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Sony FDR-AX33 Vs. Sony FDR-AX53 | 4K Camcorders (Differences, Best Models, Reviews)

January 20, 2020 by  
Filed under Digital Camcorders

Sony FDR-AX53 4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX53
4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX33 4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX33
4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX33 Vs. Sony FDR-AX53 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 are compact, and shoot 4K ultra HD video at 24p and 30p, and have the powerful Bionz-X image processor. The camcorders also have built-in WiFi connectivity, and have the NightShot® Infrared System to see in total darkness.

The main differences between the Sony FDR-AX33 and FDR-AX53 are: The FDR-AX53 has a new imaging sensor designed to be better in low light with each pixel 1.6 times larger in size. The autofocus system was upgraded to be faster and with more accuracy. The new lens on the FDR-AX53 will give you double the zoom (20x vs. 10x), and a wider angle lens at 26.8mm vs. 29.8mm. The Balanced Optical Steady Shot image stabilizer on the newer FDR-AX53 now has a 5-axis intelligent Active mode. The FDR-AX53 adds a new Timelapse feature with shooting intervals of (1/2/5/10/30/60sec). The microphone of the Sony AX53 has been redesigned to reproduce clearer sound, yielding up to 40% less noise. The FDR-AX33 although less feature rich, is substantially lower in price. Compare all the features below in the Sony camcorder comparison chart.


Sony FDR-AX33 Vs. the Sony FDR-AX53
* 4K Camcorder
* 1/2.3-inch Sensor
* 4K @ 24p, 30p
* HD @ 24p,30p,60p
* 10x Optical Zoom
* Aperature: F1.8-F3.4
* Focal: 29.8mm–298mm
* 1 card slot
* Balanced Optical SteadyShot
* Microphone & Headphone Jacks
* – – –
* – – –
* 52mm filter
* 1.56m dot EVF
* 3-inch Touchscreen
* 8.29M Pixel Pictures
* Bionz-X Processor
* Built-in Wifi
* NightShot® Infrared

Sony FDR-AX33

Buy from Amazon.com
* 4K Camcorder
* 1/2.5-inch Sensor
* 4K @ 24p, 30p
* HD @ 24p,30p,60p
* 20x Optical Zoom
* Aperature: F2.0-F3.8
* Focal: 26.8-536.0mm
* 1 card slot
* Balanced Optical SteadyShot
* Microphone & Headphone Jacks
* Improved Microphone
* Timelapse Feature
* 55mm filter
* 1.56m dot EVF
* 3-inch Touchscreen
* 8.29M Pixel Pictures
* Bionz-X Processor
* Built-in Wifi
* NightShot® Infrared

Sony FDR-AX53

Buy from Amazon.com



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 and dynamic range performance in camcorders such as the FDR-AX700. Sony is also know for their Optical Steadyshot image stabilization technology, and the Balanced Optical Steadyshot found in the FDR-AX53. Sony is also know for their high quality Carl Zeiss lenses and excellent Autofocusing (AF). Sony’s outstanding phase detection AF from its camera line was just adopted by Sony’s camcorder line in select camcorders, including the FDR-AX700 and Pro HXR-NX80.

Sony 4K Camcorder with Balanced Optical Image Stabilization

Sony's FDR-AX53 has Sony's Best Balanced Optical Image Stabilization

Bottom Line Sony AX33 Vs. AX53: Both camcorders share a compact, easy to carry body, ideal for vacations. Both models shoot in 4K, at the same framerates. The key differences are the FDR-AX53 is superior with a longer zoom lens, better image stabilizer, and improved microphone.

The imaging sensor of the AX53 is a substantial upgrade with larger pixels which improve low light performance and reduce noise. To top it off, the FDR-AX53 adds a new Timelapse feature. Both models have the excellent Balanced Optical Steadyshot, but only the FDR-AX53 has the added 5-axis intelligent Active mode. The FDR-AX33 is cheaper, its one advantage. Either model will shoot brilliant 4K or HD video, and are fine camcorders.


**Sony has a Pro version 4K camcorder, the Sony Pro HXR-NX80 which has a larger 1-inch Stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor (higher dynamic range & low light performance), phase detection autofocus, two card slots, and a handle with XLR audio inputs, and an external microphone holder.


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