Which to get Sony FDR-AX or Panasonic HC-VXF1

[Tony McGuire]

Hi,

I haven't been on here is a while and Looking to get get a new camera as in a Sony FDR-AX43, 53 or Panasonic HC-VXF1.

From what I can see the 43 is the same as the 53 but without viewfinder. I could be wrong and a few seem to have problems with the FDR-AX53.

I have the Sony HDR-Z5 which is just about done. I also have HDR-CX625 which I have used for videoing some show as in school musicals and other show as well. I have some extra batteries for the CX625. I may consider other cameras as well. The main reason I was thinking of a new camera is 4K as it would be handy for a crop zoom in places where a close up would be good. The camera would be on a tripod a lot of the times and I may use if an odd time in the hand, this is where I like the gimble in the camera as it less to take with me.

Having the option to plug in an external mic or audio from a mixing desk is a plus.

[John Nantz]

Hi Tony,
There are a few scenerios to discuss:

First off, I haven’t posted in a while either, primarily with “no thanks to Covid”.

Clarification question: Since you mentioned a “new” camera, does that mean new and unopened box, or ‘new to you’ and it is ‘open box’ (could possibly be returned item) or previously used?

Just commenting about the Sony “eco system” as can’t address any other.
The choice between a viewfinder availability and not will depend on the type of use and how well one can shoot hand-held. Since it was indicated “The camera would be on a tripod a lot of the times” then it would seem the LCD screen would suffice, provided, …..that the “odd time in the hand” shot may be good enough.

Important Trade-Off: If those “odd time in the hand” shots are important enough that some movement is not acceptable, then there is a trade-off, and that becomes a buyers decision. There are some reasonable high-budget movies that have hand-held shots that have some shakier video (than what I’d do) but everybody is different; some are steadier than others.

One consideration for the AX43/53 is the battery and charger is PROBABLY the same as with the CX-625 (haven’t checked). The other cables are ‘probably’ also useable, although the instructions typically say they are ‘only for this camera’, or words to that effect. I have my cables marked and follow the cam instructions.

The next step up would be the AX700 (not mentioned). This is probably a budget-buster (but thought I’d mention it anyway), has no gimbal, but uses the same battery system, and has the same type but more extensive menu system than the cams mentioned previously. The filter size is larger but an adapter can be used on the the other cams to accommodate the larger AX700 filter size.

[Tony McGuire]

Hi John,

Thank you for your reply and sorry for not replying sooner.

To answer your question on what I mean by "new" and it is new and unopen box. I have looked at the second hand market here and people and some places that sell cameras are looking very close to what I can get it for new and unopen box so it make no point buying second hand.

I have looked at the AX700 more after you mentioned it and it a nice camera but a bit out of budget at the moment.

I was also thinking the way your thinking that any thing that I have should work on which ever Sony I get. I do have the external battery charger from Sony that will charge the V series batteries even though it not marked on my charger. I got this from a Sony repair tech and I got them cheaper than the same model but with the V series listed on it. It works fine and I have no problems charging the V series batteries on it.

Looks like it going to be a ether the AX43 or the AX53

Thank you

[Jim Stamos]

I have two ax 53s excellent cameras I've had it since 2017. I just recently got my second one
I have used this camera as a b camera and my main camera the quality is excellent the autofocus is very good the colors are good the zoom is very slow and gradual if that's what you need for a particular shoot I use the SanDisk Extreme Pro cards I shoot in HD a lot of the times I will shoot in 4K if I need that shot for cropping.
Sadly Sony has pretty much gotten away from the camcorder style cameras the last professional when they made is the z90 which I also own and that is my main camera. I would definitely buy new...I would never buy used camera unless it was someone I personally knew.
Also to know is that the steady shot on the x53 is excellent works very well plus you can hook up an adapter to use XLR inputs which I've done many times when I'm using my wireless lectrosonics.
The on camera microphone I bought for for it is the Deity video Mic...it's excellent very good quality sound and it takes 1 AAA battery.
I use the auto focus on it because it's so good and then I set up the focus ring for my manual exposure plus I also manually white balance everything
You better buy it now before they quit making them unfortunately it's still very popular so they're still selling them but I bought a second one for that very reason. Plus the batteries last quite a while and they're inexpensive but I would buy the Sony brand it's not worth saving a few bucks to get one you can't rely on I've had these Sony batteries going on 7 years. Lastly the low light on this camera is pretty decent of course if it's really dark youd be using an oncamera mic.
Don't forget to get a clear UV filter for it they're inexpensive and they protect that lens. Sorry for the run-on sentences but I'm voice texting. Good luck