Smart-Review is supported by our readers. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission... Learn more

SmartReview.com Top Rated Products

Sony FDR-AX43 Vs. Sony FDR-AX700 | 4K Camcorders (Differences, Best Models, Reviews)

April 20, 2020 by  
Filed under Digital Camcorders

Sony FDR-AX700 4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX700
4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX43 4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX43
4K Camcorder

Sony FDR-AX43 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, a timelapse feature,

The main differences between the Sony FDR-AX43 and FDR-AX700 are: The AX700 has a much larger imaging sensor (1-inch versus 1/2.5-inch), giving the AX700 better low light, dynamic range performance, and narrow depth of field possibilities. The AX43 has 20x optical zoom, the AX700 12x optical zoom. The LCD touchscreen on the AX700 increases to 3.5-inches with 3x higher resolution. The FDR-AX43 has no EVF (Electronic Viewfinder), while the AX700 has a high resolution EVF viewfinder, useful for bright outdoors shooting. The FDR-AX700 adds features not on the AX43, such as second memory card slot, added ND filters, adds S-Log2, S-Log3, S-Gamut picture profiles, and a 120fps 1080p mode. The biggest change is adding phase detection AF with 273 autofocus points for superior autofocus capabilities, the same as on Sony’s high end mirrorless cameras. Only the FDR-AX700 has the NightShot® Infrared System to see in total darkness. The FDR-AX43 although less feature rich, is more compact and substantially lower in price. Compare the differences of these models in the comparison chart below:


Sony FDR-AX43 Vs. the Sony FDR-AX700
* 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
* TimeLapse Feature
* – – –
* Balanced Optical SteadyShot
* Contrast AF
*
* – – –
* – – –
* – – –
* 2.95-inch Touchscreen
* Touchscreen: 465k dots
* 8.29M Pixel Pictures
* – – –
* – – –
* Bionz-X Processor
* Built-in Wifi
* – – –

Sony FDR-AX43

* 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
* TimeLapse Feature
* 273 Autofocus Points
* Optical Steadyshot
*
* Hybrid Contrast + Phase Detection AF
* ND Filters
* Toggle Switch
* 2.36m dot EVF
* 3.5-inch Touchscreen
* Touchscreen: 1,550K dots
* 14.2M Pixel Pictures
* S-Log2, S-Log3
* S-Gamut & 4K 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 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-AX43. Sony is also know for their high quality Carl Zeiss lenses and for excellent Autofocusing (AF). Sony’s excellent 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 AX700 Dual Card Slots

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

Bottom Line Sony AX43 Vs. AX700: While both 4K Ultra HD camcorders take very good video in good lighting, the AX700 will outperform the AX43 in low light due to its larger imager. The AX43 is more compact, weighs less, and is less expensive than the AX700, but has less features. The FDR-AX700 is a superior camcorder with a 1-inch sensor, ND filters, adds S-Log2 and S-Log3 (great for post editing), and adds S-Gamut and HDR (high dynamic range). The AX700 also has NightShot® Infrared for seeing in complete darkness. The AX700 has a larger LCD touchscreen with 3x the resolution than the AX43 for clearer framing of video.

New sensor on the FDR-AX700: The AX700 has a new 1-inch Stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor for better dynamic range. You can now shoot in 4K HDR. The larger sensor will allow you to shoot in a more narrow depth of field.

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. Sony has added a second SD card slot to the AX700 for relay recording or backup recording. For those using HD, the FDR-AX700 adds a 120p (120 frames/second) mode. In image stabilization the FDR-AX43 actually has the superior BOSS system, versus Optical Steadyshot in the AX700. A new toggle switch on the FDR-AX700 allows you to change menu choices while using the EVF, even with the LCD panel closed. Overall, if you have a higher budget, the FDR-AX700 is the superior camcorder, but either camera will give you exceptional 4K video performance.


**Sony has a Pro version of this 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.


Related Article: Sony FDR-AX700 4K Camcorder | Review

Related Article: Sony FDR-AX53 Vs. FDR-AX700 4K Camcorders | Comparison

Related Article: Best Rated 4K Ultra HD Camcorders – Comparison & Reviews

Related Article: Sony Handycam Camcorder Model Lineup 2020

Related Article: Smart-Review HD & 4K Camcorcorder Buying Guide 2020