Sony Camcorder 2018-2019 Model Lineup * Comparison and Reviews

Sony Handycam Models Lineup & Comparison 2018/2019 – This is a roundup of Sony Handycam camcorder models for 2018-2019. Sony consumer camcorders have some of the largest Imaging sensors available on camcorders today. These larger Exmor backlit imagers are more light sensitive than previous imagers. Sony has introduced a breakthrough technology, called Balanced Optical SteadyShot, which will greatly reduce image shake and blur in low light conditions. Available on the Sony FDR-AX53 4K, and the FDR-AX33 4K .

The big news for Sony is their line of 4K Ultra HD camcorders, the FDR-AX53 4K Camcorder, the new for 2018-2019 FDR-AX700 4K Camcorder and the FDR-AX33 4K Camcorder. All of these camcorders can record at four times the resolution of HD. All the current models have a wide angle lens. See all the top Sony models below and compare by price, reviews, imager size, and features.

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Sony’s 2018-2019 HD & 4K Camcorders | Reviews
(The latest models from Sony)

Sony’s Top HD & 4K Camcorders Comparison for 2018-2019 | Reviews
(Top Rated Sony models from previous years)

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Smart-Review | Top 5 Best Rated Sony 4K Ultra HD Camcorders

1. Sony Pro HXR-NX80 4K Camcorder (4.7 Stars)
2. Sony Handycam FDR-AX700 4K Camcorder (4.7 Stars)
3. Sony Handycam FDR-AX53 4K Camcorder (4.5 Stars)
4. Sony Handycam FDR-AX33 4K Camcorder (4.4 Stars)
5. Sony Handycam HF FDR-AX100 4K Camcorder (4.5 Stars)

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Sony Camcorders Bundle Deals Comparison | Reviews
(Best rated models with good features and medium sized imager)




Sony’s FDR-AX53 4K Ultra HD Camcorder at CES




Related Article: Smart-Review | 2018-2019 Camcorder Buying Guide (HD & 4K)

Glossary of Terms

Optical Zoom = This is the maximum zoom using the lens of the camcorder. A 10x zoom brings the action in about 10 times closer at its maximum. Flash Memory = This refers to the way the camcorder records video. Flash memory camcorders normally record to memory cards (SDHC). There are some that have no card, and just have a fixed amount of internal memory such as the Flip Camcorders. Dual Flash = This type of camcorder has both internal memory and can also record to memory cards. Imager Size = This refers to the Imager of the camcorder, where the light hits from the lens. This is like the retina of the eye. The larger the imager, the better the quality of the video and better low light performance. High end camcorders generally have a larger imager. Larger is better. A 1/2.6-inch imager is double the size of a 1/5.2-inch imager. WiFi and NFC = Almost all Sony camcorders now have both WiFi and NFC. This allows you to control your camcorder remotely, transfer video, or backup using your smartphone or tablet. All of this is done wirelessly. Low Light Lenses = Larger and faster lenses allow more light in for greater low light sensitivity. Lenses with low f stop specifications are considered fast lenses. The camcorders on this page all have fast low light lenses with an f stop of f2.8 or lower (lower is better). Megapixels = This refers to the camera function in the camcorder. This is the amount of megapixels available to take a snapshot picture while using the camcorder. 1080p 720p 60i 24p 60p video = camcorders can record video at various resolutions. Many can record at several different rates. 1080p is the current highest (blu-ray quality). 720p has about half the resolution of 1080p. Also keep in mind the frame rate of the video. Normal video is shot at 30fps (frames per second). 1080@60i is 60 interlaced frames, which is roughly equivalent to 1080p@30fps. Movie film is shot at 24fps (24p). Some camcorders can shoot at 60fps (60p) which will make the movie silky smooth and can be used for slow motion as well. 4K Camcorder = Sony has introduced Two compact 4K camcorders. A 4K camcorder has 4x the resolution of regular HD. This is movie theater type resolution. A 4K camcorder shoots at 3840×2160 or 8 megapixels of resolution. Normal Full HD only has 2 megapixels of resolution. Sony has introduced its first compact 4K Ultra HD Camcorder named the Sony FDR-AX700 4K Camcorder which has a huge 1-inch sensor, great for low light. In 2015-2016 Sony introduced super compact 4K Camcorders, the Sony FDR-AX53 4K Camcorder, and the Sony FDR-AX33 4K Camcorder with Sony’s best Balanced Optical Steadyshot. Infrared NightShot = Some Sony camcorders allow shooting in total darkness. They shoot in infrared. Some have a built-in IR illuminator to light up the area with invisible to the eye infrared light. You see these type of cameras being used in reality shows, such as ghost hunters. Nightshot is available on the Sony FDR-AX700 4K Camcorder(2018 Model), and the older Sony FDR-AX100 4K Camcorder and the compact Sony FDR-AX53 4K Camcorder. External Mic Jack = This means that this camcorder is equipped with an external microphone jack or terminal to input an external microphone. There are a wide range of external microphones to choose from including wireless, surround sound, and others. An external microphone will improve the sound recording of your video. It bypasses the built in microphones. This feature is not available in the low priced Sony models. Wide Angle Lens = The wider the lens, the better. Sony has introduced wider angle lenses. A wider angle lens will allow you to get more of the scene in your videos than one that is not wide angle. This is important for indoor shots, when you want to get a whole group in the shot, or outdoors to get a panorama view of the landscape. So, for example, a 26mm lens is much wider than a 40mm lens. For Sony, the models with the widest lenses are the FDR-AX53 4K , and the Sony FDR-AX33 4K Camcorder camcorders Sony Balanced Optical Image Stabilization (click for video) Balanced Optical SteadyShot = Sony has introduced a new type of image stabilization that claims to be 13 times better at dampening camera shake than previous models. The sample footage looks extremely steady. This will allow you to zoom in on subjects without the typical bounce you see in videos, and can help in low light situations. It may replace a Steadycam for some situations. This is a breakthrough in technology, and we feel it is a feature that will be much appreciated for handheld shots, especially in low light. Available on the FDR-AX53 4K Camcorder, the Sony FDR-AX33 4K Camcorder camcorders. Built-in Projector = Sony for 2014-2015 had implemented a built-in projector on LCD door, which will allow you to project your videos onto a wall or other objects. This technology has more light output of last year’s models, allowing up to a 100-inch video image. Sony is the only camcorder manufacturer with this feature This feature was discontinued on the 2016 models. EVF Viewfinder = Most camcorders today do not have a viewfinder, but use their LCD screen to compose video. However, some high end camcorders do have an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). The advantage of having an EVF is to use the viewfinder in bright sun, where the LCD may be hard to see. The FDR-AX53 4K Camcorder, the Sony FDR-AX33 4K Camcorder, and the Sony FDR-AX700 4K Camcorder have this feature. HDMI projector input = Projector camcorders have an HDMI input, so that you can project not the video on the camcorder, but content (such as movies, pictures, or documents) from your computer, tablet, or smart phone. The projection feature was discontinued by Sony in 2016.