New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Hi all first tests of the AX-53 watch in 4K
Enjoy
Luis

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Thanks for the footage.
Pretty amazing images for a $998 camera.
The stabilization looked great too.
It may finally be time to upgrade my Sony CX-760 travel cam, although the AX-53 doesn't look quite as compact.

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

I"m tempted to retire and sell my cx730's and get one ax53 instead, as much as I like my little cx730's, they have become too soft when matched up with my ax100 or jvc gy ls300 plus shooting in 4k and editing in 1080p has the cropping advantage that I can use in a better way.

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Here is hoping that Noa’s temptation gets the best of him and he gets the AX53 because I’d like to know a little more about it. It’s a bummer to get something then find out there’s a gotcha somewhere. So Noa, shedding the 730s seems like a good idea! Cams don’t improve with age!

I’m positive that I’ll get one because the B.O.SS stabilization system should fulfill the major hot button issue that I need a solution for which is better stabilization from the deck of a sailboat. I’ve tried using my Glidecam but the cockpit isn’t that large and in wave action one needs to have one hand on the boat for safety purposes. The other problem with using the Glidecam is the jello effect due to too much motion in too many directions. Hopefully the AX53 will solve this issue.

Not happy with the change in filter size from 52mm on the AX33 to 55MM on the AX53. Polarizing filters are expensive and I have a 52 already so that’s a pity. Will try going the other direction from a 62mm down to a 55.

The Slo-Mo option could be nice.

Would like to know how well it does with water movement and wave action. On the other hand, it’s stabilization will trump the water movement issues unless it is really bad.

With the small size and the B.O.SS system it seems like it would be a good cam in the cockpit. Already have an EWA-Marine rain cape that fits the AX100 and that should also fit the 53.

Can’t have too many cams.

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

I stumbled across a comparison video on you tube with an AX55 - comparing it with an AX100 and the ax33... I think the "55" must be a version (maybe with the projector?) for some markets.

The video looked very good on a small (15.6 laptop) 4K screen, and held up fairly well on my bigger "desktop" 4K screen. Based on that video (which for once was actually pretty well done, looked like the three cams were mounted side by side so you got almost the same view in the walk through what looked like a market of some sort), the 53/55 is MUCH better than the 33, which was quite soft and got ugly real fast in low light. Still not quite as sharp or "through a window" as the AX100, but significantly better, it's tempting to pick one up to test, but debating between that and an additional RX10II. I really love the output from the 1" class sensors overall, but sometimes one misses a small "Handy cam".... not that the AX100 is really big or heavy or anything!

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Hi Nantz:
As far as the Slow-Mo it does 120 fps on 60p but only on the HD, and it looks very good. no blurring
Luis

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

I wouldn't buy an AX53 just yet!

If Sony follows is normal tradition, there is a great chance that a "pro" NXCAM or XDCAM model will be announced shortly.

We know Sony does this allot and many of us can already imagine what it will look like.

I'd hang tight and wait for Sony's NAB press conference.

CT

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Could look like an NX30U replacement maybe with XLR adapter. Or a lower cost PXW model below the X70.

A question to Luis, does the time code work in XAVC-S or just in AVCHD ?

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

I don't use time code so I would not be able to answer your question without checking the online Guide

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

I have downloaded the manual and it is not clear in there about what record codec supports what indication . My FDR-AX1 will only support data code with AVCHD and suspect that the timecode and data code on the AX53 are also only supported with AVCHD and not XAVC-S. If you record in XAVC-S is data code available on playback ? In AVCHD does the timecode box appear top right when recording rather than a simple counter ?

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Hi there,

Can anybody confirm that this camera has both mic in and headphone out? Sony's specs is somewhat unclear here. Furthermore, does anybody have a link to the PDF manual?
Much appreciated.

Thanks

Regards

Jos Svendsen

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

This is where got the manual Support for FDR-AX53 | Sony

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

In the Sony AX53 manual:

"If you set either one of [Exposure], [IRIS], or [Shutter Speed], the settings of other 2 items
are canceled."

Ahh yes, one of Sony's classic Handycam crippling tricks! You can run a manual shutter speed, or manual ISO/Gain or Manual iris but NEVER all three at the same time. Sony gives you a pick of only ONE at a time, the other two always get forced into auto. Nice!...I hate these games.

More evidence that a new "pro" sister model is on the way.

CT

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

I'll be at nab,but considering this camera is out of consumer division,they won't b addressing it.Although I will ask at the Sony booth

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

If you look on sony's webpage of this camera you"ll notice it's clearly directed to parents who want to document their children growing up, they don't care about setting f-stop, shutter and gain. Sony does point out that it has one "professional" feature which is the lensring but I"m sure most ever will touch it. You just can't expect a camera like this to have professional features and control. Not sure if this ax53 has this but one function I really hoped such a camera would have and what my cx730 is missing is a way to lock focus with a button on the side so I could control exposure with the ring and once it finds the right focus lock it if possible.

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Uh, …. Cliff, for some people mid April isn’t very “shortly”! That’s a looong time to wait!

Hopefully the sunshade gets a design re-visit.

Okay, using your crystal ball and past experience, what would be your guess about the Mbps?
For example, the AX53 specs out at AVCHD 1920x1080/60fps and 28Mbps. For many it wouldn’t matter but in my case, for wave action, it would be really nice to have a lot better bit rate.

The B.O.SS stabilization system I’d consider as a must but a higher bit rate would almost be on par or right close behind, and more or better conrols could tip the balance.

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

@ron - Thanks!

The best

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

The exposure control will control iris,gain and shutter and stay fixed unlike AE shift which will change with the conditions. To my knowledge there is no gain control on the consumer models. If you want to manage gain a little set AGC limit, set your shutter or iris and then use AE shift. That is about as close as your going to get to full manual on these consumer models. That is how I run my small Sony's. AGC limit, usually 18db or 21db, shutter at 1/60 ( all my stuff is indoors and all cameras are set at 1/60 ) and AE shift as needed. Usually AE shift at about -0.7EV for these indoor theatre shoots.

If you really want full manual control then you need to pay a lot more and I think that is fair. My NX30U is the same so I wouldn't expect the Pro version to be any better other than having XLR etc just like the difference between the PJ790 and the NX30U although this time the consumer model has already got timecode and user bits.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

The "pro" model will have the usual:

1.) XLR handle
2.) Standard AVCHD 1080
3.) XAVC 1080 4:2:0 8bit only at 50mbps. (same as AX53)
4.) XAVC UHD 4:2:0 8bit 100Mbp/s 29.97p
5.) Full manual iris, gain and shutter. (hopefully but maybe not)
6.) Possibly "XDCAM" branded with XAVC-L .mxf wrapper. (or "NXCAM" with XAVC-S .mp4?)
7.) Will have NX70's "pro" menu style/layout.

The X70 will hold it's 10bit 1080 advantage and it's SDI and full size HDMI ports. It will have it's more comfortable handle with joystick control and more hard programmable buttons too. The X70's 1inch-type sensor also over samples it's image down to 4K.

The X70 will also have it's advantage with it's extensive picture profile set. I doubt the "pro" AX53 will have any of that.

That's my prediction based decades of watching and buying Sony.

Who really knows?

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

True, the AX53 is targeted to low end consumers and "soccer moms" alike. It's true that allot of those people dont understand "shutter", "gain" and "iris"...so why have that manual control anyway?

Now, I asked my grandmother, who is interested in the AX53, if she knew what "shutter" , "gain" and "iris" was. She said she had NO idea what those things meant. She says: "huh?...that's all Greek to me" She just wants to "film" her many house cats in all their 4k glory.

However, she WAS very interested in the AX53's contrast focus peaking and wanted to know if it was adjustable. When she is running manual focus, she really wants to tweak those whiskers really tight. She also is VERY excited with the AX53's zebra tool. She told me she is concerned about blowing her highlights and she really hopes it's adjustable in +/- 5 IRE increments and goes below 70 IRE. Timecode is another feature she likes in the AX53 too.

So yeah, the AX53 fits her marketing demographic PERFECTLY! How IRONIC! ;-)

Look,...for me, I think that EVERY camera, including cell phones, should have the three basic camera principles, "shutter speed", "gain/iso" and "iris".

It's so incredibility simple to do but manufacturers just wont do it for "marketing reasons".

CT

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Cliff, I think your mothers needs are much like I set up the AX100 for my wife to use. She needs to frame and focus ( she watches the peaking as well as her eyes uses touch focus to indicate what shes wants the camera to focus on ) watches the zebras and just moves the AE shift wheel to make it brighter or darker. No need for her to worry about gain or shutter speed or iris. Frame, focus and how bright is it. I set the shutter speed to make sure it matches the other cameras and set gain limit so when the stage gets dark the camera will get dark and not try and see in the dark !!! If it get too bright she can see the zebra and move the AE shift down. Not very often as the camera is pretty quick to respond. I have no problem most of the time with this control approach and the latest Sony cameras do not over shoot like they used to in the past.

I too like timecode as one can see the realtime used rather than some simple counter. For me I can use the timecode to sync in multicam too as the Sony's can all be started with a remote control. If I get the AX53 the AX100 will be the odd one out with not having timecode. I still think the timecode is only in AVCHD unless someone can confirm it works for XAVC-S which would be great.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Hi Ron,

Just to say initial testing here says yes to time-code on XAVC-S recording - which is great.

I'm just undertaking some battery duration tests - using Sony big NP FV1000 packs.

As you know, I shoot long form so am keen to get long life as well as remote control, first test using an ipod are encouraging, apparently you can stop and start as well as zoom with up to 5 cameras, for me this is great.

I'm impressed with the XAVC-S HD quality - the internal camera sampling looks to be excellent.

More later - any questions?

Paul :-)

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

I have just got an AX53 and am pleased with it so far in testing. Love the fact that both timecode and data code are available in XAVC-S. Will wait for the firmware update to make that available on the AX1 and AX100 !! Also the multi/USB connect will not work with older Sony remotes only the latest. So converter cable for A/V or LANC will not work as detailed in the user manual. I have one of th latest Sony tripods with remote and it works just fine though. Not tried multi camera control but expect it will work with my SOny Action camera.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Hey Ron,

I too was a little peaked to find my nice old Lanc Bebob would not work with the cables as advertised, the wifi works really well.

I love the 100mbs high speed recording, produces great smooth results- only irksome thing for me is the awkward ergonomics - just doesn't balance or grip well - guess I'll get used to it.

In Edius, I find the HD XAVC-S sharper on an HD timeline than the down sampled 4K ( by Edius I mean) I must be missing something!

Paul :-)

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Just had a box show up... so hopefully I'll add a bit more to the discussion.

Reviewing the videos that were coming up on YouTube, it seems the poor image quality of the AX33 is not repeated in the AX53. This might be the first "small sensor" cam that actually holds up for 4K... fingers crossed... I don't expect quite the same "look" as the larger sensor cams (AX100/RX10II/RX100IV), but having a small stabilized video cam again will be handy if it works out!

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

I have not tried UHD yet as I am not a fan of slow frame rates so it is not something I will use. I just wanted a better sensor than my NX30U. Comparing it with the NX30U it is about 1/2 stop slower but a much cleaner image than the NX30U even at 30db !! It is really intended to replace the NX30U and it looks like it will do that very well.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

For those looking to upgrade or update their older CX/PJ 7xx series cameras, this should do the trick nicely. I've just done a little preliminary testing - plugging into the HDMI on a 40"+ 4K screen to see how the camera output might look... In Low Lux mode it's a tad noisy, but can handle low light reasonably well, not really worse than the AX100, so that's a plus (AX33 fell apart in low light).

Image quality is a little less than the AX100 (with the first gen 1" sensor), so not too bad. Very slightly less detail, but impressively close all things considered. The new generation (RX10II/RX100IV) 1" sensor is significantly cleaner. AX53 seems very good for a small sensor camera, though I find myself thinking that the RX's still are a lot of "bang for the buck", for not much more on a lightly used one....

I had an initial glitch where the gyro stabilization was twitching, but that cleared up once I put a charged battery on, so maybe just a low battery thing.... and once working, it is a little bit more stable than the AX100, I suspect it would be more obvious when moving around more - I was mainly looking at the typical tiny wobbles that go with trying to handhold a frame when zoomed in.

Focus is a little disappointing in lower light/lower contrast - seems to "hunt" a bit, and I had it just sit there on a blurry image when zoomed in, almost like it "shrugged" and gave up - a crash zoom out and in snapped it back into working.... not unusual in Handycams, but the RX's are faster and don't "give up", so it seems a bit weak to see that in a video camera....

The cam is a bit "chubby" (height and width comparable to the AX100), but shorter than the AX100, hand strap is about as cheap as it can be, in line with other manufacturers, but not the typical nicely padded Sony strap, it'll do.... Tripod mount is centered and looks to be well positioned. Port covers seem to be solid, build quality is pretty good overall.

Still have to fiddle with controls and "my button" (allows 3 custom "buttons" on the touchscreen). I've gotten very used to having physical buttons and shutter/AE shift control, not much room on this little guy for any of that! Ring is nice, but there's yet another thread/filter diameter meaning new CP/UV/NDs... grrr. Would 62mm have REALLY been that hard to do?!?!

One interesting note, factory package doesn't include the small wireless remote, BUT the IR receiver is there and the Sony RMT835 WORKS! I did enable a "remote" setting in the menus, not sure if that turns it on and off or not...? In case one doesn't want to use a phone/tablet with their app...



Again, just off the bat,this is probably a very safe bet for those with an older 7xx series Handycam (or older) looking to upgrade. IMO the AX100 is still as good or better (handling especially), and is available used for not a huge amount more, used... If one needs or wants stills, the RX10II is probably a "better" choice, or even a "pocketable" RX100IV if you don't mind short clips and limited lens range! As far as "compact video cameras" go, this should be a decent entry into a 4K capable camera.

That's some "first impressions" that might help if someone is thinking about this camera, I'll have to do more fiddling with it (I'm guessing it'll be pretty good in GOOD lighting, but I like to start in average to low room light where most of the time a camera falls apart...). I'll update if anything interesting develops!

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

A comparison , auto but with shutter at 1/60, in my living room average light, toward the end of the day.

NX30U F2.8 3 db,
AX53 F3.4 9db
AX100 F3.7 3db
NX5U F4.0 -3db

So about 1/2 stop slower than the NX30U, 1 stop slower than the AX100 and about 2 stops slower than the NX5U. Not accurate but gives an idea of performance against some known cameras. Picture is very clean , much like the AX100. Unlike Dave I didn't think the focus was that bad though a little slower to get in focus than the NX30U with touch focus which is what I use most of the time and not too different from the AX100 which is just a little faster to lock in to focus.
Big benefit to me is the wide angle and data code/ timecode .Really wish the AX100 and my AX1 had both these functions. Now Sony have implemented for XAVC-S in the AX53 I see no reason why they should not have a firmware update for the AX1 and Ax100. We shall see !!!

Can confirm that the wireless remote that came with the NX30U will operate the AX53 too. Not tried yet the remotes from others including the Action cam !!

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

I like the fact that I can change the AGC limit setting whilst in Record.

Paul :-)

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

I'm planning on getting this camera.Rons testing of cameras is very thorough and informative.
I'll b replacing my cx550 to use as my b cam
When I'm not lugging my ex1r,I'll have no problem using this for shoots,especially for docs and run and gun.

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Hi Owners

Is anyone concerned about the optical block "looseness" when the camera is off - I'm sure it is supposed to be wobbly, but I wondered if rough treatment in handling, say in a bag or on a plane might be a problem?

There's nothing in the data/handbook about this, is it more prone to damage?


Paul :-)

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

As far as I know my cx730 has the same stabilization and it is not affected by rough handling during transport when not in use.

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

What system settings do you have set up. Make sure Lanczos 3 is set in layouter. I use my AX1 60P UHD on a HD timelline but make sure Laczos 3 is set in the layouter. How are you viewing this ? On your monitor from a Spark ? If you output a HQX file does it look different now ? If I want to downscale a whole file I would use TMPGenc. I usually work in HD then export a HQX file and downscale in TMPGenc for DVD etc. Layouter works fine to rescale a UHD clip on a mixed timeline of HD clips but system export of a UHD timeline to HD does not work as well as exporting HQX and getting TMPGenc to rescale, with Lanczos 3 of course.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

@Paul --
I'm sure that for someone unfamiliar with the BOSS gimballed optical block, the knocking around internally is a bit freaky.... but it is a design Sony has been using for a number of years now, and I haven't heard or seen any indications of failed units out there (no "as-is" activity on ebay for instance). IOW, I don't think it's something you need to be worried about.

You can feel the active stabilization kick in as the camera fires up, mine "twitches" a bit on startup... What happens when the camera powers off is that there are no longer motors and gyros stabilizing the BOSS optical block, so it's then free to just free float on the bearings. I'd suspect that short of putting the camera in one of those paint shaker things, you'd be hard pressed to cause any damage in "normal" handling and transport.

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Hi Ron,

Still investigating this, output is via BM Extreme card, also tested with a Spark - I've not come to a conclusion yet about how the downscale compares with an HD in camera "downscale" I'm using Lanczos 3 - I'll test some HQX too.

Dave, OK on that, I'm not a BOSS experienced user - but glad of the assurance from someone with more hours under the belt, thanks

Does anyone have the XLR K2M and if so can you confirm that the AGC (audio) is absent ie. switched off when this adapter is used as the manual is slightly ambiguous about this.

Paul :-)

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

I read this customers review on the AX-53 4K recording in Amazon UK.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/product-rev...&sortBy=recent

The buyer writes " But in 4K (3840x2160), it will only allow you to record movies in 24/25 Frames per sec. That means, there is horrible flickering and jerking even with the slightest camera move"

I was really interested in ordering the AX-53 but not so sure now.

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

That happens at high shutterspeeds and when there is very fine detail in the image, the ax100 has this too which is because the image is so detailed, probably also because of over-sharpening incamera to enhance the sense of (false) detail. If you shoot at a proper shutterspeed, 1/50th in this case when the framerate is 25p, you will not notice that flickering in fine detail. The "jerking" he is mentioning can also be caused by a too fast pan caused by shooting at 25 frames per second.

Also 25p at 4K is a standard with most camera's today, only a few and recently released higher end camera's can do 50p at 4K.

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

That is true for all the lower cost cameras even the Sony FS5. The processing and recording for 50/60P requires more power and ends up needing a fan, like my FDR-AX1. As Noa has mentioned the shutter speed and shooting in a film style camera movement is needed for slow frame rates.

I have an AX53 and it is very nice but my purpose was to replace my CX700 and NX30U with a newer sensor. I do not like the slow frame rates for the things I shoot so will never use the UHD on the camera. Also have an AX1000 and will not use the UHD on that either. But they are both lovely HD cameras.

If you want smooth 50/60P motion in UHD your choices are limited at the moment. FDR-AX1, PXW-Z100, HCX1000, DVX200 and then to the more expensive models like the FS7. They start to double in price very rapidly !! I will look forward to the Panasonic AG-UX180 after IBC.

Ron Evans

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Thank you (again) Noa, well, that puts a different slant on it.

Thanks for your advice.

Re: New Sony AX-53 Testing
 

Thank you Ron for your advice too. I was thinking of buying this camera for my weddings just to give me a few extra clips.
Although I have twoTM900s they are getting a bit dated and something like this would be a great addition.