Sony FDRAX1 4K Camcorder Video Camera with 20x Optical Zoom with 3.5-Inch LCD

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Product Specifications

Capture 4K/60p video that far exceeds HD resolution
XAVC-S codec allows extended 4K/HD video recording
Professional image processor for real-time 4K / 60 fps recording

Product Description

Product Description Tell your story in four times the resolution of Full HD with the 4K camera that’s made for everyone. Shoot with the breathtaking quality of XAVC-S 4K/60p and capture professional audio with XLR mic inputs. Even take direct, manual control with zoom, focus and iris rings, plus 7 assignable buttons. The groundbreaking power of 4K is ready to capture your imagination-experience it with Sony. Let the revolution begin.

From the Manufacturer

Tell your story in four times the resolution of Full HD with the 4K camcorder that’s made for everyone. Shoot with the breathtaking quality of XAVC-S 4K/60p and capture professional audio with XLR mic inputs. Even take direct, manual control with zoom, focus and iris rings, plus 7 assignable buttons. The groundbreaking power of 4K is ready to capture your imagination—experience it with Sony. Let the revolution begin.
Technology

Capture 4K/60p video that far exceeds HD resolution Playback 4K content captured on the Sony AX1 4K camcorder on a compatible1 4K TV by simply connecting the two devices with supplied HDMI cable. Thanks to original Sony technology, Sony BRAVIA TVs especially bring out the full quality of 4K/60p recordings. Full HD monitors can also be used to enjoy this content by simply changing the menu HDMI output settings to 1920 x 1080.

XAVC-S codec allows extended 4K/HD video recording The Sony AX1 4K camcorder records 4K/HD movies in the XAVC-S format, which was developed for consumer usage based on the professional XAVC 4K/HD format. XAVC-S uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Long GOP for video and linear PCM for audio compression, while saving files in an MP4 wrapper. The XAVC-S codec allows longer recording times within a given media capacity than XAVC, making 4K recording easier and more convenient.

¹⁄₂.3” 8.3MP Exmor R® CMOS image sensor Sony’s unique Exmor R® CMOS sensor is essential to the stunning image quality that the AX1 achieves. Its back-illuminated structure featuring wiring layers on the back of a photodiode (light receiving element) dramatically boosts low-light sensitivity for shooting better, more lifelike images even in dim lighting. Sony’s cutting-edge technology also makes the camera nimble at reading massive 4K data at 60 fps.

Built-in mic w/2x additional Pro XLR jacks for external inputs In addition to a high-performance internal microphone, the AX1 features two external XLR jacks for connecting external microphones that can also be used to record superior-quality balanced audio synchronized to the video. You can also mix audio from recordings made using the internal microphone and externally connected microphones, respectively.

Sony G-lens with 20X (31.5-630mm eq.) smooth servo zoom The “G Lens” advances the Sony heritage of image processing innovation by redefining what an aspheric lens and special low-dispersion glass together can faithfully reproduce. Accordingly, the “G Lens” is specially tuned to capture qualities of definition and color that put these groundbreaking Handycam® camcorders in a class of their own. In addition, the high-quality lens offers a broad zooming range from wide-angle to 20x optical zoom (31.5-630mm 35mm equivalent), enabling an amazing range of video expression.

3 ND filters and 5 paint functions for expressive cinematic looks The AX1 features three ND filters for adjusting the amount of light entering the image sensor from the lens. There are four filter settings: Off (Clear), ¹⁄₄ filter, ¹⁄₁₆ filter and ¹⁄₆₄ filter. These filter settings give users the ability to adjust to light conditions, while maintaining desired shutter angle and aperture even on bright and sunny days.

Six paint functions (white, offset white, gamma, detail, skin detail and matrix) can be combined and adjusted in the paint menu to create expressive movie styling and cinematic looks.

Additional Features

7x assignable buttons and 3x control rings (focus/iris/zoom)

The AX1 was designed with two start/stop buttons (one on the side of the camera grip and another on the handle) for ease of use while shooting. The handle also features a zoom button that enables convenient access while shooting from low angles.

Seven assignable buttons can be programmed with functions that enable users to quickly access them without using menus. Assign functions such as Marker, Zebra, Peaking, Focus Magnifier, Auto Exposure Level, Steadyshot, Color Bars, Rec Lamp [F], Rec Lamp [R].

Two XQD card slots for high-speed 4K recording and playback

The AX1 uses XQD media cards for smooth, high-speed reading and writing of 4K video and features two XQD media slots.

A relay recording feature makes it possible to lengthen recording by automatically switching between two or more media.

The AX1 is compatible with following types of XQD media cards:

XQD media card S-series XQD media card H-series XQD media card N-series

View 4K 60P video on compatible BRAVIA TVs w/supplied HDMI cable

Playback 4K content captured on the AX1 on a 4K TV by simply connecting the two devices with supplied HDMI cable. Thanks to original Sony technology, Sony BRAVIA TVs especially bring out the full quality of 4K/60p recordings. Full HD monitors can also be used to enjoy this content by simply changing the menu HDMI output settings to 1920 x 1080.

High-quality XAVC-S up to 150Mbps 4K / 50Mbps HD recording

High quality XAVC-S can be recorded to 150Mbps. Additionally, there is also an option to record very high quality Full HD at 50Mbps with the AX1.

Zebra, Peaking, Center marker and guide frame

Have confidence in getting the setting right and not missing he shot. Tools such as Zebra, Peaking, Center Marker and Guide Frame are professional features to enable precise manual control.

Zebra: While recording, this function highlights over exposed bright areas with stripes in the LCD and viewfinder. This feedback helps users adjust brightness and prevent whiteout.

Peaking: Highlights the area’s most sharply in focus, in the LCD and viewfinder for accurate manual focusing. Users can choose white, red, yellow or blue peaking to clearly contrast with the subject and adjust the peaking level to low, medium or high.

Determine the center of your image at a glance using the Center Marker feature in the LCD or viewfinder and use the guide frame for aligning horizontal and vertical lines to ensure your captured image is within screen boundaries.

The FDR-AX1 can only playback via HDMI in 4K to BRAVIA TV as of September 4, 2013.
At time of announcement, September 4, 2013.
The use of MP4 playback devices and software does not guarantee that data can be played back in all modes.

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Product Reviews

Had a Chance to Work This One Out

I was chosen to participate in a short film contest at the Napa Valley Film Festival designed to work out the Sony 4k camera. Each filmmaker was given a Sony AX1 and had 55 hours to write and produce a short film using Sony gear. None of us had seen the camera before we were given it at the start of the contest.I absolutely loved this camera. Beautiful footage. Very easy to use, forgiving for us, even in low light. The richness and saturation we achieved was beautiful, and I saw much the same in the other projects.In my opinion, this is a great Ultra HD starter camera, reality show camera, a film school camera, a documentary camera - anywhere ease of use and set up time is critical, or following quickly unfolding action. With the fixed lens, light weight and simple operation, it can just be grabbed from the bag, turned on, and away you go. Certainly it can be applied to more “cinematic” projects, such as we did, but most experienced filmmakers will like to alter their lenses as part of their aesthetic. I’m sure this is not something SONY doesn’t know. The trade off, you have a camera that is ready to go ‘as is’ and very, very simple to use.For the type of camera it is and it’s position in the market, I think it’s excellent. It should do very well, and is a nice compliment to the 4K monitors and projectors.