Sony FDR-AX43 Review

So, I recently got my hands on the Sony FDR-AX43 Ultra HD 4K Compact Camcorder, and let me tell you, I am absolutely thrilled with it. This little camcorder is a powerhouse of features, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves making videos, whether you’re a vlogger or just want to capture precious family moments. Stay tuned as I give you the lowdown on this fantastic camcorder and why you should consider adding it to your gear collection.

Pros and Cons

What We Liked

• The Balanced Optical SteadyShot feature is a game-changer. I’ve tested it while walking and even running, and the footage comes out incredibly stable. Perfect for vlogging on the go!
• The image quality is truly breathtaking. Even in low light conditions, the videos are clear and sharp, thanks to the Exmor R CMOS Sensor and ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens.
• I love the extended battery life. With up to 235 minutes of continuous recording time, I never have to worry about missing a moment.
• The 20x optical zoom and wide angle of 26.8mm give me the flexibility I need to capture the perfect shot, whether I’m filming close-up or wide-angle scenes.
• The flip screen is a godsend. It makes it so much easier to frame my shots and even take selfies or film myself without any guesswork.

What Can Be Improved

• While the auto focus is great most of the time, there are moments when it takes a bit longer to sharpen up, which can be a tad frustrating for perfectionists like me.
• I wish there was an option for a higher frame rate for 4K recording. 25fps is good, but having a 30p option would have been even better for smoother footage.

Quick Verdict

Overall, the Sony FDR-AX43 Ultra HD 4K Compact Camcorder is a fantastic piece of tech that ticks all the boxes for me. The stabilization is top-notch, the image quality is stunning, and the battery life is impressive. Despite a few minor drawbacks, it’s definitely worth the investment for anyone serious about video creation. If you’re in the market for a reliable and feature-packed camcorder, I highly recommend checking out the Sony FDR-AX43.

Unboxing – What’s Inside?

I recently purchased the Sony FDR-AX43 Ultra HD 4K Compact Camcorder from Amazon to capture high-quality videos of my outdoor adventures. The delivery was super fast, and I received the product within 2 days of ordering. Inside the box, I found a Rechargeable Battery Pack(NP-FV70A), AC Adaptor, Power Cord, micro USB Cable, and HDMI(micro) Cable.

Specifications

• Brand: Sony
• Model Name: FDR-AX43
• Video capture resolution: 4K
• Photo sensor technology: CMOS
• Screen size: 2.5 Inches
• Colour: Black
• Flash memory type: SDHC, SmartMedia
• Connectivity technology: USB, HDMI
• Package Weight: 1.1 Kilograms
• Package Dimensions L x W x H: 19 x 15 x 13.5 centimetres

Documentation

The user guide provided with the camcorder was extremely helpful in getting me started with the device. It provided clear instructions on how to use the different features and settings. You can find the user guide here.

Features – What We Found

Steady Shooting with Balanced Optical SteadyShot™

The Sony FDR-AX43 is equipped with incredible Balanced Optical SteadyShot with Intelligent Active Mode, which ensures stable and smooth movies even when running and zooming. This feature makes it an ideal vlogging camera, as it delivers professional-looking footage without the need for additional stabilizing equipment. The 5-axis stabilization system compensates for camera shake, allowing you to capture clear and steady videos in various shooting conditions.

Pro-tip: When shooting in challenging environments such as crowded events or outdoor activities, the Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ feature will prove to be invaluable in producing high-quality, shake-free footage.

Breathtaking Image Quality with ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* Lens

The 1/2.5” Exmor R CMOS Sensor combined with the ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens delivers outstanding image quality, especially in low light conditions. This camcorder’s 20x optical zoom and wide angle of 26.8mm provide greater flexibility in framing your shots, allowing you to capture wide scenic views as well as distant subjects with exceptional clarity and detail. If you’re looking to elevate your video production, the Sony FDR-AX43’s image quality does not disappoint.

For more information, you can check out the product details on Amazon.

Extended Battery Life

The Sony FDR-AX43 offers an impressive battery life, delivering up to 235 minutes of continuous recording time when shooting in AVCHD-FH. This extended battery life ensures that you can focus on capturing your content without constantly worrying about running out of power. Whether you’re filming a long event or shooting in remote locations, the extended battery life of this camcorder provides peace of mind and convenience.

Flip Screen for Easy Self-Recording

The camcorder is equipped with a flip screen, making it easy to capture high-quality self-recordings or vlogs. The 3-inch LCD screen can be rotated up to 270 degrees, allowing you to see yourself while filming and ensuring that you are always in the frame. This feature is especially useful for content creators and vloggers who need to capture engaging self-facing footage without relying on an external monitor or assistance from others.

Pro-tip: Utilize the flip screen to frame your shots precisely and maintain eye contact with your audience, resulting in more engaging and personal content.

High-Quality Audio with Built-in Microphone

The Sony FDR-AX43 is designed to deliver high-quality audio to complement its impressive video capabilities. The built-in microphone captures clear and immersive sound, enhancing the overall viewing experience for your audience. This feature is essential for capturing detailed and lifelike audio, ensuring that your videos are not only visually stunning but also have exceptional sound quality.

By utilizing advanced audio processing technology, the built-in microphone works to reduce background noise and capture crisp, professional-grade audio for your videos.

Our Review, Score and More

Our Score: 89.0

As a passionate vlogger, I have found the Sony FDR-AX43 camcorder to be an absolute game-changer for my content creation. The Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ with Intelligent Active Mode ensures that my videos are incredibly stable, even when I’m on the move. The 20x optical zoom and wide angle of 26.8mm give me the flexibility I need to capture a variety of shots. The extended battery life is also a huge plus, allowing me to record for up to 235 minutes without needing to recharge. If you’re a content creator looking for a reliable and high-quality camcorder, I highly recommend checking out the Sony FDR-AX43.

One of the standout features of this camcorder is the breathtaking image quality it delivers. The 1/2.5” Exmor R CMOS Sensor and ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens work together to produce stunning videos even in low light conditions. The inbuilt gimbal does a fabulous job of stabilizing the picture, and the footage looks amazing regardless of the filming environment. Whether you’re shooting indoors or outdoors, this camcorder consistently delivers exceptional results.

While the auto focus may not be perfect and there are some minor limitations, the overall performance and value that the Sony FDR-AX43 offers far outweigh any drawbacks. As someone who demands high-quality and reliable equipment for my content creation, I can confidently say that this camcorder is worth the investment. If you’re in the market for a versatile and top-performing camcorder, the Sony FDR-AX43 is definitely worth considering.

Best combination

When considering purchasing the Sony FDR-AX43 Ultra HD 4K Compact Camcorder, I highly suggest also investing in the SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB SDXC Memory Card. This memory card offers up to 170MB/s transfer speeds and is UHS-1, Class 10, U3, V30 rated, making it an exceptional choice for storing the high-quality video footage captured with the camcorder. The 64GB capacity ensures ample space for recording lengthy videos without worrying about running out of storage. Plus, with its reliable performance and durable design, this memory card is a must-have accessory for any videographer.

By purchasing the Sony FDR-AX43 camcorder and the SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB SDXC Memory Card together, you can maximize the capabilities of your camcorder and ensure that you have the necessary storage space to capture all of life’s important moments. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your videography experience.

Alternatives To Go For

So, you’ve been eyeing the Sony FDR-AX43, but maybe you’re looking for something a little different. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider these alternate products instead.

Canon VIXIA HF G50 – A powerhouse in its own right, the HF G50 offers 4K video recording, advanced image stabilization, and a 20x optical zoom lens. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to produce high-quality videos with ease.

Panasonic HC-VX981K – This gem from Panasonic brings 4K recording to your fingertips alongside features like post-capture editing and a Leica Dicomar lens. Its wireless multi-camera feature lets you sync multiple devices for a broader range of shots.

JVC Everio GZ-RY980HEU – Built for the great outdoors, the GZ-RY980HEU is not only rugged but also comes with 4K recording capabilities. Its Quad Proof body is designed to withstand the elements, making it perfect for adventure seekers.

Each of these camcorders offers something special, from high-definition recording to durability in the field. To zero in on the one that best matches your filming style and needs, swing by Amazon.co.uk. Their search and filter tools will help you navigate the options and keep you updated with the latest specs and prices. Lights, camera, action!

Ultimately, each of these alternate products brings something unique to the table, and depending on your specific needs and preferences, one of them might just be the perfect fit for you.