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Sony (FDR-AX43 Vs. Sony FDR-AX53) 4K Camcorders 2024 (Differences, Best Models, Reviews)

February 20, 2024 by  
Filed under Digital Camcorders

Sony FDR-AX53 4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX53
4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX43 4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX43
4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX43 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, HD (up to 60p) and have the powerful Bionz-X image processor. The camcorders also have built-in WiFi connectivity, a Carl Zeiss 20x Lens, and Dolby microphone. Both have B.O.S.S. (Balanced Optical Image Stabilizer), which is Sony’s best image stabilizer.

The main differences between the Sony FDR-AX43 and FDR-AX53 are: The FDR-AX43 is the newer model and shares almost all the same features, imager, processor, and lens, but is lacking in three areas. The Sony FDR-AX53 has an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), useful when out in full daylight, this was removed from the FDR-AX43. The FDR-AX43’s touchscreen is about half the resolution of the FDR-AX53 (4.65k dots Vs. 9.21k dots). Higher resolution on the touchscreen can be helpful when framing your subject. The third feature that is on the FDR-AX53 is NightShot® Infrared, which allows you to video in total darkness. This was removed from the FDR-AX43. The FDR-AX43 although less feature rich, is lower in price by about $100-$150. Compare all the features below in the Sony camcorder comparison chart.


Sony FDR-AX43 Vs. the Sony FDR-AX53
* 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
* – – –
* 2.95-inch Touchscreen
* Touchscreen: 4.65k dots
* 8.29M Pixel Pictures
* Bionz-X Processor
* Built-in Wifi
* – – –

Sony FDR-AX43

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
* Touchscreen: 9.21k dots
* 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 and FDR-AX43. 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 AX43 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 in features with a higher resolution LCD touchscreen, an EVF viewfinder, and the NightShot® Infrared system to video in total darkness. The Sony FDR-AX43 shares the same imager, processor, image stabilizer, and lens with the FDR-AX43 but is $100-$150 cheaper.

Both models have the excellent Balanced Optical Steadyshot, with the added 5-axis intelligent Active mode. Either model will shoot brilliant 4K or HD video, and are fine well rated camcorders. Both models also have a Timelapse feature with shooting intervals of (1/2/5/10/30/60sec). Both models have a Dolby stereo microphone designed to reproduce clearer sound, yielding up to 40% less noise.


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