View Full Version : AX53 won't record more than two seconds in 4K


Chris Hewitt
September 25th, 2021, 08:45 AM
Hi all, I don't know why I'm having a problem with the AX53 recording 4k. I'm using an Integral Ultima SDXC V30 100MB read/ 90MB write card (256GB) with no luck. Also tried SanDisk Extreme 150MB/s SDXC V30 (64GB), same result.

The first card records about two seconds, the second card just freezes the camera so I have to remove the battery to turn off.

I always use AVCHD at 50fps on the AX53, it does what I need. Using XAVC 2 for higher end HD works on these cards but you can't playback the XAVC in camera. The files are there on the card and I can transfer them to PC ok but no viewing in camera, it comes up with "Data Error".

Is this normal for the AX53?

Ron Evans
September 25th, 2021, 06:25 PM
I use Lexar 1000X V60 128G cards in mine and it will record and playback all formats and frame rates. I normally use XAVC-S HD 60P for all my shoots. No problems recording or playing back in camera. I would try a V60 card. Are you using a real Sony battery?

Doug Jensen
September 25th, 2021, 07:46 PM
I'm using an Integral Ultima SDXC V30 100MB read/ 90MB write card

V30 cards??? Time to invest in some new media. Cards are dirt cheap these days.

Chris Hewitt
September 26th, 2021, 06:26 AM
I have quite a lot of cards and haven't bought any for a couple of years so wasn't really aware of v60. Is that what you think I need to shoot 4K at 100MB? Thanks for your replies..

Ron Evans
September 26th, 2021, 06:55 AM
The V30 cards should work for the AX53. If you are buying more I would get V60. Look at The BEST SD Card for VIDEO & What Do The Numbers Mean? (Sony a7 III & GH5) - YouTube. I asked about batteries because Sony cameras are sometimes picky about the batteries used. Have you tried shooting with the power supply ? Does it do the same with mains power ?

Doug Jensen
September 26th, 2021, 08:44 AM
I have quite a lot of cards and haven't bought any for a couple of years so wasn't really aware of v60. Is that what you think I need to shoot 4K at 100MB? Thanks for your replies..

V60 would be the absolute minimum speed that anyone should buy today, but in some ways they are already outdated for high-end codecs and/or high frame rates. Why not invest in name-brand V90 cards from a reputable reseller (to avoid fakes) and then you'll be prepared for whatever your future needs may be? If you invest in V90 cards you may never have to buy SD cards ever again.

I like Sony TOUGH cards, but I'm sure there are other reliable brands as well.

Chris Hewitt
September 26th, 2021, 11:09 AM
Ron, the batteries are third party. I will test using the AC power supply when I get home and see if that's the issue. Doug, I will check out the V90 cards. Thank you for replying.

Pete Cofrancesco
September 26th, 2021, 12:16 PM
I never heard of Integral Ultima. Those cheap no name brand cards often don't meet the performance they claim. Download a free speed test utility you might be surprised to find how slow they actually are.
https://crystalmark.info/en/
https://apps.apple.com/my/app/blackmagic-disk-speed-test/id425264550

Stick to the name brands. You'll find even their lower rated cards still perform better than no names with better specs.

Doug Jensen
September 26th, 2021, 02:45 PM
Not only stick to name brands, but also only buy from reputable retailers because there are lots of counterfeit cards out there that are not what the label says they are.

John Nantz
September 27th, 2021, 04:47 PM
Chris - Just stopped by and noticed the question/problem. This has been a very slow past couple years with doing video due to all the Covid problems so the cams has been sitting mostly dormant with very little use. When they have been used it has been with hd.

Did a test with the AX53 in the “XAVC S 4K” @ 60 setting and there was no problem with either viewing the files on the LCD during record mode or with viewing in playbackmode. The card was an older (~2 or 3 years) SanDisk Extreme Pro 95 mb/s SDXC I, U3, C10.

Looking at possibilities, not mentioned previously, unless i overlooked it, was whether the card used was a U1 or U3, and that could make a difference. Another possibility, may be if the card was formatted in a different cam. I’ve been using the cards with whatever cam they were formatted with.

Just grasping at straws here in trying to help.Thanks for posting the question and hope it isn’t anything that’s a cam problem! The AX53 is a really handy handy-cam.

P.S. [Edit]: Just checked the Sony AX53 "Help Guide", page 33 paragraph or section 16, and did a screen shot of this note:

J. Stephen McDonald
October 22nd, 2022, 11:11 PM
I've been using an AX-53 for more than two years and have had the same card and batteries for all that time. The card is a SanDisk 256GB Extreme Pro 170MB/s, V30, U3, C10 and I have recorded many 4K clips several minutes long, in hot and cold weather, with no trouble. I have 1 Sony battery and 4 from Wasabi, that work equally well. Have you tried re-setting the camera to its factory position? Make sure there's no dirt or grit around the lens barrel, as this could cause a stall. Also check the battery contacts inside the back of the camcorder to make sure they are clean and check those on the batteries.