AX53 4K HANDYCAM® WITH EXMOR R™ CMOS SENSOR

Full Specifications & Features

FDR-AX53

Sensor

Sensor Type
1/2.5 type(7.20mm) 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)

Processor

Image Processor
BIONZ X image processor

Lens

Lens Type
ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T*
Filter Diameter
55mm
Lens Cover
Auto
Aperture
F2.0-3.8
Focal Distance
f=4.4-88mm
Focal Length (35mm equivalent) (Video)
f=26.8-536.0mm(16:9)
Focal Length (35mm equivalent) (Still Image)
f=26.8-536.0mm(16:9) f=32.8-656.0mm(4:3)
Minimum Focus Distance
approx.1cm(Wide), approx.80cm(Tele), approx.13/32inch(Wide), approx.31 1/2inch(Tele)
Iris Diaphragm
6 blades

Zoom

Optical Zoom
20x
Clear Image Zoom
4K : 30x HD : 40x
Digital Zoom
250x

Viewfinder

Viewfinder Type
0.6cm(0.24 type)/Color 1 555 200dots equivalent
Field of View
100%
Diopter adjustment
Yes (-4.0 to +3.0 m-1)

LCD

Screen Type
7.5cm(3.0 type) Xtra Fine LCD™ display(921 600dots) Wide(16:9)
Touch Panel
Yes
Brightness Control
Yes(Menu)
Marker/Grid Display
Grid Line
Angle Adjustment
Opening Angle:max.90 deg., Turning Angle:max.270 deg.

Image Stabilisation

Image Stabilisation Type
Balanced Optical SteadyShot w/ Intelligent Active mode(5-axis)

Focus

Focus Type
Contrast AF
Focus Mode
Auto/Manual(Touch Panel/Ring)
Focus Area
Full range Focus/Spot Focus
Fast Intelligent AF
Yes
Lock-On AF
Yes
Manual Focus Assist
Magnified display for precise manual focus, Peaking Display

Exposure

Mode
Auto, Flexible Spot(Touch Panel), Manual(Menu/Ring)
Metering Modes
Multi-segment/Spot
Exposure Compensation
AE Shift(Touch Panel/Ring)
LOW LUX Mode
Yes
Auto Iris Control
F2.0-F11
Manual Iris Control
F2.0-F11
Manual Exposure Assist
Zebra Pattern Display
Backlight Compensation
Yes(Auto)
Gain Control
Auto
AGC Limit
Yes
Minimum Illumination
4K:Standard:9 lux(1/50 Shutter Speed) HD:Standard:6 lux(1/50 Shutter Speed), 4K:Low Lux 1.8lux(1/25 Shutter Speed) HD:Low Lux 1.2lux(1/25 Shutter Speed), NightShot:0 lux(1/50 Shutter Speed)

Shutter Speed

Auto Control Range
1/6-1/10000
Standard
1/50-1/10000
Manual Iris Control (Photo mode)
1/25-1/10000
Manual Shutter
1/6-1/10000
Smooth Slow
1/215-1/10000

White balance

White Balance Modes
Auto/Onepush/Outdoor/Indoor
White Balance Shift
Yes

Flash

Flash Metering System
Pre-flash TTL
Flash Compensation
Yes(3 steps)
Flash Mode
Auto/On/OFF

Storage Media

Media Type
XAVC S 4K(100Mbps): SDHC Memory Card(4GB or over, UHS-I U3 or Higher)/SDXC Memory Card(UHS-I U3 or Higher), XAVC S 4K(60Mbps): SDHC Memory Card(4GB or over, Class10 or Higher)/SDXC Memory Card(Class10 or Higher), 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

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
Video Resolution
XAVC S 4K : 3840x2160/25p, 24p, XAVC S HD : 1920x1080/50p, 25p, 24p, AVCHD : 1920x1080/50p(PS), 25p(FX, FH), 24p(FX, FH), 50i(FX, FH), 1440x1080/50i(HQ, LP), MP4: 1280x720 25p
Video Recording Rate (ABR / VBR)
XAVC S 4K: approx.100Mbps, XAVC S 4K: approx.60Mbps, XAVC S HD: approx.50Mbps, AVCHD PS:approx.28Mbps/FX:approx.24Mbps/FH:approx.17Mbps/HQ:approx.9Mbps/LP:approx.5Mbps, MP4: approx.3Mbps
Recording Format (Still Image)
JPEG (DCF Ver.2.0, Exif Ver.2.3, MPF Baseline compliant)
Still Image Size (Photo Mode)
L: 16.6 Megapixels 16:9 (5440x3056), 12.5 Megapixels 4:3 (4080x3056), M: 8.3 Megapixels 16:9 (3840x2160), 6.2 Megapixels 4:3 (2880x2160), S: 2.1 Megapixels 16:9 (1920x1080), 0.3 Megapixels 4:3 (640x480)
Still Image Size (Movie Mode)
M: 8.3 Megapixels 16:9 (3840x2160), S: 2.1 Megapixels 16:9 (1920x1080)
Still Image Size (Photo Capture)
XAVC S 4K: 8.3 Megapixels 16:9 (3840x2160), XAVC S HD: 2.1 Megapixels 16:9 (1920x1080), AVCHD: 2.1 Megapixels 16:9 (1920x1080)
Still Image Size (Time-Lapse Capture)
4K:L(8.3M, 3840x2160)/HD:S(2.1M, 1920x1080)
Still Image Size (Dual Record)
M: 8.3 Megapixels 16:9 (3840x2160), S: 2.1 Megapixels 16:9 (1920x1080)

Audio

Microphone
Built-in Zoom Microphone
Audio Recording Format
MPEG-4 Linear PCM 2ch(48kHz/16bit), Dolby Digital 5.1ch, Dolby Digital 5.1Creator, Dolby Digital 2ch Stereo, Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch
Mic Level Control
Yes(31steps)
Auto Wind Noise Reduction
Yes(On/Off)
My Voice Canceling
Yes
Speaker
Monaural Speaker

Advanced Feature

High Speed Rec
Yes(100p/1920x1080, 100/60Mbps)
Time-lapse Capture
Yes, Shooting Interval(1/2/5/10/30/60sec), Shot Number(1-999), Capture Image Size(4K:L(8.3M, 3840x2160)/HD:S(2.1M, 1920x1080)), AE Mode(AE Lock/AE Tracking)
Scene Selection
Auto/Night Scene/Sunrise & Sunset/Fireworks/Landscape/Portrait/Spotlight/Beach/Snow
NightShot infrared System
Yes
Time code/User Bit
Yes
Other Features
Face Detection, Cinematone, Golf Shot, Smooth Slow Rec, Fader Effect(s)(White/Black), Intelligent Auto(Portrait/Baby/Walk/Tripod/Backlight/Landscape/Spotlight/Twilight/Macro/Low light/Auto wind noise reduction), Smile Shutter(Off/Dual Capture/Always On ), Red Eye Reduction(Yes), Direct Copy

Playback

Fast Playback
About 5 times/10 times/30 times/60 times
Slow Playback
Forward:1/5 speed, Reverse:1/2 speed
Trimming Playback
Yes
Highlight Movie Maker
Yes, Highlight background music(Preinstalled 6 music files, Music transfer compatible
Motion Shot Video
Yes
Slide Show (Still Image)
Slide Show

Wireless Function

Wi-Fi®
Yes(Wi-Fi Compatible, IEEE 802.11b/g/n(2.4GHz band) )
NFC™
Yes (NFC forum Type 3 Tag compatible)
Live Streaming
yes
Multi Camera Control
yes

Terminal / Shoe

Accessory Shoe
Yes(Multi Interface Shoe)
HDMI Terminal
Yes (HDMI micro)
Multi/Micro USB Terminal
Yes
Remote Terminal
integrated into Multi/Micro USB Terminal
STD Output
Composite Video Out(AV CABLE(sold separately))
Microphone Input
Stereo Minijack
Headphone Jack
Stereo Minijack
Memory Card Slot
Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC compatible
DC IN
Yes

Power

Battery Type
InfoLITHIUM with AccuPower Meter System (V Series)
Power Consumption (LCD)
4K:4.9W
Power Consumption (Viewfinder)
4K:4.9W
Power Requirements
6.8V/7.3V(battery pack), 8.4V (AC Adaptor)
Charge on camcorder(Charging time with supplied Battery)
Yes(approx. 3h 25min)
USB Charging
DC 5V 1500mA

Size & Weight

Dimensions (W x H x D) (including supplied battery)
Approx.73mm x 80.5mm x 161mm(Approx.73mm x 80.5mm x 166.5mm(NP-FV70)/Approx.73mm x 80.5mm x 173mm(NP-FV70A)(including supplied battery)), Approx.2 7/8inch x 3 1/4inch x 6 3/8inch(Approx.2 7/8inch x 3 1/4inch x 6 5/8inch(NP-FV70)/Approx.2 7/8inch x 3 1/4inch x 6 7/8inch(NP-FV70A)(including supplied battery))
Weight (main unit only)
Approx.535g, Approx.1lb 2.9oz
Weight (including supplied battery)
Approx.585g(NP-FV50A), Approx.635g(NP-FV70)/Approx.625g(NP-FV70A)(supplied battery), Approx.680g(NP-FV100A), Approx.1lb 4.6oz(NP-FV50A), Approx.1lb 6.4oz(NP-FV70)/Approx.1lb 6oz(NP-FV70A)(supplied battery), Approx.1lb 8.0oz(NP-FV100A)

What's In The Box

  • Rechargeable Battery Pack(NP-FV70/NP-FV70A) (1), AC Adaptor (1), Power Cord (1), Operating Guide(1), HDMI(micro) Cable (1), micro USB Cable (1)
Placeholder

Features

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

4K image quality

Shoot 4K footage that contains about four times more detail than Full HD (3840 x 2160 pixels vs. 1920 x 1080) footage, and capture more of the incredible qualities that bring images to vibrant life.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

New image sensor exclusively for 4K

A newly developed image sensor, with pixels of approximately 1.6 times bigger size, offers superior sensitivity for capturing beautiful high-quality images with less noise under dark as well as bright shooting conditions.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

New ZEISS™ Vario-Sonnar T* lens for 4K

This new lens helps to depict remarkable details of high-quality 4K images throughout its wide-angle-to-telephoto range. The use of an AA (advanced aspherical) lens not only keeps depiction faithful — it also keeps the lens unit compact. ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens helps to ensure accurate reproduction of colour. Multilayer ZEISS T* Coating further enhances image quality by reducing unwanted reflection, such as ghost and flare.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Up to 26.8mm wide angle lens

Whether you’re shooting movies or still images, the class-leading wide-angle lens can help you capture more of landscapes and indoor scenes, when you don’t have enough room to step back. Even without a wide conversion lens, the camcorder shoots as wide as 26.8mm (16:9 aspect ratio) in movie mode.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ 

Advanced image stabilisation suppresses camera shake to stabilise a movie as it is being shot within the wide-angle-to-telephoto zoom range. In HD shooting mode, it further reduces effects of camera shake even under unstable conditions with 5-axis Intelligent Active mode compensating for vibration in five different directions, so you can shoot stable high-quality movies even while running.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Rapid AF response to capture decisive moments

Fast Intelligent AF achieves very speedy, accurate contrast-detection autofocus by minimising lens motion, predicting the AF range, and accelerating lens drive, thereby improving response so you can capture more fleeting moments.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Extensive zoom shooting capabilities 

20x optical zoom lens and Clear Image Zoom of 30x/40x (for 4K/HD) allow you to shoot faraway subjects and capture memorable moments.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Realistic recording of voices, music and other sound

Its new structural design enables the microphone to gather, from five directions, clearer sound with approx. 40% less noise and twice as effective 2ch stereo (for XAVC S shooting) and three times as effective 5.1ch surround (for AVCHD shooting) sound performance. This makes it possible to faithfully reproduce audio with clearly defined separation.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

High Speed REC in Full HD for high-quality slow motion

Shoot in Full HD at 100fps (NTSC/PAL), edit the footage after shooting, and the resulting slow-motion images of the movie will look startlingly smooth and sharp in playback. This is excellent for reviewing, in greater slow-motion detail, sports and everyday action that can occur too quickly in real time for you to see clearly..

See Details

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

4K Time-lapse Capture

You can capture 4K size still images continuously over an extensive period of time at a selected constant interval from each shot to the next, edit the entire sequence of still images in post-production, and enjoy playback of that series of images as a time-lapse movie.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Super-sampled Full HD playback

Enhance your viewing experience even without a 4K television. Using super-sampling, the camera automatically down-converts 4K footage to exceptionally detailed Full HD. 

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Trimming Playback

You can select a specific portion of the picture and play it back in Full HD, thanks to 4K high resolution. Also, you can change trimming size with the zoom lever or on-screen display icon.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Advanced shooting features

Enjoy total customisation with ergonomic manual controls. Use the intuitive multi-purpose manual ring to adjust zoom, focus, exposure, IRIS, shutter speed, AE shift, or white balance shift mode after using the manual button to select the mode. The electronic viewfinder offers accurate image preview.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Time Code / User Bit

Time Code and User Bit can be added to movies as data elements. Time Code function records hours/minutes/seconds/frames on image data for precise advanced video editing. User Bit function records information such as date/time/scene number, etc. in eight-digit arbitrary numbers, and is useful for editing movies using two or more cameras. 

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Exceptional image quality

By employing XAVC S format, which was developed from the XAVC format for professional use, 4K 100Mbps and Full HD 50Mbps high-bitrate recording realise incredibly high-quality images. Yet, XAVC S data is compressed so that it is more manageable for general consumers.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Superb night shooting

This feature uses infrared light to take images even in complete darkness. By using NIGHTSHOT, parents can easily capture children’s cute sleeping faces.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Face Detection and Smile Shutter

Use Face Detection to optimise focus, exposure and colour for people who are the most important subject of a shot. You can prioritise a subject’s face by touching it on the LCD. And with Smile Shutter, the camera can also automatically capture still shots of great (but fleeting) smiles, even while recording movies.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Lock-on AF

Enhances the tracking of moving subjects by using the optimal AF point at all times, and adjusting the target frame size to match your subject’s characteristics. Just touch the subject on LCD to lock on fast-moving targets precisely for shooting. 

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Golf Shot

Analyse your swing with no need for fancy equipment. Golf Shot mode lets you capture video and stills of each step of your swing.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

5.1ch surround sound microphone

Record clear sound that accurately captures the atmosphere of the scene, and enjoy surround sound playback on your home theatre system. Level meters on the LCD panel provide visual monitoring of each channel’s levels.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

My Voice Canceling

Reduce the intensity of the voice of a user shooting from close behind the camera, whether the user is talking to subjects or cheering them on.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Motion Shot Video

This convenient feature allows playback of a dramatic sequence of superimposed images to trace every split second of action, a powerful tool for analysing sports motion on screen. During playback, you can adjust the interval between images, or pause to capture still images to share with friends.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Highlight Movie Maker

A versatile function to streamline movie editing, Highlight Movie Maker offers several time-saving features. Add highlight points to key moments while recording, and let the camcorder automatically sync movie transitions to your chosen soundtrack. 

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Dual Video Recording

Record two movies at the same time — one in the maximum-quality XAVC S or AVCHD format and another in MP4 format. That way you’ve got a small file ready for instant sharing, plus a professional-grade file for further editing.

Live Streaming via Ustream (currently IBM Cloud Video)

From performances to sports events, some things are best seen in real time. Share scenes as they happen with high-quality picture and sound. 

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Multi Camera Control

More shots mean more editing opportunities. Easily record footage from a variety of angles, whether using cameras mounted directly to the Handycam® or triggered wirelessly. Multi Camera Control makes it easy to sync shooting settings on compatible Wi-Fi connected devices.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

One-touch remote and one-touch sharing

One-touch remote lets you use your smartphone or tablet as a viewfinder and remote control for a digital camera, and One-touch sharing lets you transfer your photos and videos from your camera. Either way, by installing Imaging Edge Mobile app to your NFC enable Android smartphone or tablet, you can avoid complex set-up sequences and establish wireless connection simply by touching your device to the camera. You are now ready to control your camera from your smartphone to take a photo from a previously out-of-reach spot, or simply be in your own group shot, as well as transfer them instantly to your smartphone for sharing on SNS. No NFC? No problem. You can also pair the devices manually.

Learn more

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Xtra Fine LCD with WhiteMagic™

The high-precision Xtra Fine LCD features a WhiteMagic display that uses white pixels in addition to RGB pixels to boost screen brightness, allowing users to see subtle details and tones on the screen in all types of shooting environments, including outdoors in bright sunlight.

Picture of AX53 4K Handycam® with Exmor R™ CMOS sensor

Works with iMovie and Final Cut Pro X

This product is compatible with Final Cut Pro X and iMovie.