The best Sony ZV-1 2024 review
Introducing the Sony ZV-1: where innovation meets creativity in the palm of your hand.
Designed for vloggers, content creators, and enthusiasts alike, this compact yet powerful camera redefines the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of portable photography and videography.
With its stunning 20.1-megapixel 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor and cutting-edge ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens, the ZV-1 delivers breathtaking image quality and unrivaled clarity in every shot.
Whether you’re capturing vivid stills or shooting captivating 4K videos, every moment is brought to life with striking detail and vibrant color.
But the Sony ZV-1 isn’t just about capturing moments – it’s about empowering creativity. Featuring advanced autofocus technology, including Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking, you can effortlessly keep your subjects in sharp focus, even in the most dynamic and unpredictable situations.
And with built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, shaky footage becomes a thing of the past, allowing you to achieve smooth, professional-looking results every time.
But perhaps the most revolutionary feature of the ZV-1 is its dedicated attention to vlogging.
Designed with the needs of content creators in mind, this camera boasts a host of vlogging-centric features, including a vari-angle LCD screen that flips out to the side for easy framing and monitoring, a built-in directional three-capsule microphone for crystal-clear audio, and a dedicated Bokeh Switch for effortlessly achieving professional-looking background blur.
Compact, versatile, and packed with cutting-edge technology, the Sony ZV-1 is more than just a camera – it’s a creative powerhouse that empowers you to capture the world in stunning detail and share your unique perspective with the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, the ZV-1 is your ultimate tool for unlocking limitless creative potential.
Look no further for the ultimate compact vlogging companion – the Sony ZV-1 reigns supreme. Boasting a fusion of a brilliant lens, impeccable autofocus, and thoughtful design enhancements like the side-flipping screen, this camera stands out as a formidable contender in the realm of pocket-sized videography, leaving its competitors trailing far behind.
While its image stabilization may not quite meet the expectations of those craving flawlessly steady walking shots, and it may exhibit a few familiar usability idiosyncrasies, the ZV-1 stands tall as the undisputed champion of video versatility within its compact form factor.
SONY ZV-1 REVIEW
Look no further for the pinnacle of pocket-sized vlogging prowess – the Sony ZV-1 emerges as the unrivaled leader.
Harnessing the finest video capabilities of the esteemed Sony RX100 series, notably its unparalleled autofocus technology, this camera elevates the vlogging experience to new heights, whether you’re capturing content from the comfort of your home studio or on the go.
At the heart of its brilliance lies the fusion of a luminous 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens with Sony’s cutting-edge Real-time tracking and Real-time Eye AF systems.
Coupled with the ZV-1’s expansive 1-inch sensor, surpassing the dimensions of contemporary smartphone sensors, these features seamlessly facilitate the creation of premium-quality vlogs, characterized by exquisite background blur and unwavering focus throughout.
With the inclusion of a 3.5mm microphone port, seamlessly integrating high-quality audio into your videos becomes a breeze.
Additionally, the presence of a hotshoe offers the flexibility to attach accessories such as a shotgun mic or LED light directly, eliminating the need for additional support brackets.
This feature proves invaluable, as while the ZV-1’s internal three-capsule microphone represents a step up from the built-in mics found in the RX100 series and other compact cameras, it still falls short of delivering audio on par with its stellar video quality.
Fortunately, the camera comes bundled with a windshield, an essential accessory for ensuring clear audio capture, particularly in windy environments.
While the ZV-1 boasts impressive features, it’s not without its flaws, and your choice may vary depending on your specific requirements.
Its SteadyShot stabilization, while adequate for walking videos, doesn’t quite match the silky smoothness offered by competitors like the DJI Osmo Pocket, GoPro Hero 8 Black, or larger cameras such as the Olympus E-M5 Mark III.
Additionally, its strongest stabilization mode introduces a slight crop, which may slightly limit the focal length for handheld shots, although we didn’t find this to be a major drawback.
Despite the addition of renamed shortcut buttons tailored for beginners, the ZV-1 may not be the most intuitive option for users transitioning from smartphones.
While it does allow for tap-to-focus functionality, its touchscreen lacks compatibility with menu navigation features like the convenient ‘Fn’ grid, and its settings can be somewhat convoluted to navigate.
An introductory section geared towards video newcomers would have been a welcome addition, streamlining the learning curve for users new to dedicated cameras.
Despite its complexity, the Sony ZV-1 is a treasure trove of features, offering a plethora of functionalities that cater to diverse user needs.
From the convenience of a built-in ND filter to customizable autofocus sensitivity options and advanced profiles like S-Log2 for enthusiasts keen on post-production color grading, the ZV-1 leaves no stone unturned. Additionally, Sony’s promise of live-streaming software for Windows users, set to debut in July 2020, further enhances its allure.
This rich feature set not only positions the ZV-1 as a powerhouse within the compact camera segment but also ensures its relevance and utility as your skills evolve and grow.
However, the ZV-1’s compact size does necessitate some trade-offs. These include the absence of a headphone jack and a somewhat average battery life.
Furthermore, the lack of an electronic viewfinder may deter those seeking a camera primarily for still photography, prompting them to explore alternative options.
Nevertheless, with its unparalleled blend of power and video-centric features, the ZV-1 emerges as the quintessential go-anywhere camera for creating captivating content for platforms like YouTube and other social media channels.
In fact, we confidently assert that it stands among the elite as one of the finest cameras tailored specifically for YouTube content creation.
The eagerly anticipated Sony ZV-1 is now available for pre-order, with orders opening on its release date of May 26, 2020.
Sony anticipates shipping to commence “in early June” for customers in the US and UK, and “mid-June” for those in Australia.
Priced at $749 / £699 / AU$1,299, this compact vlogging powerhouse falls neatly between the Sony RX100 Mark IV and RX100 Mark V in terms of cost.
Unlike its RX100 series counterparts, however, the ZV-1 foregoes an electronic viewfinder to maintain affordability. Instead, it introduces newer features such as Real-time Eye AF autofocus, enriching the shooting experience in novel ways.
At this price point, the Sony ZV-1 finds itself in direct competition with its primary adversary, the Canon G7X Mark III. Launched in August 2019 at $750 / £700 / AU$1,100, the G7X Mark III currently retails for slightly less.
For added convenience and functionality, enthusiasts can now purchase the Sony GP-VPT2BT shooting grip, featuring an integrated wireless remote designed specifically for the Sony ZV-1.
Available now, this accessory is priced at $138 / £170 / AU$240, providing users with enhanced control and versatility in their vlogging endeavors.
Think of the Sony ZV-1 as a revamped Sony RX100 Mark V tailored specifically for YouTube content creators. While it’s not flawless, it addresses many of the concerns raised about the Mark V’s video capabilities.
Alongside the Canon G7X Mark III, it stands out as one of the few compact cameras purpose-built for video production.
Let’s start with the positives. The standout addition is the side-hinged articulating touchscreen. This type of screen surpasses traditional tilting screens for video shooting, as it leaves ample space at the top and bottom of the camera for attaching accessories.
Crucially, it flips a full 180 degrees, allowing solo YouTubers to frame their shots effortlessly without requiring assistance behind the camera.
However, Sony’s touchscreen functionality remains somewhat limited. While you can use it to adjust focus during video recording, navigating menus or zooming in on photos isn’t supported. This limitation is somewhat disappointing, especially for users transitioning from smartphones.
Nonetheless, the advantage of the side-hinged screen is that it frees up space on top of the camera for a hotshoe, enabling easy attachment of additional accessories.
The Sony ZV-1 takes a different approach by featuring a hotshoe instead of the electronic viewfinder (EVF) present in Sony’s RX100 series.
While the absence of a built-in EVF might be a notable omission for a camera focused on still photography, it aligns perfectly with the ZV-1’s vlogging-centric design.
Given that its target audience primarily relies on the screen for framing shots, this decision not only streamlines the camera’s functionality but also contributes to its competitive pricing, albeit not as significantly as anticipated.
The inclusion of a hotshoe presents a myriad of possibilities for users, allowing seamless attachment of accessories like LED lights or external microphones.
Unlike the Sony RX100 VII, which necessitated the purchase of an external bracket for mounting such accessories, the ZV-1 eliminates this concern. Moreover, the ZV-1 boasts another vlogging-friendly feature: a 3.5mm mic input.
In the realm of vlogging, audio quality is just as crucial as video quality. Hence, the presence of a 3.5mm port is indispensable for vlogging cameras.
While the Sony ZV-1 does sport an enhanced built-in microphone on its top plate – a three-directional capsule mic with left, center, and right channels – Sony goes the extra mile by including a ‘dead cat’ windshield with the ZV-1. This accessory plugs into the hotshoe, effectively mitigating wind noise during outdoor shoots.
However, as we’ll explore later, the superiority of an external microphone over any built-in counterpart underscores the significance of the 3.5mm port’s inclusion.
One slightly less appealing aspect of the Sony ZV-1 is the presence of a microUSB port below the mic port. While not a deal-breaker, it’s somewhat disappointing given the industry shift towards USB-C ports for faster charging and enhanced convenience.
Take, for instance, the Fujifilm X-T4, which includes a USB-C headphone adapter for real-time sound monitoring during recordings, a feature lacking in the ZV-1. However, the ZV-1 does allow for charging while in use, mitigating its adherence to older charging standards to some extent.
Adding to the ZV-1’s appeal are two notable design enhancements absent in the RX100 VII and its predecessors.
One is a modest hand grip, a subtle yet practical addition that enhances the camera’s ergonomics. While not revolutionary, it’s a feature commonly sought by RX100 series users through third-party accessories. Furthermore, for the first time in a Sony camera, the video recording button matches the size of the stills shutter button.
While these may seem like minor adjustments, they hold significant implications.
Unlike the RX100 series, they position the ZV-1 as a camera prioritizing video capabilities while still excelling in still photography.
Despite foregoing features like an EVF and lens control ring, the inclusion of a side-flipping screen, hotshoe, and mic port solidifies the ZV-1’s status as the ultimate pocketable tool for vloggers and YouTubers.
The Sony ZV-1 fulfills a long-standing demand among vloggers by merging the acclaimed lens of the Sony RX100 Mark V, or a slightly refined iteration thereof, with Sony’s cutting-edge Bionz X processor and autofocus capabilities.
Why opt for the 24-70mm lens from the Mark V instead of the 24-200mm lens featured in the last two iterations of the Sony RX100 series? Simply put, the former is better suited for vlogging, owing to its brighter f/1.8-2.8 aperture.
This aperture, coupled with the camera’s 1-inch sensor, lends a delightful background blur to your videos while also enhancing still photos by allowing for lower ISO settings in comparable scenarios (albeit at the expense of the extended 200mm reach).
However, the true standout feature of the ZV-1 lies in its pairing of this luminous lens with Sony’s latest Real-time autofocus technology.
This feat is made possible by the integration of the Bionz X processor, also found in the full-frame Sony Alpha A9 II, and the 20.1MP stacked CMOS sensor, boasting 315 phase-detect autofocus points covering 65% of the frame.
What does this mean in practical terms? To begin with, the ZV-1’s hybrid autofocus system, which combines phase detection with contrast-detection AF systems, delivers superior speed and confidence in video recording compared to the contrast-only systems found in competitors like the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III.
The Sony ZV-1 doesn’t just excel in autofocus prowess; it’s also loaded with a plethora of video-centric features. However, this abundance of features doesn’t necessarily translate to seamless usability.
Sony’s camera menus have earned a reputation for being as user-friendly as deciphering ancient hieroglyphics, prompting efforts to enhance the ZV-1’s accessibility for beginners.
Among these efforts are two new default settings for the camera’s custom buttons. The first, aptly named the ‘Bokeh switch,’ instantly opens the aperture wide to achieve a defocused background in footage. Unlike smartphone ‘portrait’ modes, this effect is achieved through traditional optics rather than computational trickery.
The second custom button, ‘Product showcase,’ is tailored for YouTubers specializing in reviews. Activating this setting disables both SteadyShot stabilization (requiring a tripod for optimal use) and Face and Eye priority AF. This ensures that when showcasing a product, the camera focuses on the object rather than the presenter’s face. Thanks to the ZV-1’s swift autofocus, this function performs admirably.
However, these solutions feel somewhat hastily implemented, and the ZV-1 otherwise retains the essence of an RX100 series compact camera. Consequently, compared to sleek touchscreen apps like Filmic Pro, its interface may feel somewhat outdated. Be prepared to navigate through the ZV-1’s menus extensively and customize settings to your preference.
Admittedly, the complexity of the Sony ZV-1’s interface is partly a result of its feature-rich design, with many features tailored to advanced video enthusiasts.
Yet, it’s this very depth that sets it apart, offering an unparalleled array of capabilities within a compact frame.
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One standout feature is the reintroduction of the built-in ND filter. Absent in the last two RX100 models, this filter is indispensable for achieving smooth video motion on bright days, enabling slower shutter speeds without compromising aperture settings.
Delve further into the menus, and you’ll discover a plethora of compositional aids such as focus peaking and zebra patterns, alongside Sony’s renowned picture profiles like S-Log2, S-Log3, and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG), ideal for users keen on precise color grading to maximize dynamic range.
But what about more conventional settings adjustments, such as resolution and frame rate options? Like the RX100 Mark VII, the ZV-1 can capture 4K footage at a maximum of 30p.
While the absence of a 4K/60p mode is regrettable, the ZV-1 employs oversampling rather than pixel binning for its 4K footage, ensuring superior image quality by extracting a 4K image from the 20.1MP sensor without pixelation or jagged edges.
For those willing to sacrifice resolution for speed, faster frame rates are available in 1080p, complemented by Sony’s impressive super slow-motion options, reaching an astounding 960fps.
However, it’s important to note that this comes with a significant loss in quality, a topic we’ll delve into alongside discussions on the ZV-1’s stabilization and battery life in the performance section.
In the realm of vlogging cameras, alongside stellar autofocus, a front-facing screen, and robust audio options, impressive image stabilization is paramount for maintaining steady handheld footage. However, of these four essential features, image stabilization happens to be the Sony ZV-1’s weakest aspect.
That’s not to say its SteadyShot system is subpar; far from it. The most potent ‘Active’ stabilization mode seamlessly integrates optical and electronic stabilization, even during 4K shooting.
For vloggers on the move, this mode is indispensable, as demonstrated in our test clips.
However, the downside of ‘Active’ stabilization is the slight crop it imposes on your footage to counteract movement bounce during walking.
While not overly severe, this additional crop, compounded by the ZV-1’s already slightly tight 24mm widest focal length, results in minimal framing space around your face when holding the camera at arm’s length.
Nonetheless, we still find this crop acceptable for handheld vlogging, especially given the exceptional performance of Sony’s Eye AF focusing.
Nevertheless, if you primarily shoot walking shots while addressing the camera, it’s advisable to test this feature beforehand.
For those prioritizing stabilization, exploring alternatives or accessories may be worthwhile.
As demonstrated in our comparison video, both the GoPro Hero 8 Black and the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 (paired with a smartphone) offer superior stabilization to the Sony ZV-1, albeit at the expense of image quality.
For the best of both worlds, a combination of the Sony ZV-1 and a gimbal like the Zhiyan Crane M2 could prove optimal – we’ll update our review once we’ve had the opportunity to evaluate this setup.
Pros
- +Class-leading autofocus
- +Bright lens for lovely video bokeh
- +Hotshoe and 3.5mm mic port
- +Side-flipping screen ideal for video
- +Fits in your pocket
Cons
- –Average video stabilization
- –Touchscreen still very limited
- –Micro USB rather than USB-C
PRICE : $648.00
