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Sony FDR-AX100 Vs. Sony FDR-AX700 | 4K Camcorders (Differences, Best Models, Reviews)

February 25, 2023 by  
Filed under Digital Camcorders

Sony FDR-AX700 4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX700
4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX100 4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX100
4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX100 Vs. Sony FDR-AX700 4K Camcorders (Differences): Sony is a leader in 4K camera and camcorder technology. 4K provides 4x the resolution of HD, the same resolution as 4K TVs and the Sony 4K Projectors that are installed at most movie theaters. By shooting in 4K today, you are future proofing your videos for generations to come. Both camcorders shoot 4K at 24p and 30p, and have the powerful Bionz-X image processor. The camcorders also have built-in WiFi connectivity, 12x optical zoom, and have the NightShot® Infrared System to see in total darkness. Both models have Optical Steadyshot® (with active mode), and the excellent 1-inch imaging sensor (ideal for lower light situations).

The main differences between the Sony FDR-AX100 and FDR-AX700 are: The LCD 3.5 touchscreen on the AX700 has a higher resolution at 1550K dots versus 921K on the AX100. The FDR-AX700 adds features not on the AX100, such as second memory card slot, adds S-Log2, S-Log3, S-Gamut picture profiles, and a 120fps 1080p mode. The AX700 has a new Stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor for better dynamic range. Sony added a toggle control on the AX700 that allow you to navigate menus while using the EVF. The biggest change is adding phase detection AF with 273 autofocus points for superior auto-focus capabilities, the same as on Sony’s high end mirrorless cameras. The older FDR-AX100 although less feature rich, is substantially lower in price.

Sony FDR-AX100 Vs. the Sony FDR-AX700
* 4K Camcorder
* 1-inch Sensor
* 4K @ 24p, 30p
* HD @ 24p,30p,60p
* 12x Optical Zoom
* Aperature: F2.8-F4.5
* Focal: 29.0-348.0mm
* Single Card Slot
* – – –
* Optical Steadyshot
* Contrast AF
*
* – – –
* ND Filters
* 2.36m dot EVF
* 3.5-inch Touchscreen
* 14.2M Pixel Pictures
* – – –
* – – –
* Bionz-X Processor
* Built-in Wifi
* NightShot® Infrared

Sony FDR-AX100

* 4K Camcorder
* 1-inch Sensor
* 4K @ 24p, 30p
* HD @ 24p,30p,60p,120p
* 12x Optical Zoom
* Aperature: F2.8-F4.5
* Focal: 29.0-348.0mm
* Dual card Slots
* 273 Autofocus Points
* Optical Steadyshot
* Hybrid Contrast + Phase Detection AF
* Toggle Control
* ND Filters
* 2.36m dot EVF
* 3.5-inch Touchscreen
* 14.2M Pixel Pictures
* S-Log2, S-Log3
* S-Gamut & HDR
* Bionz-X Processor
* Built-in Wifi
* NightShot® Infrared

Sony FDR-AX700



What makes Sony Camcorders Unique – Main Differences: Sony camcorders are known for their excellent imaging sensors. Sony introduced the 1-inch sensor to its camcorder line first, which increased low light performance in camcorders such as the FDR-AX700. Sony is also know for their excellent Optical Steadyshot image stabilization technology, and the Balanced Optical Steadyshot found in the FDR-AX53. Sony provides its camcorders with high quality Carl Zeiss lenses. Sony is also know for excellent Autofocusing (AF). Sony’s excellent phase detection AF from its camera line was just adopted by Sony’s newest camcorder line in select camcorders, including the FDR-AX700.

Sony AX700 Dual Card Slots

Sony's FDR-AX700 4K Camcorder was upgraded with Dual SD Card Slots

Bottom Line Sony AX100 Vs. AX700: While both 4K Ultra HD camcorders take excellent video in all lighting conditions, the AX700 will outperform the AX100 in Autofocusing due to the new phase detection AF. The AX100 is less expensive than the AX700, but has less features. The FDR-AX700 is adds S-Log2 and S-Log3 (great for post editing), and adds S-Gamut and HDR.

New sensor on the FDR-AX700: The AX700 has a new Stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor for better dynamic range. You can now shoot in 4K HDR.

Toggle Control on the FDR-AX700: Sony added a toggle control on the back of the AX700 that allows you to navigate menus while using the EVF. The LCD panel can be closed and you still have access to the menu system.

Dual Card Slots on the FDR-AX700: Sony has added a second SD card slot to the AX700 which is Hot-Swappable for relay recording or backup recording.

New Toggle Switch on the FDR-AX700: A new toggle switch was added to the FDR-AX700 that allows you to change menu choices while using the EVF viewfinder, even with the LCD panel closed.

For the first time, Sony has added phase detection AF to its camcorder line (exactly like Sony’s high end mirrorless cameras). The FDR-AX700’s Hybrid focusing system has 273 phase detection points, and also has contrast detection. Together they will hold the focus on your subject, even track them while they are moving. For those using HD, the FDR-AX700 adds a 120p (120 frames/second) mode. The LCD touchscreen on the FDR-AX700 has much higher resolution than the FDR-AX100, making it easier to precisely see subjects. The AX100 had a very small opening for its accessory shoe, the AX700 has a much larger opening for mounting accessories. Overall, if you have a higher budget, the FDR-AX700 is the superior camcorder, but either camera will give you exceptional performance, as they both have the excellent 1-inch imaging sensor.


**Sony has a Pro version of the AX700 camcorder, the Sony Pro HXR-NX80 which is nearly identical to the HDR-AX700 except for the addition of a handle with XLR audio inputs, and an external microphone holder.


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Sony FDR-AX100

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Sony FDR-AX700

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Sony HXR-NX80

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