Sony Handycam FDR-AX43 4K Ultra HD Camcorder | Review

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The FDR-AX43 is Sony’s newest compact 4K consumer camcorder. It is a cheaper version of the FDR-AX53, but retains the same 4K imager, lens, and stabilizer. This model shoots at 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) which is at 8 megapixels resolution verus only 2 megapixels for Full HD. In addition to shooting at 4 times the resolution of HD, this model has Sony’s best Balanced Optical Steadyshot (BOSS) image stabilization.

This camcorder, although a consumer model has many high end features, such as a premium Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar® T lens f2.0-3.8 (20x optical and 30x extended zoom). Shooting at this resolution will future proof your videos, as the industry moves toward 4K resolution in TVs. Footage in 4K can also be used for Full HD video production, as you can crop or zoom in on your footage and still maintain Full HD quality. Manual Control (Iris, Shutter, Exposure, and White Balance.

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Sony FDR-AX43 Features: The Sony Handycam FDR-AX43 can record Full 4K footage at 24p, and 30p. It can also record Full HD at 60p, 24p, and 30p. A new timelapse feature is onboard with shooting intervals of (1/2/5/10/30/60sec). The high quality Carl Zeiss Wide Angle Lens has a 35mm equivalent of 29.8mm – 298mm. Face Detection. A 1/2.5″ back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor has pixels that are 1.6x larger for better sensitivity for low light situations.

For long distance shots use the 20x powered optical zoom . Lock-on AF and face detection will keep your subject in focus. Other features: up to 8.3 megapixel still images, 2.95 inch touch-panel (461K dots), The powerful Bionz X image processor allows you to record in 4K Ultra HD, as well as improving battery life. WiFi and NFC to control your camcorder remotely.

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Compression and Recording: The FDR-AX43 uses the new highly efficient XAVC-S 4K compression format (100Mbps bit rate) to record 4K @ 30p, or (50Mbps bit rate) to record 1080p video at 60p. Records 4K video right in the camera to an SDHC SDXC U3 memory card. Can also record to AVCHD and MP4 codecs for HD. The camcorder does have an internal Dolby 5.1 surround sound microphone (with enhanced audio control), and Linear PCM audio quality.

A standard accessory shoe is included for lights, and external microphones. The AX43 also includes an External Microphone Jack and Headphone Jack. Other Features: Tracking Focus follows selected subjects. Hookup to an HDTV or a 4K TV through the built-in HDMI port. USB 2.0 interface. The premium three mic. capsule enables you to gather sound from five directions. This enables the camera to reproduce clearer sound. Mic Level Control (with 31 steps).

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Lens Specifications: 26.8mm – 536mm (20x optical zoom; 30x extended zoom) F2.0-F3.8 (55mm filter)
Manual Features: Assignable dial provides control of the focus, exposure, white balance, iris, and shutter speed. 31 step Mic level control.
FDR-AX43 Battery Life: Approximately 150 minutes recording using the included NP-FV70A battery.

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Smart-Review Commentary: Sony’s FDR-AX43 is the latest entry in 4K compact camcorders. Sony has installed its best Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ (BOSS) into a consumer sized 4K Camcorder. BOSS claims to be 13x better than regular Steadyshot. In your hand, you essentially hold a camcorder that is capable of producing video with about the same resolution as a movie theater projector, since most theaters now have 4K Sony Projectors.

Shooting at 4K Ultra HD resolution will future proof your videos. 4K has 4 times the pixels of Full HD. This model has most of the same features as the FDR-AX53, except that they dropped the EVF viewfinder, the LCD has a lower resolution, and they dropped the Night Vision feature. But in return, you get a cheaper priced 4K camcorder. The Sony FDR-AX43 has a fast f2.0-3.8 Carl Zeiss lens, and a sensor with larger pixels to help in low situations. With 20x optical zoom, you can get close in to the action, and keep it stabilized with the BOSS stabilizer. The camcorder has a nice manual focus ring that can also be used for other manual functions. The FDR-AX43 is a Smart-Review Top Pick for camcorders under $1000.

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Sony FDR-AX43 4k Ultra HD Camcorder | Review Summary

Summarized Review: The Sony FDR-AX43 is a compact 4K Camcorder, lower in price than previous models. It has Sony’s best balanced optical image stabilization. The AX53 is capable of 4K Ultra HD up to 30fps and a high 100 Mbps recording bitrate. Other features include: Built-in Wifi, and 20x optical zoom. With clear and crisp video, this model is a Smart-Review Top Pick for compact 4K camcorders.
Written By: Smart Review
Product Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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Resources: Sony FDR-AX43 user manuals