We and our partners use cookies to give you the best online experience, including to personalise advertising and content. Data about your interaction with this site and the ads shown to you may be shared with companies involved in the delivery and/or personalisation of ads on this site and elsewhere online.

Sony FDR-AX53

PRO rating
How it works?
How it works?
  1. User ratingsUser ratingsratings of product added by Productz users
  2. Expert ratingsExpert ratingsexperts ratings from editorial reviews
  3. Consumer ratingsConsumer ratingsratings from the biggest online stores worldwide
Legend
  1. Excellent
  2. Good
  3. Poor
  4. Average
4.4
based on all reviews
User ratings:
98
3.7 out of 5
98 user ratings
5 stars
30 %
4 stars
25 %
3 stars
27 %
2 stars
15 %
1 stars
1 %
Consumer ratings:
4.6 / 5
Editorial reviews:
5
  1. See more
5 editorial reviews
The newly released replacement for the classic FDR-AX33 – the FDR-AX53 4K HD Camcorder will serve as an extension to Sony’s popular high-end 4K handycam lineup. This camcorder combines the latest of shooting technology while retaining only the best parts from its predecessor: a relatively compact design, strong internal hardware and the highest shooting resolution. The AX53 is a strong contender for this year’s top camcorder, due to a combination of high resolution output, plenty of portability options and an all-around extensive video shooting capacity. Individuals ranging from student film makers to full-time professionals could definitely make use of it.Read more
The Sony AX53 is a 4K handycam designed for a wide range of users. Check out our detailed review and everything you need to know about the Sony AX53.Read more
(Click for Reviews) The FDR-AX53 is Sony's newest compact 4K consumer camcorder. SmartReview previewed this model at CES in Las Vegas (see video below). This model shoots at 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) which is at 8 megapixels resolution verus only 2 megapixels for Full HD. In addition to shooting at 4 times the resolution of HD, this model has Sony's best Balanced Optical Steadyshot (BOSS) image stabilization. This camcorder, although a consumer model has many high end features, such as a premium Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar® T lens f2.0-3.8 (20x optical and 30x extended zoom). Shooting at this resolution will future proof your videos, as the industry moves toward 4K resolution in TVs. Footage in 4K can also be used for Full HD video production, as you can crop or zoom in on your footage and still maintain Full HD quality. Manual Control (Iris, Shutter, Exposure, and White Balance. External Microphone and Headphone Jacks, Infrared Night Vision and an EVF Viewfinder. Future proof your videos by going with 4K Ultra HD resolution. The FDR-AX53 has won our BEST of 2022 award for camcorders under $1000. ...More...Read more
Read editorial reviews

Pros

  • an advanced structural design
  • The color saturation is gorgeous and true
  • Optical zoom is a good improvement

Cons

  • Auto Focus Some camcorders are really slow to focus when you zoom
  • you can only get a couple of hours or less of battery life
  • Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam

Key specs

  • CMOS
  • 1/2.5 in
  • 8.29 Mpx
  • 3.8
  • 3 in
  • yes
  • 3840, 2160 px

Sony FDR-AX53 - Pros & Cons

Sony FDR-AX53

Pros

  • an advanced structural design
  • The color saturation is gorgeous and true
  • Optical zoom is a good improvement
  • Clear Image zoom still looks impressive compared to the digital zoom
  • This is great for fast moving subjects
  • great for having two files for professional applications and instant sharing
  • enhanced features and better performance
  • solid and well-built
  • make it easy to shoot compelling lifestyle images
  • Definitely looks more attractive from a features standpoint
  • It feels solid in your hands and seems very well built

Cons

  • Auto Focus Some camcorders are really slow to focus when you zoom
  • you can only get a couple of hours or less of battery life
  • Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam
  • feature you had on manual settings automatically default back to full auto
  • the controls are a bit fiddly and small for my huge hands
  • You can only disable one automatic feature at a time
  • it actually have an external mic input option
  • always seem to restrict you to older
  • outdated resolutions such as 1080p
  • Slow motion and time-lapse support finally
  • this mode does not support 4K video

Sony - Video Reviews (8)

powered byYouTube

Sony FDR-AX53 - Full Specifications

Icon
Sensor
Sensor typeCMOS
Optical sensor size1.0 in
Effective megapixels8.29 Mpx
Total megapixels8.29 Mpx
Icon
Optics and focus
Optical zoom20.0 x
Digital zoom250.0 x
Minimum aperture2
Maximum aperture3.8
Focal length range (f-f) (Lens system)26.8 - 536
Focus adjustmentAuto/Manual
Auto focus (AF) lockyes
Filter size2.17 in
Icon
Photography features
Shooting modes
  • Auto
  • Manual
Camera shutter speed1.0 s
Light exposure modes
  • Auto
  • Manual
Self-timeryes
Self-timer delay10.0 s
Flash modes
  • Flash off
  • Flash on
  • Pre-flash
Face detectionyes
Icon
Audio features
Built-in microphoneyes
Built-in speaker(s)yes
Audio systemDolby Digital 2.0/5.1
Supported audio file formats
  • LC-AAC
  • MP4
  • PCM
Wind filteryes
Icon
Dimensions
Height3.17 in
Width2.87 in
Depth6.56 in
Weight22.4 oz
Icon
Power
Battery technologyLithium
Battery voltage6.8 V
Number of batteries supported1
AC adapter includedyes
Icon
Image
Maximum image resolution5440 x 3056 px
White balance modes
  • Outdoor
  • Indoor
  • Auto
Indoor white balanceyes
Outdoor white balanceyes
Onepush white balanceyes
Image stabilizeryes
Image stabilizer typeOptical
Supported aspect ratios
  • 4:3
  • 16:9
Icon
Screen and viewfinder
Built-in displayyes
DisplayLCD
Articulated LCDyes
Display aspect ratio16:9
Display diagonal3.0 in
Touchscreenyes
Viewfinder typeElectronic
Viewfinder screen size0.24 in
Icon
Videography features
Resolution
  • 1280 x 720
  • 1440 x 1080
  • 1920 x 1080
  • 3840 x 2160
Maximum resolution3840 x 2160 px
HD type4K Ultra HD
Video formats supported
  • H.264
  • MP4
  • MPEG4
Analog signal format system
  • NTSC
  • PAL
Camera playback
  • Highlights
  • Slide show
Maximum frame rate120.0 fps
Icon
Design
Colour of productBlack
Icon
Storage
Compatible memory cards
  • MS PRO Duo
  • MS Pro-HG Duo
  • MS XC-HG Duo
  • SD
  • SDHC
  • SDXC
Storage typesMemory card
Camera file system
  • DCF 2.0
  • Exif 2.3
  • MPF
Icon
Connectivity
HDMIyes
Headphone port3.5 mm
Wi-Fiyes
DC-in jackyes
Smartphone remote supportyes

Sony FDR-AX53 - Q&A (1)

  • 0
    Votes
    marissa_thiel
    about 2 years ago
    Is Sony FDR-AX53 worth buying in 2022?
    rueben_parker
    about 2 years ago
    Yes, the FDR-AX53 camcorder by Sony is one of the best available for YouTubers, vloggers, or travelers.
    Helpful?
  • Don't see the answer you're looking for?

Sony FDR-AX53 Sony - Editorial Reviews (5)

4.8
Based on 5 reviews
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
Sony FDR-AX53 Sony FDR-AX53 4K HD Camcorder Review - Nerd Techy
nerdtechy.com logo
nerdtechy.com
Published: 14.03.2016
Sony FDR-AX53 4K HD Camcorder Review - Nerd Techy

The newly released replacement for the classic FDR-AX33 – the FDR-AX53 4K HD Camcorder will serve as an extension to Sony’s popular high-end 4K handycam lineup. This camcorder combines the latest of shooting technology while retaining only the best parts from its predecessor: a relatively compact design, strong internal hardware and the highest shooting resolution. The AX53 is a strong contender for this year’s top camcorder, due to a combination of high resolution output, plenty of portability options and an all-around extensive video shooting capacity. Individuals ranging from student film makers to full-time professionals could definitely make use of it.

Sony FDR-AX53 Sony AX53 4K Handycam Review
Ep Cameras 4K 8K HD Digital Video Dslr logo
Ep Cameras 4K 8K HD Digital Video Dslr
Published: 07.07.2020
Sony AX53 4K Handycam Review
5.0

The Sony AX53 is a 4K handycam designed for a wide range of users. Check out our detailed review and everything you need to know about the Sony AX53.

Sony FDR-AX53 Sony (FDR-AX53) 4K Ultra HD Camcorder | Review 2022 | SmartReview.com
SmartReview.com logo
SmartReview.com
Published: 20.05.2022
Sony (FDR-AX53) 4K Ultra HD Camcorder | Review 2022 | SmartReview.com
4.6

(Click for Reviews) The FDR-AX53 is Sony's newest compact 4K consumer camcorder. SmartReview previewed this model at CES in Las Vegas (see video below). This model shoots at 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) which is at 8 megapixels resolution verus only 2 megapixels for Full HD. In addition to shooting at 4 times the resolution of HD, this model has Sony's best Balanced Optical Steadyshot (BOSS) image stabilization. This camcorder, although a consumer model has many high end features, such as a premium Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar® T lens f2.0-3.8 (20x optical and 30x extended zoom). Shooting at this resolution will future proof your videos, as the industry moves toward 4K resolution in TVs. Footage in 4K can also be used for Full HD video production, as you can crop or zoom in on your footage and still maintain Full HD quality. Manual Control (Iris, Shutter, Exposure, and White Balance. External Microphone and Headphone Jacks, Infrared Night Vision and an EVF Viewfinder. Future proof your videos by going with 4K Ultra HD resolution. The FDR-AX53 has won our BEST of 2022 award for camcorders under $1000. ...More...

Sony FDR-AX53 Sony overhauls its prosumer 4K camcorder
CNET logo
CNET
Published: 06.01.2016
Sony overhauls its prosumer 4K camcorder

With a new sensor, lens and an updated microphone, it should be a different beast.

Sony FDR-AX53 The new Sony FDR-AX53 is looking pretty good: Digital Video Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
DPReview logo
DPReview
The new Sony FDR-AX53 is looking pretty good: Digital Video Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Expert news, reviews and videos of the latest digital cameras, lenses, accessories, and phones. Get answers to your questions in our photography forums.

Often compared with Sony FDR-AX53

Other Camcorders