This morning, Sony announced a brand new addition is joining its compact camera lineup. The Sony ZV-1 digital camera, released today, is designed with the vlogger in mind, and contains video and audio features — including the first side flip-out LCD screen in a Sony compact camera — to allow for seamless content production.
For those looking to produce video content easily, quickly, and in high-quality, this is the camera you’ve been looking for.
2021 Update: A new firmware update for the ZV-1 camera, available through Sony starting Feb. 8, 2021, makes it easier to use the camera as both a high-quality video and audio camera. Users can connect the camera with UVC/UAC over a USB cable to PC for livestreaming/ online communication, or connect to the Sony Xperia smartphone for on-the-go livestreaming with high-quality audio and video.
Key Features:
- 20.1MP stacked back illuminated 1″ Exmor RS CMOS sensor with DRAM
- 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario Sonnar T Lens
- 4K movie with full pixel readout, no pixel binning
- Interval shooting for time-lapse videos
- Super slow-motion movie up to 960fps
- Fast Hybrid AF, Real Time Eye AF, Real-Time AF tracking
- Side-articulating LCD screen
- Background Defocus function (2 modes)
- Product Showcase Setting, allows for focus transition between subject face and object
- Clear Voice with 3-capsule directional microphone. Wind screen accessory included
- 3.5mm microphone jack with multi-interface shoe
- Weighs 294g
Powerful features for video content:
As mentioned, this is the very first Sony compact camera to feature the coveted side flip-out LCD screen, allowing vloggers to easily monitor their footage in real-time as they record.
Sony has also brought in the addition of 4K movie recording with full pixel readout, time lapse interval shooting, and super slow motion up to 960fps gives even more versatility in shooting,
The ZV-1 also includes the “Product Showcase Setting,” an especially helpful feature for product reviewers, and allows for a smooth transition between the vlogger’s face and the object placed in front of the camera. You’ll be able to easily transition between your talking head shots, and showing off products on-camera.
For other on-camera tools, the ZV-1 has a Face Priority auto-exposure function to automatically adjust the exposure of the subject’s face depending on the environment. An additional Background Defocus function (which gets its own dedicated button) provides two stages of background bokeh to accentuate the on-camera presenter. Sony’s user-favorite advanced autofocus system is included in the ZV-1, and Real-Time Eye AF for humans and Real-Time Tracking for video allow for precise subject tracking and focusing. Skin tones are further optimized thanks to the re-engineered advanced color science.
A prominent movie “REC” button allows for even faster recording, and a ergonomic grip makes maneuvering and holding the unit even more comfortable. Taking your video production on-the-go just got even easier.
Supercharged audio features:
A compelling vlog needs more than top-notch video — which the new Sony ZV-1 provides — and calls for crisp and clear accompanying audio. In this feature, Sony delivered. The ZV-1 includes a built-in onboard microphone that boasts directional 3-capsule technology for capturing audio and cutting down on background noise. In the video above, you’ll be able to see it all in action, as the microphone and included windscreen accessory easily eliminate wind noise while shooting. Additionally, a standard 3.5mm microphone jack and a multi-interface shoe further give flexibility for audio options.
Vlogger Accessory Kit:
Alongside the new ZV-1, Sony is also releasing the accompanying Vlogger Accessory Kit to make your video content creation even more quick and easy. The kit contains the Shooting Wireless Remote Commander Grip and a 64GB Ultra High Speed Media Card.
The grip — which also expands into a small tripod — allows for handheld shooting controls, right at your fingertips. You can record video, capture photos, and engage the Background Defocus function directly from the grip’s handle.
The Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera and Vlogger Accessory Kit will be available for preorder for on Tuesday, May 26, at 12PM EST.
