Sensor

Sensor Type
1/2.5 type (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)

Processor

Image Processor
BIONZ X image processor

Lens

Lens Type
ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T*
Filter Diameter
55 mm
Lens Cover
Auto
Aperture
F2.0-3.8
Focal Distance
f=4.4-88 mm
Focal Length (35mm equivalent) (Video)
f=1 1/16-21 1/8 inch , f=26.8-536.0 mm (16:9)
Focal Length (35mm equivalent) (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. 1 cm (Wide), approx. 80 cm (Tele), approx. 13/32 inch (Wide), approx. 31 1/2 inch (Tele)
Iris Diaphragm
6 blades
ND Filter
-

Zoom

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

Viewfinder

Viewfinder Type
-
Field of View
-
Diopter adjustment
-

LCD

Screen Type
7.5 cm (3.0 type) Xtra Fine LCD™ display (921 600 dots) 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 Points
-
Focus Mode
Auto / Manual (Touch Panel)
Focus Area
Full range Focus / Spot Focus
Fast Intelligent AF
Yes
Lock-On AF
Lock-on AF
Manual Focus Assist
Peaking Display

Exposure

Mode
Auto, Flexible Spot (Touch Panel), Manual (Menu)
Metering Modes
Multi-segment / Spot
Exposure Compensation
AE Shift (Touch Panel)
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 1.8 lux (1/25 Shutter Speed), HD: Low Lux 1.2 lux (1/25 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)
Internal Media
-

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. 100 Mbps, XAVC S 4K: 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, MP4: approx. 3 Mbps
Recording Format (Still Image)
JPEG (DCF Ver.2.0 compatible, Exif Ver.2.3 compatible, MPF Baseline compatible)
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 (8.3 M: 3840x2160) / HD: S (2.1 M: 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
LPCM 2ch (48 kHz / 16 bit), Dolby Digital 5.1ch, Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator, Dolby Digital 2ch Stereo, Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch
Mic Level Control
Yes (31 steps)
Auto Wind Noise Reduction
Yes (On / Off)
My Voice Canceling
Yes
Speaker
Built-in Zoom Microphone, Monaural Speaker

Advanced Feature

High Speed Rec
Yes (100p / 1920x1080, 100 / 60 Mbps)
Time-lapse Capture
Time-Lapse Capture, 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
-
Time code/User Bit
Yes
Other Features
Face Detection , Cinematone, Golf Shot (Yes), Smooth Slow Rec (Yes), 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, 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
Highlight Movie Maker, Highlight background music (Preinstalled 6 music files, Music transfer compatible)
Motion Shot Video
Yes
Slide Show (Still Image)
Slide Show

Projector

Light Output
-
Resolution Output
-
Projected Image Size
-
Endurance (Battery Life)
-
Projector Input
-
Keystone Adjustment
-

Wireless Function

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

Terminal / Shoe

Accessory Shoe
Yes (Multi Interface Shoe)
HDMI Terminal
Yes (HDMI micro)
Projector Input
-
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 AccuPowerTM Meter System (V Series)
Power Consumption (LCD)
4K: 5.1W
Power Consumption (Viewfinder)
-
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
USB Power Supply
-

Size & Weight

Dimensions (W x H x D) (including supplied battery)
Approx. 73mm x 80.5mm x 142.5mm (Approx. 73mm x 80.5mm x 173mm (NP-FV70A) (including supplied battery)), Approx. 2 7/8inch x 3 1/4inch x 5 5/8inch (Approx. 2 7/8inch x 3 1/4inch x 6 7/8inch (NP-FV70A) (including supplied battery))
Weight (main unit only)
Approx. 510g, Approx. 1lb 2.0oz
Weight (including supplied battery)
Approx. 560g (NP-FV50A), Approx. 600g (NP-FV70A) (supplied battery), Approx. 660g (NP-FV100A), Approx. 1lb 3.8oz (NP-FV50A), Approx. 1lb 5.2oz (NP-FV70A) (supplied battery), Approx. 1lb 7.3oz (NP-FV100A)

What's In The Box

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

Features

Illustration of internal gimbal mechanism explaining Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ image stabiliser, depicting pitch and yaw vibration directions and roll axis

Gimbal mechanism inside

Sony's Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ is a unique image stabiliser, 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. In HD shooting mode, it further reduces the effect of camera shake with 5-axis Intelligent Active mode compensating for vibration across pan, tilt, roll, pitch, and yaw.

Image of selfie shooting with AX43A, optional grip and shotgun microphone

Accessories for every shooting style

Open up new storytelling possibilities, with a range of accessories from microphones to grips—all designed for professional results and seamless compatibility.

4K logo

4K image quality

Capture your movies with the stunning realism and detail of 4K (3840 x 2160). With four times more detail than Full HD, all your images are enhanced by the subtle qualities that bring images to vibrant life.

Image of Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor

The latest-generation image sensor exclusively for 4K

The new generation sensor is designed for optimal 4K recording. With pixel sizes around 1.6x larger than previous models, the AX43A captures beautiful images with less noise, even in the extremes of low and bright lighting conditions.

View of ZEISS® lens from diagonally front-left

ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* lens for 4K

The AX43A features a custom lens, developed for the highest quality 4K imaging throughout its entire wide-to-telephoto range. The use of AA (advanced aspherical) lens elements ensures, even with the compact design, each scene is faithfully captured, while ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass delivers accurate colour without aberration. The ZEISS® T* Coating further enhances image quality by reducing unwanted reflections, including ghosting and flare.

Indoor family scene illustrating image captured by wide-angle lens

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.

Image of couple, illustrating down-conversion from 4K, displayed at Full HD on TV via cable from AX43A

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.

Image illustrating AF operation with feedback loop involving lens, sensor and BIONZ X

Rapid AF response to capture decisive moments

Fast Intelligent AF achieves 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.

Illustration of Lock-on AF tracking frame around a moving subject

Lock-on AF

Enhance your tracking of moving subjects with a simple touch. Simply select your subject on the LCD touchscreen, and the AX43A will automatically adjust the tracking frame and lock onto even fast-moving targets, for precise autofocusing.

Illustration of Face Detection and Smile Shutter features showing detected smiling face

Face Detection and Smile Shutter

Use Face Detection to optimise focus, exposure, and colour for key people in a  shot, even selfies, so you only need compose and narrate the scene. Prioritise a face simply by touching it on the LCD. And with Smile Shutter, you can set the camera to automatically capture still shots of those magical, fleeting, smiles even while recording movies.

Illustration of Golf Shot mode, extracting a series of stills showing the progress of an action

Golf Shot

Capture and analyse high-speed motion with no need for fancy equipment. Golf Shot mode lets you capture video and a series of stills revealing each step of the action.

Illustration of zoom performance using high-quality stabilised 20x optical zoom or proprietary 40x Clear Image Zoom algorithm delivering optical-zoom quality

Extensive zoom shooting capabilities 

With the high quality, stabilised, 20x optical zoom there’s plenty of range to capture  your subject. And, when shooting far away, our Clear Image Zoom uses a proprietary algorithm to deliver optical-zoom quality even at up to 40x (30x in 4K mode).

Image of microphone on top face of AX43A, with arrows representing 5 directions from which sound is collected

Realistic recording of voices, music and other sound

Thanks to the three-capsule mic, the AX43A microphone gathers sound from five directions and, with advanced audio processing, results in dramatically better built-in audio recording. Around 40% less background noise is captured, and you’ll enjoy better stereo, or 5.1ch surround (AVCHD) separation, for more faithful capture, clearer dialogue, and more compelling soundtracks.

Illustration of high-frame-rate capture to create slow-motion recordings

High Speed recording for high-quality slow motion

With support for high frame rate capture up to 100fps/120fps in Full HD, you can create slow-motion recordings, elevating every movement in startling detail. Simply import your video in the free PlayMemories Home, or other popular editing software, to reveal smooth, sharp action in even the most everyday activities.

Illustration of Time-lapse Capture showing landscape scene

4K Time-lapse Capture

With Time-lapse Capture, shoot stills of a scene over a period of time with a chosen interval between shots. The resulting images can be combined at high resolution into a time-lapse movie on a PC, and viewed with a simple variable-speed preview function on the camera, even in high-quality 4K.

Image of woman, illustrating trimming of down-converted 4K footage, displayed at Full HD on TV via cable from AX43A

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.

Illustration of Time Code displayed with video on LCD screen

Time Code / User Bit

The AX43A can add embedded data elements to your video, for professional workflows and tracking. The Time Code function records a frame-accurate synchronisation sequence, ideal for precise edit matching in multi-camera shoots. User Bit lets you embed an eight-character reference, such as a scene number, along with your footage, for easier tracking in post-production.

XAVC-S logo

Exceptional image quality

The AX43A can capture video using the XAVC S format for high-quality images. Based on formats used for professional productions, XAVC S offers bitrates up to 100Mbps, and highly efficient compression, for detailed images and easily manageable file sizes.

Illustration of sound capture by 5.1ch surround sound microphone

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 for each channel level.

Illustration of My Voice Canceling feature

My Voice Canceling

Reduce the intensity of the voice of a user shooting from close behind the camera, thanks to the innovative microphone and My Voice Cancelling feature.

Illustration of Motion Shot Video feature showing superimposed images of moving subject

Motion Shot Video

Use Motion Shot Video to create dramatic motion playback sequences, superimposing images of your moving subject to trace each split second of action. You can adjust the interval between images to create amazing images for sharing with friends, or use it as a powerful tool for analysing sports motion on screen.

Illustration of Dual Video Recording feature, offering simultaneous recording of MP4 video along with XAVC-S or AVCHD formats

Dual Video Recording

Record two movie formats 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 upload, plus a professional-grade file for further editing.

Image illustrating automatic editing with Highlight Movie Maker

Highlight Movie Maker

Streamline your movie editing with Highlight Movie Maker. Using Dual Video Rec, the FDR-AX43A can simultaneously capture at 4K (3840x2160) or Full HD (1920×1080) for full quality storage, and at HD (1280x720) using an efficient MP4 video format for easy sharing. From the HD version, Highlight Movie Maker can quickly and automatically create HD highlight movies for immediate sharing - complete with video transitions and your choice of background music.

Illustration of control of multiple connected cameras using Multi Camera Control

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. 

Image of AX43A connecting with smartphone, illustrating remote operation via Imaging Edge Mobile app

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. You can 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. Additionally by installing Imaging Edge Mobile app on an NFC enabled smartphone or tablet, you can even skip the pairing sequences simply by touching your device to the camera.