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, and a zebra display, 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 Exmor 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
Cons
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Most Liked Positive Review
Love this camera.
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...Read complete review
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.
VS
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. [...]
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
I am using this camera for weddings and I can tell this is one of the best cameras I have ever used. I am a Canon fan, but this camera rocks! The buttons are in the right location, accessible. I like the idea of having 3 rings (for Focus, Iris, Zoom). I always use it on "manual", I like to have full control on everything. The only "con" is, you can not just remove the cards and use a memory card reader to download the videos to the computer, you have to use the camera(which is kinda slow) and the provided software in order to not lose sound and video frames at every 2 GB.
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
We use this camera to produce training and event video. It works great for capturing bioth audio and video. Meets our needs extremely well.
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
Ive had this camera for 9 months it is fantastic. The only thing I dont like its no big deal but you cant shoot 720p. It would be nice to shoot in 720 to keep the file size down. I only wish I could of bought it from B&H at the time it was REALLY hard to find so I had to get it else where
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
I bought the HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder for weddings and special events. Specifically for the low light capabilities. I was not disappointed as I recently shot at a facility I shot at last year and after comparing footage the difference was exceptional. It was easy to program and use as I have always used Sony so menus were similar. The SD cards are new for me and I like the ability to reuse them.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
Picture quality, filters, everything in general more than meets my needs
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
Wedding videography. Total manual control is great. Low light is more than enough. No tapes to buy or change during a ceremony going beyond an hour. Fast downloads into computer.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
Just bought two of the AX2000s. We use this product to shoot stories for a government TV show. So its mostly news-style ENG work. So we wanted something easy to use yet produced high quality video/audio. The AX2000 gives us all of that. Previously using the FX1. Wanted to move to a card recording system, rather than the mini-DV tapes the FX1 requires. The video transfer was smooth and fast. No issues. The other upgrade this camera has is the audio inputs. The FX1 had a single 1/8" input. The AX2000 offers dual XLR and it also comes with a built in bracket for a shotgun mic. This makes a huge difference in the field. Wish the LCD monitor was a bit larger (similar to the FX-1, but its not a major deterrent). The camera set-up was similar and familiar and overall easy to use. The AX2000 shoots in full HD (1920x1080). Overall, this is a great camera. Thumbs up.
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
Haven't had it long, but so far so good! Great image quality, and I like the way the audio controls are set up. Transferring footage from camera to computer (Mac) has not resulted in any of the 2GB file limitations I'd read about. Will eventually replace my FX 1000 with it.
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
For the price you pay, It is worth having. Great shooting in HD. above avg. in low light. Manual handling very good. The dual sd card EXCELLENT. But my problem comes in recording. Once you start recording it set itself as if you paused it and recorded again after 12:30 mins. I cant understand why it does that. So you can't record continuously like you would if it were a DV tape. Hope they can find the answer. Oh and for final cut pro users, sorry you need to format the video before you can edit it. Damm shame!
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Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
There are many things I like about this camera. 20X zoom is great. Very good low light performance. Picture quality is excellent and on board mic does a good job. You can add pro sound equipment if that meets your needs. Menu functions are easy to use and understand. I chose this camera because I'm now ready to go tapeless and the 32gb cards provide ample HD recording. The only thing I'm disappointed with is the font used in the LCD display is very small and hard to read under the best of conditions. They used the same size LCD as on their FX1000 and the font on that display is much better.
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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
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HDR-AX2000 AVCHD Camcorder:
ENG Production
Affordable Price for great Camera
Pros
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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
Pros
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Best Uses
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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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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