{"id":8792,"date":"2015-05-17T13:38:49","date_gmt":"2015-05-17T17:38:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/?p=8792"},"modified":"2016-04-17T02:57:59","modified_gmt":"2016-04-17T06:57:59","slug":"sony-handycam-fdr-ax100b-4k-ultra-hd-camcorder-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/sony-handycam-fdr-ax100b-4k-ultra-hd-camcorder-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Sony Handycam FDR-AX100\/B 4K Ultra HD Camcorder Review"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There is no doubt that Sony is the leader in the camcorder market. Not long ago, I reviewed the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/sony-fdr-ax33-4k-handycam-camcorder-review\/\">Sony FDR-AX33<\/a><\/strong> and concluded that is the only camcorder you should buy.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p>So how about the Sony FDR-AX100, the camcorder released 1 year earlier? Is it worth buying? Let&#8217;s find out in the review.<\/p>\n<h2>Unboxing Video<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/K6iafQMuvyc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Design &amp; Features<\/h2>\n<p>The Sony FDR-AX100 was among the first consumer 4K camcorders on the market. It was released last year when Sony introduced some 4K TVs and we\u00a0didn&#8217;t have much 4K content to watch on our\u00a0TVs. Its MSRP was $2,000 at that time but it is significantly lower now.<\/p>\n<p>As compared to the new FDR-AX33, the FDR-AX100 is notably bigger and heavier. The AX100\u00a0weighs 2 lbs and measures 3.25&#8243; x 3.4&#8243; x 7.75&#8243; in dimensions while the AX33 is shorter and weighs just over 1.4 lbs. The AX100 has the size of a mini-DV camcorder that was very popular in the previous decade.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/sony-handycam-fdr-ax100b-4k-ultra-hd-camcorder-review\/sony-fdr-ax100-1\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8793\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8793\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-1.jpg\" alt=\"sony-fdr-ax100-1\" width=\"1000\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-1-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-1-768x499.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/sony-handycam-fdr-ax100b-4k-ultra-hd-camcorder-review\/sony-fdr-ax100-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8794\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8794\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-2.jpg\" alt=\"sony-fdr-ax100-2\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>You can feel the weight after\u00a0a while but in general, this is still a manageable size for a video recorder. I had no problem using it as a handheld camcorder in the last few months, and\u00a0also mounted it to my tripod and record some videos for TechWalls.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/sony-handycam-fdr-ax100b-4k-ultra-hd-camcorder-review\/sony-fdr-ax100-3\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8795\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8795\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-3.jpg\" alt=\"sony-fdr-ax100-3\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-3.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-3-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The design of the AX100 is similar to the AX33. You can see they have the same button layout, the same fold-out LCD touch screen and OLED viewfinder. What makes them different is the addition of some controls. The\u00a0OLED viewfinder on AX100 is adjustable, you can pull it out and swivel up. Besides, there are 3 buttons\u00a0for\u00a0Iris, Gain\/ISO and Shutter Speed, and\u00a0an extra small control ring near the front to adjust those settings. On the right side, there is focus magnifier button, and you can also adjust built-in ND filters on the back.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/sony-handycam-fdr-ax100b-4k-ultra-hd-camcorder-review\/sony-fdr-ax100-4\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8796\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8796\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-4.jpg\" alt=\"sony-fdr-ax100-4\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-4.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<p>The camera features a 1&#8243; back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, this is bigger than sensors found\u00a0in other camcorders and it is supposed to help produce noise-free videos. It uses the\u00a0wide-angle 29-mm\u00a0Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* lens with 12x optical zoom and this is probably what makes the camera longer and heavier.<\/p>\n<p>The UI of the camcorder is quite intuitive but there are a lot of options, so you might need a little white to get used to it. As I used some Sony camcorders in the past, this is not a problem for me.<\/p>\n<p>The only issue is probably the LCD touch screen, it is not as responsive as the touch screen on my smartphones, and I always need some pressure to push an on-screen button. This also affects the focusing ability because I have to press on the screen to refocus on another object.<\/p>\n<h2>Video Quality<\/h2>\n<p>The camera can capture\u00a04K Ultra-HD\u00a0videos,\u00a060p movies at full-HD\u00a0resolution in XAVC S format,\u00a0120p movies for slow-motion playback and 20 MP still images. You can check out some footages below.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/videoseries?list=PLtNecRd7ZKQgW0VS3zLDfoC8Sm20Of0gf\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>The AX100 even has a better zoom with 12x optical zoom and 24x Clear Image digital zoom. Of course you should use the optical zoom only because videos recorded with digital zoom are almost unusable. I&#8217;m also impressed with performance of the Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with active mode, the 3-Way-Shake-Canceling engine adds electronic roll stability, however, it is not as great as the B.O.S.S. stabilization on AX33.<\/p>\n<p>I expected a lot in low-light performance of the AX100 because it includes a big 1&#8243; sensor. I tested it in the Intelligent automatic mode first and I was quite disappointed because there are still a lot of noises. The footages appear to be brighter than real life and even overexposed sometimes, so I had to switch to Manual mode and test again. And the result is amazingly good. The colors and lighting become more accurate and the image is a lot smoother. Therefore, I will recommend you to turn on the manual mode when filming in low-light environments.<\/p>\n<p>Otherwise, you can use the camcorder in automatic mode most of the time. I tried playing the 4K videos on my 60-inch TV and quite satisfied with the details and vibrant colors it could capture.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<h3>Pros<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Big sensor delivering videos with less noises<\/li>\n<li>Beautiful 4K footage<\/li>\n<li>Manual mode is easy to use<\/li>\n<li>12x optical zoom<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Cons<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>A little bulky<\/li>\n<li>Unresponsive touch screen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Everything is great about this 4K camcorder\u00a0but if you need a camcorder for traveling, I will recommend the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/sony-fdr-ax33-4k-handycam-camcorder-review\/\">Sony FDR-AX33<\/a><\/strong> as it is cheaper, lighter and has a better image stabilization system. If you want a 4K camcorder to use on your tripod or in stable conditions, there is no better choice than the AX100.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B00HNJWVIA\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00HNJWVIA&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=twall-20&amp;linkId=RECSRMMAVVJ46ICT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Buy\u00a0Sony FDR-AX100 Camcorder on Amazon<\/a><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There is no doubt that Sony is the leader in the camcorder market. Not long ago, I reviewed the Sony FDR-AX33 and concluded that is the only camcorder you should buy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":8795,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1445,1266],"tags":[220,1272,41],"class_list":{"0":"post-8792","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-featured","8":"category-review","9":"tag-camera","10":"tag-review-2","11":"tag-sony","12":"entry"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Sony FDR-AX100\/B 4K Video Camera Review<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Sony FDR-AX100 was among the first consumer 4K camcorders on the market. Let&#039;s check out my review of the camcorder a year later.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/sony-handycam-fdr-ax100b-4k-ultra-hd-camcorder-review\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Tuan Do\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/sony-handycam-fdr-ax100b-4k-ultra-hd-camcorder-review\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/sony-handycam-fdr-ax100b-4k-ultra-hd-camcorder-review\/\",\"name\":\"Sony FDR-AX100\/B 4K Video Camera Review\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/sony-handycam-fdr-ax100b-4k-ultra-hd-camcorder-review\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/sony-handycam-fdr-ax100b-4k-ultra-hd-camcorder-review\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/sony-fdr-ax100-3.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2015-05-17T17:38:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2016-04-17T06:57:59+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/#\/schema\/person\/8e0374331f6dab83e97eb683907dca90\"},\"description\":\"The Sony FDR-AX100 was among the first consumer 4K camcorders on the market. 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