Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K Video Camera with 3.5-Inch LCD (Black)
Brand | Sony |
Connectivity Technology | NFC |
Flash Memory Type | Memory Stick |
Color | Black |
Special Feature | image-stabilization |
Screen Size | 3.5 Inches |
Optical Zoom | 12 |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Camcorder type | Video Camera |
Model Name | FDR-AX100/B |
About this item
- Capture 4k/30p video that far exceeds HD resolution, High-frame-rate shooting at 120p
- 1" Exmor R CMOS sensor with Direct Pixel Read Out
- 14MP resolution video and 20MP still image capture
- Advanced BIONZ X image processing engine for higher speed and peerless quality
- Speaker : Monaural Speaker.Filter Diameter:2.44 inches
- Lens Type: Fixed-Zoom
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Top Brand: Sony
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This Item Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K Video Camera with 3.5-Inch LCD (Black) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $1,155.00$1,155.00 | $612.99$612.99 | $229.00$229.00 | -12% $1,099.00$1,099.00 List: $1,249.00 | $1,292.95$1,292.95 | $328.00$328.00 |
Delivery | Get it Apr 2 - 3 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Picture quality | 4.5 | 4.3 | — | 3.7 | 4.7 | 4.1 |
Zoom | 4.3 | 4.5 | — | 4.4 | 4.5 | — |
Image stabilization | 4.2 | 4.3 | — | 3.9 | 4.3 | — |
Battery life | 5.0 | 3.8 | — | — | — | 4.1 |
Sold By | Stauffer Industries LLC | Amazon.com | PIXIBYTES | Amazon.com | DSB Electronics | Focus Camera LLC |
model name | FDR-AX100/B | HV-V785K | — | CNHFG70 | FDR-AX100/B | HDRCX405 HDR-CX405/B Handycam |
display size | 3.5 inches | 3 inches | 2.7 inches | 3.5 inches | 3.5 inches | 2.7 inches |
digital zoom | 160 multiplier x | 60 multiplier x | 350 multiplier x | 800 multiplier x | 160 multiplier x | 30 multiplier x |
optical zoom | — | 20 multiplier x | 30 multiplier x | 20 multiplier x | — | 30 multiplier x |
video resolution | 4K | 1080p | 1080p | 4K | 4K | 1080p |
connectivity tech | NFC | Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI | USB | USB | Wi-Fi, NFC | USB |
shooting modes | Slow Motion | Automatic | Automatic | Slow Motion, Fast Motion, Face Detection | — | Automatic, Easy, Movie |
What's in the box
From the manufacturer
4K Camcorder with 1" sensor
Capture your vision in breathtaking 4K Ultra HD with the camcorder that fits in the palm of your hand. Sporting resolution that’s four times clearer than HD, this changes everything. Footage is captured with true cinematic depth thanks to the 1” image sensor and video is recorded with total versatility in mind: XAVC S2, AVCHD and MP4. Put one in your hand and tell your story in 4K.
Technology
Technology
Compatible Models
AC-L200/AC-VQV10/BC-QM1/BC-TRV/HVL-F20M/HVL-LE1/HVL-LEIR1/ECM-AW4/ECM-CG60/ECM-GZ1M/ECM-W1M/ECM-XYST1M/XLR-K1M/XLR-K2M/RM-VPR1/VCT-MP1/VCT-R100/VCT-R640/VCT-VPR1/VF-62CPAM/VF-62MPAM/LCS-U21/LCS-U30/ADP-MAC/NP-FV100A/NP-FV50A/NP-FV70A/AC-UD11
Depending on the model, the operation may be restricted or additional accessory products may be required. Please refer the manufacture site for details.
Recommended Accessories
NP-FV70A | XLR-K2M | ECM-XYST1M | ECM-AW4 | ECM-GZ1M | VCT-VPR1 | |
Customer Reviews
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
221
|
3.5 out of 5 stars
37
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4.3 out of 5 stars
633
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3.9 out of 5 stars
206
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4.2 out of 5 stars
721
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4.6 out of 5 stars
275
|
Accessory Type
| Battery | Microphone | Microphone | Microphone | Microphone | Tripod |
Product name
| Rechargeable Battery Pack | Adapter Kit and Microphone | Mic For Multi-Interface Shoe | Wireless Microphone | Gun zoom microphone | Remote Control Tripod |
Compatibility with FDR-AX100
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Dimensions
| 1 5/16 X 1 11/16 X 1 13/16 in | - | - | - | - | - |
Weight
| 3.2 oz (89 g) | - | 3.53 oz | - | - | - |
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Product Dimensions | 9.57 x 6.61 x 5.39 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 1.74 pounds |
ASIN | B00HNJWVIA |
Item model number | FDRAX100/B |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Customer Reviews |
3.8 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #286,461 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #866 in Camcorders |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | January 6, 2014 |
Manufacturer | Sony |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Videos
Videos for this product
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Customer Review: Great picture for indoor stage.
J. McFarling
Product Description
Product Description
Capture your vision in breathtaking 4K Ultra HD with the camcorder that fits in the palm of your hand. Sporting resolution that"s four times clearer than HD, this changes everything. Footage is captured with true cinematic depth thanks to the 1" image sensor and video is recorded with total versatility in mind: XAVCS, AVCHD and MP4. Put one in your hand and tell your story in 4K. NFC: Yes (NFC forum Type 3 Tag compatible)
From the Manufacturer
4K Camcorder with 1" sensor
Capture your vision in breathtaking 4K Ultra HD with the camcorder that fits in the palm of your hand. Sporting resolution that’s four times clearer than HD, this changes everything. Footage is captured with true cinematic depth thanks to the 1” image sensor and video is recorded with total versatility in mind: XAVC S2, AVCHD and MP4. Put one in your hand and tell your story in 4K.
Technology
Capture 4k/30p video that far exceeds HD resolution
Capture the finest details in 4k (Full HD 4x resolution , QFHD: 3840 x 2160). This camcorder allows incredibly high resolution, to produce vibrant and extremely realistic images. What’s more, the blazingly fast image processor is the same one employed in professional Sony models, making it possible to record 30p movies at the camera’s full resolution for incredibly smooth and sharp playback, with no loss in realism, even when panning the camera and shooting moving subjects.
1” Exmor R CMOS sensor w/ Direct Pixel Read Out
The camcorder features Sony's first 1.0" Exmor R CMOS sensor. The back-illuminated technology improves low-light sensitivity and combines with Sony's Column A/D Conversion to reduce noise by 50%. This is great when shooting in dimly lit environments such as night landscapes or indoor scenes.
14MP resolution video and 20MP still image capture
Create cinematic video with 14MP resolution sensor (for video) and high quality 20MP still images.
Versatile shooting w/ XAVC-S, AVCHD and MP4 codecs
The FDR-AX100 records HD movies in the XAVC-S format, which uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 for video compression and linear PCM for audio compression, while saving files in a MP42 wrapper. The highly compressed files allow extensive record times. The camcorder also records in AVCHD, ideal for quality video for HDTV and Blu-ray disc burning. Additionally, the camcorder can shoot MP4 HD video, which is ideal for sharing over the internet at up to 28Mbps. Having the ability to switch between all three of three formats makes this camcorder an ideal tool that is versatile for creating content to live in a number of different environments.
Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* lens w/ 12x optical zoom
The FDR-AX100 comes equipped with a newly developed Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens that has cleared a series of tough performance tests. Not only is this 29mm wide-angle lens ideal for capturing grand landscapes, but it covers wide-ranging image expression thanks to maximum 12x optical zoom and 24x Clear Image zoom
Multi-interface Accessory Shoe for system accessories
Users can expand photographic and movie shooting possibilities by attaching optional accessories via the Multi Interface Shoe, including an electronic viewfinder, powerful external flash and stereo microphone. You can also connect with a compatible remote control via Multi Terminal.
Additional Features
BIONZ X Processor enables high Speed rec 120fps
The new BIONZ X image processor enables the camcorder to create more naturally vivid and lifelike image quality, and higher resolution imagery. Notable features of BIONZ X technology include: 1. Detail reproduction technology optimally filters edges and textures differently depending on the scene. 2. Area specific noise reduction swiftly and efficiently analyzes the subject and reduces noise. This new image processing technology achieves an even better balance of exceptional detail and advanced noise control. Its ability to record at 120p enables slow-motion playback at one-fifth the speed in a 24p environment in post-processing.
Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization w/ Active Mode
Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization with Intelligent Active Mode is an advanced optical image stabilization technology that corrects camera shake to capture scenes with phenomenal smoothness and stability. Intelligent Active Mode analyzes video frames and provides compensation with assistance from the new BIONZ X image processing engine. Whether recording movies while strolling on vacation, shooting while chasing a child, or zooming in to capture faraway subjects, Handycam’s simple solution smoothly reproduces the scene with a higher level of stability.
High contrast 0.39 OLED EVF for eye-level framing"
The FDR-AX100 employs high contrast a 0.39” OLED Tru-Finder EVF which reproduces rich color and deep black. A new optical design of the EVF, using four dual-surface aspherical lenses, allows for a 33-degree wide angle view that is amazing clear through the edge of the view finder.
Large 3.5 Xtra Fine LCD (921K) "
The 3.5” (16:9) Xtra Fine LCD screen (921K) displays sharp, bright, vivid images, letting you compose a shot more easily - even outdoors, while enabling you to change settings to best represent the scene.
NFC smartphone linking - Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi
Connectivity with smartphones for One-touch sharing/One-touch remote has been simplified with Wi-Fi/NFC control. In addition to Wi-Fi support for connecting to smartphones, the FDR-AX100 also supports NFC (near field communication) providing “touch connection” convenience when transferring images to Android smartphones and tablets. Users need only touch devices to connect; no complex set-up is required. Moreover, when using Smart Remote Control — a feature that allows shutter release to be controlled by a smartphone — connection between FDR-AX100 and the smartphone can be established by simply touching devices.
1Requires NFC-compatible mobile device. Check device’s user manual for compatibility. 2Class 10+ SDXC memory card is required for recording in XAVC S
2014 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, Exmor R, BIONZ and the Sony logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Features and specifications subject to change without notice.
Read about our customers' top-rated camcorders on our review page: Camcorders
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the image quality, ND filter, and ease of use of the camcorder. They mention that the video quality is excellent, and the low light capabilities are outstanding. They appreciate the 3-stage ND filters that allows for bright environments, and that the manual controls are intuitive. Customers are also satisfied with appearance, and quality. However, some customers differ on focusing, performance, and weight.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the image quality of the camcorder. They say that the picture quality is great when locked down on a tripod, and the video quality is excellent. They also mention that the clear zoom is very nice, and helps to see more with the lens. They appreciate the ability to record 4K video at 30 fps.
"...I also find the viewfinder to be be very impressive...." Read more
"...The image has very little noise compared to smaller sensor cameras. I used 2 of them to shoot a musical at my sons High School...." Read more
"...Not so with the Sony camera. Granted, the audio quality IS still very good, the camera is intuitive in that regard...but if you like to micro-..." Read more
"...It's a very compact camcorder that takes excellent video given its form factor...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the camcorder. They say it's an impressive video camera, the best one they've ever owned, and a great 4K camcorders when used for that mode. The lens on the camera is top notch, and the quality is excellent. Some mention that it'd be a better camera for long-shoot video, and that the low light recording is very good. Overall, customers are happy with the product's performance and reliability.
"...So glad I did. I love this camera. It has a ton of manual controls available and it does a great job in full auto when you don't have time to mess..." Read more
"...- Better Camera for Long-Shoot Video - My Canon G30 tends to do a digital "break" in video at about 15 mins...its fairly seemless, but I can..." Read more
"...The larger pickup in the Sony makes for great low-light performance...." Read more
"...Low light recording is very good, but introduces noise (which also happens with many other cameras), in a practical setting there is much more to..." Read more
Customers like the appearance of the camcorder. They say it has a very professional finish, an ultra modern style, and the 4K quality is stunning in most settings. Customers also appreciate the zoom and internal ND filters.
"...The zoom capability, even using some digital zoom, is also very impressive...." Read more
"...At 1080p, the AX100 looks great! I don't have a 4K TV or monitor yet, but viewing the 4K footage on my Retina MacBook Pro..." Read more
"...This camera is just another tool for a production. GH4 looks great on paper too, but I don't want to deal with sensor dirt in the field, and I..." Read more
"...If I panned extremely slowly, the pans came out looking very good. It was horrible when zoomed out too much...." Read more
Customers like the ease of use of the camcorder. They say that the setup is fairly simple and straightforward, and the manual controls are WAY more intuitive than they are on the Canon Vixia G30. They love the fact that you can go almost 100% manual with settings. The materials feel premium, and it has a great wheel for changing settings manually quickly. Overall, customers are happy with the ease-of-use of the product and the incredible video it produces.
"...The manual controls are WAY more intuitive than they are on the Canon Vixia G30, so that's a big bonus for me, because I typically use this camera..." Read more
"...Sure you have some manual settings / dials / knobs, but they are easy to figure out and even the manual is very thin and can be read in 5 mins...." Read more
"...It's the only 4K out there that is small enough, and easy to use, as a camcorder ... and it still does AVCHD if you insist...." Read more
"...Was able to set manually and separately (separate buttons on the camera and not covered by the lcd) exposure, shutter speed, gain..." Read more
Customers appreciate the built-in 3-stage ND filter and the neutral density filter for bright environments with 3 settings.
"...I almost forgot to mention that it has built in ND filters!!!!! On a consumer camera that is amazing...." Read more
"...Built-in 3-stage ND filter! Yee haw!- Note: in the picture, there's a Auto/Manual switch on the back of the camera...." Read more
"...The camera also integrates a neutral density filter for bright environments with 3 settings that can be operated automatically or manually...." Read more
"...Update 3/30/14 Heres more of what I know. I like the built in ND filters and full manual exposure control a lot...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the performance of the camcorder. Some mention that it works well, does a great job in full auto, and produces really nice results. However, others say that it stopped working less than a year after they bought it, the IS is not terribly effective, and it becomes almost impractical to use.
"...It has a ton of manual controls available and it does a great job in full auto when you don't have time to mess around to get that shot...." Read more
"...This just makes the camcorder that much more usable...." Read more
"This camera stopped working less than a year after I bought it. Sony doesn’t even fix it anymore. Complete rip off." Read more
"...The camera is built for low-light recording and does a very good job, but as expected, it also introduces noise in the shot...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the focusing of the camcorder. Some mention that the optical zoom is very good, the focus point is clear, and the two levels of zoom on the focus magnifier. The 1 inch chip helps with depth of field and low light, and features including the zoom/focus ring on the lens, EVF that tilts up, and Wi-Fi file. However, some say that the cam is great for event photography, but it takes too long to focus when they zoom in.
"...The zoom capability, even using some digital zoom, is also very impressive...." Read more
"...Slow/Overactive Focus - The camera is constantly seeking to find a focus point in auto mode, so you have to get used to that...." Read more
"...However I think my favorite feature is the two levels of zoom on the focus magnifier (it has it's own dedicated physical button)...." Read more
"...The AX100 has an integrated autofocus system that works by contrast so it will work best when the light conditions introduce contrasts in the scene..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the weight of the camcorder. Some mention that the form factor is just right, while others say that it is large, bulky, and all plastic. The lens design is said to be gigantic, and the battery is said be large. Some say that the LCD screen can be too small to tell if the object is in focus.
"...about the size and weight but I have big hands and it is perfectly sized for my taste...." Read more
"...- Lense Design - The Sony lense is gigantic! Getting a UV filter big enough to cover this lense took a little more time...." Read more
"...it in your hand, you'll be pleasantly surprise that it's fairly light given its volume. For me, the form factor is just right...." Read more
"...If not, just buy it. It's the only 4K out there that is small enough, and easy to use, as a camcorder ... and it still does AVCHD if you..." Read more
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The zoom capability, even using some digital zoom, is also very impressive. I haven't had much time with it yet to unleash its' full potential but I call this camcorder a no brainer for anyone interested in getting into 4K. I do wish it had dual SD slots but that isn't a huge problem. I also find the viewfinder to be be very impressive. I did end up in a situation where sunlight was just too much and the viewfinder came in handy big time.
Some complain about the size and weight but I have big hands and it is perfectly sized for my taste. It's also smaller than my last HD camcorder (a Canon Prosumer) so I guess it's right where I expect it to be size wise and I love the weight of it. I wouldn't want to pay this much for something that is too light, plus I think weight on a camcorder in the hand is an important thing as it can help you stabilize things better during hand-held shots. My opinion of course but I highly recommend this if you're wanting to get into 4K.
The controls are also the best I've used on a prosumer camera. The controls are not as good as my PMW200 but in many ways the picture is better on the AX100. I love having the 3 dedicated buttons to control shutter, iris and gain with the smaller wheel. However I think my favorite feature is the two levels of zoom on the focus magnifier (it has it's own dedicated physical button). My PMW200 only has one level and it is often not enough. With the AX100 I can easily see it I have sharp focus. The screen and viewfinder are also both very nice. I almost forgot to mention that it has built in ND filters!!!!! On a consumer camera that is amazing.
Thank you Sony, you have hit it out of the park with this camera. I had purchased the significantly more expensive FDRAX1 and returned it because of focus problems and the processor not being able to keep up when shooting in 60p (controls would lag significantly). The image quality on the AX100 is much better as well (far less noisy).
Things I'd love to see in the next version. (or a Pro Version of the AX100) - These are picky and none are deal breakers.
- Dual SD slots. (Cards don't fail very often but when they do it can be very very bad)
- Lens protection that doesn't require a cap.
- Put the focus magnification button where the photo button is or at least let me reprogram them. (The focus mag. is hard to find in the dark)
- The zoom is a little slow (I don't remember seeing an option in the menu to speed it up).
- 60p would be nice when processors get a bit faster. (I'd rather have only 30p than a fan or slow performance like on the FDRAX1). I actually prefer the look of 30p but 60p would be nice for slow motion or sports.
- 4K Quality @ 30fps - This is the biggest bonus on this camera, and the 4K quality is indeed stunning in most settings. However, I film in low-light settings a lot, and once you get into that territory, the 4K quality degrades to basically 1080p @ 30fps. Also, the file size for 4K is 6-8 times greater than any 1080p-level video. So it becomes almost impractical to use, especially if you record a 30-40 minute show
- Simplicity of Use - The touch screen does require a firmer touch than I'm used to (note: concerned about the longevity of the touchscreen), but the menu setup is fairly simple and straight-forward. The manual controls are WAY more intuitive than they are on the Canon Vixia G30, so that's a big bonus for me, because I typically use this camera on a tripod to give me a full-stage/broader video shot.
- Customization of Camera Settings Somewhat Limited - So, I just said the simplicity of use is great, right? Well, the upshot of that is: if you want to micro-customize your audio/video settings, then this Sony camera won't let you do that. You easily have a myriad of audio recording settings on the Canon G30 (consequently, it's the BEST camera to record live music audio!). Not so with the Sony camera. Granted, the audio quality IS still very good, the camera is intuitive in that regard...but if you like to micro-manage your settings like I do, that freedom doesn't exist on this Sony camera.
- Slow/Overactive Focus - The camera is constantly seeking to find a focus point in auto mode, so you have to get used to that. This happens often in low-light music performances, or when fog machines kick in, or lights move a lot. That's really my one biggest complaint keeping this from being a 5 star review, but I seldom have that problem with the Canon G30...faster focusing processor really makes a difference in how this camera gets used. What that means when you are, say, filming an airshow, that's hard to say...haven't tried that yet.
- Better Camera for Long-Shoot Video - My Canon G30 tends to do a digital "break" in video at about 15 mins...its fairly seemless, but I can lose a few milliseconds of audio in that process. But that's not an issue with this camera, it easily filmed a full 40 min band set as one digital file, and I think went almost an hour for another show I did before doing a video break. Big plus for the Sony camera!
- Low-light Quality is Pretty Good, But Not Spectacular - I would say this camera is marginally lower in terms of picture quality than my Canon G30 is, in low-light (note: only tested in 4K setting, have not tried 1080)...which is surprising, because the lense on the Sony is gigantic. Again, in brighter/mid-level lighting, the Sony camera surpasses my Canon, though
- Rolling Shutter Issues Are Noticeable - If you move around a lot in low-lighting, then the rolling shutter issues in 4K mode that you see other reviews talk about are noticeable. But in 1080p @ 30fps or 60fps, it's practically non-existent...no different than my Canon G30.
- Steadycam Quality is Very Good - There's always a compromise between image quality and steadiness when you use a camera's steadycam mode. But the Sony camera was comparable to the Canon G30 in this department...until you do a long or fast pan shot, whereby the rolling shutter issues can come into play. I guess what I'm saying though is that the steadycam mode is effective and doesn't make the rolling shutter any worse, at least.
- Sturdy Build/Weight - Some folks complain about the build quality, but in comparison to the Canon G30, it feels a lot more durable. It is slightly heavier, so that may come into play if you use the camera handheld, for long periods of time. But I get arm cramps with the Canon G30 just the same as with the Sony...it's not the weight, just the unnatural holding position, so the weight is not really an issue for me.
- Lense Design - The Sony lense is gigantic! Getting a UV filter big enough to cover this lense took a little more time. But just like the Canon G30, this camera comes with a wind/glare guard that attaches to the front...the Canon G30 windguard has a flap you can lower, so it's easy to leave that windguard on and just open or close the flap when you go from shots. The Sony camera doesn't have that...you have to hold on to your lense cap then put that in place (or tether the lense cap to you camera). I can see the possibility of losing the lense cap is higher with the Sony because of this, but it's a very minor difference.
So overall, if I were to do this over again...I might have just bought another Canon G30 (or G40 now), but that doesn't mean this camera is not useful for you, because it DOES have a lot of positives going for it. But while you're shopping around, keep these points in mind.
***UPDATE: After using this camera for stormchasing, I've discovered that it has a very intuitive sensor in mid-to-low level light after all, and it can see things BETTER than my naked eyes can see sometimes when looking at cloud formations. So this camera does have that going for it now!!***
Top reviews from other countries
In my application, I used the HDMI out from this camera to an external monitor during the video shoot.
BUT - as soon as I pressed "record" on the camera, it would black out the external signal to the monitor. Too bad!