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Questions & Answers

ROBERT R : Does this have a LANC port for a wired remote? I need to be able to remote zoom and don't want a phone app, but a rocker switch type that attaches to a tripod pan lever.
Amanda U : Can you bypass the camera recording on internal memory and directly record to SD card always?
Corey B : Will this shoot video in 1080 also?Ken K : Yes, 1080 is what I shoot in most off the time. Incredible options to select from to minimize space usage when necessary. I rarely shoot in 4K, but it is nice to have the option when needed.Matt M : Absolutely. I shoot exclusively in 1080.WILLIAM K : Yes. While image stabilization works for HD and UHD formats, the camera's image stabilization is best at HD versus UHD.BRANDI N : Yes!

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2024-05-10T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Very nice piece of photographic equipment.

I have had a Sony HDR-CX130E for many years now and it has been great. However I feel that I would like an upgrade with a few more features and this FDR-AX53 really fits the bill. I love the design and the extra weight which must contribute to steadiness. I haven't had the opportunity to use it yet but with a holiday in Cornwall coming up and a wedding in September I'm sure it will be given a thorough testing.

Tinnoth

2024-02-24T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Good features

Excellent camera to use indoors and outside when there is cloud cover or when the sun is not too bright, otherwise there is the same problem as with all cameras i.e seeing the subject in the monitor; also not easy in the viewfinder.

davex

2024-01-30T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Useful general purpose camcorder

I bought this camera for 3 reasons. (1) to replace an HVR-Z5 as transferring images into Premiere is no longer easy. (2) good steady-shot and 4K recording functions (3) it's light and easy to handle. The limited ability to operate multiple functions in manual mode is frustrating. The "door" covering the multi-function shoe is flimsy and when open it rattles. A few more functions from the AX700 would be welcome.

Videoexe

2024-01-12T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great choice

I particularly wanted a handy-cam and was pleased with my choice. The quality is excellent and it is easy to use. Only annoyances is the button on the side that switches it to manual focus, which can easily be knocked and not noticed during night filming and the viewfinder not displaying as clear & focused view as that of the pull out display.

John W.

2023-12-05T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Good condition . Clean

Delighted with my purchase .Condition and price were good.

BoyzToyz

2023-11-03T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

An excellent choice on my part

This was an excellent choice on my part it has all I could have wished for in a Camcorder. Only had it a about a week so still learning all of the features. It is well built and in comparison to the cheaper Camcorders out there is well worth the extra money.

phototom

2023-09-28T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Hockey Dad

I am not an expert with camera's. I use this mostly to film my kids hockey and rugby games. After a month of use I can give this a great review. It has a great picture and keeps up with the action. It is easy to use right out of the box for someone like me that really doesn't know what everything does. To be fair that would be with any camera. I would certainly recommend it to sports parents that are looking to capture their kids events.

Hockey D.

2023-06-09T22:59:01

Rated 5 out of 5

Amazing Camcorder. Super Crisp, excellent stabilization and features.

I love this Camcorder so much. While it's not small as the CX-405, it greatly makes up for that in features and I/O. The stills aren't that great, but that's minor since I normally use my phone for stills anyways. Low light performance isn't the best either(unless you enable Low Lux), but as always from Sony, it has very accurate color both on the screen and through its HDMI output. When I want to hand hold the camera, it has really good built in optical image stabilization, as well as an 60X zoom which helps a lot for wildlife recording. I primarily use this for live streaming to YouTube using an Elgato Cam Link 4K and OBS Studio (1440p 60 FPS for the gameplay, 4K 30 FPS for the camera). I needed only to make minor adjustments to my Chroma Key settings in OBS Studio. It still offers clean HDMI output, and the picture overall is excellent. It also has a 3.5mm headphones jack, a 3.5 mm TRS Mic input jack, and even Micro USB charging. I do kind of wish it was USB Type C, however it's still a lot more convenient and replaceable than the short USB charging cable on CX-4O5. While it still has the "AV Out" port, that connector is now also a micro USB port, which you can use for charging and file transfer. You likely will need the Sony PlayMemories Home software to file transfer, but it's pretty quick, so I'm not too bothered by it. The mobile app for it sucks, but that seems to go for most cameras. Still though, it's a great camcorder. If you have the budget for it, buy it.

Jared A.

2023-06-04T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Camera producing very acceptable results

I am a keen videographer of railways and after 16years my SR7 required replacement. After much research and assistance from The Sony Centre in Falkirk I decided to purchase the AX53. I have now completed a number of projects with great results. The camera is so easy to operate in auto mode and the zoom to wide transition is so smooth.

Derek P.

2023-02-09T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Nice mashine.

The Cover hiding the connectiondevice for microphones and so on should be of a more solid Design . It Van Break easier?? Otherwise: a nice Mashine,

Maestroh

2023-01-29T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Professional results

I have used this Handycam for a week now and having had several other makes in the recent past, this one is, as far as I can tell, pretty much the best value on the market. Using in full Auto delivers pro like results first time. add a rubber cup to the EVF and it works in strong sunlight too. Stabilisation is outstanding in 4K and HD. Picture quality is excellent and the still shots are pretty good too. 9/10 over all from me

nonikname

2023-01-29T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Professional results

I have used this Handycam for a week now and having had several other makes in the recent past, this one is, as far as I can tell, pretty much the best value on the market. Using in full Auto delivers pro like results first time. add a rubber cup to the EVF and it works in strong sunlight too. Stabilisation is outstanding in 4K and HD. Picture quality is excellent and the still shots are pretty good too. 9/10 over all from me

None12345

2023-01-28T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

SONY AX53 - AS GOOD AS THEY SAY - YOU BET !!!

FANTASTIC PICTURE QUALITY - ONBOARD STABILIZATION IS THE BEST I HAVE USED. ALL ROUND WINNER.

STEVE 7.

2022-12-20T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

The cattails are waiting...

Piecing my life together I needed support toward my sansung monitor/computer and telly 4K style. Interestingly I will use the HDR AX53 ARTISTICALLY to develope my art and poetry... The structure of acquiring

Davin234

2022-11-13T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Amazing

This Sony ax53 has a stunning image stabilization system. I have had several top of the range Sony cameras since 1986. This one tops it all. The image is so still that even if you film from a car in motion it looks like you were filming standing on the ground with a sturdy tripod. Really stunning!

ClaudeUS

2022-10-07T20:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

Mixed feelings-rating given may change

Received camera on 8/4/22. Worked well until 9/24/22 when my Shure microphone no longer functioned. Replaced mike iwh new microphone and it also didn't function. Conclusion AX53 mic jack faulty. Purchased another microphone (Sony) that runs from hot shoe. Both it & internal mic function. Day after new mic used I experienced difficulty with SD card. Not sure where that problem is located, Thinking not a Sony problem because camera will play both still and movies but no files can be found when card is read in computer. Otherwise I am happy with the AX53 and what I produced before I lost sound recording. I will complete this review and iwhhold further rating after the wired microphone issue its resolved, Also might mention that I cannot use the Sony smartphone app on the AX53 but did get I to work on a Sony A99.

MrBillFortPierce

2022-09-22T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

great features, like the great stabilization

I bought this camera for about 2 weeks ago. I read the many good reviews, and i`m very glad I bought this camera

George H.

2022-09-09T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great way to enter the world of video production

I have produced a few you tube videos with The FDR-AX53 and am pleased with the results. All videos filed in September were made with the FDR-AX53 and can be viewed at my channel- FreeLiveMusicFortPierceFL

MrBillFort P.

2022-08-27T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great

Compact , easy-to-use all in one unit built in options

Liwsr57

2022-03-15T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Needed Better Camcorder

The FDR-AX53 is exceptionel better than my former Sony Camcorder. The focal length for wide angle shots is very good and the easier use of assigning different functions to the manual ring is also more comfortable. All in all a very good camera for daily use.

Elephant98

2022-03-03T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Solid Camera

Bought this a month or so ago and have used it 4 times, once for a 1.5 hour sporting event. Very happy with it. Areas for improvement would be the phone app. I have not been able to connect to the camera. That process is very arcane and needs a lot of improvement. I think that app itself needs to be completely rewritten and fixed. Other than that, I am happy with it.

videobot1

2022-01-07T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Love it

Got this for Christmas, spent a couple of days familiarising myself with camera and terminology, now I just need to practice with my editing suite.

Toymaster

2021-12-28T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Recording quality

Love the camera so far. The recordings look great and they look great on tv

Vic512

2021-12-10T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Best around for the price

Purchased recently as an upgrade to 4k from the sony CX410VE which still gives super HD video and if the AX53 performs as long I shall be more than satisfied. As well as the higher resolution video, the impressive lens, with super zoom capabilities the additional eye piece, whilst small, still allows more accurate framing when reflection on the screen simply makes the flip-out useless, an annoyance with the CX410VE. The use of the "manual" settings is taking a bit to learn but there are some options to fully automatic. Yet the auto settings seem to answer for many situations. The AX53 does have a few issues, as already mentioned the eye piece is too small and does not have a soft rubber surround, the flip out screen is no bigger than the CX410VE at 3 inch and finding a suitable lens hood is still ongoing after one abortive purchase. But the camcorder is a lovely handful, substantial and adaptable to my hobby needs.

Bingban

2021-10-14T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great camera

I am amazed how stable video I can get with full zoom and no tripod! 4K is sharp! Videos look great on big screen.

VideoFreak

2021-10-13T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Good piece of kit

This cam was a replacement for my old long-serving Canon cassette camcorder. It has much more tech as one would expect and as soon as Covid allows I will be using it to the fullest extent. On the advice of the Brummie on uTube I have umpteen accessories like Rhode mike and lens filters which are probably not necessary but boys will be boys with toys! Two tandem recording formats are so cool so buy it!

Basso P.

2021-10-13T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

My one and only Video Camera - nothing replaces it

I bought the FDR-AX53 about 2 years ago - I am not sorry that I did so - it is amazing - for me, I am not a professional, but expect good results from my cameras - this Video Camera is wonderful - it surpasses my expectations in every possible way . . . be it sharpness and also it's got a magnificent stabilisation that i've never encountered something like it before . . . what can I say I'd rate this video camera 5 stars - if there were more I would rate it at the highest possible rating.

eugtal

2021-10-13T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Quality

I am always impressed by the video quality both HD and 4k. Also the still photos are excellent.

Barkby

2021-10-13T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Very Good Camera!

This camera does everything I need it to do. Excellent Picture, Excellent Sound, Excellent Gimbal Feature and Great Colours. Down side, limited manual fictionality! You setup shutter speed everything els goes into auto mode, this means you have to decide whats more important at the time of shooting your movie that can change in post-production, otherwise a great camera.

SmileyD

2021-10-13T20:00:00

Rated 1 out of 5

Camera already not working

We have only had 2 months and it is already not working. Getting error message that it can?t write to any media. This is the second Sony that has not performed. This should be covered under warranty since we just bought, but that means we will be without a camera for a while. My iPhone seems to be the only reliable video I can count on. So frustrating!

ATMom

Sony FDR-AX53 Specifications

  • Sensor Type

    1 2/5" ((7.20 mm) back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor

  • Effective Pixels (video)

    Approx. 8.29 Megapixels (16:9)

  • Effective Pixels (still Image)

    Approx. 8.29 Megapixels (16:9)/Approx. 6.22 Megapixels (4:3)

  • Lens Type

    ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T

  • Focal Length (1.38 In) (video)

    f= 26.8 - 536.0 mm (16:9)

  • Filter Diameter

    2.17"

  • Focal Length (1.38 In) (still Image)

    f= 1 1/16 - 21 1/8 inch (16:9), f= 1 5/16 - 25 7/8 inch (4:3), f=26.8 - 536.0 mm (16:9), f= 32.8-656.0 mm (4:3)

  • Minimum Focus Distance

    Approx. 13/32 inch (Wide), Approx. 31 1/2 inch (Tele), Approx. 1 cm (Wide), Approx. 80 cm (Tele)

  • Optical Zoom

    20x

  • Digital Zoom

    250x

  • Clear Image Zoom

    4K: 30x; HD: 40x

  • Steadyshot

    Balanced Optical SteadyShot with 5-axis Intelligent Active mode

  • Exposure Modes

    Auto, Flexible Spot (Touch Panel), Manual (Menu/Ring)

  • Exposure Compensation

    AE Shift (Touch Panel/Ring)

  • Backlight Compensation

    Yes (Auto)

  • Minimum Illumination

    4K: Low Lux 1.8 lux (1/30(NTSC)/1/25(PAL) Shutter Speed), 4K: Standard: 9 lux (1/60(NTSC)/1/50(PAL) Shutter Speed), HD: Low Lux 1.2 lux (1/30(NTSC)/1/25(PAL) Shutter Speed), HD: Standard: 6 lux (1/60(NTSC)/1/50(PAL) Shutter Speed), NightShot: 0 lux (1/60(NTSC)/1/50(PAL) Shutter Speed)

  • Metering Modes

    Multi-segment/Spot

  • White Balance Modes

    Auto/Onepush/Outdoor/Indoor

  • Viewfinder Type

    (0.24 in)/Color, 1 555 200 dots equivalent

  • Screen Type

    3.0" / 7.62cm Xtra Fine LCD display (921 600 dots) Wide (16:9)

  • Angle Adjustment

    Opening Angle: Max. 90 deg. , Turning Angle: Max. 270 deg.

  • Brightness Control

    Yes (Menu)

  • Touch Panel

    Yes

  • Shutter Speed

    Auto Control Range (1/8(NTSC)/1/6(PAL)-1/10000), Standard (1/60(NTSC)/1/50(PAL)-1/10000), Manual Iris Control (1/30(NTSC)/1/25(PAL)-1/10000), Manual Shutter (1/8(NTSC)/1/6(PAL)-1/10000), Smooth Slow (1/250(NTSC)/1/215(PAL)-1/10000)

  • Focus Type

    Contrast AF

  • Fast Intelligent AF

    Yes

  • Lock-on AF

    Yes

  • High Speed Rec

    Yes (120p(NTSC)/100p(PAL)1920 x 1080, 100 Mbps/60 Mbps)

  • Time-lapse Capture

    Yes (Shooting Interval (1/2/5/10/30/60 sec), Shooting number (1-999), Capture Image Size, (4K:L(8.3M;3840 x 2160)/HD:S(2.1M;1920 x 1080)), AE Mode (AE Lock/AE Tracking))

  • Self-timer

    Approx. 10 sec. (Still Image/Golf Shot)

  • Scene Selection

    Auto/Night Scene/Sunrise & Sunset/Fireworks/Landscape/Portrait/Spotlight/Beach/Snow

  • Picture Effect

    Yes

  • Other Shooting Functions

    AGC Limit, Face Detection, Smile Shutter, Cinematone, NIGHTSHOT, Golf Shot, Intelligent Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Smooth Slow Rec, Fader Effects

  • Flash Metering System

    Pre-flash TTL

  • Flash Compensation

    Yes (3 steps)

  • Flash Mode

    Auto / On / Off

  • Compatible Recording Media

    XAVC S 4K (100 Mbps): SDHC Memory Card (4GB or over, UHS-I U3 or Higher)/SDXC Memory Card (UHS-I U3 or Higher), XAVC S 4K (60 Mbps)/XAVC S HD: SDHC Memory Card (4GB or over, Class10 or Higher)/SDXC Memory Card (Class10 or Higher), AVCHD, Still: Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2), Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Memory Stick XC-HG Duo, SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card (Class 4 or Higher)

  • Recording Format (video)

    XAVC S format:MPEG4-AVC/H.264, AVCHD format ver. 2.0 compatible:MPEG4-AVC/H.264, MP4: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264

  • Recording Format (still Image)

    DCF Ver.2.0 compatible, Exif Ver. 2.3 compatible, MPF Baseline compatible

  • Video Resolution

    XAVC S 4K: 3840 x 2160/30p(NTSC)/25p(PAL), 24p, XAVC S HD: 1920 x 1080/60p(NTSC)/50p(PAL), 30p(NTSC)/25p(PAL), 24p, AVCHD:1920 x 1080/60p(NTSC)/50p(PAL)(PS), 30p(NTSC)/25p(PAL)(FX,FH), 24p(FX,FH),60i(NTSC)/50i(PAL)(FX,FH), 1440 x 1080/60i(NTSC)/50i(PAL)(HQ,LP), MP4: 1280 x 720 30p(NTSC)/25p(PAL), MP4: 1280 x 720 30p

  • Video Recording Rate (abr / Vbr)

    XAVC S 4K: Approx.100 Mbps/Approx. 60 Mbps, XAVC S HD: Approx. 50 Mbps, AVCHD PS: Approx. 28 Mbps/FX: Approx. 24 Mbps/FH: Approx. 17 Mbps/HQ: Approx. 9 Mbps/LP: Approx. 5 Mbps

  • Still Image Size (photo Mode)

    L: 16.6 Megapixels 16:9 (5440 x 3056),12.5 Megapixels 4:3 (4080 x 3056), M: 8.3 Megapixels 16:9 (3840 x 2160), 6.2 Megapixels 4:3 (2880 x 2160), S: 2.1 Megapixels 16:9 (1920 x 1080), 0.3 Megapixels 4:3 (640 x 480)

  • Still Image Size (movie Mode)

    M: 8.3 Megapixels 16:9 (3840 x 2160), S: 2.1 Megapixels 16:9 (1920 x 1080)

  • Still Image Size (photo Capture)

    XAVC S 4K: 8.3 Megapixels 16:9 (3840 x 2160), XAVC S HD: 2.1 Megapixels 16:9 (1920 x 1080), AVCHD: 2.1 Megapixels 16:9 (1920 x 1080)

  • Still Image Size (dual Record)

    M: 8.3 Megapixels 16:9 (3840 x 2160), S: 2.1 Megapixels 16:9 (1920 x 1080)

  • Microphone

    Built-in 5.1ch Zoom Microphone

  • Audio Recording Format

    XAVC S: MPEG-4 Linear PCM 2ch (48 kHz/16 bit), AVCHD: Dolby Digital 5.1ch, Dolby Digital 5.1Creator, Dolby Digital 2ch Stereo, Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, MP4: MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch

  • Mic Level Control

    Yes (31 steps)

  • My Voice Cancelling

    Yes

  • Auto Wind Noise Reduction

    Yes (On/Off)

  • Speaker

    Monaural Speaker

  • Input And Output Terminals

    Accessory Shoe (Multi Interface shoe), HDMI (micro) Terminal, Remote (integrated into Multi/Micro USB Terminal) Terminal, Stereo Minijack

  • NFC

    One-touch remote, One-touch sharing

  • Wi-Fi

    Yes

  • Playback Modes

    Highlight Movie Maker, with background music (Preinstalled 6 music files, Music transfer compatible, Motion Shot Video, Slide Show (Still Images)

  • Supplied Battery

    NP-FV70

  • Power Consumption (LCD Screen)

    4K: 4.9 W

  • Power Consumption (Viewfinder)

    4K: 4.9 W

  • Dimensions (W x H x D)

    2.87 x 3.17 x 6.56" / 7.29 x 8.05 x 16.66cm (Including supplied battery)(Approx.)

  • Weight

    22.4oz / 635.03g (Including supplied battery) (Approx.)

  • UPC Code

    027242895638

72 Accessories for Sony FDR-AX53 16.6MP 4K Ultra HD Handycam Camcorder, 20x Optical Zoom, Black

  • All Accessories (72)
  • Grips & Handles (1)
  • Batteries & Power Supply (8)
  • Adapters & Mounts (2)
  • Camera Flash Brackets (1)
  • Cleaning Accessories (1)
  • Microphones (2)
  • Bags & Cases (2)
  • Extended Warranty (4)
  • Flash & Lighting (51)

About Sony FDR-AX53

FEATURED REVIEWS

Very pleased with this I have had it for 3weeks

By JD21

this model is heavier than expected this helps to keep it stable Very pleaswed with the floating stabilizer

4K is here to stay !

By Jonnie1266

This camera replaces my nine year old Sony HDR-SR1E which was one of the first 1080i camcorders available, I only changed because the LCD monitor touch screen failed. I sincerely hope this camera can last as long. Firstly, as ever in my experience with Sony it has a great feel of quality and build. Secondly, the functionality is way beyond where I was with my older camera, WOW ! This I believe is the third generation 4K model and I have no doubt will be soon be superseded, but for now it is a...

View full Review

AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R® CMOS sensor

Advanced Features For Great Movies.

The performance packed into the top-class 4K Handycam® is peerless. Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ and Fast Intelligent AF achieve exactly the images you aim for. A new microphone structure captures ambiance that’s all-surrounding. You can even play with time in motion or gain control of pro-style/manual functions. The possibilities and pleasures are endless.

Advanced Features For Great Movies.

Extra-Steady Shooting On The Move.

This short movie shows the camera shake compensation effects of Balanced Optical SteadyShot (right) and optical image stabilization (left), respectively.

What’s 'Balanced Optical Steady Shot'?

Sony's Balanced Optical SteadyShotTM is a unique stabilizer, with a gimbal mechanism about 13 times more effective than other optical systems. Capture smooth, professional-looking images, even at full zoom or while running, with no need for bulky external gimbals.

What’s balanced optical steady shot

Relive Unforgettable Moments.

Picture brilliant action. Pursue with passion. Keep it fresh forever. With a 4K Handycam® at hand, the most moving memories really come alive.

Product Documents

User Manual

What's in the box:

  • Sony FDR-AX53 16.6MP 4K Ultra HD Handycam Camcorder
  • NP-FV70 Rechargeable Battery Pack (1960mAh / 6.8-8.4V)
  • AC Adapter
  • Power Cord
  • Micro-HDMI Cable
  • Micro-USB Cable
  • Sony 1 Year Parts and 90 Day Labor Limited Warranty