Sony Electronics introduced the ZV-1, a pocket-sized digital camera that guns for the vlogging market with its multitude of features tailored for the needs of video shooters who shoot casual videos and share them on social networks. The new camera comes packing easy-to-use features with the best-in-class imaging technology that Sony has come to be known for.

Sony ZV-1

List of Specifications

The ZV-1 features a 1.0” stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with a DRAM chip much like that on the pricier Sony RX 100 VII paired with a ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens that goes from 24 – 70mm (35mm equivalent) with a F/1.8 – 2.8 aperture for that beautiful out-of-focus background bokeh to emphasise on the subject. Featuring the latest BIONZ X image processor with front-end LSI, the ZV-1 is said to deliver high resolution 20.1-megapixel photos with low noise.

The ZV-1 is capable of autofocus that locks on and tracks subjects with great accuracy and speed through a hybrid system featuring 315 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection autofocus points. Further accentuating its focus on the vlogging community, the camera comes with a side-opening Vari-angle LCD screen to allow for easier composing even with external audio equipment attached to the hotshoe. It is also both compact, coming in at 105.5mm x 60.0mm x 43.5mm, and lightweight at just 294g so using it handheld would not be strenuous.

Videography Features

Despite being pocket-sized, the ZV-1 comes packing pro-level movie-making capabilities including 4K movie recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning using the high bit-rate XAVC S codec, Log video recording with choices such as Hybrid Log-Gamma (HDR) and S-Log3 as well as Super Slow Motion with up to 960fps recording. It also utilises the latest technologies in image stabilisation, with the Active Optical SteadyShot promising up to 8-times better performance than that of standard SteadyShot.

The ZV-1 features a new Bokeh Switch function with a dedicated button that gives the option between two levels of background blur while recording. The function essentially adjusts the lens aperture to achieve more or less background bokeh without affecting the focus on the subject. When shooting human subjects, the ZV-1 creates a smooth and natural complexion with re-engineered colour science optimised for skin tones while maintaining sharp images of the mouth and eyes.

A new Product Showcase setting for the autofocus system allows for fast and smooth focus transition between the subject’s face and the object placed before the lens. Sony’s Real-time Eye AF also makes an appearance here, and when combined with Real-time Tracking for video allows seamless focus shift between multiple subjects. With the new ZV-1 Sony also debuts the new Face Priority autoexposure function that detects and prioritises the subject’s face to ensure the face is depicted at ideal brightness regardless of environment.

Crystal Clear Audio is Sony’s solution for clear and excellent audio quality to go with the high quality videos. Featuring Sony’s latest Directional 3-capsule Mic, the ZV-1’s onboard mic is designed for forward-directional audio that captures the subject’s voice clearly while minimising background noise. A wind-screen accessory is also supplied with the camera and fits on the MI shoe to minimise wind noise. A 3.5mm mic jack is also included to allow easy connection to a wide range of external microphones

Availability in Malaysia

The ZV-1 will be available in Malaysia from July 2020, with pricing set to announce in July as well. Check out more stories and content shot on the camera on Sony’s Alpha Universe here. Learn more about the ZV-1 on Sony’s official website here, and check out their product video here.