About the Sony FDR-AX43A Handycam®
Smooth 4K for a fast-moving world
This 4K camcorder features an easy-to-use touchscreen that rotates and tilts to help you capture the perfect shot.
Smooth 4K for a fast-moving world
Sony's powerful FDR-AX43A Handycam makes it easy to capture crisp 4K footage on the go. Designed for comfortable handheld shooting, this camera features a 3" rotating LCD touchscreen that lets you monitor your video feed or get that selfie just right.
Use built-in Wi-FI to wirelessly transfer footage and share it online. You can even get a live view of the camera's feed and control it remotely with a connected mobile device.
Steady as she goes
This camcorder's Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilizer uses an internal gimbal system to keep your recordings smooth and steady, even while you're running or zoomed in on a subject. This makes the FDR-AX43A a great tool for action-packed videos for social media, but also family videos like a kid's soccer game or a wild six-year-old's birthday party.
Clear sound
A built-in three-capsule microphone ensures that you're capturing clean, detailed audio to match the high-quality video. You can record in either stereo or 5.1 surround sound. The camera's 3.5mm mic input also makes it compatible with a wide range of optional mics (sold separately).
Intuitive controls
The FDR-AX43A is loaded with helpful features and modes like Face Detection and Fader Effects. And all the settings you need to edit and manage your content are right on the camcorder's LCD touchscreen. There's even a dedicated Highlight Movie Maker button that will automatically create short HD videos for you. If you want to display a movie on a 4K TV, you can trim the frame to match the screen just by tracing your finger on the touchscreen. And if you're using an an older TV, the camera will automatically down-convert from 4K to Full HD (1080p) for you.
Product highlights:
- shoots crystal-clear 4K video optimized for 16:9 aspect ratio
- 1/2.5" Exmor R® CMOS sensor for excellent low light performance (approx. 8.29 megapixels)
- BIONZ X™ image processing engine for vivid, lifelike images
- 26.8mm wide-angle ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens
- 20X optical zoom
- Clear Image (digital) Zoom: 30X in 4K, 40X in HD
- built-in gimbal with Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilizer
- high-performance AF (Auto Focus) algorithm keeps moving subjects in focus
- flip-out, tilting 3" Xtra Fine LCD touchscreen (921,600 dots) makes vlogging easy
- comfortable design for handheld shooting
- three-capsule microphone records clear 5.1-channel and stereo sound
- high-bitrate recording in XAVC S™ format
- records at 100 Mbps (4K) or 50 Mbps (HD)
- can capture 4K (or Full HD) and HD simultaneously
- HD records in MP4 format for easy sharing
Special features:
- built-in Wi-Fi lets you control your camera with a compatible smartphone
- NFC (near field communication) for wireless remote control and image transfer with Android™ devices
- image sharing requires Imaging Edge Mobile app
- manual pairing with iOS® and other devices
- capture time-lapse videos in 4K
- high-speed HD recording (up to 120p)
- dedicated Highlight Movie Maker button for creating short HD movies
- scene selection helps you match your settings to your environment and subject (Auto, Night Scene, Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Beach, Snow)
- AE Modes auto-adjust aperture and shutters speed for exposure that matches your subject's brightness (AE Lock, AE Tracking)
- helpful automated features like Face Detection, Red-Eye Reduction, Cinematone, Golf Shot, Fader Effects, and more
Connections:
- multi-interface accessory shoe for optional system accessories
- 3.5mm mic input and 3.5mm headphone jack
General info and included accessories:
- battery life: 3.9 hours
- dimensions (measured by Crutchfield): 2-7/8"W x 3-3/16"H x 5-5/8"D
- weight: 1.3 lbs.
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # FDRAX43A/B
What's in the box:
Sony FDR-AX43A Handycam® owner's manual
- 4K camcorder
- NP-FV70A Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (7.3V / 1900 mAh / 13.8Wh)
- AC-L200D AC adapter with attached 67" DC output cord (DC output: 8.4V / 1.7A)
- 40" AC power cord (non-polarized C7 to NEMA 1-15 plug)
- 23" USB cable (Type A USB on one end and Micro-B USB on other end)
- 39" HDMI cable (full-sized HDMI connector on one end and Micro HDMI connector on other end)
- Operating Instructions
- Reference Guide
- Limited Warranty (US + Canada)
- Accessories sheet
- Product Registration sheet
Customer reviews for Sony FDR-AX43A Handycam®
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More details on the Sony FDR-AX43A Handycam®
Features & specs
General | ||
---|---|---|
LCD Screen Size (inches) | 3.0 | |
Viewfinder | None | |
Total Pixel Count | 8.57 MP | |
Effective Pixel Count for Video | 8.29 MP | |
4K Video | Yes | |
High-Definition | Yes | |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | |
Manual Focusing | Yes | |
Filter Diameter | 55mm | |
Optical Zoom | 20 x | |
Night Imaging | Night Scene | |
Image Stabilization | Optical | |
Built-in Video Light | No | |
Built-in Memory | None | |
Max Recording Time w/ Included Battery | 160 min | |
Digital Still Camera Features | ||
Effective Pixel Count for Stills | 8.29 MP | |
Built-in Photo Flash | No | |
Still Image Aspect Ratios | 16:9, 4:3 | |
Inputs and Outputs | ||
USB Port | Micro-B | |
HDMI Output | Micro | |
Mic Input | 3.5mm | |
Dimensions | ||
Weight With Battery (ounces) | 21.1 | |
Width (inches) | 2-7/8 | |
Height (inches) | 3-3/16 | |
Depth (inches) | 5-5/8 | |
Warranty | ||
Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
Labor Warranty | 1 Year | |
Image Sensor Warranty | 1 Year |
Product Research
Features
Overview: The Sony FDR-AX43A 4K Handycam is a compact 4K camcorder that is ideal for Content Creators. It has many advanced features, including a built-in gimbal mechanism for excellent image stabilization, a 20x optical zoom lens, and a video-optimized 1/2.5" CMOS image sensor. The AX43A has a 3" flip-out, tilting LCD touch screen monitor for easy scene composition from almost any angle. The camcorder has the following dimensions: Width 2.875", Height 3.153", Depth 5.573" (6.782" with battery); Weight 18 ounces (21.1 oz. with battery).
Image Sensor: The AX43A is equipped with a video-optimized 1/2.5" Exmor R® CMOS image sensor with 8.29 effective megapixels for video, 8.29 MP for 16:9 still images and 6.22 MP for 4:3 still images. The back-illuminated sensor brings out the incredible detail of 4K resolution with increased sensitivity that enables high-quality movies in low light. The sensor is coupled with the BIONZ X processing engine.
Lens: The camcorder has a 26.8mm wide-angle ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 20x zoom lens that is specifically-designed for high-resolution 4K movie recording. Its focal length for 16:9 video and still images is 26.8mm-536.0mm, and 32.8mm-656.0mm for 4:3 stills. At the wide angle setting, the lens can focus down to 0.4" (13/32") from your subject. At the telephoto end, the minimum focus distance is 31.5". The lens has a 55mm filter thread that accepts optional screw-on filters.
3" LCD Touchscreen Monitor: The 3.0" Xtra Fine touch screen LCD flips out from the camcorder body, and can rotate backward up to 90° for high -angle shots and rotate forward up to 180° for framing low-angle shots and selfies. When rotated forward past 90°, the image on the screen flips for proper viewing from in front of the lens. The 3" LCD has 921,600 dots (1440 x 640) and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The AX43A does not have a separate viewfinder.
Balanced Optical SteadyShot: The FDR-AX43A features Sony's unique Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization system that includes a built-in gimbal mechanism. Balanced OSS is about 13 times more effective than other optical stabilization systems, allowing you to capture smooth images, even at full zoom or while running.
Microphones: To capture high quality audio with your video, the AX43A features a three mic capsule structure that allows it to pickup sound from five directions. This design results in clearer sound, better stereo separation, and up to 40% less noise (compared to the FDR-AX33). The built-in Multi-Interface (MI) shoe lets you attach and connect an optional external microphone, such as the ECM-B10. A 3.5mm microphone input is provided for connecting other external mics.
Multi-Interface Shoe: The camcorder is equipped with Sony's versatile Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe, located on the top of the camcorder under a removable cover. The MI Shoe is used for attaching accessories, such as video lights, flashes, or microphones. When a compatible microphone is attached, power for the microphone is obtained from the camcorder through the MI Shoe--no batteries required. At the same time, the audio picked up from the microphone is fed through the MI Shoe contacts, instead of requiring a mic cable.
Video Recording Formats: The camcorder can record 4K and HD videos in the following formats:
File Format | Rec Mode | Bit-rate | Resolution (Frame Rate) |
---|---|---|---|
XAVC S 4K | 60 Mbps | Max 60 Mbps | 3840 x 2160 (30p) |
3840 x 2160 (24p) | |||
100 Mbps | Max 100 Mbps | 3840 x 2160 (30p) | |
3840 x 2160 (24p) | |||
XAVC S HD | 50 Mbps | Approx 50 Mbps | 1920 x 1080 (60p) |
1920 x 1080 (30p) | |||
1920 x 1080 (24p) | |||
100 Mbps | Approx 100 Mbps | 1920 x 1080 (120p) | |
60 Mbps | Approx 60 Mbps | 1920 x 1080 (120p) | |
AVCHD | FX (Highest Quality) | Max 24 Mbps | 1920 x 1080 (60i) |
1920 x 1080 (24p) | |||
FH (High Quality) | Avg 17 Mbps | 1920 x 1080 (60i) | |
1920 x 1080 (24p) | |||
HQ (Standard) | Avg 9 Mbps | 1440 x 1080 (60i) | |
LP (Long Time) | Avg 5 Mbps | 1440 x 1080 (60i) | |
PS (60p Quality) | Max 28 Mpbs | 1020 x 1080 (60p) |
Photo Recording: You can record JPEG still images in the Photo Mode in three sizes and two aspect ratios:
Size | 16:9 | 4:3 |
---|---|---|
Large | 16.6 MP 5440 x 3056 | 12.5 MP 4080 x 3056 |
Medium | 8.3 MP 3840 x 2160 | 6.2 MP 2880 x 2160 |
Small | 2.1 MP 1920 x 1080 | 0.3MP 640 x 480 |
Recording Media: The camcorder accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC, as well as Memory Stick PRO duo memory cards, for recording videos and photos. The types and speeds of memory card depends upon the recording format:
Recording Format | Supported Memory Cards | ||
---|---|---|---|
AVCHD | SD/SDHC/SDXC microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC Class 4 or faster, or U1 or faster | Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2) Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo Memory Stick Micro M2 | |
XAVC S | 4K 60 Mbps 4K 100 Mbps HD 50 Mbps | SD/SDHC/SDXC microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC Class 10 or faster, or U1 or faster | |
4K 100 Mbps HD 100 Mbps | SD/SDHC/SDXC microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC Class 10 or faster, or U3 or faster | ||
Photos | SD/SDHC/SDXC microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC Class 4 or faster, or U1 or faster | Memory Stick PRO Duo Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo Memory Stick Micro M2 |
Highlight Movie Maker: The FDR-AX43A features a versatile automatic in-camera movie editing function to streamline movie editing. With the push of an on-screen button, Highlight Movie Maker automatically creates 4K or HD movies out of several of your clips by picking highlight moments in your footage like zooming or points you select during recording. The camcorder automatically syncs movie transitions to your chosen soundtrack, or you can create your own custom transitions. Once completed, you can share your movie highlights as MP4 clips on social media via a smartphone.
4K Time-Lapse: The camcorder lets you capture 4K (8.3MP) or HD (2.1MP) still images continuously over an extensive period of time at a selected constant interval. You can choose an interval of 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, or 60 seconds, and number of shots (1 to 999). Using the PlayMemories Home software (available with a free download), you can compile the images into a time-lapse movie with background music.
Connections: The AX43A has the following connections:
- HDMI: Micro HDMI (Type D) for use with included cable. HDMI output resolution can be set to 2160p/1080p, 1080p, 1080i, 720p, or Auto.
- Multi-Micro USB: Micro-B USB port for use with included USB cable, or optional VMC15MR2 A/V cable
- Microphone: 3.5mm input with plug-in power
- Headphones: 3.5mm output for plugging in optional headphones for monitoring audio
- DC In Jack: Proprietary input for use with the supplied AC-L200D AC adapter and charger
Battery: The camcorder is powered by the included NP-FV70A Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (7.3 volts, 1900 mAh, 13.8 Wh). The estimated charging, recording, and playback time for the battery is as follows:
Battery Pack | Recording Time | Playback Time | Charging Time | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Continuous | Typical | In Camcorder | Via Computer | ||
NP-FV70A (included) | 160 minutes | 80 minutes | 280 minutes | 3 hrs 10min | 8 hrs 55 min |
Wi-Fi: The AX43A has built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n - 2.4 GHz) for the following wireless functions:
- Send to Computer: recorded movies and photos can be transferred and saved to your computer
- Transfer to Smartphone or Tablet: recorded movies (MP4) and photos can be transferred to your smartphone or tablet. Requires Imaging Edge Mobile to be installed on your smart device. The transfer can take place using the NFC function on compatible devices.
- Use Smart Device as Remote: operate the camcorder using your smartphone or tablet. Imaging Edge Mobile required on the device.
- Play Images on TV: play movies and photos wirelessly on a network-capable TV without connecting with a cable
- Multi-Camera Control: record images on the camcorder and several action cams which support multi-connection simultaneously via Wi-Fi
Available Software: Some features and functions require additional software loaded on your computer or mobile device:
- Imaging Edge Mobile: This application allows you to transfer still images and videos to a smartphone, control the camcorder via smartphone or tablet, and provide location information to images captured by the camcorder. Imaging Edge Mobile is available for iPhone/iPad (iOS 14.8 or later) and Android devices (Android 8.0 and up).
- PlayMemories Home: PlayMemories Home software enables you to manage and edit videos and photos on your computer, as well as organize your photos/videos by date, and share footage with others. PlayMemories Home is compatible with computers running Windows 8.1, 10, and 11 or Mac OS X v10.10-10.11 / macOS 10.12-10.13.
The Sony FDR-AX43A Handycam® replaces these items
Sony Handycam® FDR-AX43
- Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization with 5-axis Intelligent Active mode and internal gimbal mechanism
- Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* wide-angle lens with 20X optical zoom (40X digital zoom)
- three-capsule mic for improved sound recording
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