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:

Photo Recording: You can record JPEG still images in the Photo Mode in three sizes and two aspect ratios:

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:

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:

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.