Sony ZV-1 II Compact Vlog Camera, White

42 West: Sony ZV-1 II Hands-On Review with Sal D’Alia

Whether you’re a YouTuber, streamer, videographer, or just a content creator in general, listen up for the newest camera announcement from Sony. In May of 2020, Sony released the popular ZV-1, marketed for content creators. Now, the company is releasing the latest version — the Sony ZV-1 II Compact Camera.......

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Sony ZV-1 II

The Sony ZV-1 Mark II camera is a compact, versatile device specifically designed for content creators and vloggers. With its impressive features and user-friendly interface, it caters to the needs of those who prioritize high-quality video recording and stunning image quality. The ZV-1 boasts an advanced 18-50mm lens, compared to the original ZV-1 which reached 24-70mm. Its flip-out LCD screen, new USB-C port, and three-capsule mic with changeable directivity makes it perfect for vlogging and live streaming. Additionally, the camera offers advanced autofocus and a new Cinematic Vlog setting to ensure professional-looking footage. Vloggers, YouTubers, and any creative individual looking for a powerful, portable, and user-friendly camera will be able to document their adventures and creations with ease.

Elevate your vlogging

The ZV-1 II is an ideal all-round vlog camera. Compact and portable, it features a wide-angle zoom lens for versatile framing, a 1.0-type (1-inch) image sensor for great image quality, and an intelligent microphone for clear audio recording.

Frame it all

With the vlog camera ZV-1 II, you can shoot everything from group selfies to sprawling cityscapes. The wide-angle 18-50mm1 zoom lens can capture a wide field of view from 18mm, so you can easily fit everyone or everything in the frame to beautiful portraits at 50mm. Whether you're indoors or out, the wide-angle lens turns everyday scenes into dynamic footage.

Creative colors

No experience is needed to make an impressive vlog with all the right visuals from the outset. My Image Style2 lets you simply tweak brightness and color while viewing what you plan to shoot-all without having to wade through menus. For shots with more creative color and mood, Creative Look offers ten presets so simply select one that matches your vision.

Built-in mic for clear voice recording

With the ZV-1 II, capturing high quality audio is even easier. In [Auto] mode, the new built-in Intelligent 3-Capsule Mic switches the direction of the built-in mic from [All Directions] to [Front] when the camera recognizes a human face in the frame. Or you can switch manually from [Auto] to [Front] for selfies or [Rear] when shooting with narration. Attach a supplied windscreen to reduce wind noise and capture clearer audio outdoors.

Effortlessly portable

Small and lightweight, the vlog camera ZV-1 II is designed to be taken out anywhere - just like your smartphone. Weighing just 10.3 oz. (292g), capture everyday life with ease and grab content on the go.

Simple, intuitive control

Even first-time vloggers can jump straight into shooting with the ZV-1 II; there's no need to study complex settings. Touch function icons like recording, self-timer and the Product Showcase Setting are displayed on the screen for easy control. These are also great for shooting selfies or in other situations when you can't reach the physical buttons on the camera.

Focus on you

The ZV-1 II automatically makes sure you always stay in focus with Touch Tracking. It recognizes human faces and eyes, so it keeps track of the main subject without wandering off. Just tap the subject on the screen to activate the feature. Eye AF can even be set to track animal faces and eyes.

Powerful image stabilization

Shaky footage can ruin the best of vlogs, but the ZV-1 II is built to let you capture great footage even while you're walking and shooting handheld. Active Mode8 helps to minimize camera blur, giving you steadier shots without the need for any post-shoot editing.

Selfies made simple

Let the ZV-1 II work for you to capture great group moments. When taking selfies in iAUTO mode with two or three people, the camera automatically adjusts the setting to keep everyone's faces sharp and clear

Simple smartphone connection

Connecting your camera and smartphone has never been easier thanks to the Creators' App mobile application11. Data transfers continue in the background even if the smartphone display sleeps or a different app is launched12. You can also tum your smartphone or PC into a remote control to operate the camera from a distance.

Simple streaming with a single cable

Transform the ZV-1 II into a high-quality web camera just by connecting a compatible device via USB13. The large 1.0-type (1-inch) image sensor and Creative Look presets ensure vibrant visuals.

Next level audio quality

Raise your vlog audio quality even further by connecting external microphones. For example, the ECM-G1 clearly captures sound in front of the camera and can be attached without a cable. Or take your pick from Sony's extensive line-up, designed to suit a broad range of applications.

Using recycled plastic

SORPLAS™ is a Sony-developed durable and repeatedly recycled material. We use it in conjunction with other recycled materials to manufacture camera bodies without compromising performance and functionality. Approximately 379 tons of virgin plastic have been replaced by recycled plastics in our digital cameras and digital video cameras over the past ten years.

ZV-1 II - All for vlogging
Capture your world the way you want. The vlog camera ZV-1 II streamlines shooting on the go, allowing you to capture amazing quality video and audio without any complex setup.

The ZV-1 II is an ideal all-round vlog camera. Compact and portable, it features a wide-angle zoom lens for versatile framing, a 1.0-type image sensor for great image quality, and an intelligent microphone for clear audio recording.

Designed for vloggers - Features to elevate your vlogging

Frame it all
With the vlog camera ZV-1 II, you can shoot everything from group selfies to sprawling cityscapes. The wide-angle 18 mm lens can capture a wider field of view than the human eye, so you can easily fit everyone or everything in the frame. Whether you're indoors or out, the wide-angle lens turns everyday scenes into dynamic footage.

Versatile framing
The ZV-1 II lets you frame your shots exactly how you want, thanks to its wide-angle 18-50 mm zoom lens. 18 mm1 is great for selfies, while 50 mm is ideal for portraits and snapshots. What's more, the maximum apertures of F1.8 with the wide-angle and F4 with the telephoto give a smooth background bokeh, adding all the atmosphere you need.

Creative colors
No experience is needed to make an impressive vlog with all the right visuals from the outset. My Image Style lets you simply tweak brightness and color while viewing what you plan to shoot - all without having to wade through menus. For shots with more creative color and mood, Creative Look offers ten presets so simply select one that matches your vision.

Add a dramatic touch
Just tap the screen to turn everyday moments into cinematic imagery, all without post-production editing. With the Cinematic Vlog Setting, the camera automatically shoots in a Cinemascope aspect ratio4 at 24 fps - the film industry standard. You can also change the color of your footage simply by selecting from five LOOKs and four MOODs for instant, professional results.

Built-in mic for clear voice recording
In [Auto] mode, the new built-in Intelligent 3-Capsule Mic switches the direction of the built-in mic from [All Directions] to [Front] when the camera recognizes a human face in the frame. Or you can switch manually from [Auto] to [Front] for selfies or [Rear] when shooting with narration. Attach a supplied windscreen to reduce wind noise and capture clearer audio outdoors.

Creative freedom - Compact & easy to use

Effortlessly portable
Small and lightweight, the vlog camera ZV-1 II is designed to be taken out anywhere - just like your smartphone. Weighing just 292 10.3 oz. (292g), capture everyday life with ease and grab content on the go.

Simple, intuitive control
Even first-time vloggers can jump straight into shooting with the ZV-1 II, there's no need to study complex settings. Touch function icons like recording and self-timer are displayed on the screen for easy control. These are also great for shooting selfies or in other situations when you can't reach the physical buttons on the camera.

Focus on you
The ZV-1 II automatically makes sure you always stay in focus with Touch Tracking. It recognizes human faces and eyes, so it keeps track of the main subject without wandering off. Just tap the subject on the screen to activate the feature. Eye AF can even be set to track animal faces and eyes.

Data usage responsibility
The face registration feature involves the use of biometric data. You are responsible for your collection and use of such data, and compliance with applicable local law. For more details, please visit the website below.

Powerful image stabilization
Shaky footage can ruin the best of vlogs, but the ZV-1 II is built to let you capture great footage even while you're walking and shooting handheld. Active Mode helps to minimize camera blur, giving you steadier shots without the need for any post-shoot editing.

Stand out with just a tap
The ZV-1 II is designed for easier content creation. Activate the Product Showcase Setting and the camera will automatically focus on the product you're holding with no additional gestures needed. Or use Bokeh Switch to get a softly blurred background - simply select [Defocus] to make the subject stand out, or [Clear] to keep the entire image in focus.

Optimized for selfies

Selfies made simple
Let the ZV-1 II work for you to capture great group moments. When taking selfies in iAUTO mode with two or three people, the camera automatically adjusts the setting to keep everyone's faces sharp and clear.

Always look your best
Look your best any time you're shooting. Without any special settings, the ZV-1 II accurately captures your skin tone, ensuring a healthy and natural look. Face Priority AE automatically brightens your face so there's no need to worry about lighting either. There's also a Soft Skin Effect selectable to OFF/ Low/ Mid /High to adjust your skin smoothness.

Always know when you're recording
Say goodbye to accidentally missing the action. When you press the MOVIE button or tap the record icon on the LCD screen, the recording lamp glows red and a red frame appears on the screen, letting you know instantly that you're capturing what counts. The rotatable screen means you can also track recording while shooting from any angle.

Shooting grip for easy vlogging
Vlogging is simpler and more comfortable with the optional GP-VPT2BT wireless shooting grip, which enables you to grab more stable shots and also doubles as a tripod. The zoom lever and recording button are on the grip side, so you don't have to stretch around the camera every time to reach key control buttons.

Share and connect

Simple smartphone connection
Connecting your camera and smartphone has never been easier thanks to the Creators' App mobile application. Data transfers continue in the background even if the smartphone display sleeps or a different app is launched. You can also turn your smartphone or PC into a remote control to operate the camera from a distance.

Simple streaming with a single cable
ransform the ZV-1 II into a high-quality web camera just by connecting a compatible device via USB. The large 1.0-type image sensor and Creative Look presets ensure vibrant visuals.

Sony's cloud services
Creators' Cloud is a platform that supports creative work from shooting to production by combining advanced Sony camera technology with cloud-based AI. It's also a place for discovery and collaboration with other creators around the world. Explore web, mobile, and PC-based apps providing efficient solutions that integrate cameras with shooting and production apps and services including Ci Media Cloud for collaborative production.

Advanced features

High quality imagery
The ZV-1 II packs powerful specs in its compact body, offering impressive image quality. Its large 1.0-type image sensor means it can capture professional-level footage, shooting in XAVC S format up to 30p and in 4K, and up to 120p in Full HD for up to 5x slow motion. It also supports simultaneous proxy recording for efficient post-production workflow.

Grows with your creativity
With the ZV-1 II, it's easy to take the next steps towards boosting your videography skills. Just like professional Cinema Line or a series cameras, the ZV-1 II supports S-Log and S-Gamut.Cine picture profiles, giving you even greater flexibility for post-production.

Built-in ND filter
The ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T 18-50mm1 F1.8-4 zoom lens has a built-in neutral density (ND) filter to control light exposure by three stops, giving images greater expressiveness in bright light. The lens maintains sharpness throughout the zoom range, allowing you to capture all the shots you need to bring your vlog to life.

Next level audio quality
Raise your vlog audio quality even further by connecting external microphones (sold separately). For example, the ECM-G1 clearly captures sound in front of the camera and can be attached without a cable. Or take your pick from Sony's extensive line-up, designed to suit a broad range of applications.

Towards a better future - Reducing our environmental footprint

Road to Zero
Inspired by the beauty of the world, Sony is doing its part to help preserve the Earth, while still allowing creators to produce even more beautiful and creative imagery. With a goal of achieving a zero environmental footprint across the entire Sony Group by the year 2040, we are accelerating numerous initiatives for the environment.

Non-plastic outer packaging
The outer packaging of the ZV-1 II does not contain plastic, but instead uses Sony's Original Blended Material, consisting of bamboo, sugar cane, and recycled paper. This unique blend not only produces high quality and durable packaging, but it is also recyclable for an even lower environmental impact.

Recyclable non-plastic packaging materials
Sony is working towards the use of non-plastic packaging materials, while still providing ample protection during shipping. We are also using plant-based non-woven fabrics for product bags. All of this helps to minimize our environmental impact.

Using recycled plastic
SORPLAS is a Sony-developed durable and repeatedly recycled material. We use it in conjunction with other recycled materials to manufacture camera bodies without compromising performance and functionality. Approximately 379 tons of virgin plastic have been replaced by recycled plastics in our digital cameras and digital video cameras over the past ten years.