AX53 - confused by myriad of choices for shooting video

[stevefromleeds]

Hi everyone,

I'm just a keen video hobbyist who's had 4 sony video cameras since the early 90's, in the main I use them to capture anything from holidays, birthdays, days out etc EG for personal memories. I then edit using Pinnacle editing software to make either MP4's, DVD/BluRay and the occasional upload to You Tube. I also have a 4k TV

I've had my AX53 camcorder for around 6 months now and have so far used the following settings to shoot all my videos

REC Mode - 100Mbs

Frame Rate - 25p

File Format XAVCS 4K

The quality of the images I've shot are great but these settings are obviously the most data hungry when it comes to the cameras SD cards and storage on Hard drives/Blu Ray data discs for archiving.

So whilst data storage is expensive, I think quality is probably more important to me. So my question to the community is should I always stick with these 'best quality' settings or....

1. Is there a best compromise setting for everything

2. When is it best to use Rec Mode of 100Mbs and when best to use 60Mbs

3. In XAVCS HD when is it best to use 25p and when 50p

4. Should I change the settings depending on the types of filming I am doing and if so can you give me some examples of the types of filming that best suits the various settings. 

5. I also use Intelligent Auto so are there any other setting tips you can give me that may enhance the clips.

Thanks in advance

Steve

[Pascale_F]

Hi Steve,

Welcome to the community.

I'll look into this for you and see if I can find out. Someone else in the community may be able to advise in the meantime.

Thanks,

Pascale

[Win_88 · Accepted solution]

Hi Steve,

To answer your questions:

1- Intelligent Auto would fit the description.

2- Going from 60Mbps to 100Mbps basically means that the camera captures more data for each second of recording which translates to a clearer picture with less artifacts and distortion. The obvious draw back here is memory as you mentioned.

3- The difference between 25p and 50p is most noticeable with moving subjects

4- Ideally, the settings (depending on each shooting scenario) should be changed, however, this isn't a must as intelligent auto detects the different scenes and automates the changes needed every time.

The best advice I can give you here is to experiment, especially since the filming you do is for personal use most of the time. So for example, if going down to 60Mbps instead of a 100 doesn't impact the quality in a way that you notice when working with the final product, then it's safe to reduce it.

Other settings may simply be down to personal preference, so trying them out yourself is the key.

The online Help Guide may be useful: https://helpguide.sony.net/cam/1630/v1/en/index.html

Win_88

[stevefromleeds]

Thank You very much for your reply and help, it will really help 😀