Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
Sony's HDR-AX2000 makes for an impressive prosumer-level AVCHD camcorder. While not as decked out as the HXR-NX5U (its NXCAM pro counterpart), it's a clear step up from its HDV predecessor, the HDR-FX1000. The camera's ability to capture HD and SD video in AVCHD and MPEG-2 formats--and save it to solid state media--is only one of the traits distinguishing it from its tape-based forebearer. Full 1920 x 1080 HD video--which can be recorded at 60i, 30p and 24p--is another. The footage is saved to either Memory Stick PRO Duo or SD/SDHC cards, then easily downloaded to computer for editing via USB 2.0 interface.
Along with the three 1/3" CMOS Exmor sensors and 20x 'G' lens from the FX1000 comes a new professional element: audio, in the form of dual XLR ports. This means direct input of balanced, pro-level microphones without the need for an XLR-to-mini adapter. Component, HDMI, and S-Video outputs are also available, allowing for direct connection with analog and digital displays.
Another great pro feature is the three control rings around the lens--for iris, focus and zoom--which bring a more reliable, intuitive feel to image adjustment. When you add in 4 built-in neutral density filters, color bars, zebra display, and a live histogram, you've got the perfect camcorder for documentaries, indie features, music videos and other applications where image quality won't be sacrificed for mobility and budget.
| Signal System |
NTSC 1080/60i, 30p, 24p 480/60i, 30p, 24p |
| Image Device |
1/3" ClearVid 3CMOS with ExmorTM Technology 1.04 MegaPixels Each |
| Lens |
20x G-Lens 29.5-590mm (35mm Equivalent), f/1.6-3.4 72mm Filter Thread |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Horizontal Resolution | 1080 Lines |
| Sensitivity | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Minimum Illumination | 1.5 lux |
| Vertical Smear | Not Applicable |
| Built-in Filters | Clear, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64 |
| LCD Monitor | 3.2", 921,600 Pixels |
| Viewfinder | 0.45" Color, 1.2 MegaPixels |
| Scan Matching | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Memory Card Slot |
MemoryStick PRO Duo SD/SDHC |
| Shutter Speed Range | 60i/60p: 1/60-1/2000, 30p: 1/30-1/2000, 24p: 1/48-1/2400 |
| Gain Selection | -6, -3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21dB |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Formats |
HD: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (AVCHD) SD: MPEG-2 PS |
| Recording Rate |
HD: 180 min (32GB FX Mode), 235 min (32GB FH Mode), 435 min (32GB HQ Mode), 750 min (32GB LP Mode) SD: 475 min (32GB HQ Mode) |
| Audio | |
|---|---|
| Audio Dynamic Range | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Audio Signal Format |
HD: Dolby Digital 2ch, 16bit, 48kHz SD: Dolby Digital 2ch, 16bit, 48kHz |
| Audio Frequency Response | Not specified by manufacturer |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Input and Output Connectors |
Component: Mini-D Jack (x1 Output) Composite/S-Video/Audio: Multi AV Jack (x1 Output) HDMI (x1 Output) USB (x1 Input/Output) Audio L/R Input: XLR 3-Pin Female (x2 Input) Headphone: Stereo Mini Jack Remote: LANC (x1 Input) |
| Power Requirements |
Battery Pack: 7.2VDC AC Adapter: 8.4VDC |
| Power Consumption |
HD: 6.7W SD: 5.9W |
| Operating Temperature | 32-104°F (0-40°C) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 6.9 x 7.4 x 13.5" (17.3 x 18.7 x 34.2cm) |
| Weight | 5 lbs (2.1kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
FX1000 without caset, AVCHD hard to edit
Excellent camera for low light (such as in weddings halls or yards), in camera basic edit, many outputs for HD and SD, superb audio with XLR, very fast access to video, in...Read complete review
Excellent camera for low light (such as in weddings halls or yards), in camera basic edit, many outputs for HD and SD, superb audio with XLR, very fast access to video, in camera as in computer. Great for use with cobracrane line of economical cranes, it has LANC connector, and it cames with remote infrared. The extra NP-F970 included and a 32 GB MemoryStick and you are ready to go. Everything is AUTO or MANUAL whatever taste you like, and for everyone. SD is recorded directly in MPG program stream, so you are immediatly ready to deliver. HD internal structure immediatly recordable to DVD in Blu-Ray structure, for you to make backup after recording.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Dissappointed
I used to have the VX2000 camera. I sold it so that I could upgrade to the newer and better HD version. I was extremely happy with my camera and wanted to stick with ...Read complete review
I used to have the VX2000 camera. I sold it so that I could upgrade to the newer and better HD version. I was extremely happy with my camera and wanted to stick with Sony hoping they would have only improved on their quality and features. Before I purchased this camera, I missed the fact that this would not record in 1080p and only does 1080i. After I recieved it, I realized this, but decided to live with it, as 1080i is not necessarily a bad thing. I played around with it for a short period and then had to shoot an event outside the country. I came back with about 3 hours of footage and when I finally got to editing the footage, I was unable to edit it in any of the editors I had (Premier CS4, Pinnacle, Vegas Pro etc..). I could play it fine in the media player but not could not edit it. When I tried to play it from the editors, the playback was extremely choppy and would get stuck. I noticed that the dual processors on my machine maxed out to a 100% when playing this clip from the editor. From the several forums, I found out this was due to the highly compressed format of AVCHD and I would need an i7 3GHz processor and up to be able to edit it. I wasnt planning on sinking another 2K+ into a computer now, so I decided to go the cheaper route and convert it to HQ format (~7-8 times the size). To check the quality of the footage, I went the route of uploading the raw footage to my PS3 and when I watched it directly on my 52 inch television, I was extremely dissapointed with the image quality. The image was very soft. It had no where near the sharpness of the VX2000 or any other 1080i footage I have seen. The softness issue seemed to be consistent across all types of lighting - artifical lighting, bright sunlight, shadow, cloudy, indoors, low light etc.. I called Sony and I was told that since it only records in 1080i, that is about the best I would probably get. That is nonsense as I have seen 1080i footage with extremely sharp images. In fact all the broadcasts are only in 1080i and they are way sharper than the footage from this camera. I have scheduled with them to send my camera for repair, but I already know the outcome. They are going to come back and say that my expectations are unrealistic and this is the best the camera can do. To get this image quality, I didn't have to spend $3500 on a Sony camera. I would like to see what other users are experiencing regarding this image softness issue or if my experience with this camera is an anomaly. [...]
Reviewed by 66 customers
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
******* 7 STARS ******* This camera does it all, it ROCKS!!! the quality of the picture is exactly as good as an TV HD Channel such as FOX or CNN!!! What else do you want more than that?! Battery life? I bought the bigger battery and its giving me 12 hours of shooting, what else do you want more than that?!
Auto and Manual both are simple, straightforward and easy to use! Sound is a little bit poor, a very little tiny bit that you can not notice! However, mic is always an option! weight is SLIGHTLY heavy however, its giving me more stabilization when shooting, I shoot documentaries mainly as well youtube fun, etc.. I googled and read reviews for days and weeks! till I decided to go for this camera, I'm so happy that I did, kids, go for it! you'll def. like it!
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
Versatile and very practic for use in Studio and outside.
I was use in Commercial TV Productions/ Documentaries
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
We purchased this camera for ministry use and we are quite pleased with this camera. The HD quality is GREAT!!!!!
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
Does everything an HD camera should do.
Pros
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
Indoor and Outdoor footage. Easy to use, lightweight, great quality for price.
Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
AG-AC130 win(no Doubt)
AX2000---------------AG-AC130
1.2 mp sensor 2.2 mp sensor
20x zoom 22x zoom
small dia lens 72 mm dia lens
no back up recording recording on 2 cards
1.5 lux 0.4 lux
sony color panasonic colors(better)
internal mic unusable internal mic really good
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
ENG Production
Affordable Price for great Camera
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
this camera is everything I expected from Sony. All the adjustments I need for filming outdoor and hunting video are on the outside of the camera. And, you can shift to auto adjust with the push of a button. I need a camera that can video in low light situations and this camera delivers
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
I got this to replace a tape camera. I am still learning this camera but am VERY pleased with its performance so far. Dual XLR inputs allow me to record the track noise along with the announcer via wireless. As expected I need to upgrade my software and computer to take full advantage of AVCHD video. The camera was easy to adjust to and is comfortable to use.
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
I've now been using my HDR-AX2000 for close to eight months and it's been terrific.
Great lens, great feel and design. It simply shoots great. I especially love the professional quality three-rings for focus, zoom and iris. When you've got your eye against the diopter and are trying to adjust the three controls by feel, it's great to have them all right at your fingertips. This was honestly the one feature that probably caused me to buy the Sony over Panasonic's nearly identical AVCHD camera (that, and the fact that B&H happened to have a used AX2000 in mint condition on hand for $700 less than list price at the time).
My one minor complaint is that this camera uses the rolling shutter, whereas the Panasonic has a global shutter, but Sony has managed to scrub out many of the issues some cameras have with rolling shutters. I've had no wobble, smear or skew effect problems to date. Only sometimes when covering events or taping fashion shoots where there are still photography flashes going off, I do see the partial exposure effect. I've found I can largely scrub these problems out with a bit of post work (I just increase brightness to near max, or maybe add some other light effects for the single frame which has the problem). If you simply must have the global shutter, have a look at Panasonic's model in the same range.
I highly recommend using a good external mic. (I got a Rode NTG-1.) Like most any camera, the internal mic is only adequate, but certainly not up to professional standards. I mount the mic on a shock-mount and use the built-in mic mount (which is designed with Sony mics in mind) for cord management. With the proper mic, the sound on this camera is great - it accepts professional XLR cables, so you can go as high end as you can afford.
With two 32GB SD chips and two Sony NP-F970 batteries, I have yet to run out of either memory or power during even very long shoots. 64GB of memory lasts me well over 300 minutes at 1080P/30fps, and a single NP-F970 does as well, even with my mic also drawing power. And of course, with a laptop on hand I could just dump what I've shot to my drive and reuse the SD chips as much as I want. So handy.
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
Battery life if really good with this camera. This is my first HD cam and have used it now for 5 months. Shooting weddings and promo videos. I really like it and it works very well. LED is right under shoe so you either have it open or not. No going back in forth. It would have been easier for me if it was on the side because like to switch my viewing based on the flow of events. On camera sound isn't the greatest.
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
weddings
short films
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
easy to use very user freindly
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
Pros:
Easy to use!
Records directly to two SD cards.
Lightweight.
LONG battery life.
Shoots excellent in dark rooms.
Cons:
No tape backup.
Glitch in audio when you shoot past 2.3GB
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Cons
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
I use this camera for event videography and ENG style shooting. There are numerous features of the camera I like and some that I don't. I like the 20x zoom combined with the sdhc card recording media. Picture quality is good and it has all of the features I require. The physical construction of the camera is made of mostly plastic but still has a good amount of weight to the camera. Overall good camera.
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
This camera is so great, especially for a prosumer line camera. The clarity is superb and the convenience of operating this camera is #1. I use this for TV ads and training videos. I love everything about it, except the onboard microphone. I knew this before hand so I also purchased an aftermarket shotgun microphone.
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
I picked up this camera and started using if with no problems. It is very easy to run and understand. I am thrilled that it has the ability to use SD cards. Say good bye to tapes once and for all!!!
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
We use this camera for weddings and other semi-professional activities and it has not only meet our needs, but completely exceeded our expectations.
Probably what we like the most, besides ease of use and its low light capabilities, is how smooth and steady it is; No more shaky footage even with our trainees.
The LCD is fabulous and it makes it easy to manual focus, easier than our 5D mark II.
The one thing it's missing is shallower depth of field, our 5D has this amazing DoF.
I love the Slow motion mode, but I wish it could record for longer and a few more fps.
Having said all this, the Sony AX2000 is our first prosumer type camcorder. And we are absolutely delighted with it.
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
I use this product for film, projects, and just about everything! It is a very good camcorder for the money.
It has everything that a $6000 camera has, but almost half the price! Sony always makes good cameras.
There are only two bad things I can say about it is the internal microphone, most camcorders are like that I know, but I recommend buying an external microphone if you don't have one. The other thing is the dreaded 2gb mark. Its not a big deal, but when your filming something for so long straight when it goes to 2gb it will restart recording. You will loose about 20 frames or so. Which isn't bad, but you need the sony software you can get (I forget the name) but it will automatically stitch it together!
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
I bought this camera based on a recommendation [...] and I couldn't be happier.It's difficult to learn, because it has a tremendous number of controls, and there are a lot (a LOT) of hidden options in the menus. A good thing mind you, but something to be aware of if you're stepping up (like I was).I bought this for corporate interviews, and I found it to be absolutely essential. I use a 7d as an augmentative camera, and with a little post in FCP I'm able to combine footage without a problem. The output of 7d + ax2000 footage makes for fantastic interviews.There's a great review here:[@]I strongly recommend this camera. Yea, it's not an EX1, but for those of us who are on a budget, or shooting video for web distribution, this camera is a winner and I love it.
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