VideoQ&A: HXR-NX5U vs HDR-AX2000

What are the main differences between these two cameras? Is the $500-1000 price difference worth the upgrade to the NX5U, if a person is shooting documentary style or events (weddings, etc)
This question has been covered in other places, but I thought I'd take a shot at it once more. I'm currently planning to replace my Sony HDR-FX1 later this year with one of these cameras. I had been waiting to see what Canon came out with as a competitor to this camera, but unfortunately the Canon FX300 is beyond my reach, so it's back to the HXR-NX5U vs HDR-AX2000 question for me too.

Here in the States, I think the choice is very simple: the HXR-NX5U is only $500 more than the HDR-AX2000, and comes with a number of extra features and capabilities that make it easily worth spending the extra $500. If the difference is larger (as it is in some countries) then the equation becomes more complicated.

Here's the major differences between the two:
  • Linear PCM audio (LPCM)
  • 720p/60
  • FMU compatability (and simultaneous recording*)
  • SDI / HD-SDI
  • TC LINK
  • High-speed zoom (1.5 faster than the HDR-AX2000)
  • Viewfinder markers and safety zones
  • Image control: black level, gamma, knee and color depth adjustments, manual white balance setting
  • Individually switchable front & rear tally lamps
  • Rear mounted cold shoe
  • Can be upgraded to 60i/50i switchability
These aren't even all of the differences! In addition, included with the NX5U is an external shotgun microphone and an NP-F770 battery (instead of the NP-F570 in the HDR-AX2000) which together probably equals about $200 (so now the difference is $300!)

I look at that list, and even though some of the features are things that are in the category of "could be useful in the future" - like the SDI/HD-SDI out - the Linear PCM and 720p are two features I'm sure I will use. Add in the image controls that I should probably think seriously about using, and this seems the obvious camera to get.

BUT, if you don't see yourself using any of these features; if you're only doing comparatively simple and straight-forward shooting (and an event videographer falls into that category) then I might agree that none of these features will appeal to you, and if you already have a shotgun mic too, then why not save $500?

So take a look at the list. If none of the features get you excited, then save the money and get the HDR-AX2000.



WARNING *FMU and simultaneous recording
One concern I have about the HXR-NX5U are the reports of problems when dual recording. Several users have reported problems with the camera reporting memory buffer errors while doing dual recording. It happens when recording HD to the FMU and flash card, as well as HD and SD, and recording to Memory Sticks as well.
At the moment I'm hesitant to recommend getting the camera IF you intend to use this feature. For what it's worth, Sony is aware of this problem, and are reportedly working on a solution.
The HDR-AX2000 does not support dual recording, and does not have this problem.


Amazon $40 off
As I was finishing this up, I checked Amazon's price on the HDR-AX2000 - they don't sell the HXR-NX5U - and noticed that right now the price was $40 off, making the price difference $540. For me, I'd still get the NX5U.

Now, if they dropped the price of the HDR-AX2000 down to $3,100 then I would have a much harder time justifying getting the HXR-NX5U...


B & H: HXR-NX5U $3,999 (Sony if offering a $250 rebated until 5/14 if you buy an eligible accessory)
B & H:  HDR-AX2000 $3,499
Amazon:  HDR-AX2000 $3,458.98 (@ 4/26)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sony GV-D200 review

Image
Sony GV-D200 I've been using a Sony GV-D200 deck to transfer old Video8 and Hi8 tapes. Some of these tapes are over twenty years old, and no longer having a Hi8 camcorder that worked I was concerned that if I didn't do something about transferring them to a more modern format soon, I might never be able to. While Sony no longer make camcorders that use these tapes - that I know of - Sony does still sell the GV-D200 deck (or Video Walkman, as it's sometimes labelled.) They also offer the GV-D800, which is almost identical but adds a small LCD screen for about $120 more. I didn't think I'd need a screen since I was using this to capture to the computer, but you will need an external monitor when you first set it up. Physically, the device is small. At 5 7/8" wide, 5 3/8" deep and 2" high, it's the smallest video deck I've encountered. I used to have a Video8 deck that I thought was small; and it was twice as deep and twice as high. The t
Read more

Response: Which iPhone to Get?

Image
In response to my iPhone musings, I got the following reader email which actually sums up a lot of my second and third thoughts too: You might have a point about the fancier camera, but otherwise I would buy the smaller model. Its screen is about the same size as that of my Nexus 4, and I don't feel at all like it limits me with a too-small screen. But I do sometimes stretch to get my thumb the reach to the other corner of the screen. It is plenty big for a phone. A phone is a pocket thing. (Well, in my case it lives an ancient REI soft sunglasses case that I have on my belt.) Ubiquitous, handy, convenient, almost always with me. Small is crucial for all of that. Certainly a large screen is cool, but you need a place to put it: don't break a fundamental feature of a pocket phone by getting too big. That is what your small tablet is for. I have my phone with me almost always. I have my Nexus 7 tablet with me nearly as much. The bigger screen is great, yet it fits in some
Read more

Should you buy the Sony NEX-FS100 Kit Lens?

Image
The Sony NEX-FS100 is available in two configurations: B & H : NEX-FS100U Camcorder only $4,999 B & H : NEX-FS100U (with 18-200mm lens) $5,599 But what does that extra $600 get you? It get's you this: Sony 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Zoom Lens for NEX Camera This lens is also available separately for $799.99, so at $200 off you'd think everyone would be jumping on it. But not so fast... In his article about switching from the Canon 5D Mark II to the Sony NEX-FS100 , Paul Antico  at Need Creative says of the kit lens: 7) Its 18-200 F3.6-6.3 kit lens absolutely sucks and should be avoided (thankfully, you can order it without one) [ 1 ] But is it that bad? At B & H 's site, 43 reviews give it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars. That's not a bad rating, though many of these people are using it for stills, and the most common complaint noted is how large and heavy it is. Of course this feeling of size would be exacerbated when you put it on a tiny camera
Read more