Sony's latest release in its vlog and content creation line of mirrorless cameras punches well above its weight class. Featuring a full frame sensor and a whole host of new features, there's quite a bit to love if you're a vlogger or content creator.
Some of the notable features and upgrades on the ZV-E1 include:
- Dynamic Active Steady-Shot stabilization
- Cinematic Vlog mode
- AI-based Framing Stabilizer and Auto-Framing
- Multiple Face Recognition that automatically optimizes depth of field for groups
- Importing of LUT files for monitoring and recording
- Simplified and intuitive touch operation
- 10-bit 4:2:2 recording up to 4K 120P with direct pixel readout
Those are just a few of the new features from this small and mighty content creation powerhouse. It's small, easy to use, and offers the same level of image quality as Sony's flagship mirrorless cameras, like the FX-3, a7S III, and even the a7R V.
Take a look at the informative video from creator and educator David Zhou to learn more about why he loves using the ZV-E1 for the majority of his creative work. David explains all of the features, why they're great for his workflow, and even a few of the things that it may not be the best fit for.
What are your thoughts on the Sony ZV-E1? Share your feedback in comments below, and if you'd like to learn even more about the Sony ZV-E1, be sure to register for my live presentation on the B&H Event Space Online on 6/21/23 at 3pm EST.
Images used with permission of David Zhou .
Interesting and entertaining review but leaving the question open: does it also do stills?
Glad you enjoyed it Paul, and absolutely! It takes amazing photos. You just have to be aware of artificial light and banding when shooting inside, since there's no mechanical shutter. Otherwise, I've been getting amazing still photos with it as well 👌
So "Content Creator" is now the term for people who shoot Video?
I'll make a mental note. We used to call them people who shot video.
"Content Creator" is not limited to just those who shoot video. It just happens this camera is video centric.
Great review, David. Thanks very much. I'm very intrigued by this camera! The overheating issue is definitely a concern for me though. I do shoot a lot of interviews and small concerts. What happens when the camera overheats? Does it just shut down? If so, for how long? Is that a hard and fast 30 minutes of continuous use that causes it to overheat? Does that change depending on the temperature of the environment in which the shooting is being done? What if, for instance I was shooting 2hr long concert - but not continuously -- instead I'm stopping in between every song to edit out all the "chatter" and starting back up when the next song begins?
Thanks! When it overheats, the camera shuts off until the internal temps get back down—so it will highly depend on your environment. The 30 minute rule is more of a general rule of thumb for me—it is heavily dependent on ambient temperature and how high of bitrate you’re recording at. Based on testing, you can roll up to 2 hours if you’re shooting at 24fps or especially if you’re in HD. But I could definitely see being able to record a 2hr concert by rolling and stopping as long as ambient temperatures aren’t too hot (e.g., I’m in Florida and right now it’s 87-92 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s quite toasty and I have to be much more mindful of trying to keep the camera cool while shooting like keeping it in shade and not sitting in the sun for an hour straight). Hope that helps!
What’s the major difference between this camera and the new Sony a6700? Sony is releasing new cameras so quickly these days, I can barely keep track of what each one does and what it’s specialty is over the others!
There are many differences between the two. ZV-E1 is a Full Frame sensor, whereas A6700 is APSC. The A6700 has an EVF, which the ZV-E1 does not. A6700 has a mechanical shutter, whereas the ZV-E1 does not. Lot's of differences, so it's all about what you value for your line of work/usage.