Very nice review. I just picked up a used one for $750 on eBay. The guy only ised it a half dozen times to film his dog. It looks brand new and works well. My first decent 4K camcorder. 😁
I just bought this camera thanks to your review. THANK YOU. With respect to the lens cap, I think the reason why they moved to the pop-off style like the still cameras is so that you can add a filter to the lens. There is threading to add a 62 mm filter. To prevent damage to the lens, I installed a Hoya Pro1 Digital "Protector" filter, so if it should get scratched I only need to replace the filter.
932 / 5.000 Vertaalresultaten At first I thought, what a complainer, but that's because I first saw another video of another man and he was arguing hard about all the fine advantages and good possibilities that this Camcorder has, about any disadvantages and inconveniences he is talking about not had. This man in this movie here exposes the other side and yes, of course it should be possible because if you only get the benefits and therefore buy this Camcorder then you can be disappointed by the inconveniences during use. While a detachable lens hood also has an advantage, it allows you to put a filter on it or a sunshade or both. Just to say that any disadvantage according to one person can be an advantage for another, it's all how you look at it and how you are willing to view it and deal with it. But even then, people like him should also be there, I like him, and I can understand him well. Further like this.
Excellent work, well explained and detailed. I cant understand how people could dislike this video, that talks for themselves. Thank you so much for share this, Bob! The 20 mins went so fast. Keep the good work! Greetings from Malaysia.
Best camera review I've ever seen. The plain language & naughty words in the British accent are the icing on this very entertaining, yet informing review! Lolll!
Just an idea regarding sound. I have a Zoom 1 recorder and I suppose I could mount it on the flash shoe and use its output as a mic input to the camera. The Zoom 1 enables me to adjust both the sensitivity of the Zoom microphone and the output level. So, if I put the camera audio to mid range and, say, leave the Zoom output to mid range I can then adjust the volume via adjusting the Zoom microphone volume. Of course the Zoom microphones are not directional. But the solution would be quite compact and cheap. The Zoom H1 is about 90 pounds and a short male/male cable and hotshoe adaptor would cost little. The Zoom can also be used separate from the camera close to the speaker or even with a lavalier mic and the audio and video synched using the camera audio. But yes, I think the absence of a simple volume setting control on the camera is a big oversight.
Great review, I know it's a bit late, but I've just purchased this AX700 a hour ago, your review gave me a lot of information of all I've concerned, thank you sir, salut!
I've been dragging my feet. Looking at the AX33, AX53, AX700. Really want the autofocus and slow motion this camera provides. I do more photography and can't really justify a video camera this expensive. But it does everything I think I want to do.
A great honest review. So many "reviews" are regurgitation of the manufacturer's sales data. I am new to this camera and came here looking for pointers and got many. Thanks Bob. I'll now make some comments that I hope will help someone. If you open the monitor and pull out the viewfinder, the monitor is on and the viewfinder is off, until you put your eye to the viewfinder, when the viewfinder will be on and the monitor off. The camera can't record indefinitely. The Help Guide says that the max is 13 hrs. One real bummer for me is that the maximum number of scenes or clips is only 600 per card (or 3,999 if its AVCHD). I take many short clips while I am away travelling and that is a real disappointment! The sensor is 4K resolution, so if you are shooting in HD (2K), you can do a 2X digital zoom on top of the optical zoom with no quality penalty. I have yet to study auto focus in depth. There is a lot to it, with tracking a moving subject. Some people have reported it to be very good. Manual focus seems straight forward. There is a focus magnify button which gives 4X or 16K magnification. Does the job I think. Audio level display can be turned on or off. When on, it appears in the bottom right corner of the monitor as an overlay. You can adjust audio gain via the menu, as Bob says, ("A pain in the butt"), but you can also assign VOLUME to a button. When pressed, the audio gain display appears as an overlay, so you can see both the audio gain and level of the current sound at the same time (just!). The gain display position is very poor, however, because it almost completely overlaps the level display. Another brickbat to Sony! The audio gain is adjusted with the navigation button, but not the dial wheel. I would be interested in Bob's comments when he gets (or got) to white balance. I have looked at white balance (WB) in this camera in some depth, so I must summarise here or I will go on and on. WB has traditionally been carried out by assuming that the light source was generated by radiation from a heated object, such as an incandescent lamp, where the colour is defined by its temperature in kelvins (K). This colour can be corrected by adjusting colour in the yellow - blue dimension alone. However , a greenish cast, say, such as I often get when shooting through tinted coach windows, is not corrected well. For this, the magenta - green dimension must be corrected as well. In the FDR-AX700, there are five locations where WB correction data is stored: OUTDOOR, INDOOR, MANU WB TEMP, Memory A and Memory B. For some reason, Sony has divided them into two groups which complicates access in my view. The first three items are in the first group, from which one is chosen and called a preset. The preset, along with the other two, are in the second group. The icon of the selected item from the second group appears on the screen when WB is set to manual. OUTDOOR can be adjusted to be more orange or more blue. INDOOR is fixed. MANU WB TEMP stores a colour temperature that you enter. All these are therefore colour temperature oriented (single dimension). Memory A and Memory B are set by shooting a white object in the coloured light, and this method does work in two dimensions. The camera is able to do fast motion and slow motion by recording at a different frame rate to playback. Of course (sarcasm on), this is divided into two procedures, one called Slow & Quick Motion, and the other Super Slow Motion, with Slow & Quick Motion further subdivided by whether the High Frame Rate flag is set on or not.
Hi , loved your review , i am looking to buy one used . Can you please tell me where in the menu will tell me how many hours use it has had . I would really appreciate it . . Thanks Elaine
Great review. This is still a valid camcorder today. The audio certainly is a bugger. I will say another plus is the full-size HDMI output which is unique of other camcorders in this style. It reduces strain and is far better for production style shooting.
You are right, it is a great camcorder. The video quality is identical top its bigger brother, the NX80 but around £900 cheaper! Thanks for your input.
I believe it has touch screen focus too. Your review didn't mention that. The benfit of a camcorder over a camera is the lense floats on an internal gimble which offers better hand held stabilization.
Great review. You showed me some areas for concern: the audio - having to go through the menus to make adjustments. I wonder if purchasing the Z90 would obviate that concern, as you’d be able to do it with hard buttons, 2. It would appear that the touch screen does not work with the menus and you need to navigate them through the joystick, and 3. The lens cap issue, which i agree 100% with you on...there may be a purchasable matbox that allows you to open and close the lens with that switch. I will check. Great review. Thanks so much!
"Popsy bloody cap, that you end up losing". Yup, I hate those things. Good for Sony that their strong fronts are so strong and force us all to overlook these things. Thanks so much for this very helpful overview.
I would never bother shooting video with a mirrorless photo camera. Video cameras all the way. When delivering professional class footage, you need a clean picture. I see too many mirrorless and dslr footage on youtube full of dust spots on the sensor. IMO, it looks very unprofessional and wrecks the footage. Photo cameras are for photos, video cameras are for video.
Hey Bob, I just chatted with Sony and I kind of don't believe them about the following LOL. I bought the AX700 and I love it. But I do put it on a 20 foot tripod at times to record sporting events. I asked if there is a way to turn the camcorder on and off either remotely or through some kind of wired device, and they said No. I suggested the camcorder's remote, the Sony app (Imaging Edge), and asked for a wired option. I prefer not to drop the tripod during halftime for example just to shut off the camera, so hoping there is a logical option.
Very helpful, thanks. And if there's ever a video that needs the word "palaver" in it, it's one about Sony cameras. I do love them, but they can have some maddeningly frustrating design flaws. But I've been thinking about getting this camera, and I still feel it's the right way to go. Thanks again!
Thanks for the review, we need more reviews done on this camera, honestly. Your cons seem extremely personal, which I can respect that, glad the pros out weight the cons. Ordered this myself, I am actually a fan of the guiding to the audio levels, this camera isn't a mirrorless, makes sense to have it placed on the wheel of all the A series cameras, far as the not seeing audio levels, can't argue there, wish that could be addressed with a firmware update. Lastly the complaint about the lens cap? What happens if the built in one breaks? LOL that seemed like a spoiled complaint there honestly. Thanks for your time. -TKK
I have adopted a habit. It wasn't easy to do. To always put the lens cap in my front left pocket. Even if I'm sitting at a table. because I'm going to get up from the table and walk around and then wonder where the cap is that I left on one of my tables in one of my rooms.
You are hitting the nail on the head about how BAD the menus and buttons are on this camera. Other than that, I am such a happy buyer of the AX-700 and I do admit $1800+ or whatever I paid was technically pretty over-priced LOL. But, if you are going to value the picture and stabilization you are purchasing, I can tell you it's worth it! I love it.
Thanks so much for such a quality review! I'm looking for a new video camera with better manual control for while I'm recording as my mirrorless is a pain sometimes! This review is so helpful
As you know there are many discussions whether we really need 4K for youtube and social media videos. For more details or when needed zoom in post production I can understand 4K needs but my question is if we want better performance in terms of AF and overall quality ( like usability, menus, etc. ) for just HD not 4K , would you recommend HXR-NX100 over this camera? I can buy HXR-NX200 but the difference is %50. Because of the monetary value imagine you pay $10.600 for HXR-NX100 and $15.500 for HXR-NX200 and $11.500 for Sony FDR-AX700 . That would be really hard to decide which one to buy:)
Excellent video Bob. I have a Sony FS7 which I use for corporate interviews etc. Superb bit of kit however, I also have a A7Rii and A7iii which have their uses but I really need a B cam with no time limitation for interviews and events. I have been looking at the Z90 but after seeing your review I think I may save some money and go with this camera. Even if I buy the XLR-K2M I will come in nearly £700.00 cheaper than the Z90. Really appreciate your work.
I understand your frustration with the lack of dedicated buttons. Why did you choose the AX700 instead of the PXW-Z90. The AX700 is the consumer version.
It was down to what I needed. The Ax700 is the 'consumer' version of what is near as damn it the same camera, so the image quality is the same. It lacks the XLR handle but I have the XLR adaptor. It also lacks SDI output but I never need that. It also has broadcast ready codecs but I do not do broadcast work. I got the AX700 at a great price so it was a no brainer.
Hi! Thanks a lot for this review. I recently got my hands on a Sony fdr ax53, and I'm quite disappointed with the limitation of manual controls on the ax53. I am therefore considering switching to the ax700. How good are them on the ax700? Thanks a lot! Julia
Im not so sure they will. The NX80 (same camera but with an XLR handle) has been quite successful for Sony, but from what I understand they are channeling there R&D in to theire mirrorless range, A7iii, A7Rii etc. I guess its down scales of economy, but this camera is pretty damn good for what it is.
@@AvpStudios I hear you but in time 60p will be the norm. Same thing happened when 1080P came out. At first the cameras were 30p and a few years later 60p was normal.
I think to handle 4K at 50 or 60 fps they might need a faster and hence more costly CPU. There is also the question of market differentiation (consumers vs professionals).
@Avp Sudios. We wish to purchase this camera for use in church for two things: 1. Record the Sunday message for archival purposes, and 2. Be able to provide a live video feed to a room at the ground floor (the church is on the 2nd floor) for the elderly and people with disabilities (PWD, on wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) to be able to watch the Service on a flat screen. My question is, does the AX700 provide simultaneous live camera feed to the viewfinder/LCD and the HDMI Output port? 2nd question, does the HDMI output display a "clean" video without the status messages (ie. Battery level, recording time, audio meters, etc.)? Thank you.
I have just bought this and I have a major problem with it. When I use an external mic, in this case the VideoMicro - when I press zoom, the sound of the motor is coming through. It's not that the mic is picking it up per say - it seems to be that the motor interferes with the sound card or something, because I can put the mic on an extra long lead way away from the camera. I've tried everything, this is so unfair. Anyone else had this problem?! (I've tried Videomic pro too, same thing).
Ok, I got a bit mixed up with all the testing I've done with various equipment recently, I have NOT used the VIdeomic Pro with this camcorder yet, until now - and suddenly the zoom motor sound is NOT an issue. So, I've no idea what the issue is with the VideoMicro paired with the AX700, cos the mic is fine with my DSLR and my NT1A dictaphone. I am in the process of sending the VideoMicro back to the shop and going to revert to the Videomic Pro instead.
This review is great. Any review on the LCD screen for AX43 in day light? I see reviewers have tagged it as highly glossy. How would you compare the LCD screen with AX53 and AX 700.
Great review, Bob, I'm thinking of getting this one. Can't you assign a Menu button on the screen like the old Sonys? eg: for the manual audio? The thing with the lens cap is annoying. You have to stick a tether on it otherwise it will get lost. How about lens filters? Do you use them often?
3 inch display....? Thought it was 3.5 inch like my AX100. AX100 & AX53 are great so this one should be excellent too.Great to see the rubber eye cap on this model too. I bought the AX100 second hand for £700 and very pleased with it.
Great video as usual mate, especially on a product that doesnt have many good reviews. I need a camera with night vision for a ghost hunting show i want to film. I already have an FX3 for non-night vision shots but want to buy a high quality camcorder for night vision shots. I know this came out nearly half a decade ago but are there any other better high quality camcorders with nigh vision that have come out since? I prefer sony since I'm familiar with the brand
Enjoy your "pain in the butt" exclamations. Much more polite than what comes from other YT personalities. I used to have access through my work to top of the line Panasonic video cameras and professional XLR microphones, so seeing what nonsense Sony thinks is acceptable audio level control convinces me I would have to purchase a XLR system like you have. Golly Sony, has it not occurred to you that audio is just as important as video. I am still debating whether to get a camcorder or a Sony RX10-IV which would get me a good video and stills camera, but even it has issues. Nuttin is ever quite right. Cheers.
Excellent, honest and unbiased review. I've been eyeing the AX700 as a 4K upgrade to my trusty Canon HF-G30. The on-board audio control issues you bring to light are giving me second thoughts. Couldn't be doing with that in the field. And that lens hood. How much trouble would it have been to put one with a flip type lens protector? Looking forward to your further reviews of the AX700. I think companies should send you cameras to review. You obviously have a good deal of professional experience. Did you look at the Canon GX10 at all before you bought the FX700 ?
Thanks, I would love manufacturers to send me gear but I dont have any where near enough subscribers for that unfortunately. I do have many years of experience, I started my career in video production in 1985 and set up my first photo studio in 1989, long before the days of digital!
It seems like this beats the ax53 and ax33 on image quality but may not surpass them on image stabilization. How would you compare them on that basis and is the auto focus benefit worth the $1,000 price difference? It seems hard to justify an extra $1k for better focusing and slightly better images, at the expense of stabilization.
that's like a hole different league, the ax 33 and 53 are to be use in full auto by soccer moms, and you get no nd filters, so you adjust the exposure with the shutter speed, like a looser
Brilliant. Thanks. I'm thinking of buying this based on your review and 2 others I've just watched. Someone suggested I look at panasonic too. Any thoughts? Sony v Panasonic. I'll be mostly using this to produce on-line video content for sale that will run for 20-60 minute segments. + secondly to record me at speaking events that doesn't require commercial level reproduction
@@kaylefilms4823 ah yes the cool thing is its alot more compact and fits with the rest of my gear in one pelican case for travelling , anything bigger needs its own peli ! shall i go for it ?!
I bought one 3 mths ago ( sold my AX100 ) I had , a have still several Video Cameras ( also a PWX X70 , but the AX 700 is better !! ) and must say this AX700 is a top grade Camera even 1080 is brilliant ( you can even do Pro stuff , if you know how to use it ) I use a Diety Shotgun with it works perfect , it amazed me every time I film with it . BW
My choice is the AX 700 , ......although I also do like my Panasonic HCX 1. I use as well ( my main camera ) ....but the AX 700 handles low light better
932 / 5.000 Vertaalresultaten At first I thought, what a complainer, but that's because I first saw another video of another man and he was arguing hard about all the fine advantages and good possibilities that this Camcorder has, about any disadvantages and inconveniences he is talking about not had. This man in this movie here exposes the other side and yes, of course it should be possible because if you only get the benefits and therefore buy this Camcorder then you can be disappointed by the inconveniences during use. While a detachable lens hood also has an advantage, it allows you to put a filter on it or a sunshade or both. Just to say that any disadvantage according to one person can be an advantage for another, it's all how you look at it and how you are willing to view it and deal with it. But even then, people like him should also be there, I like him, and I can understand him well. Further like this.
Viewed the Sony FDR AX 700 camcorder video(Excellent!) - as you find - the menu button is in a terrible place! -could you tell me how you assigned one of the buttons to take the menu functions - please? - Once I know this - videoing will be much easier for me. -Many Thanks.
Thank you but Waaay too much time on your audio complaint. How about some video of the zoom, it's speeds, pre-set or variable; how about the quality of the stabilization especially at the tele end of zooming, neutral density filters? For me those are far more important details.
Unfortunately, the Sony cameras (for amateur) record 25p PAL and 30p in NTSC, to get smoother images of moving subjects or during the movements of the lens, you should record at 50p or better 60p or more in HD. Unfortunately it is not possible to do it in 4K which stops at 25p. Even the latest Sony FDR AX-700 records in 4K at 25p PAL and 30p NTSC. all cameras also recent ax-700, do not send the 60p signal to the HDMI socket, so any use of an external recorder is useless. If you try to connect an external monitor/recorder, AF face recognition becomes disabled. The owners of the FDR AX-100 does not have many reasons to buy a next model.
Thanks for the review. Do you know if it could be possible to add an handle using the hot shoe ? Just a handle, to get a kind of "Z80 without XLR input" ;) Or is the shoe so fragile that carrying the AX700 by the hot shoe could destroy it ?
I think mounting on a Cam-Caddie Scorpion, Opteka X-Grip or other C-Shaped bracket is probably the closest you'll get to a top handle. Just bought one of these for my Canon HF-G30: www.haguecamerasupports.com/camera-cages-steadymounts/hague-cgss-camgrip-steadyshot-steadymount If I do upgrade to the Sony AX700 it will be suitable for that also.
There is no way to buy a handle like the one you see, because on the others, it actually has screws specifically made to mount it securely. Look at the alternative he talks about at about 10:55
