Sony FDR-AX43 4K Handycam

OVERVIEW
Sonys Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ features a unique gimbal mechanism that is 13 times more effective than other optical systems. This allows for smooth and professional-looking images to be captured, even at full zoom or while running. The camera also has a 5-axis Intelligent Active mode that reduces the impact of camera shake by compensating for vibration across various directions.

The AX43 is equipped with a range of accessories to cater to different shooting styles, and can capture movies in stunning 4K quality. It also has a wide angle lens that allows for more of the scene to be captured, even without a wide conversion lens. The cameras advanced features include a latest-generation image sensor, ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* lens, Lock-on AF, and Super-sampled Full HD playback. It also has capabilities for high-speed recording and time-lapse capture, and produces high-quality audio with its three-capsule mic. Overall, the AX43 offers exceptional image quality and advanced features for professional results.

SUMMARY
Max Aperture: f/2.0-3.8
Recording Formats: XAVC S
Internal ND: No
Audio Inputs: 1 x 3.5mm Mic Input
Shutter: Rolling (Electronic)
Focal length (35mm Equivalent): 26.8 to 536mm @ 16:9
Lens Zoom: 20x Optical Zoom
Media Type: SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo Hybrid
Optical Zoom: 20x
Resolution and Frame Rate: 3840x2160p @ 24/30 fps
Sensor: CMOS
Video Outputs: 1x HDMI
Weight: 0-2kg
Wi-Fi: Yes
INCLUDED IN BOX
1x Sony AX43 4K Handycam
1x Rechargeable Battery Pack (NP-FV70A)
1x AC Adapter
1x Power Cord
1x Operating Guide
1x HDMI (micro) Cable
1x Micro USB Cable

About The Sony FDR-AX43 4K Handycam
The FDR-AX43 Handycam with Exmor R CMOS sensor is a 4K[xvi] Handycam featuring an acclaimed in-built gimbal mechanism, Balanced Optical SteadyShot technology, for capturing smooth, natural and high-quality video footage. The FDR-AX43 has been developed for content creators and vloggers who want their footage to demonstrate a refined quality that will stand the test of time.

Built for stability and productivity

With Balanced Optical SteadyShot to rival gimbal systems, high-resolution 4K movie recording, and high-quality sound with a unique mic, this Handycam puts professional production and simple movie sharing within anyone’s grasp.

Stable while walking – The unique Balanced Optical SteadyShot stabiliser, with internal gimbal mechanism, is about 13 times more effective than other optical systems allowing shake-free shooting while walking.

Stable even while running – The Balanced Optical SteadyShot internal gimbal mechanism and image processing algorithm deliver such stable shooting that you can even shoot steady movies while running.

Stable at full zoom – The stability delivered by the gimbal and algorithm of Balanced Optical SteadyShot allows you to shoot steady movies even at full zoom where camera shake is most visible.

The brilliant true-to-life quality of 4K

The latest-generation lens and image sensor enhance the spectacular detail of 4K resolution, with increased sensitivity for capturing high-quality movies in low light. High-bitrate recording in XAVC S format clearly captures even fast-moving and complex scenes.

ZEISS 20x zoom 4K-compatible lens

The ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens has a widest angle of 26.8 mm, allowing more of a subject to fit in the frame. Capture a wide variety of scenes with the 20x optical zoom (26.8-536.0mm; 16:9 mode), plus 30x (4K)7 or 40x (HD) Clear Image Zoom and 250x digital zoom.

Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine

The Exmor R CMOS sensor enhances image clarity, reduces noise in dark environments, and enables soft background defocusing, while the BIONZ X image processing engine achieves more naturally vivid and lifelike images and faster processing.

Fast Intelligent AF

The AF algorithm optimises communication between the lens and image processor for extra-fast AF, while a state-of-the-art AF range prediction system helps ensure even moving subjects remain in sharp focus.

Great sound, less noise

Three mic capsules capture clear sound and reduce noise, enabling high-quality recording of sound with clear stereo separation.

Shoot selfies, high- and low-position at will

Create the perfect vlogging setup with an optional shooting grip or microphone. The tilting LCD and grip make selfies, high- and low-position shots easy.

LCD touch control

With all settings accessible right on the touch screen, operation is fast and simple.

Highlight Movie Maker

Streamline your movie editing with Highlight Movie Maker. Using Dual Video Rec, the FDR-AX43 can simultaneously captures at 4K (3840×2160) or Full HD (1920×1080), and HD (1280×720) for both full quality storage and easy sharing. The HD (1280×720) resolutions uses an efficient MP4 video format to create quick, and automatic, HD highlight movies for immediate sharing – complete with video transitions and your choice of background music.

Fast frame rates, for slow-motion

With support for high framerate capture, up to 100fps/120fps in Full HD, you can create slow-motion recordings, elevating every movement in startling detail.

See times change with 4K time-lapse movies

With Time-lapse Capture, shoot stills of a scene over a period of time with a chosen interval between shots. The resulting images can be combined in 4K high resolution into a time-lapse movie on a PC, or viewed with a simple variable-speed preview function on the camera.

SENSOR
SENSOR TYPE 1/2.5 type (7.20 mm) back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor
EFFECTIVE PIXELS (VIDEO) approx. 8.29 Megapixels (16:9)
EFFECTIVE PIXELS (STILL IMAGE) approx. 8.29 Megapixels (16:9) / approx. 6.22 Megapixels (4:3)
PROCESSOR
IMAGE PROCESSOR BIONZ X image processor
LENS
LENS TYPE ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T*
FILTER DIAMETER 55 mm
LENS COVER Auto
APERTURE F2.0-3.8
FOCAL DISTANCE f=4.4-88 mm
FOCAL LENGTH (35 MM EQUIVALENT) (VIDEO) f=1 1/16-21 1/8 inch 1, f=26.8-536.0 mm (16:9)
FOCAL LENGTH (35 MM EQUIVALENT) (STILL IMAGE) f=1 1/16-21 1/8 inch (16:9), f=1 5/16-25 7/8 inch (4:3), f=26.8-536.0 mm (16:9), f=32.8-656.0 mm (4:3)
MINIMUM FOCUS DISTANCE approx. 1 cm (Wide), approx. 80 cm (Tele), approx. 13/32 inch (Wide), approx. 31 1/2 inch (Tele)
IRIS DIAPHRAGM 6 blades
ND FILTER –
ZOOM
OPTICAL ZOOM 20x
CLEAR IMAGE ZOOM 4K: 30x, HD: 40x (When “SteadyShot” is set to “Active” or “Intelligent Active”)
DIGITAL ZOOM 250x (The factory setting is “Off”. Digital zoom ratio includes optical zoom ration)
VIEWFINDER
VIEWFINDER TYPE –
FIELD OF VIEW –
DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT –
LCD
SCREEN TYPE 7.5 cm (3.0 type) Clear Photo LCD display (921,000 dots) Wide (16:9)
TOUCH PANEL Yes
BRIGHTNESS CONTROL Yes (Menu) (Backlight brightness will automatically be set “Bright” when connected to AC adapter)
MARKER/GRID DISPLAY Grid Line (the same as Guide Flame)
ANGLE ADJUSTMENT Opening Angle: max. 90 deg., Turning Angle: max. 270 deg.
IMAGE STABILISATION
IMAGE STABILISATION TYPE Balanced Optical SteadyShot w/ Intelligent Active mode (5-axis)6
FOCUS
FOCUS TYPE Contrast AF
FOCUS POINTS –
FOCUS MODE Auto / Manual (Touch Panel)
FOCUS AREA Full range Focus / Spot Focus
FAST INTELLIGENT AF Yes
LOCK-ON AF Lock-on AF (Not available in the 4K Recording mode with Dual Video Recording)
MANUAL FOCUS ASSIST Peaking Display
EXPOSURE
MODE Auto, Flexible Spot (Touch Panel), Manual (Menu)
METERING MODES Multi-segment / Spot
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION AE Shift (Touch Panel)
LOW LUX MODE Yes
AUTO IRIS CONTROL F2.0-F11
MANUAL IRIS CONTROL F2.0-F11
MANUAL EXPOSURE ASSIST Zebra Pattern Display
BACKLIGHT COMPENSATION Yes (Auto)
GAIN CONTROL Auto
AGC LIMIT Yes
MINIMUM ILLUMINATION 4K: Standard: 9 lux (1/50 Shutter Speed), HD: Standard: 6 lux (1/50 Shutter Speed), 4K: Low Lux 1.8 lux (1/25 Shutter Speed), HD: Low Lux 1.2 lux (1/25 Shutter Speed)
SHUTTER SPEED
AUTO CONTROL RANGE 1/6-1/10000
STANDARD 1/50-1/10000
MANUAL IRIS CONTROL　(PHOTO MODE) 1/25-1/10000
MANUAL SHUTTER 1/6-1/10000
SMOOTH SLOW 1/215-1/10000
WHITE BALANCE
WHITE BALANCE MODES Auto / Onepush / Outdoor / Indoor
WHITE BALANCE SHIFT Yes
FLASH
FLASH METERING SYSTEM Pre-flash TTL (With Optional Flash Accessory)
FLASH COMPENSATION Yes (3 steps) (With Optional Flash Accessory)
FLASH MODE Auto / On / OFF (With Optional Flash Accessory)
STORAGE MEDIA
MEDIA TYPE XAVC S 4K (100Mbps): SDHC Memory Card (4GB or over, UHS- I U3 or Higher) / SDXC Memory Card (UHS-I U3 or Higher), XAVC S 4K (60Mbps): SDHC Memory Card (4GB or over, Class10 or Higher) / SDXC Memory Card (Class10 or Higher), XAVC S HD: SDHC Memory Card (4GB or over, Class10 or Higher) / SDXC Memory Card (Class10 or Higher), AVCHD, Still: Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2), Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Memory Stick XC-HG Duo, SD / SDHC / SDXC Memory Card (Class 4 or Higher)
INTERNAL MEDIA –
RECORDING
RECORDING FORMAT (VIDEO) XAVC S format: MPEG4-AVC / H.264, AVCHD format ver.2.0 compatible: MPEG4-AVC / H.264, MP4: MPEG-4 AVC / H.264
VIDEO RESOLUTION XAVC S 4K: 3840×2160 / 25p,24p, XAVC S HD: 1920×1080 / 50p,25p,24p, AVCHD: 1920×1080 / 50p(PS),25p(FX,FH),24p(FX,FH),50i(FX,FH), 1440×1080 / 50i(HQ,LP), MP4: 1280×720 / 25p
VIDEO RECORDING RATE (ABR/VBR) XAVC S 4K: approx. 100 Mbps, XAVC S 4K: approx. 60 Mbps, XAVC S HD: approx. 50 Mbps, AVCHD PS: approx. 28 Mbps / FX: approx. 24 Mbps / FH: approx. 17 Mbps / HQ: approx. 9 Mbps / LP: approx. 5 Mbps, MP4: approx. 3 Mbps9
RECORDING FORMAT (STILL IMAGE) JPEG (DCF Ver.2.0 compatible, Exif Ver.2.3 compatible, MPF Baseline compatible)
STILL IMAGE SIZE (PHOTO MODE) L: 16.6 Megapixels 16:9 (5440×3056), 12.5 Megapixels 4:3 (4080×3056), M: 8.3 Megapixels 16:9, (3840×2160), 6.2 Megapixels 4:3 (2880×2160), S: 2.1 Megapixels 16:9 (1920×1080), 0.3 Megapixels 4:3 (640×480)
STILL IMAGE SIZE (MOVIE MODE) M: 8.3 Megapixels 16:9 (3840×2160), S: 2.1 Megapixels 16:9 (1920×1080)
STILL IMAGE SIZE (TIME-LAPSE CAPTURE) 1920×1080), 3840×2160) / HD: S (2.1 M, 4K: L (8.3 M
STILL IMAGE SIZE (DUAL RECORD) M: 8.3 Megapixels 16:9 (3840×2160), S: 2.1 Megapixels 16:9 (1920×1080)71011
AUDIO
MICROPHONE Built-in Zoom Microphone
AUDIO RECORDING FORMAT LPCM 2ch (48 kHz / 16 bit) (Video Mode is XAVC S HD or 4K)
Dolby Digital 5.1ch, Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator (Video Mode is AVCHD.)
Dolby Digital 2ch Stereo, Dolby Digital Stereo Creator (Video Mode is AVCHD.)
MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch (Video Mode is MP4.
MIC LEVEL CONTROL Yes (31 steps)
AUTO WIND NOISE REDUCTION Yes (On / Off)
MY VOICE CANCELING Yes
SPEAKER Built-in Zoom Microphone, Monaural Speaker
ADVANCED FEATURE
HIGH SPEED REC Yes (100p / 1920×1080, 100 / 60 Mbps)
TIME-LAPSE CAPTURE Time-Lapse Capture, Shooting Interval (1/2/5/10/30/60sec), Shot Number (1-999), Capture Image Size (4K: L (8.3M, 3840×2160) / HD: S(2.1M, 1920×1080)), AE Mode (AE Lock / AE Tracking)
SCENE SELECTION Auto / Night Scene / Sunrise & Sunset / Fireworks / Landscape / Portrait / Spotlight / Beach / Snow
NIGHTSHOT INFRARED SYSTEM –
TIME CODE/USER BIT Yes
OTHER FEATURES Face Detection [Not available in the 4K Recording mode with Dual Video Recording], Cinematone, Golf Shot (Yes [Video Mode is AVCHD.]), Smooth Slow Rec (Yes[Video Mode is AVCHD.]), Fader Effect(s) (White / Black[Only record movie]), Intelligent Auto (Portrait / Baby / Walk / Tripod / Backlight / Landscape / Spotlight / Twilight / Macro / Low light / Auto wind noise reduction), Smile Shutter (Off / Dual Capture / Always On [Not available in the 4K Recording mode with Dual Video Recording, Not available in 100Mbps Movie Recording Rate, Not available in the recording mode PS(60p/50p), FX(24p/25p/60i/50i) and FH(24p/25p)]), Red Eye Reduction [With Optional Flash Accessory], Direct Copy
PLAYBACK
FAST PLAYBACK About 5 times /10 times / 30 times / 60 times
SLOW PLAYBACK Forward: 1/5 speed, Reverse: 1/2 speed
TRIMMING PLAYBACK Yes
HIGHLIGHT MOVIE MAKER Highlight Movie Maker, Highlight background music (Preinstalled 6 music files, Music transfer compatible16)
MOTION SHOT VIDEO Yes [Available only in AVCHD or XAVC S HD or MP4]
SLIDE SHOW (STILL IMAGE) Slide Show
PROJECTOR
LIGHT OUTPUT –
RESOLUTION OUTPUT –
PROJECTED IMAGE SIZE –
ENDURANCE (BATTERY LIFE) –
PROJECTOR INPUT –
KEYSTONE ADJUSTMENT –
WIRELESS FUNCTION
WI-FI® Yes (Wi-Fi Compatible, IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz band)) [ (Configuration method/Access method) WPS or manually /infrastructure mode. When connecting to smartphones, the camera can always work as a base without a wireless access point. (Security: WEP/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK)]
NFC™ Yes (NFC forum Type 3 Tag compatible)
MULTI CAMERA CONTROL Yes
TERMINAL / SHOE
ACCESSORY SHOE Yes (Multi Interface Shoe)
HDMI TERMINAL Yes (HDMI micro) [Output only]
PROJECTOR INPUT –
MULTI/MICRO USB TERMINAL Yes [Supports Micro USB compatible device.]
REMOTE TERMINAL Integrated into Multi / Micro USB Terminal [Supports Micro USB compatible device.]
STD OUTPUT Composite Video Out (AV CABLE (sold separately))
MICROPHONE INPUT Stereo Minijack
HEADPHONE JACK Stereo Minijack
MEMORY CARD SLOT Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD / SDHC / SDXC compatible
DC IN Yes
POWER
BATTERY TYPE InfoLITHIUM with AccuPowerTM Meter System (V Series) [Except for NP-FV30]
POWER CONSUMPTION (LCD) 4K: 5.1W [Recording mode and media are default settings.]
POWER CONSUMPTION (VIEWFINDER) – [Recording mode and media are default settings.]
POWER REQUIREMENTS 6.8V/7.3V (battery pack), 8.4V (AC Adapter)
CHARGE ON CAMCORDER (CHARGING TIME WITH SUPPLIED BATTERY) Yes (approx. 3h 25min) [ When using supplyed AC adapater. When the AC adapter is not supplyed, using USB charging.]
USB CHARGING DC 5V 1500mA
USB POWER SUPPLY –
SIZE & WEIGHT
DIMENSIONS (W X H X D) (INCLUDING SUPPLIED BATTERY) Approx. 73mm x 80.5mm x 142.5mm (Approx. 73mm x 80.5mm x 173mm (NP-FV70A) (including supplied battery)), Approx. 2 7/8inch x 3 1/4inch x 5 5/8inch (Approx. 2 7/8inch x 3 1/4inch x 6 7/8inch (NP-FV70A) (including supplied battery)) [ Inculding the projecting parts, Including lens hood if it is supplied]
WEIGHT (MAIN UNIT ONLY) Approx. 510g, Approx. 1lb 2.0oz
WEIGHT (INCLUDING SUPPLIED BATTERY) Approx. 560g (NP-FV50A), Approx. 600g (NP-FV70A) (supplied battery), Approx. 660g (NP-FV100A), Approx. 1lb 3.8oz (NP-FV50A), Approx. 1lb 5.2oz (NP-FV70A) (supplied battery), Approx. 1lb 7.3oz (NP-FV100A) [Including a battery pack and a media(if a lens hood is supplied, including it too.).]
What’s In The Box Rechargeable Battery Pack (NP-FV70A) (1), AC Adapter (1), Power Cord (1), Operating Guide (1), HDMI (micro) Cable (1), micro USB Cable (1)

Gimbal mechanism inside

Sony’s Balanced Optical SteadyShot is a unique image stabiliser, with a gimbal mechanism about 13 times more effective than other optical systems. Capture smooth, professional-looking images, even at full zoom or while running, with no need for bulky external gimbals. In HD shooting mode, it further reduces the effect of camera shake with 5-axis Intelligent Active mode compensating for vibration across pan, tilt, roll, pitch, and yaw.

Accessories for every shooting style

Open up new storytelling possibilities, with a range of accessories from microphones to grips—all designed for professional results and seamless compatibility.

4K image quality

Capture your movies with the stunning realism and detail of 4K (3840 x 2160). With four times more detail than Full HD, all your images are enhanced by the subtle qualities that bring images to vibrant life.

Up to 26.8mm wide angle lens

Whether you’re shooting movies or still images, the class-leading wide-angle lens can help you capture more of landscapes and indoor scenes, when you don’t have enough room to step back. Even without a wide conversion lens, the camcorder shoots as wide as 26.8mm (16:9 aspect ratio) in movie mode.

The latest-generation image sensor exclusively for 4K

The new generation sensor is designed for optimal 4K recording. With pixel sizes around 1.6x larger than previous models, the AX43 captures beautiful images with less noise, even in the extremes of low and bright lighting conditions.

ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens for 4K

The AX43 features a custom lens, developed for the highest quality 4K imaging throughout its entire wide-to-telephoto range. The use of AA (advanced aspherical) lens elements ensures, even with the compact design, each scene is faithfully captured, while ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass delivers accurate colour without aberration. The ZEISS T* Coating further enhances image quality by reducing unwanted reflections, including ghosting and flare.

Lock-on AF

Enhance your tracking of moving subjects with a simple touch. Simply select your subject on the LCD touchscreen, and the AX43 will automatically adjust the tracking frame and lock onto even fast-moving targets, for precise autofocusing.

Super-sampled Full HD playback

Enhance your viewing experience even without a 4K television. Using super-sampling, the camera automatically down-converts 4K footage to exceptionally detailed Full HD.

Rapid AF response to capture decisive moments

Fast Intelligent AF achieves speedy, accurate contrast-detection autofocus by minimising lens motion, predicting the AF range, and accelerating lens drive, thereby improving response so you can capture more fleeting moments.

Extensive zoom shooting capabilities

With the high quality, stabilised, 20x optical zoom there’s plenty of range to capture your subject. And, when shooting far away, our Clear Image Zoom uses a proprietary algorithm to deliver optical-zoom quality even at up to 40x (30x in 4K mode).

Face Detection and Smile Shutter

Use Face Detection to optimise focus, exposure, and colour for key people in a shot, even selfies, so you only need compose and narrate the scene. Prioritise a face simply by touching it on the LCD. And with Smile Shutter, you can set the camera to automatically capture still shots of those magical, fleeting, smiles even while recording movies.

Golf Shot

Capture and analyse high-speed motion with no need for fancy equipment. Golf Shot mode lets you capture video and a series of stills revealing each step of the action.
4K Time-lapse CaptureWith Time-lapse Capture, shoot stills of a scene over a period of time with a chosen interval between shots. The resulting images can be combined at high resolution into a time-lapse movie on a PC, and viewed with a simple variable-speed preview function on the camera, even in high-quality 4K.

Realistic recording of voices, music and other sound

Thanks to the three-capsule mic, the AX43 microphone gathers sound from five directions and, with advanced audio processing, results in dramatically better built-in audio recording. Around 40% less background noise is captured, and you’ll enjoy better stereo, or 5.1ch surround (AVCHD) separation, for more faithful capture, clearer dialogue, and more compelling soundtracks.

High Speed recording for high-quality slow motion

With support for high frame rate capture up to 100fps/120fps in Full HD, you can create slow-motion recordings, elevating every movement in startling detail. Simply import your video in the free PlayMemories Home, or other popular editing software, to reveal smooth, sharp action in even in the most everyday activities.
Exceptional image qualityThe AX43 can capture video using the XAVC S format for high-quality images. Based on formats used for professional productions, XAVC S offers bitrates up to 100Mbps35, and highly efficient compression, for detailed images and easily manageable file sizes.

Time Code / User Bit

The AX43 can add embedded data elements to your video, for professional workflows and tracking. The Time Code function records a frame-accurate synchronisation sequence, ideal for precise edit matching in multi-camera shoots. User Bit lets you embed an eight-character reference, such as a scene number, along with your footage, for easier tracking in post-production.

Trimming Playback

You can select a specific portion of the picture and play it back in Full HD, thanks to 4K high resolution. Also, you can change trimming size with the zoom lever or on-screen display icon.

My Voice Cancelling

Reduce the intensity of the voice of a user shooting from close behind the camera, thanks to the innovative microphone and My Voice Cancelling feature.

Motion Shot Video

Use Motion Shot Video to create dramatic motion playback sequences, superimposing images of your moving subject to trace each split second of action. You can adjust the interval between images to create amazing images for sharing with friends, or use it as a powerful tool for analysing sports motion on screen.

5.1ch surround sound microphone

Record clear sound that accurately captures the atmosphere of the scene, and enjoy surround sound playback on your home theatre system. Level meters on the LCD panel provide visual monitoring for each channel level.

Highlight Movie Maker

Streamline your movie editing with Highlight Movie Maker. Using Dual Video Rec, the FDR-AX43 can simultaneously captures at 4K (3840×2160) or Full HD (1920×1080), and HD (1280×720) for both full quality storage and easy sharing. The HD (1280×720) resolutions uses an efficient MP4 video format to create quick, and automatic, HD highlight movies for immediate sharing – complete with video transitions and your choice of background music.

Multi Camera Control

More shots mean more editing opportunities. Easily record footage from a variety of angles, whether using cameras mounted directly to the Handycam or triggered wirelessly. Multi Camera Control makes it easy to sync shooting settings on compatible Wi-Fi connected devices.

Dual Video Recording

Record two movie formats at the same time—one in the maximum-quality XAVC S or AVCHD format and another in MP4 format. That way, you’ve got a small file ready for instant upload, plus a professional-grade file for further editing.

One-touch remote and one-touch sharing

One-touch remote lets you use your smartphone or tablet as a viewfinder and remote control for a digital camera, and One-touch sharing lets you transfer your photos and videos from your camera. You can control your camera from your smartphone to take a photo from a previously out-of-reach spot, or simply be in your own group shot, as well as transfer them instantly to your smartphone for sharing on SNS. Additionally by installing Imaging Edge Mobile app on an NFC enabled smartphone or tablet, you can even skip the pairing sequences simply by touching your device to the camera.