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New Sony HDR-AX2000 Delivers Pro Camera Features Without Pro Camera Prices

January 13th, 2010 • Related • Filed Under

The line between professional and consumer level video cameras continues to blur with Sony’s latest offering, the HDR-AX2000.

This new video camera, aimed at the prosumer market, produces broadcast quality footage while recording in the AVCHD format. The camera records full 1920×1080/60i high-definition video at up to 24Mbps and features progressive scan at 1080/24p and 30p. That means you can get full HD video with a gorgeous film-like effect.

As I always say, with video cameras you get what you pay for. And you’ll pay more for the HDR-AX2000 than you will for my favorite consumer-level cameras from the Canon Vixia line.

In exchange you’ll get XLR mic inputs, three 1/3 CMOS sensors, a wide angle lens, gamma and color correctors, high-quality, low-light recording and a ton of manual control…among a host of other things. In other words, many of the things that make cameras shoot video “like you see on TV”.

The one slight drawback is the camera records to Memory Stick PRO Duo media cards (like all Sony cameras) instead of the industry standard SDHC memory cards. So you’ll need to invest an extra $100 or so in Memory Stick cards if you don’t have them.

The HDR-AX2000 is set to be available on February 8, 2010 and carries a MSRP of $3,499. Yes, that’s twice the cost of high-end, consumer-level video cameras, but much cheaper than what you’ll fork over for professional-level cameras.

You can see the Amazon listing for the Sony HDR-AX2000 by clicking here.

Popularity: 100% [?]

There Are 79 Responses So Far. »

Comment by Justin C. on 14 January 2010:

Hey Dave, this camera DOES use normal SD and SDHC cards as well as Sony Memory Sticks.

http://b2b.sony.com/Solutions/product/HDR-AX2000

“Capture still images directly onto one of two selectable Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media or SD/SDHC media slots for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible Memory Stick® devices (sold separately).”
Comment by Dave on 14 January 2010:

@Justin – I believe SDCH is for still images only with this camera and that video requires Memory Sticks.
Comment by Dave Van on 25 January 2010:

Semper Fi Dave!

Why does the Sony Business Site say this Bird is 3,199.00?
Would you buy this or a Canon 7D ? I have 30 years experience in Video…love this Camera…but the 7 D puts out Nice Video Too!

would love to hear your Professional Opinion.
Cheers,

Dave Van
Comment by Tad on 28 January 2010:

Hi Dave. Are you sure about its limited SDHC support?
Comment by Dave on 29 January 2010:

@Dave Van – The 7D would be used more as a specialty tool for video. You can see one professional videographer’s experience here:

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/asia/2010/01/28/shooting-news-dslr
Comment by Dave on 29 January 2010:

@Tad – Since the camera is not released yet, you can only go by the technical spec’s they list…and they only specify SDHC under still photo options.
Comment by James MacWhyte on 31 January 2010:

On Sony’s Japanese page for this camera, in the fine print it says “When recording HD video, be sure to use a “Memory Stick Pro Duo (Mark 2)” card, “Memory Stick Pro-HG” card, a Sony brand SD card, or an SDHC memory card. If you use a non-Sony “Memory Stick Pro Duo” card, make sure it is labeled as “Mark 2″ or “Memory Stick Pro-HG”. If you are using an SD/SDHC card, make sure it is at least Class 4.”

(Rough translation)
Comment by Bayu on 5 February 2010:

Hi Dave, don’t be stubborn, the camera can records video to BOTH memory stick pro AND SDHC card. Tad is right.
Comment by Dave on 5 February 2010:

@Bayu – Yes you are correct. According to Sony’s press release on the camera it will record HD video to SDHC cards:

http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/camcorders/release/56305.html
Comment by johnny on 17 February 2010:

So why buy the pro model, the HXR-NX5U?
Comment by tomrhardwick on 19 February 2010:

Where does this camera fit intio Sony’s lineup? They already have the NX5, so this looks like a clone. tom.
Comment by Paul Coburn on 20 February 2010:

“So why buy the pro model, the HXR-NX5U?”

Because it has some professional feathrue that would not be of interest to non-professionals…

… like Linear Time Code (in and out), HD-SDI non-compressed output, etc.
Comment by Paul Coburn on 20 February 2010:

… also, I forgot to mention the best part. The NX5U will take a 128 gb memory package that attaches in a cutout on the right rear side (covered when not used) that will record 11 hours, 40 minutes of HD 1920×1080.

That is a major plus advantage.

The HDR-AX2000 cannot use this memory.
Comment by Paul Coburn on 20 February 2010:

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/micro-nxcamsite/resource.demos.bbsccms-assets-micro-nxcam-demos-NXCAMJapanTeaser.shtml
Comment by Paul Coburn on 20 February 2010:

… and I came across this while searching.

—

Sony has also announced a consumer version of the NX5U, the HDR-AX2000. The HDR-AX2000 also accepts both MS PRO Duo cards and SDHC cards. It retains 1920×1080 @ 60i, 30p, and 24p capability, but it gives up quite a lot, according to Sony:

* No 720p recording.
* No linear uncompressed audio (LPMC) (Dolby AC-3 only).
* No FMU capability; thus no simultaneous recording, of course.
* No GPS, No timecode setting, or date recording.
* No ability to be upgraded to 60i/50i switchability.
* No SDI / HD-SDI.
* No TC LINK.
* No B&W EVF mode; No macro focus; No high-speed zoom; No smooth-transitioning gain and white-balance; No hyper gain; No viewfinder markers and safety zones; No numerical zoom display and focus distance display in feet; No black level, black gamma, knee, and color depth adjustments; No manual white balance setting; No colorbars with tone; No individually switchable front & rear tally lamps; No shutter angle display; No hour meter; No TC reset via remote control.
* Fewer tweaks for color modes, gammas, and detail settings.
Comment by cross2k on 4 March 2010:

i’m looking to buy a prosumer camera. i definitely want to go tapeless. was leaning heavily towards the jvc gy hm100, but now i’m thinking the sony hdr ax2000.

what’s your opinion?
Comment by johnny on 5 March 2010:

If you don’t edit .mov’s, then get the Sony. The HM100 is overpriced and has only 1/4″ CCD’s and other issues. Now if it had 1/3″ CCD’s…….
Comment by Chad on 11 March 2010:

Question. I’m a wedding videographer and I’m a long time Sony PD170 user getting ready to make the switch to HD. My computer processor isn’t strong enough to edit HD yet….still using a Pentium P4 processor….still works like a charm after 8 years.

Anyhow, if I buy a AX2000, what is the best quality/quickest way to get the video files off the memory card and converted to .AVI so that I can edit them with Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0? I’m guessing I just can’t plug the camera in and capture with firewire, like I’ve been doing all these years. I assume I’d have to do some sort of conversion to be able to edit and I’m assuming Adobe PP 2.0 can’t do the conversion automatically?

I will be building a new Core i7 system later this year, but have a chance to sell my PD170 right now so I figure I’d take advantage of that while I can.
Comment by Dave on 11 March 2010:

@Chad – It’s an AVCHD camera so you plug the SDHC/Memory Stick memory card from the camera into your computer and copy the files over just like you would with any USB device, using Windows Explorer. Depending what wrapper Sony uses for the files, they’ll either have .avi, .mp4 or .mov file extensions (but they are all encoded with the H.264 codec).

As long as your video editing software supports H.264 files, you’ll be able to edit the files instantly.
Comment by Dean Evenson on 12 March 2010:

In reference to the Sony HDR-AX2000, there is information on the web that the cameras audio is sub par. A previous Sony camera the HVR-V1U according to web date has an audio roll off starting around 1200 Hz and goes down to no audio being recorded below 100 Hz. Is this true and is it true of the AX2000?

Thanks for your help.
Dean
Comment by Video20Q on 13 March 2010:

I have been looking at various options for a video camera solution and while the JVC HM100 looks good the Sony NX5 and the AX2000 have a much better lens, better controls all around and works better in low light too.
Then I was also looking at the DSLR cameras specifically the D7 and D5 from Canon but the sound is poor from them and apparently you get a smoother zoom along with many other advantages by having a proper video camera. That said you do get a lot of video quality for your money and I would be half tempted.
After looking at all the options I am leaning towards the NX5 if I can get the money together for it and if not then go for the AX2000.

I am planning to have a chat with someone else in this same situation soon and record it to make a podcast out of it for http://video20q.com
I will let you know when I have it done.
Comment by Chad on 15 March 2010:

@Dave – Thanks for the response. It’s good to know that Adobe will probably recognize the files and no rendering would be needed. But currently my computer isn’t powerful enough to edit HD. What is the best/quickest way to convert the files to SD format (720X480) so I can edit it with my current system? I know Premiere Pro can convert it by rendering. I’ve done it before. Someone gave me 1 hour worth of HD video taken with a Canon 5D Mark 2, and I imported it into Premiere, and the render took 24 hours. I need a quicker way. I dont have enough money to buy both a new computer and a new camera and since I have the opportunity to sell my camera now and buy an AX2000, I gotta start someplace.

As long as your video editing software supports H.264 files, you’ll be able to edit the files instantly.
Comment by John Devinney on 16 March 2010:

I just sent the ax2000 back because of extreme handling noise and the internal works (zoom and autofocus) get into the audio.
You can’t touch the camera without hearing it.

Audio preamps are extremely noisy even at normal gain.

I would not recommend this camera!
Comment by Chad on 16 March 2010:

@John. In regards to handling noise, I could say the same thing about the PD170 that I love. My shotgun mic doesn’t pick up the zoom and internal noise so much, but definitely handling noise. But I find that the handling noise can be reduced depending on how I run the shotgun mic cable. What Mic were you using with it? The sony or something nicer?

I assume if no mic is hooked up, it isn’t picking up the internal noise so it has to be a Mic placement issue. Anyone know of a fix for something like this? Ways to reduce handling noise or get the mic farther away from the zoom motor?
Comment by John Devinney on 16 March 2010:

The problem with trying to rectify the audio with an external mic is
that the preamps are really noisy even at normal levels. If you need a little boost they sound like you are recording next to the ocean.

So you see the mic doesn’t matter. Internal mic picks up every little (and I do mean EVERY) touch of the hand, the movements of the hand strap and internal functions (the autofocus hunts making a constant clicking).

I am not trying to tell anyone what to do but I think you should know before you pull the trigger on this puppy.

I wonder if the pro version, NX5U has similar defects. Would appreciate anyone who has experience with the 5U letting me know.

It runs about $500 over the AX2000.

The picture is great from the 2000 and I really wanted to like it
but I have to sell a client on poor audio so I sent it back.
Comment by Kevin on 19 March 2010:

I am looking at the Canon XH-A1S Sony AX2000 or NX5 cameras. Since the Sony records full HD to a card, is the video compressed, even though it is a full 1920 x 1080? The Canon records at 1440 x 1080, non-compressed to mini-DV tape. Which is better? Which camera would you suggest between Canon and Sony?
Comment by John Devinney on 19 March 2010:

Kevin
I posted the comment about the audio problems with AX2000.
I also own the XHA1. Good camera but the video is not nearly as good as the AX2000.

Still waiting for someone who has experience with the NX5U.
Is the audio good or not??!
Comment by Dean Evenson on 19 March 2010:

I spoke to a professional support person at Sony. After a day he called me back to say the audio is flat in the NX5U and supposedly the AX2000 since it is basically the same camera with the aforementioned differences. He said he had received at least 50 calls complaining about the lack of low in in the audio tracks of the HVR-V1U. The reason was they rolled off the audio to eliminate the problems that John Devinney and others mentioned especially the drum of the tape machine. I guess one man’s problem is another’s delight. Personally I would rather have flat audio and isolate my microphone from the camera noises with a decent mic holder.
thanks
Dean
Comment by John Devinney on 19 March 2010:

Hi Dean,
Obviously the drum of a tape machine would not be a problem with this recorder since the media is solid state. In other words there is no tape or tape drive.

The preamp noise is the problem with the external mic input so isolation has nothing to do with it. They have signicant hiss.
I asked about NX5U (the pro version of the AX2000) not the HVR V1U which has nothing in common with the NX5U or AX2000.
Comment by Dean Evenson on 21 March 2010:

Yes. I would like to know the signal to noise ratio and frequency response for the NX5U also. Has anyone done any audio testing of the NX5U or the AX2000? Thanks
Comment by John Devinney on 21 March 2010:

I find Sony’s attitude disturbing, basically telling us that rather than fix the problem, we covered it up.(rolled off the response of the HVR V1U )
As to the AX2000, $3500 dollars is not cheap to an independent business and yet they choose to ship a product with severely impaired audio quality. I ask if Sony is going the way of Toyota? Very disappointing!!A good price on poor quality is no bargain.
Please respond to question about the NX5U if you have personal experience with this camera’s audio particularly hiss using the external mic inputs.
Comment by eduardo on 23 March 2010:

Esta gran camara graba en formato PAL y NTSC? como la camara Z1 o Z7?
Comment by Luke Ho on 24 March 2010:

Wow, I almost pulled the trigger on the Sony AX2000, then I saw the audio issue posted by John. Thank you for the heads up. I’ll be watching this thread and wait, I guess.
Comment by johnny on 24 March 2010:

Check out the HMC40. Blows bigger cams out of the water for under $2k.
Comment by cross2k on 25 March 2010:

the hmc40 IS nice, but doesn’t have any xlr inputs.
Comment by doublejnyc on 25 March 2010:

No XLR inputs isn’t a dealbreaker. You can get an XLR adaptor, for about $150 that fits nicely under the camera attached by the 1/4-20 thread for tripods. The unit itself has the female 1/4-20 thread underneath so you can still put it on a tripod. There are a number of companies that make these. Juiced Link, Beachtek, etc. I like this model because the volume adjusters are smooth turning while other models turn by clicks.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/264990-REG/Sign_Video_XLRPRO_XLRPRO_Universal_Audio_Adapter.html
Comment by johnny on 25 March 2010:

HMC40 is extremely sharp but low-light performance is not as good as 1/3″ chips. However, cranked-up gain is pretty clean. Doesn’t have the wide angle lens of the 150, but it’s $1,500. less. XLR adapter is available from Pannie for about $350. AVCHD/CMOS. Go to DVXuser.com to read up.
Comment by Chad on 25 March 2010:

Is Sony selling any of these things? If so, you’d think someone would chime in about the audio. B&H only has 3 reviews…no one is talking about audio, and Amazon.com has no reviews at all.

I have had my Sony PD170 for a long time, and here is what I know about my audio. When I am using my Shotgun mic (needs the phantom power), there are 2 modes, normal and a -20 cut. When I am in normal mode, the mic picks up everything, any touch of the camera or move of the tripod..big loud thumps. (I can’t hear camera hum or zoom however.) When I am in -20db mode, that noise is barely audible-which is kind of what you’d expect from lowering the audio gain, so that is the mode I use 75% of the time, when I am not using it, I am just real careful.

But in one of the internal menus, there is a WIND function, which I assume is some kind of low-end roll off-don’t know the specs. When turned on and recording in normal mode, that really does help reduce camera handling noise or tripod movement noise, and seriously I’ve listened closely and it doesn’t effect the quality of the audio at all for what I am doing, which is mostly weddings, so I just leave it on all the time.

@John, did you do extensive testing with your AX2000 in various modes with various conditions, even various mics, and notice any improvements? Did it have a Wind function or some kind of audio roll-off feature? When you say the Audio PreAmps were noisy, are you referring to phantom power, and was the noise the same in normal and -20db mode? I know you mention in normal mode, it adds a lot of hiss, just wondering if that hiss was there when using the built-in mic and the shotgun mic, both in normal mode and -20db modes.

chad
Comment by John Devinney on 25 March 2010:

I am a power reviewer for B&H and they DID NOT print my review. That should tell you something!
Mic used will not effect hiss in the preamps. The fantom power also
has nothing to do with noise. That is DC voltage to bias the mics.
Preamps are noisy with mic or without mic.
Wind setting does slightly improve mechanical noise. If your willing to go all this way to try get usable audio, then you can buy
the camera. I just wanted to let people know what I found but you make your own decision. You can always send it back if disappointed.
Comment by Luke Ho on 25 March 2010:

Hey John,

Did you have a chance to replicate the preamp noise issue on another HDR-AX2000? I am so hoping that the issue is an isolated case. I do like the camera, so much that I want to believe it’s not a problem
Comment by John Devinney on 26 March 2010:

I can only relate my experience with the camera I received.

I wanted to like this camera too because the video is truly impressive. There are many things to like about the camera.

If you want to know if it is an isolated incident then order the
camera and check it out for yourself. If you have a better experience let us know. You have 15 days to evaluate it and send it
back if you want to. (B&H Policy anyway)
Comment by Luke Ho on 26 March 2010:

Do I understand correctly that the HDR-AX2000 does not come with an external microphone nor there’s a media card? The NX5U has an external mic and there’s no need for a media card since it comes with a memory pack. Therefore if you purchase the HDR-AX2000, then an external mic, then a media card, the price is pretty close to the NX5U. Am I correct on this?
Comment by Chad on 26 March 2010:

@Luke Ho – I believe the Hard drive is extra with the NX5U and it cost around $900.

@John – I noticed B&H just added a 4th review to the AX2000 yesterday and it was dated March 8 so apparently there is a 2-week gap between when the review is listed and when it is posted. Maybe your review will eventually show up?? If B&H filters out the reviews and only posts the positive ones, then they lose a LOT of credibility in my eyes.
Comment by John Devinney on 26 March 2010:

Yes they did post another review but it isn’t mine. So far it looks as though they do filter reviews if they are very critical of the product.
Luke you are correct that the AX2000 does not come with external mic or mem cards. Neither does the NX5U come with cards but does have an external mic. and a combination charger power supply.AX2000 has only external p/s.
The 128 gig memory pack is an extra on the NX5U. Price is $750 but if you buy before March 31 you get $5oo back.(actual cost $250) This gives you 11 1/2 hours of record time at max resolution. The AX2000 cannot use the flash drive. By the way this is FLASH media drive not a hard drive.
Memory cards(32gig) are $180 each but flash drive and cards are reusable of course.
Just opened my new NX5U. Quiet!!!!!!!!! no hiss. This is a beauty.
A real winner. Focusing better, slight handling noise with internal mic but certainly tolerable. I RECOMMEND THIS ONE!!
Go the extra $500, this feels and sounds like a completely different
camera. Audio wise it really is a completely different camera.
Has linear PCM not available on 2000.(lossless)I see why Sony calls
this a Pro camera.
Comment by Chad on 27 March 2010:

@John – Awesome, I plan on getting on as well with the Flash Drive (FYI, rebate is good till Apr 30-not March 30.)

I heard that with the NX5U, once the camera warns you of a low battery, you have very little time before it goes dead-like 1 minute or less. (see link below) And because he was in the middle of recording he lost the video file, despite the camera having some kind of recovery process. Read about it here: http://adamwelznxcam.wordpress.com/

Can you test this out and let me know what is up? If I’m in the middle of a wedding, and taping the best man speech and it starts to blink low battery, I want to know I have ample time to finish up the shot before I lose power, and I sure as heck can’t afford to lose any video. I’d be ruined.
Comment by Dean Evenson on 27 March 2010:

The rebate is only good till March 31. It has to be postmarked by Apr 30. From the Sony Site:????????????????????????????????????????January 06, 2010 through March 31, 2010 Sony is pleased to offer the following NXCAM HXR-FMU128 $500
Mail-in End User Rebate. Rebates are offered on purchases of this model by a U.S. based end user (in the
continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii, excluding territories) from a Sony Authorized Reseller, a Reseller of
a Sony Authorized Distributor (third party reseller) or directly from Sony.
Comment by Chad on 27 March 2010:

Well this is copied from the B&H Website.

Effective January 06, 2010 through April 30, 2010 Sony is pleased to offer the following NXCAM HXR-FMU128 $500
Mail-in End User Rebate. Rebates are offered on purchases of this model by a U.S. based end user (in the
continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii, excluding territories) from a Sony Authorized Reseller, a Reseller of
a Sony Authorized Distributor (third party reseller) or directly from Sony.
Eligible Product: HXR-FMU128 Rebate Amount $500

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/FrameWork/Rebates_Promos/043010_SONY_Offer_090534A.pdf
Comment by Dean Evenson on 27 March 2010:

Cool. Sony has old information on their site.
Comment by Chad on 27 March 2010:

Well either B&H is wrong or Sony is wrong. How do you find out which one?
Comment by John Devinney on 27 March 2010:

I am not sure that the Sony website is old info. I think Dean is right. You must purchase the product before March 31 and submit the
rebate paperwork no later than April 30.
If I were to give credence to anyone it would be Sony since they are administering the rebate. They make the rules.
Could be B&H misread it too. You won’t be able to buy from B&H in time(closed for holidays) but you can get it from another authorized dealer. I wouldn’t take the chance on loosing the rebate. But as always it is up to you.
As to the battery issue, you have the standard bar graph so just change it when you have only one bar left and you should be golden.
Comment by Luke Ho on 28 March 2010:

John,

I’d test that recovery feature of the camera just to know for sure that it does NOT work. That way the one bar battery strikes you harder knowing that you’re about to lose the whole precious footage. Again, hopefully it’s an isolated case and that the Sony QA team did their job.
Comment by John Devinney on 28 March 2010:

I don’t have the time to play right now but I will let you know.
One thing I do know is that losing power, interrupting power or low voltage to the memory can effect the data in solid state memory,
so it should be no surprise that he got his data scrambled when the battery went dead.

You cannot pull the card out during a read/write cycle either.

Every technology has it’s strong and weak points, so you just have to understand the issues with what you are using.

He also said that he was surprised by the inaccuracy of the time left on the battery. I would bet most professionals will tell
you that they consider this more or less a suggestion of battery life. I have never found any system to be accurate and usually discount the indication by 25% or so, especially if I am using the camera non-stop.(tape or solid state)

The up side is no tape transport, tape heads to get dirty and the power drain and noise that a tape system generates.
Comment by Luke Ho on 5 April 2010:

Hey folks, I have good news. I sent an email to the Sony support:

———Email sent to Sony————————-
Dear Sony Support,

From the website below, the rebate for the product NXCAM HXR-FMU128 is ended on April 30th 2010

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/FrameWork/Rebates_Promos/043010_SONY_Offer_090534A.pdf

On your website below, it is stated that the rebate program for this product is ended on March 31st 2010

https://www.rebate-zone.com/default.asp?PN=SY00122k7&DirectID=31619

Which is correct, April 30th or March 31st?
Thank you,
Luke

————–Response email below ———————

From: sonyb2b@rebate-zone.com
show details 1:34 PM (4 minutes ago)

Hello Luke,

The promotion has been extended. We have updated the website.

Thanks!
Best Regards,
Lisa
Sony Rebate Support
Comment by Chad on 13 April 2010:

https://www.rebate-zone.com/default.asp?PN=SY00122k7&DirectID=31619

Well it still shows 3/31 as the deadline and B&H has removed the link the rebate offer from their webpage for the HXR-FMU128.

Just saying….
Comment by Chad on 13 April 2010:

It appears all they did was extend the Hard Copy Postmark date by a month, not the purchase date.
Comment by Luke Ho on 13 April 2010:

I can’t find anywhere that has the HXR-FMU128 in stock, not B&H and Adorama and a few other places that I’m familiar with. If anyone knows a place that you have experience with in the past, please let me know. Thank you!
Comment by John Devinney on 13 April 2010:

I told you guys to play it safe and order in time to qualify for the deadline set by Sony.

As you all know by now, the FMU128 is sold out and I believe that is
why the rebate submission time is extended by sony. I think they
were surprised by the response and did not have enough available to
cover the number of orders they received.

B&H has sent me an email that they expect to receive these units the end of this week. Friday to be specific.

I don’t know if it will be just enough to cover the pre-ordered units plus some left over to sell but in any event it seems that the sale is over and if you did not purchase the FMU128 in the specified window you cannot qualify now. The purchase cutoff date still says 3/31 and only the submission date has been extended.
Comment by Peter DeMund on 22 April 2010:

I was wondering about Depth of field. Is there any need for a DOF adapter for this model(Ax2000)? Does the lens provide enough subtlety of focus? Tests I’ve seen look very pretty, particularly in low light, but all appear more “HD video” rather than an actual film-like in appearance.
Comment by Koffi on 1 May 2010:

Hello,
I have heard about the sony HDR-AX2000, and have some few questions. we do weekly video of our sunday church programme which means doing about 2 to 3hours of recording every sunday. We also do talk shows every two week and this for about 2hours of recording. we do cover weddings and other occasions as well.
We have been using CANON XM2 and found it great actually. We think we will like to move to HD as well and have actually been thinking about using a tapeless camcorder which will give us let work and lower our monthly budget as well.
Will you recommend this new camera for us, or do you think it will not be able to stand the pressure of what we do.
Thank you
Comment by Zach on 12 May 2010:

Don’t buy this camera. We just bought one for our studio and it has a know problem with it’s shutter in florescent lighting. Huge black bars scroll throw the picture the higher the shutter gets.

The camera was sent back to Sony to fix, and they sent it back without doing anything to it. They just said “that happens with this model in florescent lighting.”

Not a quality product.
Comment by john on 19 May 2010:

hi, what about the sony ex1 /pmw ex 5.i really want 2 swicth over 2 tapeless cameras.i am just fedup. i am using a canon xl1s. trouble and troubles with this cam. what do u guys think.is it the price worth. so EXPENSIVE.THANK YOU.
Comment by rodrigo on 22 May 2010:

Hello;
I would like to make a query. I need to buy online from Chile an HDV format camcorder, 3CCD or 3CMOS having to shoulder and that its price does not exceed U.S. 1500.
Thank you very much.
Rodrigo.
Comment by rodrigo on 22 May 2010:

sorry, I forgot, I could give a link to a store that sells a camcorder at this price.
Thank you.
Comment by Mani on 2 June 2010:

i had not use it but i think it is nice…
Comment by Nick on 6 June 2010:

I recently got one of these awesome cameras. I love the audio support and the manual adjustments. I also am very appreciative that Sony finally added SDHC support. The cards are a lot cheaper and easier to find than the Sony version of the memory card. It has adequate DOF for a camera of its class, and I really like the built-in LCD. One of my favorite features though, is the ability for 1080p24 recording. The video is easy to manipulate in FCP, but you definitely need a powerful computer to do it. All in all, I love this camera and i would definitely suggest it to anyone. And if you have the extra cash, I would go with a redrock micro M2 DOF adapter.

-Nick
Comment by SK Raja on 7 June 2010:

Hi

Does anyone know if the sony ax2000 has the ability output uncompressed hd via the HDMI. I know the sony NX5E outputs uncompressed HD via HD SDI. I was thinking of using convergent designs Nanoflash – so I can bypass the compression.

I wouild appreciate the help.Thanks
Comment by Rudi on 14 June 2010:

Hey there.

I have got a Sony Z1 and would like to stay with the technology. I must say that I was really impressed with the picture quality and over all functionality of the Z1 camera and are afraid to make wrong choices here. I am now looking at the Sony AX2000. Can any one tell me how the compare on output quality and functionality?

Any other Sony product that will be better or on par with the Z1 in the same price range?
Comment by Hitu on 14 June 2010:

As to the difference with the iMac and MacPro? I’ve had an older iMac and the MacPro and the MacPro was worth it. My main issue the the iMac right now would be the glossy screen. I’d have no issues with the power. I am happy to have additional internal drives though.
Comment by Eric North on 18 June 2010:

Enjoyed reading all the above posts about this camera, since I’m seriosly considering purchasing it. I would like to know if anyone out there has this camera and uses any Grassvalley/Canopus products for Editing. I currently use a Sony PD170 and Edit with Edius (Canopus Product) and I would like to Upgrade to Latest Edius that Claims to be able to handle AVCHD workflow which would be generated from this Camera.
Any Tips before I pull the trigger to purchase please?

Thanks,
Eric
Comment by Jojo on 21 June 2010:

Hello everyone. This is my first time to join any blog. I was bent on buying the JVC GY HM 100 until one of my friends recommended me the Sony HDR AX 2000. After reading your comments especially the downside of Sony HDR AX 2000 I am now confused. Can anybody comment on the JVC GY HM 100? How does it fair in comparison with Sony DHR AX 2000?
Comment by Matt Grabowski on 28 June 2010:

I have the ax20000 but can I take stills? And if so, how?
Comment by Thomas on 29 June 2010:

Dave,
Old article I see, but I have a question…hopefully you have an answer. I keep going back and forth between a Panasonic ag-hmc150 and the Sony hdr-ax2000. I don’t know of anyone who has messed with or even is familiar with both or is unbiased enough to be taken seriously.

Can you offer any insight as to which is the better performer? I am really at a loss. Heck, anybody can offer some insight. It seems the Panasonic offers a sharper image from what I can tell on YouTube. But Youtube isn’t the best medium necessarily when comparing cameras.

Thanks for any help!
Comment by Dave on 30 June 2010:

@Thomas – If you want to compare footage from various cameras, YouTube isn’t the place to go…Vimeo is.
Comment by Jaidka on 12 July 2010:

hi everyone,
i am new into this field. i am planning to make a film. I am thinking of buying Sony ADX 2000 . Is this camera good for making films?
thanks
Comment by Man with Ax2000 To Grind on 27 July 2010:

There is so much MISreporting and MISinformation around the AX2000 stemming from Sony pre-release press releases. I have just purchased the European model (HDR-AX2000E)

Point one: it does NOT film in 1080/24p. The nearest you come to cine feel is with gamma adjustment. Some websites mislead by showing the 24p selection in the dropdown menus. I can only conclude that they are NOT demonstrating an AX2000.

Point two: the AX2000 does not even record to Sony Pro Duo Mark 2 memory sticks marked “Magic Gate”
You would think that Sony would get this information correct on their specs.

Then
Point three: my Camera does not like my old NP-F970 batteries (previously used with Sony miniDV cameras) and auto-shutsdown saying “battery is too hot”.

My verdict: AVCHD is great, but this camera does not appear to be robust enough -especially not for semi-professional use. It’s going straight back to where it came from.

And PS (one more thing). The NX5 does NOT ship with the hard-drive in Europe.
Comment by Moses Kandjoze on 27 July 2010:

Hallo Dave,

I have been in working fore the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation for the past 10 years. My responsibilities were to produce (Educational Agriculrural documentaries… I am now planning to start my own small production house and need a good camera, and the Sony HDR-AX 2000 impresses me the most. Do you think thats the right choice? Could you please, also, advice me on any additional equipment and video editing programmes I need in order to set up a full mini production house for myself! I am starting from scracth..

Thanks
Comment by Kent Adeborn on 5 August 2010:

I have owned the AX2000E camera since it began shipping to Europe. It is a wonder to use. Low light capability is marvellous. Pic quality is outstanding. Time between “decide to shoot” to “camera running” is very small. The automatic functions are smooth and reliable. Dumping files to computer is a piece of cake. Multicam editing (3 cams) with Edius and a computer with i7 processor in native H264 is quick and easy. I do not have hiss problems with the built-in mike; XLR not tested yet. The manual functions of this camera are well balanced…but I do not tweak very often in the camera. I like to shoot in best possible quality and tweak it (read: reduce quality) when editing.

The Progressive freaks should turn elsewhere, I cannot understand them, who want to see moving pictures as a series of stills. Why try to get a movie feeling when U have better options? Get a movie camera for crying out loud. I have a friend who still sells very much Super 8 films aimed mainly for rock videos productions, to get the “feeling”, then they get computerized, then edited.

My camera accepts the old batteries, and pirate ones too, without complaining.

The new steadicam function is a great improvement. I hate to use tripods, and with the AX-2000, I have less need for them. (But admittedly, when I project some of my movies on my giant sceen at home, they are not stable enough, but with my 50″ Plasma TV they are fine).

As far as I know, there were audio problems in the beginning, zom & stuff got recorded on the audio track. I think this problem was acknowledged and fixed by Sony.

It is pretty amazing that Sony kept some functions for the prosumer version, like XLR connectors and mike holder. I think this is due to minimization of investments (tooling). They have had a tough financial situation. They had to diversify the simple bits. I am sure that if you have the right connections you can upgrade most issues easily to the standards of the pro version (voiding warranty).

I may have a problem: My previous camera HVR-Z1 was very good at recording strong sounds (rock concerts) (Don’t worry I actually record the sound separately as well, don´t need time codes, just matching waveforms on the timeline, less than one frame error in one hour material, neglectable). So far I tried the AX2000 in one concert only, and although I used manual level, and set it pretty low, and made sure I was not in the PA speaker pumping airflow, I still had some distorsion….But it was Jimi Hendrix music….anyway, does anyone know if the microphone / input amps are different between the AX2000 and the HVR-Z1?
Comment by JJ* on 12 August 2010:

Well….I was so close to purchasing my first AX2000 and was excited about it but now Im seriously reconsidering?? I want to shoot documentaries and am worried about the ‘handling’ noise people are talking about. Is it really that bad? Also can you attach wireless mics to this camera?

Help….need a good semi/pro camera to make magic!
Comment by Kent Adeborn on 12 August 2010:

Mine does not have any handling noise. I would assume that above problems are not common, maybe cameras from first builds. On the contrary even the surface of the AX2000 is much more forgiving to sounds from hand movments than my “professional” HVR-Z1. And I almost never use tripod on this one.