Sony FDR-AX100 4K Ultra HD Camcorder

BH #SOFDRAX100 • MFR #FDRAX100/B
Sony FDR-AX100 4K Ultra HD Camcorder
Key Features
  • Ultra HD 4K Video at 30 fps/20MP Stills
  • 1" Exmor R CMOS Sensor
  • BIONZ X Processor
  • Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens
The black Sony FDR-AX100 Full HD Camcorder brings Ultra HD 4K video to the palm of your hand, delivering resolution four times that of Full HD. The 1" Exmor R CMOS sensor is approximately 8x larger than that of typical camcorders, allowing you to capture cinematic images with shallow depth of field for defocused backgrounds. The camcorder features a wide-angle Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 12x optical zoom plus 24x Clear Image digital zoom. Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode delivers smooth video, and 3-Way-Shake-Canceling adds electronic roll stability for even smoother results.

Sony FDR-AX100 Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2Capture 4K Ultra HD Video
  • 31" Exmor CMOS Sensor
  • 420MP Still Images
  • 5Versatile Shooting with XAVC S, AVCHD, and MP4 Codecs
  • 6New Firmware 3.00 Options
  • 7Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens with 12x Optical Zoom
  • 8BIONZ X Processor Enables High-Speed 120 fps Recording
  • 9Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization with Active Mode
  • 10High-Contrast 0.39" OLED EVF
  • 11Large 3.5" Xtra Fine LCD
  • 12Simple Connectivity to Smartphones via Wi-Fi/NFC
  • 13Multi Interface Accessory Shoe
  • 14Additional Features

The black Sony FDR-AX100 Full HD Camcorder brings Ultra HD 4K video to the palm of your hand, delivering resolution four times that of Full HD. The 1" Exmor R CMOS sensor is approximately 8x larger than that of typical camcorders, allowing you to capture cinematic images with shallow depth of field for defocused backgrounds. The camcorder features a wide-angle Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 12x optical zoom plus 24x Clear Image digital zoom. Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode delivers smooth video, and 3-Way-Shake-Canceling adds electronic roll stability for even smoother results.

The FDR-AX100 is a versatile camcorder that lets you capture UHD 4K 3840 x 2160 video at 24 and 30 fps. You can also record Full HD 1920 x 1080 video in XAVC S, AVCHD, or web-optimized MP4, as well as take high-quality 20MP still images. Media is recorded to SD or Memory Stick Duo memory cards. For X-AVC S recording, SDXC Class 10 cards are required.

Frame your shots using either the large 3.5" XtraFine LCD touchscreen or with the high-contrast 0.39" OLED EVF. For connectivity, the camcorder provides a USB 2.0 port, micro-HDMI output, and a composite video output. Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC support lets you use your smartphone or tablet to control the camera, as well as wirelessly transfer files to your mobile device for sharing and back up data on your computer.

A rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, AC adapter, power cord, micro-HDMI cable, and a USB connection support cable come included. Also included are a lens hood, lens cap, and an RMT-835 Remote Commander with battery.

Capture 4K Ultra HD Video
Capture the finest details in UHD 4K 3840 x 2160 resolution. This camcorder allows incredibly high resolution to produce vibrant and realistic images. In addition, the fast image processor is the same one employed in professional Sony camcorder models, making it possible to record 60p movies at Full HD resolution for incredibly smooth and sharp playback with no loss in realism, even when panning the camera and shooting moving subjects.
1" Exmor CMOS Sensor
The camcorder features Sony's first 1.0" Exmor R CMOS sensor. The back-illuminated technology improves low-light sensitivity and combines with Sony's Column A/D Conversion to reduce noise by 50%. This is great when shooting in dimly lit environments such as night landscapes or indoor scenes.
20MP Still Images
Capture high-quality 20MP still images, as well as 14.2MP (16:9) and 15MP (4:3) images. You can also take 2.1MP images while recording video.
Versatile Shooting with XAVC S, AVCHD, and MP4 Codecs
The FDR-AX100 records Full HD movies in the XAVC S format, which uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec for compression while saving files in a MP4 wrapper. The highly compressed files allow for longer record times. The camcorder also records in AVCHD, providing high-quality video for HDTV playback and Blu-ray disc burning. Additionally, the camcorder can shoot MP4 HD video, which is ideal for sharing over the internet at up to 28 Mb/s. Having the ability to switch between all three of three formats makes this camcorder a versatile tool content creation. For the greatest flexibility, you can even record AVCHD and MP4 formats simultaneously.
New Firmware 3.00 Options
With the recent firmware upgrade, free to camera owners with firmware below 3.00, the camera can now record 4K at 100 Mb/s when recording 4K video with the XAVC S codec. Please note that an SDXC UHS-I U3 or higher card is required for 4K 100 Mb/s recording. The firmware update also brings to the camera the ability to capture images from XAVC S movie, adjustable trimming frame size when using the Trimming Playback function with XAVC S 4K movies, and improved autofocus performance when tracking a person.
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* Lens with 12x Optical Zoom
The FDR-AX100 comes equipped with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens. It features a wide 35mm-equivalent focal length of 29mm, making it suitable for capturing landscapes, as well as 12x optical zoom and 24x Clear Image zoom for getting close to the action.
BIONZ X Processor Enables High-Speed 120 fps Recording
The BIONZ X Image processor enables the camcorder to create more naturally vivid and lifelike images with higher resolutions. Detail reproduction technology optimally filters edges and textures differently depending on the scene. It also features area-specific noise reduction which swiftly and efficiently analyzes the subject and reduces noise. The image processor also allows you to record at 120 fps for slow-motion playback at 1/5th the speed when played back at 24 fps after post-processing.
Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization with Active Mode
Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization with Intelligent Active Mode is an advanced optical Image stabilization technology that corrects camera shake to capture scenes with smoothness and stability. Intelligent Active Mode analyzes video frames and provides compensation with assistance from the BIONZ X image processing engine. Whether recording movies while walking or zooming, you can capture scenes with a higher level of stability.
High-Contrast 0.39" OLED EVF
The FDR-AX100 provides a high-contrast 0.39" OLED Tru-Finder EVF which reproduces rich color and deep blacks. The optical design of the EVF utilizes four dual-surface aspherical lenses, allowing for a 33° wide viewing angle that is clear from edge to edge of the viewfinder.
Large 3.5" Xtra Fine LCD
The 3.5" Xtra Fine LCD screen features a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 921K dot resolution, delivering sharp, bright, and vivid images. The large screen allows you to compose your shots more easily, even when outdoors.
Simple Connectivity to Smartphones via Wi-Fi/NFC
Built-in Wi-Fi/NFC support enables easy connectivity with smartphones for one-touch sharing and one-touch remote control. NFC (near field communication) provides "touch connection" convenience when transferring images to Android smartphones and tablets. You simply touch your NFC-compatible device to the camcorder to establish a connection.
Multi Interface Accessory Shoe
Expand photographic and movie shooting possibilities by attaching optional accessories via the Multi Interface Shoe. Attach an electronic viewfinder, external flash, stereo microphone, or even a compatible remote control via the Multi Interface terminal.
Additional Features
  • Supports SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick XC-HG Duo / PRO Duo (Mark 2) memory cards
  • SDXC Class 10 cards are required for UHD 4K and HD X-AVC S formats
  • Built-in ND filters: Off, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64
  • Manual focus assist: magnified display, peaking, and tracking focus
  • Built-in speaker (monaural)
  • Premium Closer Voice
  • My Voice Cancelling
  • 7 picture effects for video and photos
  • Low Lux mode
  • Manual iris control
  • Self-timer
  • Red-eye reduction
  • Black/white fader effects
  • Face detection
  • CinemaTone gamma/color
  • NightShot infrared system
  • Airplane mode

Sony FDR-AX100 Specs

Camera
Sensor
1 x 1" Back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor
Processor
BIONZ X
Color Filter System
RGB
Pixel Gross
Approx. 20.9 Million Pixels
Optics
Lens Type
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*
35mm Equivalent Focal Length
29 to 348mm
Maximum Aperture
2.8 to 4.5 mm
Aperture Blade
7 Blades
Minimum Focus Distance
Wide: 0.4" (1.0 cm)
Telephoto: 39.4" (100.0 cm)
Zoom
Optical: 12x
Clear Zoom: 18x (4K), 24x (HD)
Digital: 160x
Filter Size
62 mm
ND Filters
OFF, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64
Recording
System
NTSC
Recording Media
Memory Stick Pro Duo (Mark 2)
Memory Stick XC-HG Duo
SD/SDHC/SDXC: Class 4 or Higher; Class 10+ SDXC Card Required for Recording XAVC S
SDXC UHS-1 U3 or Higher Card Required for 4K 100 Mb/s Recording
Video Format
XAVC S
3840 x 2160p at 24/30 fps (100, 60 Mb/s)
1920 x 1080p at 24/30/60 fps (50 Mb/s)

AVCHD
1920 x 1080p at 24/60 fps (28, 24, 17 Mb/s)
1920 x 1080i at 60 fps (24, 17 Mb/s)
1440 x 1080i at 60 fps (9, 5 Mb/s)

MP4
1280 x 720p at 30 fps (3 Mb/s)
Aspect Ratio
16:9
4:3
Slow Motion
120 fps
Still Image Resolution
Max Effective Resolution: 20 MP

JPEG: 14.1 MP, 5024 x 2824 (16:9)
JPEG: 15 MP, 4464 x 3352 (4:3)
Microphone
Built-In Zoom Microphone (Stereo)
Audio Format
MPEG-4 Linear PCM 2-Ch 48 kHz/16-Bit (XAVC S 4K Only)
Dolby Digital 2-Ch
Dolby Digital 5.1-Ch
Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator (AVCHD Only)
Dolby Stereo Creator (AVCHD Only)
Microphone Level Control
31 Steps
Display
Display Type
LCD
Touchscreen
Yes
Screen Size (Diagonal)
3.5" / 8.9 cm
Pixel Count
921,000
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Rotation
Opening Angle: 90°
Turning Angle: 270°
Viewfinder
Screen Size (Diagonal)
0.39" / 0.99 cm
Features
Image Stabilization
Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode (Wide to Tele)
Shutter Speed
Not Specified by Manufacturer
White Balance Modes
Auto
Indoor
Kelvin Temperature
Onepush
Outdoors
Creative Effects
Yes
Built-in Mic
Yes
Built-in Speaker
Yes, Monaural
Wi-Fi
802.11b/g/n
NFC
Yes
Accessory Shoe
1 x Multi Interface Shoe
Manual Controls
Assignable Dial:
Exposure
AE Shift
WB Temperature
WB B-A
WB G-M Set
Tripod Mount
1/4"-20
Input/Output Connectors
Inputs
1 x 3.5 mm Stereo Input Jack
Outputs
1x Micro-HDMI (Type-D)
1x Composite Video (Out)
1x USB 2.0
1x BRAVIA Sync
1x 3.5 mm Stereo Output Jack
Microphone Input
Yes
Headphone Jack
Yes
General
Languages
Brazilian Portuguese
Canadian French
English
Spanish
Battery
NP-FV70 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
6.8 to 7.2 VDC
1960 mAh
Charging Method
AC Adapter
USB
Power Adapter
5.0 VDC
Dimensions
3.5 x 3.3 x 8.8" / 9.0 x 8.4 x 22.4 cm
Weight
Approx. 32.3 oz / 915 g (With NP-FV70 Battery)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.55 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.6 x 6.7 x 5.5"

Sony FDR-AX100 Reviews

About What I Expected

By Stephen
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2021-11-21

This is my first large-sensor videocam. I'm loving the IQ and driveability. The stabilization is less than I hoped for but I understand the limitation because of the large amount of data coming in. I plan to use it mostly on a tripod so it should be great for my use. I'd buy it again.

MUY BUENA CALIDAD.

By Luciano
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-14

Fcil de usar y muy buena calidad del equipo y de la calidad de imagen.

Do not recommend this camcorder

By Gregory
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-25

I purchased this camcorder last year and regret purchasing this. I cannot recommend the Sony FDR-AX100 camcorder for recording video. If you are recording in 4k your production will be chopped up into 2GB files. Or in HD you will have several 4GB files for one continuous shoot. B&H was no help explaining this. It appears to be so-called feature of this camera.

A most helpful associate = A happy customer

By Gerald
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-06-28

I would like to point out, first and foremost, that my purchase of the FDR-AX100 4K Camcorder was greatly influenced by your Associate whose name is Shaya. I shoot videos for my YouTube Channel and have specific needs and wants for a camera that will work for me. Your associate took the time with me to understand thoroughly what I needed and then made recommendations which would provide a happy balance between my requirements and my budget. I am exceedingly delighted with the Sony Camcorder I bought! Shaya knows his stuff and brings the desired patience and understanding to the sales process with novice buyers like me. One final thing, if you please. I am truly 'old school' when it comes to personalized service and Customer allegiance. The treatment I received from your associate, as a representative for B&H Photo, has now guaranteed that I will be returning as a customer again and again to B&H for my photo and video needs. Thank you. P.S. The lens in this cam is everything it's supposed to me. Nice to know that the folks at Zeiss have maintained their high standards.

Excellent handycam for price and quality!

By Henry E
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-06-10

Hello, I recently bought this video camera, I thought about it for a long time before I did it and now I do not regret it since its launch in 2014 has the latest technology with many recording options, excellent image quality and stability when recording. video both night and day. I recommend this camera for video hobbyists.

Pro Quality Video Yet Portable

By Raymond
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-02-18

There's not too many 1 inch sensor con/prosumer cameras to choose from to begin with, which may be why the AX100 is a bit pricey for its size. But if you're a professional looking for something portable for your less than professional uses, this is the camera to go with. It has all the manual settings a professional camcorder has, though they aren't as fast and convenient to get to. It even does better in low light than many of the 1 inch sensor professional models out there. But overall, if you have a professional background and a critical eye during times that you're shooting something that doesn't necessarily require your expertise, this camera does a pretty good job satisfying those urges.

Excelente producto

By Ernesto
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-09-17

metrouy buena camara para video excelente video, muy buena calidad, muy compacta y excelente precio

EXCELENTE CAMARA

By Ernesto
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-09-16

miXCELENTE PRODUCTO MUY COMPACTO Y GRANCALIDAD DE IMAGEN

See any errors on this page? Let us know

Ok. Go easy on me as I'm a beginner. Ok so, I ...

Ok. Go easy on me as I'm a beginner. Ok so, I read that the camera has a wide angle lens. Is it built-in or separate? Should I buy a separate lens and if so, how would know the correct fit or good quality?
Asked by: Damion
Wide angle is relative. For instance this camcorder at its widest is a 29mm full frame equivalent which is technically considered a "Wide Angle". However on interchangeable lens cameras you will see that some lenses are 24mm or 18mm or even 16mm. These lenses are wider angles than what comes built into this camcorder. You can purchase a conversion lens to help but you will always be able to get wider angles on interchangeable system cameras. So to give you a bit more perspective the lens that is built into the camcorder is "kinda wide angle" There are conversion lenses that you can purchase to make it "wider" if you want but you usually get the best results with an interchangeable lens camera/camcorder that will allow you to choose the best lens for the job.
Answered by: Jabari
Date published: 2021-02-05

question

Can you monitor live audio while shooting or in standby mode with a headphones? Like shooting an interview for example
Asked by: richard
Yes, it has a headphone jack.
Answered by: Mark W.
Date published: 2019-05-23

question

Id like to use my Sennheiser ew100 wireless receiver with this camera and was wondering what should I have the output set at? Right now I use it at 0Db with my Canon c300 mkii..
Asked by: David
You will need to experiment with the settings for the best results with your particular subject.
Answered by: Mark S.
Date published: 2018-08-25

question

Which device with XIR ins do you use for sound recording with pro mikes with this camera?
Asked by: Yurij
The Sony XLR-K1M Adapter and Microphone Kit device is one from Sony you can use. Or you can consider the Beachtek DXA-SLR ULTRA for a 3rd party solution.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2019-06-23

question

Do FDR-AX100 have viewfinder?
Asked by: Anonymous
yes, it has a viewfinder, and it works well. You can adjust it's focus to your eye to have a sharp picture. II use it most of the time.
Answered by: Joseph G.
Date published: 2018-08-25

question

Sony AX100 external microphone takes mono plug or stereo plug or both, please?
Asked by: Harry
Sorry I don't remember
Answered by: JORGE S.
Date published: 2018-08-25

I want to buy an extra battery. Do they sell one ...

I want to buy an extra battery. Do they sell one as an option?
Asked by: Jake
Sony NP-FV70A V-Series Battery Pack for Handycam Camcorders (1900mAh) B&H # SONPFV70A: https://bhpho.to/2RibsYk Sony NP-FV100A V-Series Rechargeable Battery Pack (3410mAh, 6.8-8.4V) B&H # SONPFV100A: https://bhpho.to/2RnVLz9
Answered by: Mark
Date published: 2020-01-16

question

what can be done with Wi-Fi / NFC Connectivity?
Asked by: richard s.
Can it shoot timelape?
Answered by: Ryan Y.
Date published: 2018-08-25
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