Sony has just announced the launch of the ZV-1, a compact camera that’s ready for vlogging out of the box.
The ZV-1, available for pre-order for $748 and due to ship on June 11, is a lightweight, compact camera featuring a one-inch sensor and a fixed 24-70mm equivalent lens, complete with optical and digital stabilization, and capable of shooting 4K at up to 30 fps.
The major specifications:
- 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
- ZEISS 24-70mm-equivalent f/1.8-2.8 Lens
- UHD 4K30p Video with HLG and S-Log3 Gammas
- 3.0″ Side Flip-Out Touchscreen LCD
Notably, the LCD touchscreen articulates fully to the side. Other features include a built-in ND filter, eye-detect and face-detect autofocus, and a 3.5mm microphone jack.
The camera seems to blend the compact size of the RX100 III — as well as the same lens — but stealing many of the powerful video features of the a6100 and a6600.
Sony has introduced a “Face Priority” autoexposure mode which seems like a logical solution for vloggers who move between different lighting conditions. It will be interesting to see how this fares when suddenly required to compensate for strongly backlit situations.
The ZV-1 combines both electronic and optical stabilization, though electronic will crop slightly. It also features a "bokeh button" which, it seems, will instantly shift the lens to the lowest possible aperture in order to create separation between subject and background. With product reviewers in mind, the ZV-1 also has a dedicated "Product Showcase Setting" for presenting objects close to the lens when reviewing products.
With video content creators in mind, Sony offers a bundle that includes the GP-VPT2BT Shooting Grip and a 64 GB SD card, currently available for $846.
Will you be pre-ordering? Is 24mm wide enough for your vlogging needs? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
I've been waiting for Fstoppers to report on this camera for a few days now. It seems like Sony is doubling down on the YouTube audience as many "Influencers" got preview models and have been releasing their reviews since yesterday: Jeven Dovey, Jason Vong, Matti Haapoja, Potato Jet, Dunna Did it... the list goes on. Basic abstract of reviews: video quality looks decent, image stabilization is better than their alpha series camers (but not as good as GoPro's hypersmooth 2.0) and onboard audio is not terrible.
Honestly, I just expect the community here to hurl ridicule at the tiny camera (please wait guys and gals, I'm going to go make some popcorn first).
I got caught up in the YouTube hype last year and got an a6400. However, I'm not bitter about that at all; its actually a really nice APSC camera. I'm satisfied with the video and still photography capabilities of the a6400 and the available lenses; a great entry point for me into the world of photography. That said, the only thing this ZV-1 has that I want is the fold out screen. Otherwise, it has oversimplified the experience in an effort to make it accessible to anyone that can take a cellphone selfie.
And yes, 24mm equivalent is sufficiently wide for vlogging.
24mm is enough to vlog with but 20mm is really that sweet spot to get full bust to top the the head I’m frame while hand holding, especially with a short tripod or arm.
Have you used a 14mm on your A6400 yet? It’s a really good combo.
Actually, I just learned that 24mm equivalent is only when stabilization is turned off. When you turn it on, it punches in. So no, I don't think the ZV1 is quite wide enough.
As for the a6400, I really want something wider than my Sigma 16mm, because with the apsc crop factor, that's 24mm equivalent. Sadly Sony's 10-18mm lens for my camera is $900 and only goes as wide as f4.
I’m a Sony user and find in body stabilization completely useless. As small as this camera is, a cheap gimbal would be the move.
Seems to be a trend on using cameras as web cams lately so figured something like this would come. Everyone ran from point and shoot to phones so why not just come out with an adapter that let's them use their phones as a webcam and we can skip going backwards to point and shoot? (copyright David Love, just now.)
Using your old phone as webcam has been around for a good bit. still worth trying to copyright
I have used an old one as a security camera too
Does the screen not flip out a complete 180 degrees? It looks like it can only go 150 or 160 degrees. What a weird choice if so.
Machette don't Vlog
I really want to try one out. I think this would be a great option for me to take cycling. Throw it in a waterproof bag and forget about it. Small enough to not weight me down (I've biked with my A7R3, what a tank), but with lots of great features for getting much better photos than I would get with my cell phone.