Sony FDR-AX43 Handycam
FDR-AX43 Opening
The latest Sony Handycam is called the FDR AX43. Like the AX53 it’s a 4K camera with nearly all the same features as the AX53.
Recently my trusty Sony AX53 4K Handycam became not so trusty when the playback function failed. That complicated some of the backend housekeeping aspects of file management such as deleting files from the camera. It still records but it’s a bit more challenging working around that failure.
With repair estimates in the $350 to $400 range, I faced the decisions we all do in this situation. Do I repair an old electronic device or replace it? Since I’ve had the camera 4 years, its technology is 5 years old and since I tend to use it quite often, a replacement seemed the better choice.
Now, I’ve been happy with Sony Handycams so that’s where I started. What I discovered was a newly released version in the AX53 model line with a couple of feature subtractions that sold for between $100 and $150 less than my older AX53.
AX43 Features
This latest Sony Handycam is called the FDR-AX43. Like the AX53 it’s a 4K camera with nearly all the same features as the AX53.
After a comparison, I found that most of the omitted functions were ones I’d hardly ever used on my AX 53, so the reduced price tipped the scales for me.
AX43 vs. AX53 Differences
Let’s take a look at the big differences between the two models.
To start with, just about everything is the same. If you’re familiar with the AX53, then the AX43 will be like an old friend. For those who aren’t familiar with the AX53 we’ll call out some cool features and functions the two share as we go along.
But first, the differences.
The first thing you’ll notice is that the AX43 doesn’t have the EVF or electronic view finder. When I got my AX53 that was a must-have. Unfortunately, it didn’t provide the image quality I really needed to keep up with the flying model aircraft I often record. Ultimately, I almost never used it.
The next thing you’ll notice is the manual button and adjustment ring on the AX53 is missing on the AX43. This function was a way to claim a more professional feature set for those who like to adjust various camera settings.
Now I don’t mean to leave you with the impression you can’t control various camera parameters such as focus, shutter speed, exposure and the like. You can. You just access these variables via the main settings menu on the AX43.
Another really cool feature on the AX53 that I literally never used was night shot. As you might guess, it’s missing on the AX43. If shooting at night is something you need to do, go with the AX53.
The last of the more noticeable omissions is the screen resolution on the flip out screen. The AX53 has over 900 thousand dots while the AX43 has a bit over 450 thousand dots. On a small, 3 inch diagonal screen, you likely won’t notice the difference.
AX43 vs. AX53 Similarities
So, how about the big similarities? Glad you asked.
The first one I’ll mention is the BOSS system. Both the AX53 and AX 43 include this. If you’re not familiar with it, Sony placed a 3 axis gimbal in the camera body. This system, along with electronic image stabilization in some resolutions, help you produce very smooth video shots. This also saves you the expense of buying a separate gimbal for basic image stabilization.
Also related to the heart of the camera, the lens and image processors are the same.
The marketing angle for the AX 43 focusses on vloggers or video bloggers. As a result, Sony the BOSS terminology has been replaced by the word gimbal and the articulating screen is now referred to as “flip out.” Both are terms vloggers will find familiar.
There are 10 different video resolution and frame rate combinations, just like the AX 53. These include 4K at 24 and 30 frames per second and a variety of full HD frame rate choices up to 60 frames per second. It also includes a high speed recording mode selectable from the main menu. In that mode, you can record 120 frames per second for some dramatic slow motion shots.
Again, like the AX 53, the AX 43 has both mini USB and a micro HDMI outputs.
Why This Camera?
Hey, thanks for staying with me. Let’s close this out by chatting a bit about why you might want this model instead of the AX53 or a Handycam instead of a small mirrorless camera.
First you should consider cost. Getting the camera is the big expense, but depending on where you are in your journey in videography, you may need a fair amount of support gear.
That gear includes a bag or backpack, it includes memory cards and if you plan to do a lot of outdoor shooting, it probably means some lens covers or filters such as a UV filter for UV and scratch protection. It also means a set of neutral density filters to block some of the light on the really bright days to keep the automatic functions of the camera from driving up the ISO and shutter speed variables to deal with the brightness.
All those things cost money and while some vendors include some of them in combo packs, those combos usually add to the cost of the camera alone but can still be an economical choice.
As for a mirrorless camera, if vlogging is your primary thing, they’re appealing due to the small form factor and ability to change out lenses. However, all that all comes with a price. A nice Sony mirrorless camera can easily set you back over $1200.
If you think your video shooting might be more family or travel related, having a dedicated video camera can be a valuable addition to your camera collection. Handycams generally don’t have the file size limits you’ll find on mirrorless cameras. You can turn it on and it will record until you run out of media memory or battery power. So, if recording the kid’s soccer or little league game is important, a camcorder is a better choice.
I’ve taken my Handycams to Germany and Israel as well as all over the United States and found them easy to hold in my hands or keep in a pocket — and the recordings were stunning.
Next is features. As I discovered with my AX 53, there were features I paid for on the AX 53 that I just never needed or used. After reviewing the differences between the two cameras in some detail, the AX 43 has more than enough capability for family shooter , a skilled enthusiast level videographer or even a pro who needs some B-roll or needs to cover a quick fill-in shot.
All in all, I can enthusiastically recommend the FDR-AX43 Handycam. Having a dedicated video camera in a small form factor is a great way to document your activities, travels or your blog.
