Two years ago on stage, Sony announced their first 4K Handycam which they dubbed 4K for 2K (a play on its price) and a year ago, they revealed a newer generation, yet, this time 4K for 1K. Now Sony is back at it again with the FDR-AX53 which retains its predecessor’s $999 price tag.

With that move, the AX33 is receiving a $200 price drop but for the price difference, the Sony FDR-AX53 is gaining a whole lot of features. Those details after the jump.

The AX53 is really a camera rebuild from the ground up, including an entirely new sensor and lens. Thanks to those, the AX53 is gaining 20X optical zoom.

 The new FDR-AX53 features a newly developed 20x optical zoom lens with advanced aspherical (AA) and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lens elements that allow it to produce a crisp, high resolution image within a compact size.  The lens also has a ZEISS® T* coating that reduces unwanted reflections and flare. 

With the new sensor comes larger pixels, approximately 1.6x larger than its predecessor’s, which means the ability to capture more details, even in low-light situations.

 The new camera is also equipped with a new image sensor with large pixels (approx. 1.6x larger than previous model) that is optimized for video shooting and delivers beautiful low-noise images in all conditions including low-light scenarios.   These two key components – lens and sensor – work together to deliver stunning 4K video. 

Other advancements include their Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization technology which helps reduce jarring and blurry videos alongside an enhanced AF algorithm that achieves approximately 40% faster autofocus speed and more accurate subject capturing.

Though I can’t find the information on their press release, I was also told by multiple Sony reps that the AX53 offers a new 16:9 image sensor, a first as other models offer 4:3 sensors. Hopefully I’ll be able to learn a bit more about this and report back.

Discuss:

Would you consider a 4K camcorder or is it too early for you to jump on the bandwagon?

[Via Sony]