Sony ZV-E1 body

Sony ZV-E1 Vlog Camera

This is an interesting new feature! Sony's ZV-E1 is a camera designed entirely for vloggers. Don't let its appearance fool you, as it has a full-frame sensor, the same technology as the Cinema camera in the FX3, and the autofocus features of the top-of-the-line A7R V.

This is the right tool if you want to stay on top of developments and improve the quality of your video production. In terms of features, this is suitable as a primary camera or a B-camera for even larger productions!

• Full-frame 12MP sensor (no mechanical shutter)
• Sony's smallest full-frame body
• Internal image stabilization with Dynamic active stabilization
• 4K 60P (120P recording coming as an update in summer 2023)
• FullHD 120P (240P coming as an update!
• Vlog auxiliary functions: multi-face recognition, product introduction and face priority
  
• Familiar and functional Touch Tracking and EyeAF focusing features
• S-Log 3 and all-new easy-to-use color models
• USB-C streaming also in 4K 30P quality
• New generation improved internal microphone, you can adjust the direction from the menu
  

Those familiar with the Sony FX3 know that the video quality is decent. It uses the same processor and sensor as the FX3 and A7S III models, so the dynamic range, sharpness and rolling shutter speed are top-notch.

But this is a ZV series camera, which means the usability of the camera has been made simple and straightforward. The Rec button is a good size for once, and the tally light ensures that the video is actually running. The most used features, such as product presentation focus, have their own buttons. The features of more robust cameras that have been left out, such as a second memory card slot and the HDMI connection is the smallest Micro type. Via a USB-C cable, this works directly as a webcam for streaming, for example, and now the resolution is also better at 4K 30P.

The Sony ZV-E1 does not have a fan, but in tests, 4K 60P video has been recorded for over an hour without overheating, so the thermal management seems adequate for video use. When recording 4K 24P video, the battery runs out before the camera warms up. Like the Sony A7 IV, there are adjustments for temperature limits and the best functionality is achieved when the screen is opened to the side.

AI smart features

The ZV-E1 won't solve Sudoku puzzles or answer questions, but it does have the same AI-trained processor as the A7R V, which means it has subject-detection autofocus. In addition to people, the autofocus can detect and track cars, vehicles, animals, and insects.

The features have evolved tremendously over the years, meaning that in addition to just the head and eyes, the camera takes into account limbs and postures and predicts movement to keep the subject completely sharp.

Here are a few highlights of the new features:

Clear image zoom, 1.5x digital cropping at 4K resolution: this is done digitally but with very little loss of quality, now the feature also works with next focus and active mode stabilization. You can make nifty zooms with the zoom switch next to the power button. You can conveniently get a longer focal length and liven up static video!

Dynamic Active stabilization: this uses the same Clear image zoom technology and frames the image more, which means very effective digital stabilization. Great for fast-paced shooting when not using gimbals.

The internal microphone is completely new, you can choose the direction from the menu, i.e. whether sounds are recorded from around you or from the front. This also works in conjunction with object detection, i.e. when you are in the picture, directional sound is recorded, and if you move behind the camera, for example, the microphone records sounds from all directions!

Framing stabilizer: Subject detection automatically keeps, for example, the person being filmed in the middle of the frame or at a desired position. When moving the camera or shooting while walking, the camera compensates for movements. The same feature also works the other way around: put the camera on a tripod and the framing automatically moves to follow the performer! This is like having your own camera operator directly in the camera.

Focus breathing compensation: focus breathing refers to the disturbing change in focal length when the focus moves. This is found in addition to the new Sony models, also in this camera (but not, for example, in the much more robust FX3 model!).

Sony ZV-E1 in photography

Yes, this also takes 12 megapixel photos. But the camera doesn't have a mechanical shutter, meaning it only uses a silent electronic shutter. There's also no separate viewfinder on the body, meaning it can take still photos while shooting video, but it's not the best solution as a primary photo camera. Sony has clearly set itself the goal of making a tool for video content producers.

Thanks to the shared electronics, the image quality and color reproduction are identical to the A7S III body, meaning they can be used together nicely. The difference at the moment is the S-Cinetone color setting, but this will be coming to the A7 series as a software update later.

Specifications:

• Compatibility: Sony FE mount
• Sensor: 12.9 megapixels, sensitivity ISO 80-102400 (expanded to 40-409600)
• 5-axis IBIS image stabilization + digital stabilization
• 759 phase-detection and 627 contrast-detection AF points
  
• AF works in -6EV lighting
• 3' tilting touchscreen, resolution 1.36 million dots
  
• Max. UHD 4K 4:2:2 10bit video, multiple codec options, RawXAVC HS codec
• Firmware update adds 4K 120P and FullHD 240P recording
• Unlimited recording time (no 30min limit)
  
• Built-in microphone and 3.5mm microphone jack and 3.5mm headphone jack
  
• USB Type-C connector, Micro-USB connector (Sony multi-connector)
• Wifi & Bluetooth
• Battery type: NP-FZ100
• 1 pc SDXC UHS-II memory card slot
• Size: 121 x 71.95 x 54.3mm
• Weight: 483g (with battery and memory card), body only 399g

Sales package includes: Sony ZV-E1 body, Sony NP-FZ100 battery (2280mAh), shoulder strap, microphone windscreen, body cap, hot shoe cover