Description
Sony ZV-1 Compact 20.1MP 4K HD Digital Camera White – Rechargeable Battery Pack (NP-BX1) – Micro USB Cable – Wind Screen – Wind Screen Adapter – Instruction Manual – Sony 1 Year Limited Warranty – 64GB SDXC U3 Memory Card – Slinger Alpine 2 Camera Case
Vari-angle LCD screen, for selfie shooting with confidence
Directional three-capsule mic and a bundled wind screen
Optimized for easy and natural selfies
Beautiful and natural skin tones for everyone
Note: Products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US. Outlets and voltage differ internationally and this product may require an adapter or converter for use in your destination. Please check compatibility before purchasing.
SouthernTeeTime –
Easy to setup and use. Filming my content isna breeze now. That 4k quality is amazing. Easy to pair with my phone. Transferring files from my Sony ZV 1 camera to my MacBook Air was easy as well. However, 4k does use alot of memory space.
Annabelle 123 –
Light and compact so is perfect for on the go, capturing those special moments. Flip out screen is so handy and the audio is amazing with the microphone even at the beach with wave noise etc.. Great quality and overall super easy to use.
Shinobiserg –
Awesome camera. Even though many say great starter camera. I feel like its a good camera in general. Nothing starter about it.
CoolBoomer –
The Sony ZV1 camera is a small heavily armed tactical device meant to tackle a big list of digital imaging tasks, from movies to selfies to still images of all typesclose up, panoramic, portraits. Its targeting the VLOG market, with an available remote griptripod gadget that connects with bluetooth to the camera itself.The grip is a solid handle that features some basic control buttons, and has two flip out feet to make a little tripod. The top of the grip is the usual tripod mount for cameras, and has an easyaccess press button to tilt the camera. All you have to do is flip out the screen on the camera, and aim it at yourself, and use the Sony Edge Mobile remote app on your phone or PC to control the camera for producing a VLOG. There is also free Sony software for PC or Mac you can use to edit and sort images.At the price of this camera and grip, it might have too steep a learning curve for even an adventurous newbie. If you have some experience with digital cameras and video, this may just the thing for your next step up. It is by far the fastest multishot digital camera Ive ever used. You can really make some cool GIFs with other programs with a series of fast shots this camera takes while the autofocus is bringing the subject into focus.PlusesZeiss lens. Great, stunning quality still images. Sharp macro autofocus. Cool focusing effects. The product showcase mode is excellent, the focus quickly moves to something you hold up to the camera. The gimbaltripodremote that is included as a bonus right now is a cool idea. Phone app for remote operation and easy image editingsharing. The wifi features of this unit are a plus, but a bit tricky to set up and use for transferring images or video to PC.MinusesTiny buttons. You almost need a stylus. The camera could have been a bit bigger. The battery doesnt last very long at all. Ive had to recharge three times just experimenting with it. So many tricky little settings dependent on other settings. This could be a onesemester college class learning everything this camera can do.Gone are the days where cameras and phones came with a nice thick little manual. You have to download or view online a huge PDF in this case. But dont get me wrongonce you get all the features and options down pat this camera probably can do anything and everything a digital camera can be expected to do.
Classic –
Out of the box, very easy to use. However, menu can be confusing. Watch some YouTube videos to learn more about its settings. Microphone is better than iPhone with option to add an external mic. One negative would be the battery door. When using a tripod, battery cant be opened. As a result, be sure to purchase a cage which gives an option for battery door to be opened. Best featureusing USB cable to livestream Be sure to update the cameras firmware to 2.0. Have fun
GoalieMedic –
So Ill review this from 2 different angles for its marketed use, which is VLOGGING and the second as a standard pointandshoot camera.The Sony ZV1 is a 20.1 megapixel camera marketed to the everpopular world of Influencers and VLOGGERS, touting an excellent set of video and audio features for live or recorded video. With native video capability up to 120p excellent for slowmo shots and with a lens from arguably the best camera glass on the market Zeiss image quality is spectacular.The lens is a 2470 zoom, so from a photography standpoint it lacks the focal length for longerlength zooms, but for use for VLOGGING it works just fine. The camera features a builtin mic, but also includes an external hot shoe mic with a deadcat yes, thats an actual term windscreen. For use with multiple mics mixer or a lavalier mic, the camera also has a 3.5mm mic jack on the side.The camera has a 3 multiangle, flip, reversible screen which allows for viewing of selfies when shooting video or photos. The screen is also a touch screen, but that is a little of a misnomer, as its solely a touch screen to adjust focus points. No controls from the camera can be controlled from the touchscreen, which I found a little disappointing.Video, as mentioned, is excellent, and can be launched with a separate button on top from the still photo button. One of the features of this camera is a special single button called Product Showcase that allows you to flip between focus on the subject speaking and the item being showcased. Those of you who have VLOGGED or seen videos know the frustration of someone trying to get the computer to refocus from the person to something else being shown in the foreground.Both still video modes have the 4 standard camera shooting modes Program P, Aperture Priority A, Shutter Priority S, and Manual Mode M. For more pointandshoot options, the camera has autodetection of scene, as well as the usual modes you would expect with pointandshoot cameras like sport, fireworks, etc.When shooting in Aperture or Manual modes, you can control the aperture as low as f1.8 for that muchloved bokeh, or background blur.Stills are just as crisp and goodlooking as the video. At 20.1 megapixels, and the ability to save as RAW images, they are easy to edit in Lightroom or your choice of photo editing programs. ISO ranges of 8012800 are selectable on the menu dial, as is EV. Other settings are accessed thru the menu.CONS To me, the body feels cheap. Its a lighterweight plastic which just doesnt feel like it will withstand drops. The limited capabilities of the touchscreen were a little of a disappointment, as compared to other cameras where many of the features are controlled with more simple onscreen prompts. The buttons to access the menu, as well as the dial to scroll and toggle, are EXTREMELY small, and tough to manipulate quickly or onthefly, so youll likely pick a mode stick with it, or just keep the camera in pointandshoot mode, which is a disappointment since there is so much more you can do shooting manually or with more control over settings. The hotshoe is a proprietary design, so more standard DSLR accessories mics, flashes, etc. will not work, so youll have to come back to Sony for more accessories.SUMMARYThe camera is a great solution for video use once you set your settings and start shooting. The Zeiss lens is a great addition for quality and clarity, but with the limits on the focal range. The camera overall will make a great addition for your live streaming videos or VLOGGING activities.
JCal –
This camera does it all. Crisp 4K quality videos and good photos as well all in a compact frame that fits in your pocket. As youve probably already read, the main downsides are that the lens isnt as wide as other cameras and the battery life isnt ideal. I think these are easy trade offs for everything else youre getting at a great price point.
Max2 –
If youre looking for a good first camera, Sony has got you covered The camera itself is very light and takes great photos. Besides the memory card, this camera gives you the basic accessories to start using it. The reason why Im giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the battery lifespan is terrible. If youre deciding to buy this camera, please buy an extra battery for it and a memory card. Also, I noticed that when recording at 4K30p the camera will get hot and shut down for long extended recording.
nona –
Very convenient to have a small lightweight camera that takes excellent pictures. The videos are also great. I bought the mini tripod to go with it, and this really upped my game when videoing my dogs.
cheesypoofs3d –
As a digital camera, hands down way better than a cell phone compared to iphone 11 regular or Galaxy S10.As a video recorder, its really good. Quality is great. it can do 60 frames per second in 1080P, and sound isnt bad, though I did do an external mic.
Mustbe4 –
For carrying around and taking short video its great Its very portable, light weight and takes great 4k footage.Unfortunately it overheats when streaming in 4k. Most of the time I can get 25 minutes or so, but recently its been as little as 20 minutes. Ive changed the Hi temp shutoff without any changes.
AugustNN –
After reviewing several cameras I opted to buy this one for my vlogging project on YouTube. Its size, weight and design makes the perfect combination for a point and shoot camera. The image quality is amazing and price is fare.Not friendly for photography but capable of.Highly satisfied
Ummba –
Amazing on all fronts. Awesome image quality. Unless you plan to go full frame or need a long zoom, this camera is a goto for most needs. I use for all my B roll and some A roll in a pinch.
trish –
I overall really like the camera. My only concern was it overheated too quickly. I was outside early in the am and it was only about 70 degree and I was in the shade and then it said it overheated after 15 min of use. I walked in the house and then turned it on and it worked all within 1 min. So I am not sure why being outside even in the coolest temps makes this camera say its overheating. overall I really like the camera but just this little glitch is a pain but you can just push record again and it starts at least in my conditions in shade at 70 degrees or lower
Naztynestor –
wow sony knocked it out of the park on this one the camera is targeted for bloggers who maybe a content video creator online, the camera is small, compact and easy to use for those people who enjoy taking pictures of food or editing videos, for what youre paying for this camera packed with features that everybody will love.pros the camera can do 4k 24fps and 30fps it also support 240fps, 480 and 960fps 960fps my goodness 20 megapixel camera, I myself thought the image looked beautiful amazing 180 degrees flip screen, this is huge, people who enjoy taking pictures of food would love how you can angle the screen to get a perfect view of the shot the built in mic sounds great the audio sounded clear auto focus is so amazing with this camera, on setting theres product showcase mode if you like showing things right at front and watch how fast it can focus on object. im trying to start doing video edit where I used this feature more, kept forgetting about it, but its amazing the camera also have unlimited recording limit, depending on how much battery you have, if you do enjoy recording, highly recommend to get an extra battery the camera also come with audio wind filter, its a useful little piece this camera also has setting called beauty mode, for girls who would love to make sure they looked their best, now you have 3 setting filter to improve your facial clarity.cons doesnt have the ability to change the lense battery last about 1 hr i would buy and extra battery no ring focus on lense but you can still do it on the main cameraSony zv1 also comes with audio microphone port, micro usb 2.0 for charging and updating the camera, andmicro hdmi port. Sony zv1 face exposure during bright outdoor is amazing, my older camera is terrible when it comes to this and even low light performance isamazing ofcourse Sony zv1 also have the ability to transfer file from your camera to your phone, I havent tried transferring videos yet but im glad this feature is also included.I also have the Vlogger kit with this camera its 150 but I do believe for what youre paying for its a great piece of tech, it can act as a stand and the built in button to control your camera through bluetooth is a must for vlogger, you can even zoom, record the camera from the the vlogger kit, plus it look slick together when you combined them. I didnt think the sizes was too bulky I felt right holding it with my camera, the only down side id say is I wish theres some kind of rubber grip to it, some people get sweaty hands having a grip will definitely help, beyond that I have no complaints about the vlogger kit, highly recommend you guys to get this with the cameraim also going to be using this camera as a streaming camera, having that ability is one of the huge reason why im in love with sony zv1 everything I needed and more, as you can see i didnt put much negative things about the camera, i just didnt see much negative features on sony zv1 for 750 this camera is worth it, i do believe this will probably going to be sonys most favorite camera for the price. thank you sony for this amazing product, makes me want to take more videos and pictures a lot more
LucyC –
I bought this camera to vlog, as I have a small youtube channel. I love the face filter it comes with, because it makes my skin look so smooth lol. I love how compact yet so professional quality it is. I have yet to learn more about its features, but so far so good.
Neil –
Pros The video, pictures and general build are all excellent it should be the best blogging camera ever. But…Cons The menu system is totally inaccessible, and I found getters my the video to actually work with my iPads and PCs was not straightforward either. It was such a frustration I returned it .
Steve –
Excellent point and shoot camera with great build quality but having to remove it from a griptripod ect to access the batterymemory card compartment is a pain. Had to buy a smallrig cage to make the camera better and more userfriendly. Best Buy is an ok place to buy things but Im getting tired of them. They just dont seem to appreciate good customers like they used to.
Gary –
I watched nearly every review of this camera on YouTube before purchasing and decided this is the camera that I needed to have I recently switched from a Canon G7X Mark II to this camera as my new primary vlogger and also to record my podcasts. One of the biggest complaints about this camera is the focal length and thats fair but for me as a former G7X user, it feels about the same. I found that pairing it with a switchpod solved that issue for me.Otherwise, the 4K is SUPERB On board mics sound really good. I did a vlog in a park and could hear all the sounds of the trees and animals. It was excellent. Its lightweight, just ready to go This camera doesnt have a removable lens which means Im going to be able to get it into anywhere that I go.Check it out, you wont regret it
GraybeardGiff –
If you are streaming, making talking head YouTube videos or shooting techy Broll this is a great camera I have used this camera for all of the above since I got it. I have not, however, carried it around for any vlogging.Some folks say 24mm isnt wide enough, and for vloggers with stabilization and 4k on, the frame could be head dominated without a Gorillapod or selfie stick, but I dont use it that way.I really enjoy having the defocus background button and item show off button cant remember what its really called. For someone who doesnt want to get into photography, but wanted something better than a webcam this is perfect. I tried a Sony a6400, and thats more camera, but required more cameraing effort than I wanted to learn about.The ZV1 is so simple to use I Aperture Priority mode and control the shutter speed and aperture and let the camera do the rest. All I do is maybe a small color grade in post and let camera do the rest.Love it
Vane –
This camera is all the rage right and with good reason… I think if your using it for photography and videos not vlogging is far superior for the price… The color science is amazing… You have to get to know you camera and definitely play with the setting. Customizing is recommend but out of the box is great too. I would consider myself an intermediate photographer….
DoBetter –
I decided to invest in this point and shoot camera and so far Im not regretting it.Its much smaller than I expected, which was surprising in a good way.I like that I can turn on continuous record.This is definitely a camera made with vloggers in mind.Theres some small things that could have been done better, but given the size and form factor, compromises may have had to have been made.I like the sound quality of this camera so far.Given its been a number of years since Ive purchased Sony products, I will comment that I was a bit surprised by the presentation. This camera came in a rather small box that was taped shut with anything. It just had a box insert you pulled out to lift the top and everything was inside. There really wasnt much presentation. It was fairly simplistic. lol, not trying to criticize, but just saying when I open Apple or Samsung products, I feel like theres anticipation…like Im being taken on a journey. For the money I paid for this camera, I was expecting a little more upon the opening process and it was underwhelming. Thats about the one thing I was a bit taken aback by. Oh, the battery life on this is about 1 hr. Id say grab some more batteries and perhaps an external charger while youre at it.Overall, Im still really happy with the purchase. I also got the handheld accessory and will write a review of that later. The presentation on that one was also meh. Im starting to wonder perhaps is that a minimalist thing Sony has going on If it is, then bravo, because it definitely came across that way. All in all, quality products though
Wildsoldier –
This camera is a beast of a camera for a point and shoot camera category. Having myself a Sony A7RIII and a RX100 VII this ZV1 camera does not disappoint. Since this camera is very similar to the RX100 I may be comparing in this review one which each other. But first I want to thank Sony for providing a camera with fully articulated screen Sony please provide this for all your future cameras for now on. For the money you are paying, this camera has the auto focus system of their most expensive full frame cameras which is the best in the market in my opinion. The camera body is made of plastic but does not look or feel cheap. It did not come with a wrist strap I know many people do not use them but for this type of camera that is very small I recommend buying one and use it.This camera was design for vloggers in mind now with the fully articulated screen is better to record yourself. There are a few drawbacks regarding the screen. First you cannot see the screen if you are using polarized sunglasses. If you are going to record yourself using this camera, make sure you are using nonpolarized sunglasses. The screen like all Sony screens for all their cameras is a touch screen that only works for focus, and focus tracking. It does not work to navigate thru menus I hope that Sony implements menu navigation using the touch screen in future generations.The ZV1 camera offers some nice features for vlogging1. Skin tone feature, this will smooth your skin of your face to reduce wrinkles.2. It has a builtin neutral density filter to reduce the amount of light hitting the sensor during video if you are recording outside. With this you shall be able to reduce the shutter speed.3. Background Bokeh option will soft blur the background while maintaining your face in focus. It has a dedicated button for this however, you can achieve this by using the lens at 24mm at F1.8 aperture.4. Product Showcase, if you review products on YouTube this camera will certainly is a most for you. This feature will quickly focus on the product if you locate the product in front of the camera. Long gone are the days when you put a product in front of the camera and have to say, lets wait for the camera to focus on this. This feature work fast and smooth is impressive. One thing to mention is that when I was testing this the eye autofocus no longer works, it transitions to face autofocus. Also, make sure when you use this feature the camera focus at your face all the time if for some reason when you are recording yourself and the camera see your hands while you are doing expressions the camera will try to focus at your hands because your hands are closer to the camera than your face.5. It comes with picture profiles in case you want to adjust colors in post I usually do not use this but is there if you want to use it.6. Records in 1080p 24fps, 30 fps, 60 fps, 120 fps also records at 4K, 24fps and 30 fps.7. It comes with a microphone input jack in case you want to use your own microphone for audio. The incamera audio I believe is pretty good in my opinion. The camera came with a dead cat microphone cover that you attach to the camera hot shoe to reduce wind noise if you are recording outside.8. Image stabilization.I know there is more to vlogging for this camera. The list is long but those are some of the main features of this camera offers. If you are going to use this camera mostly for vlogging I recommend the Sony Vlogger Accessory Kit, product ACCVC1.Now, what about the photography aspect of this camera in case you are wondering if it is good for it.This camera comes with a 20.1 Megapixel 1 sensor, similar to the RX100 series. The lens is a 9.425.7mm which is 2470mm equivalent in full frame, with an aperture of F1.8 2.8. You can only use the F1.8 aperture only at 24mm equivalent. More than 24mm it will transition to F2.8 aperture which is typical for zoom lens. Sony said that the color science has been improved in this camera compared to previous generations. From what I saw there is a difference but to me is minimal, to me the colors on Sony latest cameras are great.You have the option to save pictures as RAW andor JPG. If you are a person that want to take advantage of all the quality and dynamic range that the sensor can give you use RAW format, if you want a quick picture you can share with friends use JPG format. You also have the option to save both formats to the SD CARD. RAW format is an unprocessed file more like a develop negative from the old film days and you need a RAW file editor program to process them, this can be Photoshop, Lightroom etc. I usually edit all my RAW pictures using CaptureOne Pro. At the time of this review the RAW format for the Sony ZV1 was not supported. It usually takes a few months for CaptureOne to provide support for new cameras. This is typical, but if the sensor is like my RX100VII the dynamic range shall be pretty good. Not as good as full frame but very close to APC sensor cameras.Im pretty pleased with the quality of the pictures I got with this camera. While testing the camera I took a picture that I really liked and printed a 12 x 16 on my Canon Pixma Pro 10. See picture sample. The detail is there, I am pretty happy with the results of the print, and I am going to hang it in the wall.Regarding low light performance I will say is ok. Anything above 1600 ISO is going to look a little bit noisy. However, having a F1.8 aperture at 24mm always helps.The only drawbacks that I experience regarding photos is that to see the screen in direct sunlight you must set the screen brightness to sunny weather. Having an electronic viewfinder would be better for taking pictures under direct sunlight which this camera does not have. My RX100VII have an electronic viewfinder however the RX100VII does not have a hot shoe for a flash which the ZV1 has. I was wondering if Sony will provide in the future an optional electronic viewfinder that you can connect to the hot shoe like the Canon M6 Mark II. That would make a lot of people happy. The lack of a viewfinder would not affect the picture quality of the photos but would give you more flexibility and a would make it easier to take pictures under certain situations.Regarding battery life make sure you buy a few extra batteries because the battery wont last long. It will consume more battery during video than with pictures in my opinion. My recommendation is to always go with original batteries from Sony. The camera did not come with an external battery charger, to charge the battery, the camera came with a micro USB cable that you connect to the camera and charge the battery internally. Sony also sells an external battery charger if you are interested.Conclusion, the ZV1 is an excellent camera for vlogging but not just for vlogging it can also create great looking photos under good lighting conditions. It has one of the most advanced autofocus systems in the planet. Its small, lightweight, and very versatile. I definitively recommend this product.
Notasnakelady –
Ive had this camera for almost a month and literally have no complaints about it. I was recording videos on my iPhone XR and thought the video quality on that was great but they took up so much storage on my phone. Using this camera has been a gamechanger and I actually think that the video resolution using this camera was better than that used by my iPhone. At first, I was hesitant to get this camera after reading some reviews on heating issues with the camera but I havent had any of those problems. I also love that camera charges through a USB cable instead of an external battery pack. Yes, its expensive but not as much as many others and I thought that it was a worthwhile purchase. Also, so easy to figure out how to use.
Mcbody –
Gave it 3 starts since i might buy again. Many factors may contribute to my conclusion maybe it was the Camera maybe it was my macbook pro 2020regardless This camera dose not come with a charger so if you are new to video be ready to make investments in Charging ports, Batteries, HDMI to sub or some kinda cord that will allow a high performance data transfer to and from device for live stream. because the in box HDMi is super short so basically useless. Mine would not connect to my laptop idk why it was such a hassle I wanted to like it this product sadly just way too much to add on in addition for the price. I had to return but i might buy it again in the future and see if it was just a bad model i got that day.
DjTone408 –
I have not owned cameras before but its perfect for me. Ive learned to use manual settings and adjustments for when I upgrade to full frame cameras. Camera is targeted for vloggers and it works well. However it crops in too much when using ibis. That can be solved using a gimbal. Battery life is too short though. Invest in buying 2 or 3 more batteries
Dresmooth32 –
Amazing camera for vloggers Sony definitely niched down and focused completely on making a camera that isnt heavy and can be used for hours on end without being heavy. The deal breaker is that you will definitely need a couple spare batteries if you plan on shooting all day. Other than that, amazing camera
Roy188 –
It is great, need a wide lense and a converter to take care of wide screen need. Get a frame and external battery, then no problem with battery life. Rather than, great quality 4k capacity, smart focus, mirror screen are great.
Edgar –
This camera is great Im a photographer and videographer and I was in need of an upgrade from my last travel side camera that I had for years and this one has checked all the boxes for me. When it comes to 4K recording and the 1.8 Aperture the Quality is amazing to see in a small compact camera this camera says its a vlogger camera but its so much more. Overall Im very happy with it and I think anyone else that decides to get it will be happy too.
Angel –
Needed something portable when I didnt feel like shooting with my mirrorless. The video is amazing and operation couldnt be easier. Dont even think of buying without the vlogger kit. The two are perfect for each other.
Dominique –
Im loving the ZV1. Its very easy to use and has awesome clarity. I was going back and fourth between purchasing this or the Canon G7X Mark ii due to it being touted as the quintessential vlogging camera, however, the project showcase, skin softening and one push defocus feautures won me over. No regrets with my purchase. Skip Sonys overpriced bluetooth mini tripod and get a manfrotto. I wish sony invested more time into fixing their app as they did to developing this camera. I use their app as my shutter button remote for photos but the mirroring lag and connection issues are frustrating. Speaking of photos, the picture quality is awesome I look forward to creating some quality content and exploring more feautures.
PHONG –
I was debating between getting this ZV1 and the a6400 as my first mirrorless camera. Eventually Honestly, the menu is confusing but after watching some YouTube tutorials, its now very easy to use. The video quality is almost identical to the a6400, but photography a6400 is better. Battery life is not so good, so youll need some extra batteries or just turn on Power Supply and plug it to a portable charger then you can use it almost indefinitely if you film 1080p. I use this for livestreaming and making talking head YouTube videos, nothing professional. So far its great for this purpose.Other musthave accessories wrist strap I recommend Peak Design, extra batteries Powerextra 2 Pack Replacement Sony NPBX1, Smallrig Lshape bracket for extra mounting holes, Ulanzi wide angle lens or selfie stick if you want to vlog IBS crops the image and makes your head look big, a USB 3.0 Video Capture Card with Micro HDMI to HDMI cable for livestreaming.
ZachC –
First of all, doing some research there are hours and hours of Youtube content on the PROS of this camera. I spent a decent amount of time watching and learning how the professionals rated this camera and to see how they would best utilize this camera. I was shocked with how versatile this camera really is Sony hit this one out of the park, I am pretty familiar with DSLRs and have GoPros for some of the actionadventure capturing so this camera I had high hopes for to become that in between solution. I can say without a doubt it really has. It has some of the entry level capabilities paired with some of the high end demands. Sony also found a way to simplify some of the complicated, the single button to apply the bokah affect is super easy. The sony menu took some getting used to so expect a decent amount of time to become familiar with how this camera ticks.This camera paired with Sonys Vlogger Accessory Kit can get anyone interested in experimenting with a YouTube channel off the ground with tons of room to grow as you learn.The cameras specifications also combine some of the best features of higher end options in a more affortable sweet spot for price.I have been very happy with the content this camera captures and can only think of two minor cons, battery life but the trade off is a super compact feature packed camera, so just buy another battery. Second con is the plastic covers for the HDMI, audiomic input and usb charging port need very careful operation as to not damage them, only time will tell how durable they are and after playing with this camera for about a week this is the only thing I can really find about it that is less awesome.This is a great camera and will be a huge success, hoping the tons of existing reviews and online content help showcase how great this camera really is
ChuckReviews –
Ive had this camera for about a month now and wow. I just love it. I own several Sony Cameras for my filmmaking a6000, a6300 a6400 and wondered whether I should even bother with the ZV1. Ive got to say, Im glad I did. The ZV1 is SO compact, easy to slide into the front pocket of my bag WITH the handgrip on and overall, that makes it easier to use. Less set up. Less to put it away. When you flip the screen open, the camera comes on instantly. You can be ready to shoot in a matter of seconds. I cant do that with any of my other cameras. When Im out and about and want to film something on the fly, THIS is the camera i reach for now. Theres a lot of GREAT features packed into this tiny camera Im very happy with my purchase
geeruss –
Look, youve read the other reviews so you probably already know what to expect.The good stuffThe quality of the 4K is fantastic. Like, really, really good. Does up to 60p with no record limit. 1080 at 120p is extremely good too. You could spend double the price and still not match those specs.Nice and compact body.Decent mic.Flippy screen implementation is nice.Active Steadyshot footage is very smooth albeit with a slight crop.The notsogood stuffThe lens isnt quite wide enough, but easily fixable with a wide angle adaptor like the Ulanzi WL1 which works really well.Battery life is soso. But its decent for such a small body. Get some spare batteries and youll be fine. Batteries especially third party are pretty cheap.The menu system isnt brilliant. But if youve used Sony before youll feel at home. If not, theres plenty of set up guides on YouTube to help you.SummaryFor the price, I dont think theres a better camera out there for content creators yet.
Jefe –
Just received this camera today and it overheated on me twice. I wasnt even recording or taking photos. I was in settings changing things up for about 10 minutes and a message popped up that internal heat was high and it turned off. Took out the battery and it was hot. Turned it back on for about two minutes and received the same message and turned off again. Now I have to wait for a replacement. Keeping it 1 star until I receive replacement and it does not overheat on me the first 10 minutes. Hopefully its just a faulty camera.
Bestbuyreview –
Dont think its worth the price I paid. The zv1 has improvements to be made. One day it overheated and I barley started recording. The battery doesnt last as long as people claim. It didnt come with a manual yes its online but I want a physical copy. Overheating and Battery life is huge when producing I wouldve just used that money to buy a more expensive camera where I can actually record with no issues.
Wheels –
Sony has done the unthinkable with this little vlogging camera…they have rolled out features that will be included in future top of the line mirrorless cameras. Like any camera the ZV1 aint perfect but for the price and the options available it is the perfect tool for the right job. An included mic muff makes for very good sound and a flip out screen that every Sony shooter has wanted for years. Paired with the shooting grip this little camera is a powerhouse that punches way above its weightclass or price point.
Venzy73 –
I LOVE this camera Its great quality and makes my videos look absolutely amazing. It automatically adjusts the lighting so amateurs like me can record without the footage looking crazy. This is definitely the best camera that Ive owned and while the price point is high, its well worth it.
tonycarretti –
I normally use Panasonic cameras for video, but this little Sony has some very useful features that make quick content creation so much easier. The autofocus alone is a game changer compared to what Im used to and the simplicity makes me want to just keep it with me all the time. It really is small enough to fit in your pocket and the onboard audio is more than adequate if you dont need pristine sound.
craigus7pdkclh –
This camera is the most highquality video and photo camera I have ever owned. I have owned a Canon DSLR camera for about 10 years and it has been great but the auto focus technology and lighting of this makes video of breeze. Its so small it fits in my pocket. But still fits well in your hand.
Jodie –
If youre looking for a vlogging camera, look no further This is phenomenal Battery life could be better so I recommend purchasing some If you dont get the vlogger kit be sure to get a U3 memory card youll need it
InspectorGadget –
Great camera for beginners or experienced users. It can be used with a minimum of interaction but has a ton of adjustments if you want to really tweak it.Great for vlog use with 4k video or less if you dont need 4k and also beautiful still shots. I know a lot of people just use their phone camera nowadays but for great pics I still prefer a real camera and this one is much better than any phone camera I have seen. Phones are just too awkward for me for real quality pics or video.I wont try to give you too many specs or features since there are too many to list here and other reviewers have covered a lot of them but I will mention a few things that may still be important. If you want to learn more the sony website has a ton of info. Here is a link to the quick start guide and the 555 page full manual from sony. Yes I said 555 pages.httpswww.sony.comelectronicssupportcompactcameraszvserieszv1manualsThey also have a good tutorial at this linkhttpssupport.dimaging.sony.co.jpsupporttutorialdczv1enindex.phpThis camera appears to require an SD card so if you dont have a good one you will need to get a fast one and big if you plan on doing 4k videos. I got mine with the vlog kit which includes a 64G card and the griptripod with wireless bluetooth remote. This is a great addition and isnt too pricey when purchased together. If you use it a lot you may want additional SD cards.Its a pretty compact camera so its easy to take with you. You will probably want to get a case to protect it and also a strap since they didnt include one. I already have several cases and straps so not a big deal to me but they could have thrown in a strap.The swivel touchscreen can be turned inward to protect it and by default will turn the camera off when this is done. You can change this but you wont have a viewfinder with the screen turned in.Best Buy sells separate battery chargers and batteries for this camera I would probably prefer the sony branded ones which BB sells.Overall its a great camera for this price range its the most expensive one Ive had so far. If youre serious about it check out the manuals and tutorial they have a lot more info.
Kanada –
Overall a solid vlogging camera with a reliable auto focus and a good enough 4K video quality. But Not great battery life and a messy interface keep the score from a full 5 stars.
Anonymous –
First of all I just want to say after so long wanting this camera and debating for so long to purchase is it I am the happiest of people after purchasing it. The quality of it is AMAZING Its honestly perfect for someone whos some what on a budget and getting started with making videos, etc. But dont get it twisted this camera is also perfect for photos All around the best purchase ever. I also did go ahead and purchase extra equipment as seen in the photo for my camera but its so worth it
jess –
love this camera keep in mind to always have an extra battery with you, I YouTube how to put the best setup for blogging and whatever setting they recommended made my battery die even faster. Im not a pro with camera but that happen whited I thought that something was wrong with my camera but there was nothing wrong with it. all I did was reset it and was working perfectly. other then that I love this camera.
GeekDad –
The ZV1 is a great pocket camera for photos and short videos. The standout feature, a onetouch Bokeh Switch, takes the guess work out of creating a shallow depthoffield to produce a defocused background. However, the camera tends to overheat often when recording in 4K.
ms1981 –
I had been using an RX100V before, a great camera let down in my opinion by audio quality.The ZV1 vastly improves audio quality thanks to the redesigned inbuilt mics and the included wind shield works well in windy conditions.Video quality is similar to the RX100V. Colours appear better though, and now you have active steady in 4k mode, as well as Eye AF, which both work well.The ergonomics of the ZV1 are better than the RX100V the ZV1 is a larger camera, easier to hold and the flippy screen makes it easier to hold the camera steady.Some potential negatives compared to the RX100V are no EVF, no flash and no control ring. For me personally the EVF and control ring were a bit fiddly on such a small camera. I will miss the flash although I used it rarely. There is an option to get an external flash, however.Overall, a great compact camera which although focused on video, is also a fully featured stills camera. Im not a Vlogger but this camera is great for me shooting lots of video of family.
Sandor –
Pros Various smart and creative settings are available. Wide range of focus mod. And the continuous auto just spot on.Cons I find the manual focus dial to slow. I think would be useful if I could change its sensitivity. The optical zoom is not its strength, but other features balancing it out. Prefect for vlogging.
Samir –
I just got this camera from Best Buy today , I was really stunt with the video quality it gave me. I tested it at home and it was so clear so do the audio through the microphone with no cover on it . It will go in a few days out for more testings but I think it is a must have for 749.00 promo price and dont forget the 18 months with the Best Buy credit card it helps a lot . Again I will say it is a must to have I saw many reviews before I bought it at You Tube you can do the same and get convinced , I have too many cameras but after watching all the reviews I decided to order it and I am glad I did. Purchased 06092020 release day was 06112020 thats when I got it . Just two days ago. see I am a hobbies and have the SONY Pro 35mm Camcorder PXWFS5M2 where still learning how to use VS this you can just turn on and shoot plus taking a perfect Videos .
Bert –
The camera is great. But in an attempt to capture the smartphone vlogging market, the lack of smartphone equivalent features lets the camera down.The battery lasts about 2 minutes OK I exaggerate, but it might as well be. Its pointless taking it out on a shoot without buying extra batteries I have 4 now.Then theres the storage management. Buried in the massive multiple page menu theres Display Media Info, which tells you how many images and how much time is left I think. Thats it, I think. No messages on how much is left. Important when youre running low on memory.The menus are difficult to navigate and the documentation online is poor, so its difficult to learn and make use of the many camera features if youre a beginner.A relatively minor bugbear is how easy it is to accidentally enable Product Showcase, or at least leave it on, so when you get home the video is shaky.Having said all that the camera is taking great videos in automatic mode, which look great when uploaded.If the battery had a halfdecent life the Sony Vlog ZV1 would be worth the money. As it is, I feel a bit rippedoff by Sony.
Yifei –
I use it as alternative for action cams that mounted inside of cars, or for casual shooting as an alternative to iPhones.The footage gives me the vibe of Fujifilm xt30 although it doesnt have the 10 bit capability. Id choose it over xt30 any day of the week for its digital stabilization, auto tracking, auto exposure.Ive been looking for alternatives for gopros or dji action which have their own place in docos, but Ive hated the footage that comes out of action cams. The only disadvantage of zv1 is the 24mm lens after digital stabilization crop becomes more or less a 35mm and its not wide enough. I can predict that the zv2, which would probably come out late 2021 to mid 2022, will have a wider lens since this has been a huge limitation.
Isaiah –
Tripod mount interferes with battery cover you have to unmount the camera to swap batteries.The battery cover lacks a cutout for a dummy battery cable, so in order to use a dummy battery you have to leave the battery cover open. Which you cant if you mount on a tripod.Power is via a special fragile short highpower microUSB cable, rather than a common USBC cable.
CodyWoods –
Yes its a tad bit tight on the lens and the battery life is a little weak. This wouldnt be such a bad thing if it were for the fact that a tripod will always block the battery door.4k is useless with battery life being so weak and the EXTRA crop on an already tight frame.I never thought Id think this but a shoulder strap sure would have been nice for this.Slow motion is kinda useless. Id just use your phones slow mo feature. ZV1 slow mo kills battery and isnt quick enough to be ready for capturing shots spontaneously.The picture tends to overexpose in auto settings and since this is meant for quick run and gun style shooting, that sort of takes away the point of having a pocket shooter like this.The stability is great but the crop is tight. There are third party wide lens attachments that supposedly help but could put stress on the lens motor.There is zooming noise that makes it into the video.I put the negatives up front to focus on the positives nowGreat low light.Product showcase mode is phenomenal. Much more useful than I anticipated.The audio is really good and the hot shoe on the top has allowed for me to use a sony shot gun mic.The way to use this camera for run and gun is to use it as a b cam to your phone. Use your phone for daylight and as soon as you go indoor or it gets late, switch the other Sony ZV1.
cjviscito –
The new Sony ZV1 is marketed for folks who create their own video and image content. Since I make workrelated videos for my profession on social media channels, I thought grabbing something lightweight and easy to use would make athome and onthego content creation more enjoyable, and for the most part, it has.The ZV1 is still your basic design for Sony digital cameras, in fact, going to date myself with this reference, but the UX hasnt really changed all that much from the old Cybershot days. From the aspect of picking it up and knowing how to use it, thats great but when it comes to the software menu, thats a bit of a drawback.The main selling point of the ZV1 is the ability to shoot 20 megapixel images and 4K video. Ive used it to create several videos and have found the quality to be really good. The outputs are much better than what my smartphones camera can capture owning much to the actual zoom ability in the ZV1s lens. There are other features like facial smoothing and image stabilization that make using the camera onthego a nice change of pace. I would say it actually reduced the amount of postprod work I normally have to do on my videos.The camera itself comes with a microUSB cable for transferring data and also for charging. Guess Im a bit of a dinosaur, but one of the things I like about my DSLR camera is the battery is removable and chargeable on a separate charging station. The ZV1 relies solely on being connected to a USB power source, like your PC, to charge. Additionally, there is also a small wind guard attachment to help reduce the ambient white noise from sounds like wind. My videos have been mostly shot indoors, so I cant speak for the ability of the wind guard in outdoor shoots.I also picked up the Sony Bluetooth grip, which is an extra item and sold separately. It really does make the camera more functional, being able to serve as both a selfiestick type grip as well as a portable tripod. I dont think I would have felt like I got full value out of the ZV1 without it.As I mentioned before, the software and UX is still in need of an update having to tap over to an uppercase arrow and then tapping abc 3 times to get to a C and then back again made connecting to a WiFi network with a complicated password a real pain. This camera does support Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, but when I tried to use WiFi to send images to my PC, I was met with a prompt telling me I had to connect it using the microUSB cable first. That can be a challenge if you have multiple PCs that you use for creation. I have a MacBook Air for onthego, and my iMac at my desk at home so having to hot swap the cable essentially was a bit cumbersome to me.The price tag of the ZV1 means its not marketed towards the average consumer this is marketed towards more of a pro user who is serious about creating video and image content. Its nice and small, which make portability a breeze, and its certainly not the most expensive content creator setup Ive seen.
Hithere246 –
LOVE THIS CAMERA SO MUCH I waited for three months to write a review on it. Its amazing The 4k quality is perfect You can even capture in slowmotion and get a cinematic shot. The audio isnt bad, there has been reviews on YT that say the audio is crispy..dont believe the hype on that lol. The audio is just right Overall this is just an amazing camera for anyone Especially for beginners
ETP1 –
Sony ZV1 Camera for Content Creators and Vloggers with Vlogger Accessory KitVery high end for advanced usersTest equipment HP 590 desktop with Pro 4K video cardBT 5.0 and AX WIFI Sony 55A9G Sony XBR65Z9FApple SE 2020 128GB WIFI AXBT 5.0 Surface Pro XHDMI adapter cables 128 GB U3 Memory card Linksys MX10 Velop AX5300, 4K monitors BT 5.0 wireless headphones Canon Pro wireless Laser printer Imaging Edge Desktop, connecting cablesItems that worked wellHD Video cast to TV Samsung and SonysTransfer files to computers via USB cablePlay video over HDMICast pictures to TVTransfer files to Cell phoneTransfer files over WIFIUse standard SD class 10 U cards as well as the Sony high end fast transfer card with two rows of connectionsUltrahigh qualityLarge built in microphone and micro speakerManual online was 555 Pages of essential infohttpshelpguide.sony.netdc1910v1enprint.pdfhttpswww.sony.comelectronicssupportcompactcameraszvserieszv1manualsMicro HDMI and USBExternal jack for microphoneShoe for flashBT connected tripodImaging edge free software for advanced photo editingLearning curve requiredneeded extra stuff1000s of possible settings for the prosNavigating through the menus and set upBorrowed a strap from my other Sony cameraFound a leather cellphone belt leather wallet in my stash that worked at Disney Springs taking picturesWIFI setup and transfer requires some real patienceNo BT headphone connection so far still working that issue but doubt it has that feature.PDF manual is only searchable in advanced PDF versions. Online version is easier to use.Needed upgrades for future modelsAXWIFI 6SummarySony Quality is phenomenal in many areas of electronics since 1972 for me since the Vietnam war. Loved the Sony branded and Marantz equipment Marantz was owned by Sony at one time.Keep going Sony
jarvisthedogg –
I ended up returning it for one main reason anything more than a few minutes of 4K footage resulted in it overheating and shutting down. It did take amazing photos but I needed it for a vlog and it couldnt cut it. I experimented with different settings but couldnt get it to stay on and not overheat.
darrinS –
I have and have had many cameras. This little ZV1 is terrific. It has a great lens with a large aperture of 1.8 wide open and that allows me to get terrific high quality photos in almost any light. I am having so much fun with this camera. It locks the focus super fast and has the best tracking features in the industry in my opinion. Sony dominates with capturing action. I carry this camera with me everywhere I go in my man bag.
Tyler –
I bought this camera for my daughters so they could use it for what its made for. They love it and are having a blast. The flip out screen is fantastic and I wish my a6500 had it… Maybe someday Sony. Video quality is awesome too. Lightweight and small and a breeze to use. Lens does not zoom out far enough for vlogging in my opinion but it works.
Travellogger –
Have owned this camera for 4 months now and have struggled with its use due to poor battery life. Like another reviewer states you need multiple batteries to cope with a day out shooting. So very disappointed that a good quality, expensive camera is spoilt by this. Also the battery drains very quickly when the camera is turned off. I challenged Sony that my camera was faulty because of this, but was told to remove the battery when not in use even for a day. This method of photography simply doesnt work for me and this poor design feature lets the camera down hugely. Otherwise the quality of image, video, etc is good. Finally, having bought extra batteries Id like a supplementary charger for them Sony say only use their own product and yet no where not even Sony have them for sale.
Kris –
Perfect camera for vlogging. Bought it for my recent trip to Seattle. Didnt want to take my big bulky camera and came across this one. Perfect size Super cute Easy to use Great quality photos and videos
ash –
The camera is hands down just amazing Its lightweight and easy to handle. The picture is really nice too. The vlogger kit in the bundle took me a while to get adjusted to but its really convenient and easy to use as well. sweepstakes
Brian –
Ill not go into the obvious features like 4K capabilities and tilting screen. Rather Im focusing on the super accurate auto focus mechanism in this tiny beast of a camera. My main purpose has been served since I review fragrances and tech products and this camera simply made my life so much easier. Tack sharp focus and the Product Showcase feature just stole the show. Certainly a fantastic camera for video works. The color profiles are a great addition to add some professional touch. Still pictures come out great but not the best especially if you already own a DSLR or some other highend camera. This camera was targeted mostly for video works.The reason why I put 4 stars is because of the connectors being so tightly packed and so close to each other. If you wanna connect an HDMI cable as well as a power connection with an mic input, be prepared to buy proper cables. Otherwise you might have to give up using any one of the ports if the connector thickness is a bit more.
Lucas –
If you are looking for a camera that will produce great image quality for both photo and video, shoot in 4K, and you dont want to worry about carrying around and buying different lenses, this is an excellent option. Its just complex enough you allow you to do a lot of cool things with it, will still being straight forward and easy to use. Great for content creators for both sitting head talking videos as well as vlogging and blogging photos
Mark –
I already own a Sony RX100 m7 as well as a couple of other larger Sonys. So, I really had to convince myself I needed this camera. I read all the reviews and chalked up all the pros and cons. Usually when someone has a con, its something that can be rectified with an easy fix. But the pros sounded like this camera would do a lot of things I was hopeful it would do with a minimum of setup. I loved the defocus button and the product showplace feature. Having the mic input was crucial and I liked the idea of the screen flipping out to the side. Having a hot shoe was great as well as a better onboard mic. And the builtin neutral density filter was another plus.All in all, in my mind the pros far outweighed the cons so I decided to give it a try.Now nearly a month later, I am very satisfied I made the right decision. Having experience with my other Sonys gave me a head start with the Sony menu system…so I was up to speed in just minutes. My RX100 m7 is still my goto travel for carrying around with me, but the ZV1 is now my main camera for my small, but growing, YouTube channel.Its a keeper. I love it.
RtRVlog –
I absolutely love my Sony ZV1. It is the perfect camera for a beginner in the vloggingphotography world. It is very intuitive with many preset options to guide me as I learn. 100 would recommend if you want great quality photos and videos with a way to learn the technology.
Jsch –
Its a very nice camera. Im very enjoying using it wherever I go and I even notice when I walked around the shopping center a lot of people looking at it. This Sony zv1 is small but has a lot of functions and its great for youtuber people. Picture is clear and also the sound.I would recommend it to everyone
jenn123 –
I was looking for a camera for photographing inventory for our store. I was hesitant about purchasing this camera without a flash, but the salesman convinced me that it would take great pictures even in low light situations. Im very happy with my purchase.Needed a lightweight camera because DSLR camera was too heavy for taking thousands of pictures per day
Jacktowns –
The quality is top notch, auto focus is better than most. At first bought the mark 3 but that was disappointing, the auto focus would not stay set snd kept trying to focus. With the Sony it auto focuses on the first try and stays there. Very happy with this product.
Roro –
This has been my first camera and its been the best experience, im starting to learn alot. The camera has taught me from taking still pictures to shooting movies and thats not all it has so many features feature modes and memory for going out capturing unless memory of yourself family and friends
DeeF –
I loved that the screen on this detaches like a camcorder. And the picture and video quality are great. Thats why I gave 2 stars instead of 1. This camera DOES NOT live up to its hype. Unlike other high quality cameras, it boasts that it is essentially for vlogging purposes. My expectations for a vlogging camera would be EXCELLENT battery life. This camera is exactly the OPPOSITE. I did not have the ability to record in succession with this camera. Either it shut down because the battery died, or it shut down because the camera battery over heated. And this was not just a one time occurrence, this was EVERY TIME Dont waste your money with this camera. You are better off getting a more traditional camera or camcorder. Sony disappoints with this one. I ended up returning this and replacing it with a more expensive camera. The replacement was open box, and Sony as well…. but is a MUCH better investment
Radel –
I recently purchased this camera to no longer use my iPhone for videos that go on my YouTube channel. I researched it a lot before purchasing and it is an amazing camera. I took it recently on a family vacation trip to Mexico and the camera quality is superb. The functionality and practicality of it is amazing for the price. The camera is easy to use.One draw back is if you get any kind of water or exposed to humidity, youre going to have to deal with a foggy lens until it dries up. The camera does not have the ability to mount other lenses but if youre shooting for vlogs and non zooming videos, it works amazing
NyVetteGuy –
First off let me state I have a Sony a6500 and the Rx100 Vii so my comparison and experience will be through the lens pun intended of the ZV1 when of course using it but also how it stacks up against the other cameras I have.I will also be reviewing the just released earlier in 2020, GPVPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip that I used with the ZV1, which is included in the Vlogger Accessory Kit for the ZV1.What you get in the box is the ZV1, a Type X Sony Battery, a Micro USB cable cmon…lets get with USB C already and a Dead Cat windscreen.And in the box of the GPVPT2BT is the grip, a 2032 button battery and soft pouch for storage of the grip.The ZV1 has pretty much the same form factor as anyone who has any generation of the Rx100 family of cameras is used to so thats certainly familiar, and it also uses the same X battery. The ZV1 and the latest Rx100 Vii also share the same updated 20.1 Megapixel 1.0 inch Sensor which speaks to the quality you can expect from the images produced by the ZV1.The ZV1 body is plastic but still has a nice heft and feel to it and one thing that was added to the camera is a bump out grip on the side that significantly improves holding and maneuvering with the camera, on my Rx100 Vii I had to purchase one separately and stick it on.Which brings me to the main point and reasons why Sony made this camera. They took all of the input on what the opportunities were to make a camera for Vloggers and Content Creators and tried to put it all in one camera.One big easy Movie Record button, a better on board mic with the new Directional 3Capsule Mic, and included dead cat wind screen that mounts on the only on ZV1 accessory hot shoe, which can also be used for other accessories. A flip out Screen, easy to see red recording indicator on the front of the camera. Fantastic 4K video utilizing advanced color science with all of the main color profiles SLog etc. for post production. Time Lapse and Super Slow Motion capable. A background defocus mode that adds a nice Bokeh effect.And a really innovative and cool feature called Product Showcase which will quickly shift focus from your face to any item you put between your face and the camera, a great enabler that grabs focus of the item or product you are reviewing without having to block your face which has to be done on any other cameras. Oh..integrated ND Filter…and a microphone jackOne thing that will take a little getting used to is there is no actual mode dial on the top of the camera, you will need to press the mode button on the top of the camera and then choose the shooting mode with the control wheel that is to the right of the rear screen, just an extra step, not that much of a big deal.The AutoFocus and Real Time Tracking are also industry leading and help you make high quality content easily.The lens is fast with a F1.82.8 Aperture so low light shooting is possible and the zoom is 2470mm which has less range than the Rx100 Vii at 24200mm, but as mentioned the lens on the ZV1 has a F1.8 Aperture which is faster than the F2.84.5 of the Vii so low light performance is better on the ZV1.The ZV1 is Fantastic for video and pretty good for photos. One of the things that dings the ZV1 in the photo department in my opinion is there is no zoom ring on the lens, to zoom in and out you must use the zoom lever on top of the camera. Thats where the Wireless Shooting Grip comes in, the GPVPT2BT links up with the camera via Bluetooth which is very easy to set up. If you are using the Grip, then there is a zoom toggle at your fingertips as well as a movie and photo button. The Grip is fully articulating and also acts as a stable mini tripod.So how is it real world use Almost perfect at least for me…the video is second to none and the stabilization works wonders. I just wish the 24mm wide angle was just a tad wider as when using the stabilization, the view gets a bit croppedbut it certainly looks great. When paired with the grip, using the fully articulating screen you can take videos, photos etc with ease.If you are a content creator, have a YouTube Channel, are a Vlogger then this is a MUST tool for your kit. The ZV1 paired with the GPVPT2BT Grip gives you THE SETUP to make creating easy and it just works.
Thomas –
I bought the Zv1, most excited after reading up on it. I attempted on two different MACs to update the firmware to the newest 2.0 version. Not getting the update to work, I called Sony and was on the phone with them for thirty minutes. They could not figure out why I was not able to get the upgrade to work and finally said they had no suggestions except to upgrade it on a Windows computer. So I did that, and the upgrade was flawless. Surely Sony has knowledge that there are a lot of people with MACs who would really like to buy and use a Zv1. Thought buyers should know.
Ecstatic –
A great pocket camera for quick vlogging and as a 3rd camera for studio setup angle shots. 4k 30p looks excellent Very sharp even at 1080hd. Like everything about this camera. Hope that it is going to last a long time. Paired this with GPVPT2BT grip. Works perfectly with issues.
JayF –
This is a lot a lot better than your phone cameras for video recording, and Im talking about top of the line iPhone 12 samsung S20 Ultra. They might look similar under great light conditions, once it gets dark or you are filming inside without great lighting, this will blow all phone cameras out of the water.Great for video recording and entry level Youtube.Major issue is the battery life, had to buy 3 replacement batteries on Amazon, but they were quite cheap, got 3 with a charger for 20 bucks.
NitroJoe –
Wow… wonderful video vlog camera… great low light capability. Lots of options… Not great on a rollercoaster because Sony stabilization does not compare to GoPro… but other than that single issue, I think you will love the video 4K qualityFyi, menus are not touchscreen.
BobCt –
I purchased this camera after watching reviews on youtube. I am very happy so far, the colors are in the video mode are stunning. The autofocus is fantasic. I love the ese of use.
diamondsareforever –
Bought this camera after all of the ravesThe picture quality is great. However, the camera lighting is horrible. You will need a ring light for vlogging in doors.
fredliu –
ZV1 is a pretty versatile camera for me. However, as it is basically a videocentric RX100 V, the MSRP should be marked a bit lower than it is now. The mode button is fine, but not as easy to use as the traditional mode selector.
NTUB90 –
Easy to use, fast auto focus, great picture quality, and very compact. Used it every day to take pictures and videos of my toddler. So far I am happy with this camera. My only complaint is that the location function is not stable.
Gibbs –
My overall rating would be 5 stars, but for one drawback there are no lugs for a neck or hand strap. I did a lot of research before ordering this camera, and I reviewed all the available pictures. But somehow I failed to notice this drawback, and I reluctantly returned the camera without using it. My hands have too much arthritis to permit a firm grip, and I cant risk dropping my equipment. BestBuy was terrific about the sale and return, and I DO recommend this product to those who will use it with the tripod.
David –
This camera takes great video, has a external mic input and can charge while recoding as well as sends signal via HDMI. Perfect streamingYoutube cam. Focus is fast and precise with a very crisp and clear picture.
Robert –
Pros Amazing video quality for an amateurCons Not quite wide enough angle lense for blogging. But I am not a pro so its fine.
DiscoStu –
Great camera to carry around on family vacations or outings. 4K video looks awesome, as well as the still photos. Audio is also very good. Auto focus is really impressive
dharr18 –
This is marketed as a content creator camera. I honestly think Sony is selling itself short. This camera is for anyone who wants better than what they can get with a cell phone but do not want to go the DSLR route.Audio and Video capture is fantastic without an external microphone. The software wind reduction does a great job, paired with the windscreen and you dont hear the wind. I wanted to do a test video at the beach this past weekend but I did not have a chance to head out. The only video I was able to record was as a storm was blowing in and I was annoying the motherinlaw who is allergic to getting her photo taken. The video is not suitable for general audiences. I may try and post a video at a later date to show how well the wind reduction works. There is a setting in the camera for software wind reduction and also the windscreen, you can mess with software on or off and screen on or off to get your desired effect.As for video, the camera does a great job identifying the face even in low light and adjusts appropriately. In proper lighting the image stabilization does a fine to outstanding job. There are times when no level of stabilizing will help, running with the camera will still get a shake video. Dont ask. If you add in the Accessory Kit with grip, you can make a great selfie movie or general shooting of the environment. The grip makes handling the camera a little easier. This can do 4k so have plenty of SD cards available.I have seen some people complain about the size of the video when self shooting, this can be changed in the settings. I think the default was a 43 ratio, after adjusting the setting I was able to get a much larger view, but this could also be due to how long my arms are, so I dont cut a portion of my head off.For still photos the sensors are outstanding. I have been able to edit RAW images and get some really fantastic shots. You can use a external flash, the one I have I need to play with to get a better result. Right now I get a beautiful white flash and a great picture of whiteness. LOL This can be adjusted with timings in the camera settings, I just have not been feeling the need for a flash yet, this was just a initial test to make sure the shoe was working.For any mode being able to flip out the LCD screen is fantastic. The screen flips out and rotates which allows you to hide the screen for safe keeping while in a bag or rotate it out so you can see from anywhere from in front to the side, above, below or back of the camera. It is one thing I loved with my DSLR and having it in a camera I can take anywhere for quick shots and no need for additional lenses makes this a great addition to my camera portfolio. The LCD is usable even in direct sunlight.A side trick with the grip, or a tripod, you can use the camera to see what is above you on a roof or shelf. I have used it to check my router to verify there are no warning lights since it is on top of the kitchen cabinets.Always important to know how to connect. Your options are as follows microUSB, microHDMI, Microphone jack 3.5mm stereo, Interface Shoe. There are Bluetooth and WiFi connections as well.As for the Accessory KitGrip. It works as a Bluetooth remote, pairing with BT could not be easier. I would imagine any BT camera remote would work. You can also use your cell phone or PC as a remote with the software installed. The apps are all well done and not overwhelming, there are three apps that I would love to see Sony condense into one app.There are so many things I love about this camera I could go on for days, but I will give a couple things that annoy me slightly, very slightly not enough to take a star This camera is definitely designed for video first based on the large size and placement of the record button, I keep taking video when wanting to take a snapshot There are a ton of menu options that could overwhelm some, some options are almost hidden No wrist strap included, using a old Samsung one I had in a drawer I do not trust myself without a safety net Odd decision not to use a USB type C connection, for such a modern camera using a older interface just seems odd to me There are 3 apps, I would like to see these condensed into one app Currently you can not use this as a expensive webcam, Sony is supposedly getting ready to release the software for PC and MAC in the near future There are 3rd party pay optionsThis camera has been a real joy to work with and get to know. I can not recommend it enough if you are looking for something between cell and DSLR.
Kenneth –
I wanted to star Vlogging with a good camera. After a lot of research I decide to purchase this camera and I cant explain how satisfy I am. All the settings already preset if you are a beginner like me or if you already a pro you can also create your own settings. The big plus was the magic skin setting doest matter if you have a bad day you will ALWAYS look good.
Cody –
Ive owned this camera for over a month now and have been highly impressed with the quality of the product and its video capabilities. Its perfect for filming blogs, TikToks, or any kind of video you can think of without breaking into the larger fullframe cameras. Would highly recommend this product to anyone.
Newyorkvill –
I super love this camera. It has everything I wanted in a camera not to mention its portable size which I can bring anywhere I go. I also like its video quality. HD it is. Also the quality is superb I definitely recommend this to everyone
Ligaya –
Bought my camera around a week ago. Been in love with it ever since. Im a beginner at vlogging and make home videos mostly. I dont travel as much but shoot videos at night. The camera survives great in the dark and you can do more than an hour of constant videos. Battery drained rather fast but you cant expect too much for the power this device gives back. It has awesome features like super fast autofocus and background blur. Definitely recommend it to people who like simple and easy to reach vlogging camera. Photos are amazing too
nessad –
love this camera the quality exceeded my expectations the ease of control and capability is awesome. perfect for blogging and photography would def recommend.
CaneDOC –
I got the Sony ZV1 with the GPVPT2BT vlogging kit because I have a son who wants to start making gaming videos. He is autistic so I wanted something that was easy enough for him to use right away.Unboxing the camera and it comes with a furry windscreen, a rechargeable battery, and a cheap, flimsy microSD cable. The vlogging kit comes with the handletripod base, a 64 GB memory card, a battery, and a carry pouch. After charging up the camera, connecting the grip via Bluetooth is a breeze, and you are ready to goThis camera is loaded with features. Some simple, some complex. Among the simple is the design of the camera casing itself. It is designed to be easily carried from front or back when the vlogging grip is not attached and it has separate buttons for photos and videos. The camera is designed mostly to be used making videos, but it takes really good photos. The only thing it is missing is a flash. You can buy one and attach it if you truly need it. For shooting video, you dont need it.As far as camera usage us concerned, this thing is loaded with features. The product showcase mode is cool in that when you hold up something to show the camera, it instantly focuses on the item. The performance in low light conditions is spectacular to say the least. It has a slomo feature which is fun to use. This thing has so many features, that I just set it to automatic and let it do its thing. If you want to play around in the menus though, you can customize the settingsHowever you like.The grip is a really cool accessory that I would absolutely recommend. It has legs that fold out to a tripod. It also has separate photo and video buttons as well as zoom control. We noticed that the zoom isnt as responsive with the grip as it is on the camera, but its really no big deal.There is only one real flaw that I could find with the camera and that is that there is no charge progress bar. When the camera is charging a light comes on and when it finishes charging, the light goes out. There is no way to tell where you are in the charging process without stopping and turning the camera on to see where it is at. Not enough to detract from the rating, but it was a little bothersome to me and my OCD, lol.All in all this is one of the best cameras I have ever owned. It shoots stunning 4k video and is made perfectly suited for the aspiring vlogger, like my son.
IsabelFreitas –
Absolutely incredible. It offers so many features that I have to keep watching YouTube tutorials to figure out how to use each one of them. Its very easy to use and its response to any command is super fast. I love the defocus feature which allows you to blur the background with the click of a button, the stabilizing feature and also the product showcase function. Its a pretty incredible camera for vloggers.
DaveA –
This is the Vlogger camera I think its super easy to use. The imagestabilization and quality microphone allows you to make high quality recordings on the go. Its a great tool to create amazing content.
Kerry –
Very good camera for youtube and vlogging. Very easy to use. But Best buy online custemer service is a joke. They lied to me and said they sent me a replacement twice and they never did. I had to call and talk to them ten times.
Wilson –
I received my package within 48 hours of ordering. This camera will fit in any purse, fanny pack, or large back pocket. I love it. Its literally the size of an iPhone. Youll have to take some time to read the instructions and set your camera correctly. Once you mastered it. Youll use it every day.My only challenge with this camera is… once you get it, youll have to buy all the cool accessories to go with it.P.S BUY EXTRA BATTERIES. Seriously.
Neko –
Great little camera that meets all of our needs. We do not use this camera to Vlog but rather shoot quick videos in our officestudio set up. Great quality coming from a small form factor.Only issues are the battery, shooting at 4k the battery will last around 50 minutes of shooting and idle timeleaving camera on to set up. Also the screen is small and may be hard to see the details.
Igor –
Excellent camera for vlog. It does very well in controlled environments, but it fails in dark environments and not having controlled light. But thats not why you dont have this fantastic camera with you. I recommend it for anyone who knows how to configure and work with controlled light.
nkpstudios –
Let me first start this review by just saying WOW Sony, you FINALLY listened to your users You get an RX100 with upgrades with its focus on video a first There are a few downsides, but mostly this is a BUY The Sony ZV1 is the perfect camera for vloggers and videographers who dont want to carry big gear around on less serious projects as well as the beginner to YouTube. We all know the best camera is the one you have WITH you and this is just perfect.Its small enough to fit in the pocket but packs a big punch. You get access to the Sony picture profiles from all their higher end models including SLog, Cine, Rec709, and HLG along with a builtin ND filter and well above average on board mic. You have everything you need to start in the world of video. I love the image this camera produces and the featurerich filming options. You get slowmo and a clean HDMI feed if you want to rig this up. You can charge from 0 to 100 in about 120mins.It is built mostly out of strong black plastic vs the aluminum build of its brother the RX100 but still solidly built nonetheless. We get a fully articulating flip screen that comes out to the left of the camera instead of on top. This stops the screen from being blocked when you are using mics and other attachments on the top of the camera. The screen is bright enough for outdoors with the proper option and details are easily seen.We all know the long history of the learning curve needed to get through the UI. Maybe Sony will listen to this next only time will tell. The menu system is tedious but they did try to spruce it up with an icon view. This will take a few clicks away to change a few things and should be developed further. Autofocus is fast and I love the product showcase mode that disables eye detection to focus on what is closest to the camera… GAMECHANGER Rolling shutter not a problem here. It is almost not noticeable.Now things take a turn to the negative side. There are a few things that really annoy me about this camera. The fact the battery and SD card are in the same place right next to the tripod mount just didnt seem to be well thought out. This will annoy you quickly if you are shooting for more than an hour. You will need to remove your camera from your gimbaltripod just to change a battery or remove the SD card.The small buttons will take some getting used to but that is another annoyance for me. There are lots of crops depending on what options you enable. If you use SteadyShot, you will get a crop. If you shoot 4k, you will get a crop of roughly 10 of the sensor. When you zoom just past 24mm you just to f 2.8. It doesnt have f1.8 for very long before you lose it.The app isnt great and often disconnects using my Samsung Note 10. This will not be part of the review. Below you can find a quick list of my gripes and bright spots with this device.ProsGood onboard audio, excellent autofocus, and fast 2470 f1.82.8 zoom lens.Builtin ND filter.Grips built in to the body so you dont have to buy them.Above average glass from the RX100.Picture profiles with SLog, Cine, Rec709, and HLG BT2020 and others.Fully articulating screen for selfie mode videos.Face exposure priority and excellent auto focus.Small and versatile camera with lots of pro features.Onboard mic quality is best in class for point and shoot cameras out there.Custom buttons you can program how you want.ConsLearning curve for menus and interface.No autoleveling option or limiters available for audioMust have battery in to shoot, you cannot just power with USB.Small form factor means small buttons.No headphone jack to monitor audioScreen is not readable with polarized lenses.Tripod mounting location leads to the need to removal what is attached to get access to batterycard. MOST HATED CONNo USB C we still are using micro USB for some reasonBattery life isnt good, but that is because small camera small battery.No included charger, you must use micro USB. Buy a wall charger and a few batteries to fix this problem.Beauty filter is on by default. DISABLE this or at least Low but no more than that or you look weirdIn the end this is a must buy for anyone who likes video and doesnt want to have big gear for small projects. BUY THIS NOW
BestCameraEver –
I love this camera it is great for blogging. The settings on the camera helps me shoot anywhere at anytime. The microphone that comes with the camera surprised me. It is actually clear and the playback videos are loud. The front face camera helps shoot by yourself. The scene selection make it easy to shoot at night with good lighting that can be adjusted. And its easy to catch shoots that have moving options.
Callum –
Pros Oh for the price and the build this camera is insane A compact piece of kit that is incredible in everything it does 100 recommended to anyone who wants to use it for video and a few pictures
Mike –
The lack of a viewfinder and the poor optical zoom and no flash are shocking on a camera this expensive.If you plan to put it on your desk, and film yourself walking around, and want to spend 900 dollars, well….I guess.Even as a parent, trying to film a kids play, you have a flashlight in your hand and are annoying everyone around you. You can close the screen and turn off auto off. This allows you to kill your battery and hope that you are focused on the right thing.Sony is just getting less and less skilled at making a complete camera.
Cinderella –
The video quality of this camera is amazing The camera itself is very compact and so nice. The only problem I have with my camera is using external mics with it. Ive tried three different microphones and there is no sound coming from them when they are connected. Ive even tried new cables and even tried using the usb slot instead of the jack to connect the microphones but that didnt work either. Ive heard of other people on YouTube who also have this issue and cant use external microphones as well as faulty internal microphone issues. Like when plugging an external mic then unplugging, the cameras internal mic wouldnt work unless turning the camera off and then back on. I didnt realize I ran out of time to returnexchange as I was trying to figure out where the audio problem was coming from so I can no longer return it. I use my camera for ASMR videos on YouTube and I need good external mics for this. TIP if this audio thing isnt an issue for you I now have to record my audio separately on my phone and sync the audio and video when editing. Extra work but its the only way it seems like. So beware when purchasing this camera
mrjlwilliams –
I have a Sony A6100, and this camera is a much better deal if you dont want to buy lenses. Its small, and has very good video. I shoot in 4k with ease, and it looks really good with the defocus on. Blurred background is the way to go, nothing else matters. If you like to Vlog, this is your camera. However, it takes great photos too, simply a great value. Product Show is great for videos of you do need to show something, auto focus is super fast Battery life is really good too, and it charges daily quickly.My only gripe is a flip out screen, I like it on the top.Bottom line, its totally worth it, and should fit lots of peoples needs over even exceed them. Love it.
AlexShook –
This is a great camera and it is worth it over your phone. I also use it for streaming and recording videos with obs. It has a feature to use as a webcam with just usb at 540p but I use it with elgato cam link to get up to 4K output. Picture quality is well worth the price.
TechReviews –
There is no denying that SONY is credited with many truly innovative audio video recording products of the 20th and 21st centuries.In the late 1950s Sony launched an early transistor radio, later miniaturized the Trinitron television in the 60s, BetaMax video recorder in the 70s, the Walkman cassette then compact Discman players in the 80s, PlayStations entry into the video game business in the 90s.That same decade Sony expanded their HandiCam line of camcorders and introduced the CyberShot camera, replacing their Digital Mavica from a few years prior. Sony later bought Konica Minolta and branded the line alpha marketed towards professional photographers.Lets not forget Sony is also a primary supplier in the Broadcast Television industry, with hardware installed is most television stations.Consumers often fail to recognize that Sony image sensors are packed into an overwhelming majority of the better smartphones cameras that weve grown accustomed to including iPhone, Google Pixel, LG, OnePlus, Huwaii, many moreFactors that affect image quality Optical lens Sensor image size Associated circuitry Computational photography Image processing algorithms For comparisons sake, the iPhone 11 Pro Max employs 12MP megapixel cameras, with focal lengths F1.8 wideangle, F2.0 telephoto, F2.4 ultrawide, using just over a inch sensor 12.55.This ZV1 camera quadruples that sensor size 4x the capture area to a full 1inch Exmor CMOS sensor If theres a company that knows recording and imaging, its SONY Midupper level dSLR and mirrorless cameras can cost upwards of a couple to several thousand dollars. Sony wisely priced this new product closer to a midlevel mobile phone, but packed in features several price classes above.They appear to have based the ZV1 design on their successful RX100 Mark IV body but beefed up the audio with a threecapsule onboard mic system, plus included an external mic inout. They then borrowed realtime tracking autofocus technology from professionalgrade alpha 9 to switch between eyedetection for humans and PETS, face detection, and general subject tracking. The videos captured played on a 4k TV are absolutely stunning.Though the camera is quite awesome by itself, its truly special paired with the Grip, a necessary accessory in my humble opinion. Its got two fold out legs for use as a tripod, plus the zoom control and dedicated photo and video buttons. Just brilliant, feels nice and solid in your hand like its supposed to. This helps if you prefer to have stable selfie stills and videos.Note it took me having to crack the manual hidden inside the top of the grip box to pair the camera and grip. The procedure requires the user to go into the menu settings and enable Bluetooth Pairing on the Camera, and then HOLD T zoom toggle and Photo button for 7 seconds.Helpful tutorialshttpswww.sony.nettutorialdczv1Specs 20.1 MP 1inch Exmor CMOS sensor BIONZ Image Processor Insane slowmotion 960 fps 40x 4k video quality 24 fps and 30 fps 3 color modes standard, HLG for HDR, and SLog for professional gradingPros AutoFocus is the absolute best on the market, none better RealTime Tracking Realtime Eye AF technology works flawlessly product showcase auto focus mode, then quickly returns focus BOKEH mode to blur background called clear in still photo mode PASM Program, Aperture, Shutter priority, Manual modes Red record tally light on body front so you dont waste a take Carl Zeiss optics glass Fast F1.82.8 aperture lens Consistent lighting across faces BRIGHT stills, EXCELLENT lowlight video Onboard triplecapsule microphone Mic input for professional quality sound 3 inch variangle side flip out screen 32 ratio dead cat mic diffuser windscreen plugs into hotshoe dont forget the wind cancellation option in settings also Mode knob replaced by big red REC button for easeofuse fine details such as battery and memory card fit only one waySOFTWARE Imaging Edge Mobile App Imaging Edge Mobile app allows remote viewing management Location Information Linkage feature transfers location exif data onto your pictures and videos Gyroscope data is imported to smooth out jitters in postprocessing livestreaming Windows 10 software expected this summer live Webcam mode is also promised in the same software releaseCons2470mm lens may not be wide enough for selfiesCamera is inoperable while the battery is chargingNo headphone mic output for monitoring audio levelsNo battery progress indicator, must be done incameraNo battery charger, must be charged incamera via USBSteadyShot image stabilization on max crops images slightlyscreen is not touch screen for ALL controls, requires spin dial usetraditional still photo zoom ring is omitted, must be done via dial or grippolarized sunglasses onscreen menu text disappears turn vertical to readthe grip custom pouch would have been more helpful if it fit the grip with cameraCONCLUSION If you are a Vlogger, product reviewer, or YouTuber, this camera is made specifically for YOU. Thats the lens of which I view this amazing camera, though I offer strong recommendation to CREATORS of ALL walks, theres plenty here to LOVE.It is packed full with features, incredible BOKEH still video, bestinclass AUTOFOCUS and EYE TRACKING technologies, and a threecapsule microphone system The connectivity options add value to the package too Bluetooth to the grip tripod, BT to your phone, and WiFi to your computer network, with interfaces to both mobile and desktop apps, with more features planned in JulyAugust, such as LiveStreaming and LiveWebcam mode Windows 10 software only If you are looking for a dedicated still photo camera, there are other dSLR and Mirrorless options with removable lenses for that specialized function, but for me, despite the nitpicks, this SONY ZV1 fits the bill PERFECTLY, and I couldnt be more THRILLED.Just wait until you see your professional looking super highres content on the web, or better yet, a beautiful 4k Television
Jermaine –
I opted to buy this camera for my new streaming setup overhaul and I am more than please. The image quality coming out of this camera is amazing and having the camera flip to the side is a game changer. The autofocus on this unit means I never EVER have to adjust the AF during a stream and that has been a game changer. I love love LOVE this camera.
David –
Pros Fantastic fast lens and love the flip around screen. Perfect for recording live music performances without the need for a cameraman. Good quality output.Cons Im all for less waste but Sony, like so many other companies, have jumped on the bandwagon of not providing extras like a a plug or strap. Which would be fine if they provided something else like an app that actually works or a discount. I have no complaints with the camera itself.
Warnjer –
Great little camera. Simple and fun to use. The form is great. I have many other Sony cameras. The zv1 gives a great aesthetic with the smaller sensor size.
Adam –
Products works extremely well The only problem is that it has a capped amount of time for recording in 4k. If you want to shoot a video longer than 20 minutes in 4k, you will not be able to do so. Otherwise, this point and shoot camera is amazing
tak –
5 star rating, so far. The zv1 is a dream to use with one caveat there are so many opportunities with this format that I find I need a guide to keep track of all it can do. I got a workmans hammer belt carrier to carry this camera and handle, and take it everywhere I go. Its ready to shoot a pic, or film a scene at any opportunity, and with its programed amenities you can bring out the artinfo in any situation, with the only limitation being the cameramans knowledge of what all is available. Ive watched the YOU TUBE presentations but am still in the dark about options and only run into the need when I am in the field where the shooting happens. I only know that this camera is the easiest to pull up and shoot quality, if you have found its setup, at any time. What a perfect all around camerarecorder that fits in a hammer belt loop, or in your pocket.
leorl –
Really brilliant, gamechanging favorite purchase. Making videos is seamless, they save directly to mp4 so easily uploadable to any platform. Small and lightweight.Used it to make a lot of lectures that required a side by side of my face profile and keynotepowerpoint. Makes editing simple.If you are using it as a primary audio source, I would definitely buy an external mic. I bought the Rode small one, which really improved the sound quality over this cameras inbuilt mic.
msumulong –
The Sony ZV1 is Sonys latest premium point and shoot camera launched recently. It sports the same 1.0 Exmor sensor found in Sonys flagship point and shoot camera the RX100 VII. One can say that the ZV1 is the RX100 VII little cousin. And I say cousin as the ZV1 is not only a stripped down version of the RX100 VII but also geared to another market namely content creators or vloggers. And in this sense Sony is creating a niche in an already crowded space.First and foremost, one would notice that the ZV1 and the RX100 series have similar formfactors. One would notice that the ZV1 is made of what Sony would term as composite material as compared to the magnesium alloy build of the RX100 series. In ordinary words, its made of plastic and not metal. Still, it has a premium feel similar to what you would find in entrylevel DSLRs.Also gone in the ZV1 are the popup EVF on the top left side and the popup flash on the center top. Instead you would find a hot shoe on the top left where you can attach an external mic or a flash and on the top center is a directional 3capsule mic. One thing to note is that Sony includes what it refers to as a wind screen for the mic which you attach into the hot shoe. This is wind screen is also known as a dead cat.The ZV1 has an articulating screen a first in Sony point and shoot cameras but not handycams instead of the usual tilting LCDs often found in the RX100 series. The mode dial notably has been removed and has been replaced a mode button and you have to use the screen dial. This IMO may be a dealbreaker as some prefer an actual mode dial. And lastly, Sony added a rubber grip to the ZV1 which IMHO is a nice touch to it.As mentioned earlier Sony touts this as a vlogging camera more than that of a stills camera. And since this is a cousin of the RX100, I would no longer delve into the quality of still pictures but highlight on the vlogging aspects of this camera. After all, the manual is around 550 pages long.Like the later model RX100 models, the ZV1 has 4k video capabilities, but one thing to really amaze at this camera is its product showcase function. At the press of one button which is the delete button during shooting mode, the camera can immediately focus on a product or any object for that matter at an arms length distance when it is moved fairly quickly to the front of the camera for a close up. Upon testing this feature repeatedly, Id say that Im amazed at this feature and that it works as advertised. I have not yet heard of any consumer level camera even from smartphones that can do this feature.Another cool feature of the ZV1 is background defocus mode. A button on the top right of the camera enables the camera to immediately go into bokeh mode or cinematic effect as a lot of vloggers refer to it. What is interesting to note is that its a simplified process and one does not need to know about adjusting aperture. And while it works, it is worthwhile to consider that the bokeh is not as creamy given the limit of the one inch sensor as compared to larger sensors from m43s, APSC and full frame cameras. Still the effect is optical and not through software. Also, this has an advantage over smartphones as the bokeh effect is limited only in stills and not through video.These two highlights of the ZV1 plus features from the RX100 are compelling reasons to consider this camera over the RX100 VII given that there is almost a 500 price difference between the two models. But also, the ZV1 can also hold on its own against other cameras as well. My primary complaint for the ZV1 is like the RX series is that it still uses the small NPBX1 batteries. So it would be prudent to stock up on extra batteries.And finally for vlogging uses, a wireless shooting grip Sony GPVPT2BT is available too. It is primarily a remote control grip that enables you to vlog and also function as a small tripod.Overall, the Sony ZV1 as well as its accessory grip is highly recommended for those who not only want to shoot stills but also use a very capable tool for vlogging.
Anastasia –
Im moving from one pocket Sony to another.My RX100IV has been in my camera bag ever since it came out and it blows my mind what that little beast could do for me.This ZV1 purchase was an upgrade for a few reasons I wanted audio ports, flip screen, and all the little innovations of the past few years that are now packed in this ZV1.So far Ive been using this camera for 3 months and recorded numerous vlogs for Youtube on a pocket tripod, not handheld, took it to 1 commercial shoot for a small ecommerce product, and did some personal projects with it.Some people complain about the body being plasticky, Im fine with that. This camera will be used, so I am fine with normal wear on the edges and all that. My RX has those, so what.Another common complaint Ive seen was with the lens not being wide enough for vlogging I get that one but it didnt stop me from recording vlogs for the past months. Not everything needs to be walking talking.Battery life its a small battery size, so just get 3 more batteries and a case.Vlogging tripod I got that one also, but frankly any small tripod or gorillapod will do. The buttons and Bluetooth connectivity are nice, but I am fine without them too.The internal microphone quality this is not a big Rode thats 3x the size of this camera. So, set your expectations accordingly. But…. I love that it picks up the sound no matter which size of the lens Im on and for talking to someone as I am recording is great too. I did that for one golfing video and it was very fitting to the groove of the clip.Camera size I love that you can take it anywhere. It also does not draw attention, so if you want to shoot street photography or be in public places shooting, this camera will make you look like a tourist even if youre not.I am really happy to upgrade from RX100IV and dont miss the viewfinder. I love being able to tell when Im recording and the camera faces me thanks to the small red light on the front.I like that I can plug in a USB battery and not worry about batteries dying if I need to record for longer.This camera can also be used as a webcam, which is great if you need your Zoom sessions to look on point.I like the price of the camera too.The only thing that bothers me from time to time is the angle at which the screen rotates to the side its not exactly 180 degrees it seems like, its a little tilted away from the lens and it took me some time to adjust.I prefer to keep my screen closed so I dont scratch it, you just rotate it inwards. Its nice to shut off the camera by just closing the screen.I also got a 3M little filter ring that lets me mount 52mm macro filters. It doesnt affect the zoom or focusing speed. This setup is very good for shooting quick reviews of jewelry for YouTube.I dont expect this camera to equal in quality to my A7RII and 2470 G Master. Thats why its a second camera. And thats the perfect camera for travel, small businessecommerce, vlogging, documenting life, and just trying new things.
Cfouke –
Great little camera Easy to use, auto focus, and skin softening features are great. Top feature is the flip out screen though Great for vlogging.
SonyFan –
The side flipping screen is a total game changer for a VLOG camera. Previous Sony cameras had a screen that flipped up which can be a problem if you have an external flash or microphone mounted there. This is my new camera that does it all.
Gary –
ZV1 ReviewHey everyone, my name is Gary and I must admit that the Sony ZV1 is my new favorite camera. I drive an 18wheeler truck, Im not a video professional but am a self taught hobbyist. I want to get shots fast so I use semi manual modes like shutter priority for the 180 degree shutter angle look and ISO is limited while still being able to have control over things like AE lock, EV comp, my custom white balance presets, zebras, focus magnification Sony did not dumb this camera down. The focal length range is acceptable and Id rather have the limited zoom over a slower aperture at the wide end. The lens can focus on subjects roughly 1.25 inches away at the wide end which is fantastic, and roughly a foot away at the telephoto end. The lens has minimal focus breathing and is very sharp. The bokeh is still good at around 6 feet or so focused at the tele end at f2.8 and I could see this camera being used by the savvy professional to somewhat imitate that DSLR or DSLM look, supported with good lighting in an interview shot without breaking the bank on an expensive kit. What I mean is you can, if you know what youre doing and accept the limitations of this camera, use it for some professional paid work. You can also save stills from recorded videos in the playback menu and zoom in on them to get an idea of sharpness of clips you took and to pixel peep on saved video frames right there in the camera. I use this camera primarily for video and it has very good ISO performance Id say it is acceptable up to 3200 but you can still push it to 6400 if you have to and the resultant colors arent too distorted while noise is still kept under control in the video, I disabled all incamera denoising settings as well and disabled the red tally lamp for more of a stealth mode Im glad Sony has all these settings for you to adjust despite the menus being a bit convoluted, they do include a My Menu which I have populated with my favorite settings. Anyway, combine high ISO footage with denoising post processing via Neat Video or Davinci Resolve Studio and you could work some extra low light magic with this camera. The 1inch type sensor is the ideal middle ground between the larger interchangeable lens cameras and the tiny action cameras in terms of overall video quality. Camcorders with 1inch sensors exist but they are significantly larger than the ZV1 so arent pocketable like this camera is. Video quality is excellent on the ZV1 especially for the price. My only complaint is I wish Sony could include at least 2.7K at 60fps in a firmware update, but the 1080p higher frame rates do look really good and if you need that slow motion Broll, you could sharpen the footage in post on a 4K timeline and it can pass good content matters more than the resolution really. Battery life is similar to an action camera which is okay with me you can use the micro USB port to keep the camera charged in between shots or USB charge it while using the camera. I have all my customized picture profiles set to 7 detail as I add sharpening in post using Davinci Resolve Studio 16 on a computer I built. I will also make some custom corrective LUTS from scratch using my XRite Color Checker Passport Video which will help in getting a closer match to my DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone, but I will say that the color representation in the video footage from this camera is excellent. The mindset I use when setting up my picture profiles prioritize lowest dynamic range on the first one to highest dynamic range on the last one I have 4 picture profiles set up. Just because this camera can shoot in SLOG doesnt mean you should shoot in SLOG, as this camera shoots 8bits per subpixel RGB, which is normal. If only half the histogram is being filled during your video recording on a super flat profile like SLOG, you are practically shooting in 7bit give or take which means you are losing out on half the color and luma information per stop of exposure and half your bit depth is being wasted on recording no information. This helps to explain why color grading any sort of 8bit LOG footage can produce color banding and other issues especially when the scene doesnt require such a profile like on a cloudy day for example. My PP1 is set to the Movie gamma and Cinema color, its a standard dynamic range but fills the histogram well on most shots therefore retaining bit depth and is my primary profile. PP2 is my Cine2 gamma and Cinema color for a little more dynamic range when needed. I tend to stay on my PP1 setup and switch to PP2 for a little more dynamic range when I think Ill need that extra highlight or shadow information in post. PP3 Ive set to HLG3 Hybrid Log Gamma and BT.2020 color for even better dynamic range again, I use my PP3 only when needed, it looks great but try to avoid those HDR profiles because the camera is only 8bit. PP4 is an SLOG profile but Id avoid using it unless I need maximum dynamic range out of the camera under some rare conditions while understanding that I am severely sacrificing the bit depth per stop of exposure. I will get a Crane M2 gimbal for this camera. A gimbal somewhat defeats the purpose of a small camera but anyone who knows anything about electronic stabilization with a low shutter speed like when shooting at a 180 degree shutter angle or when recording in low light knows that motion of the electronic stabilization shifting the frame digitally will be baked into the frames and looks hideous. So if youre going for the film or professional look and dont want electronic stabilization artifacts, a gimbal is a must for this camera or just dont use electronic stabilization Sony calls it Active SteadyShot and find another way to stabilize the camera. If you want to get the most out of this camera I also recommend the lens mate filter kit as this camera has no filter threads, and the no compromise Tiffen NATural ND filters 2,3,4, and 5 stop ones, they are expensive but have no color shifts. I dont recommend a variable ND … the polarization in a variable ND causes issues with your colors but if you need utmost convenience I can understand the use for a variable ND filter. I dont care for vlogging, but this camera should have never been marketed as the best vlogging camera because it really isnt, the wide end of the lens isnt wide enough. Despite that, Im so glad Sony made this the mics are nice and of course the flip out screen is excellent. You cant monitor your audio with headphones no headphone jack but it does show audio levels, and yes, you can change your audio levels while recording. On a professional shoot youd just use an external audio recorder anyway. The ZV1 is so much more than a vlogging camera in my eyes it a tiny video production powerhouse This camera is the best compromise between video quality and size. It truly fits in my pocket unlike my Panasonic GH5 and those Sigma lenses. I never used the touch screen on those cameras, I used the buttons to navigate so the ZV1 lacking touch control aside from choosing focus target is absolutely fine with me. I set up the My Menu as well on the camera for my most used options like switching to 1080p when I need a higher frame rate for slow motion. Also, the Function Fn button has most other settings like changing white balance and toggling the built in, high quality, no color shift ND filter roughly 2.5 stops, I tested with AE lock then looked at ISO increase after enabling the ND filter, you can use the scroll wheel to cycle through a setting in the Fn menu, no need to click on the option in the Fn menu, and no need to use up custom buttons for the ND filter for example as it is all in the Fn menu and quickly accessible. My custom buttons on the ZV1 are set as follows, it actually has 5 custom buttons 1 Audio Record Level, 2 AEL Toggle. I use Shutter Priority for the 180 degree motion blur look and use zebras andor histogram as a guide and then lock the exposure with this button. I also have my Display button set to show the histogram. 3 Exposure Comp. Regardless of exposure lock, I then can use the scroll wheel to dial in exposure comp prior to recording, and it can also be done while recording. This is how you shoot semi manual while letting the camera do some of the work for you it will prioritize the lowest ISO of course while respecting your set maximum ISO limit which means you get more shots. Anyone telling you to put the ZV1 in full manual mode for video is wasting your time, unless you are in a controlled environment and have time for manual control, use one of the semi auto modes like Shutter Priority or Aperture Priority combined with exposure lock if you want to lock exposure still while using EV comp to adjust it. 4 Focus Magnifier. It is not awkward to do manual focus on this camera, despite the lack of a ring on the front. Use the scroll wheel to adjust focus, so long as youre in manual focus mode. You can move the magnify box around and hit the Delete button to recenter it. Unlike the Panasonic GH5, you can focus magnify while recording on the Sony ZV1. Thats a big deal, when recording the bug in the attached picture I had focus magnification on while recording to know for sure where focus was. 5 AFMF toggle, to lock focus if you need to. For example, when shooting at a wide open aperture through a windshield when its raining and you dont want the camera to lose the focus in the distance. Thats about it. The attached picture is unaltered and straight from the camera using my PP1 setup, 7 detail no sharpening, and a 2.0 crop 1080p from UHD 4K 100mbps video at 23.976 fps
OMAR –
I found this baby one of the best purchases I made in a long time. The Price point is great, but the results are much better. For many of you that are starting greating content, but also has an affiction to photography and Hig Quality Video production, this one is an amazing choice, as it gives you the chance not only to have almost professional results, but to study, and understand the behavior of professional video production. The only thing that youll miss, is the Interchangeable lenses, but, with this product, you can explore tons of professional settings, top video quality, all the manual adjustments, the function of an ND Filter, and much more. Also, youll obtain a beatiful 4K material to work with in Premiere pro, and test all the professional picture profile, color adjustments. And if you like, you cna use it as it is, an amazing Vlog Camera. And, despite all the negative comments about the lens field of view, there is a lot of twaeks that you can do to expand this possibility, but I have to say, you should have some short arms to feel the image too close to your head, it is NOT as terrible as people are saying in Youtube.
murmor2 –
this is a fabulous camera. It is designed for the job I need which is to prepare videos for social media and also to live stream. It is designed with those two end in mine. OnYouTube plenty of people have shared their how tos making it really easy to come to grips with. My good as new camera was in a slightly thumbed box but the camera itslef is pristine. Im really pleased.
Stephen –
Takes great photos. The 1 censor produces pictures that nearly matches larger micro four thirds in terms of picture quality of high iso. Offers super convenience for vloggers or other one man productions. Put the camera on automatic mode, and from focus to exposure, the camera intelligently produces superb videos with sensible settings for you. Integrated mic in the camera sounds good enough that when you dont have external mic available you can still shoot videos for uploading. Overall a worry free, convenient pocketable camera that produces good qualities photos and videos. Highly recommended for personal use and for youtubing. It should be more than adequate. And highly recommend as a secondary equipment for other uses.
NyahB –
Wanted to love this camera as it came highly recommended but unfortunately the camera I received wasnt in working order and I needed an immediate replacement so I went with a different camera. Heard great things about this one so Im sure if you try it and get a good one you may like it.
Joshua –
Ive been messing around with this little nugget for a bit, and wow. This thing does stuff. It super does stuff. Like, does all the things. So much stuff The menus are dumb. The autofocus is fast and effective. The mics are useful and clear, but not exciting in anyway. The touch screen doesnt do enough. The flippy screen is quite flippy and not at all floppy. Sometimes I just stare at it and think about how right Sony got this one. Its a very good and very usable camera. Everybody should own one. Its a freaking joy.
Bill –
If you own a Mac stay far, far away from this lemon. No fix for Big Sur. The best you can do in a Mac environment is to take vid, pull SD card, load up on a Mac. Spent 2 hours with Sony Chat tonight and thats the bottom line. I was guided through a torturous forrest of menus to get to the point where I could see just the Audio track of a vid taken on this lemon, no video track. Directions in their own documentation is mislabeled and therefore impossible to follow unless you are a trained expert in this menu morass. I will say, the image looks good, but another pocket still camera is not something I want or need. I need something to make my Vlogging workflow take less time. This is for sure not it
Bee7 –
Its a beautiful camera, takes amazing quality pics and vids but you cannot stream with it because it overheats which i didnt know this until i tried streaming with it myself and you cant just plug it into your pc and download your videos or pictures you have to buy a whole other object to connect to your pc to then download The Camera is good if youre only vloggin and have the money to buy the extra piece that it needs to download your vids.
MeeH –
Great compact stylish camera for short timing VLogers. It is really simple to use and the quality if very good for VLogers.I am not a profession VLoger but I do have to upload videos from time to time and this simple to use camera will help me do that.I also bought the small sony tripod that was suggest to accompany this camera and they work beautifully together.The cons of this camera is that it only last 20 minutes before you need to change the battery. I dont think any Vlog should be longer than 20 minutes so for me this is perfect.Also this is really not meant to use as a camera but you certainly can use it as one.I think you will find complete satisfaction with this little beauty of a camera,
techlover –
Got this camera due to they myriad of online meetings Im in now that Im working from home all of the time. The camera has many of the same features as my a6600 so it was easy to get started with.Record quality is top notch and setup was simple. Tons of youtube videos out there for anyone interested.This camera is a drastic improvement over my laptop and usb cameras. Extremely happy with the purchase
Nicholas –
Sony Digital Camera ZV1 with Sony GPVPT2BT Bluetooth remotetripod.The Sony ZV1 along with the Sony GPVPT2BT is ideal for Vloggers and other context makers. This camera system is equipped to transfer your movies to your telephone, computer. The excellent quality of video and sound make this system a must have for Vloggers. The 20.1 Mega pixel pictures are top notch. The 2470 MM zoom is minimal, would have liked to have 150 or higher max zoom level.The camera is completely adjustable however, you would need to go online and download the large PDF file and read through it. I did not have any problems setting up the camera and taking movies and pictures.The Sony GPVPT2BT is a must have accessory. This unit comes with a button battery. Set up is easy following the enclosed directions. The remote also opens to a tripod. The remote has an onoff switch. You can push a button and turn the camera around 360 degrees. With a push of another button you can tilt the camera up and down. There is a movie button and a photo button. You also get a rocker switch for zoom.The Sony ZV1 does not come with a carrying strap or bag.I would recommend this camera to family and friend.
LaurienA –
So far so good Im new to learning cameras so this little guy is great the quality is excellent. I like it a lot. Im still learning so it does have a ton of features I havent gotten to yet but I just recently found out I can use my camera as a webcam too if I put it in movie mode I thought that was really cool. I would recommend this to others as a basics beginners camera. If you have the money to spare and want to do a lot with a camera I dont recommend this one go for one of the higher professional DSLR type cameras. If you are just doing things here and there this is great for starting out and carrying on the go since its small.
Sean –
Its an amazing compact camera for content creators. Super great video quality and even good pictures. Autofocus is insanely good Highly recommend for anyone who wants to film something and post it online.
Szzzzz –
This is a good camera. Easy to point and shoot. Sound quality is good as well. Auto focus is a bit slower than what was advertised but its definitely better than the competitions version.
Jams –
This camera is amazing. Definitely works for content creators or bloggers. Great camera quality. Like when I show a product it auto focuses to it in a few seconds.
Maroot –
The Sony ZV1 is a full featured, powerful point and shoot camera that fits in your pocket. I think its major target user is the Content Creator. But anyone can use it. Its strong points are Size it fits in your pocket. Lens it has a F1.82.8 ZEISS VarioSonnar T lens. The same lens in a APSC or Full Frame lens could you about 1000. Picture Quality it shoots 4K. It sports a 1 inch sensor, which is more than adequate for YouTube. Microphone it has an excellent onboard microphone with Wind Sock Dead Cat. Screen it has a articulated side flip out screen as opposed to vertical flip. And most of all, my favorite feature of the camera is the Continuous Focus Realtime Eye Autofocus and Realtime Autofocus tracking. Coupled with the Product Showcase Setting, it transitions focus from face to object instantly. Its amazing. Its fast. I love it. My only complaint about the camera is a weak and inadequate battery. So buy some extra batteries. Other than that, I strongly recommend this camera. BTW, Sony is releasing the ZVE10 soon. An APSC version of this camera. But dont be fooled. Youll be a committed to the expensive Sony ecosystem of lenses. Remember what I mentioned earlier about lenses The Sony lens hierarchy goes like this, you go from the cheap Basic Sony Kit lens, to Sony G lens, to the Sony G Master lens and finally Sony Zeiss lenses . With the Sony ZV1 you get the BEST Sony lens and features in your pocket. Thats all you need.
Yerrr –
Pretty nice for vlogging especially if youre a beginner. Amazing. Sharp. Precise. Light. Focus on point. Sound sounds great. Definitely a must get
abetterdjandphotographer –
We shoot wedding video and I bought this to shoot off my monopod and be cohesive with the video from my A7iii on a tripod. Its light, easy to use, loaded with features, and makes amazing video. Love the swingout swivel screen Only complaint is battery life which can easily be remedied by hooking up a battery packcharger. Its so much easier to use on my monopod than the A7iii Update 72421 I bought a 2nd one of these. The video is better than that from my A7iii so I need both cameras I shoot with at weddings to be on the same page. I did a wedding today and took 65 stills with this camera. The photos I took in good light were flawless. The ones I took in poor light with no flash were not usable. Glad I bought it for video. The video in fairly low light at 3200 ISO seems great
HMmm –
Had the Canon G7X Mark 2. This exact Sony wins in every single category hands down. No battery life on any camera is really great so buy extra batteries, but the quality of photos and videos plus ease of use is fabulous
JayS –
Exactly what I wanted. Its small, compact, and has a tripod stick. Ive been a cannon personal forever and this had enough for me to try it out. Hopefully, it will continue to impress over time.
MichaelPepperTechTalk –
I got this with the intention to use it for a webcam and to do videos for my YouTube channel. The focus is great, but unless you use it on a tripod and or gimble all of the time, its jittery and the video stabilization is horrible. For the same price, I traded it in and got the A6100 and it focuses faster and is way more stable and the battery life is better. I tried to use the ZV1 as a webcam and even though I had is set to charge with USB it would die. My A6100, while it doesnt stay charged can go 12 hours while plugged in and connected to the Sony Image edge software and being used for streaming as a webcam. I wouldnt recommend this for anything thats not just on a tripod. Unless you want to invites a few hundred dollars more, stay away from this camera. Not recommended.
Royaltee –
Love my zv1 Great quality camera for pictures and videos. Small and compact. It can fit in your pocket. Battery life is a downside but you can buy extra batteries. Great starter camera if your thinking about streaming or creating content for YouTube. Fair price.
AUSTIN –
Overall, this is a great camera. The downside is the latest iphone that many people already have takes just as good of photos imo possibly better, but the video features are super nice. It tracks eyes and defocuses background super nice, adjusts lighting optional, stabilizing is amazing even though it reduces the image size a lot. Overall great camera for video, but for photography it may be lacking.
Xiran –
I bought this because Im not sure whether I can keep photographing or not. But this tiny machine does motivate me to bring this little stuff outside. Compared to Sony a6100, I think this camera is more suitable for beginners and you can use this camera to identify which kind of camera you prefer, and then you can update to a7r4 or something else.
Pablo –
Sonys higher end RX100 series pointandshoot cameras are popular for their compact designs and great photo and video quality. Theyve come a long way over the years and are some of the best pointandshoot cameras on the market. That being said, they still have flaws. The VII of the RX100 overheats quickly within 56 minutes when recording video and has higher Fstops making it a poorer performer in low light.Enter the ZV1. It has the same sensor as the RX100VII but features a fully articulating display, focuses on the cameras smarts, and emphasizes video recording. Reviewers are touting this as a camera made for vloggers but thats only part of the story.First off, the video recording is high quality. Its easy to enable theND filter, 4k 30fps and 4k 24fps videos are sharp with a bit of color pop, you can record video in various Slogs and HLG for post correction if you are into that the intelligent auto mode does a good job for people that just want to shoot and not think about things, and Ive been enjoying the higher resolution 1080p 240fps video mode good for slow motion. I did play around with the two HLG profiles on my HDR HLG and HDR10 monitor and, after correcting them in post, they looked great. details in the shadows popped without losing the subject.The camera remembers your last video recording settings and will quickly start shooting with the press of the red record button. Its nice having quick access to video recording so that, when the camera turns on, you can shoot photos or videos without changing the cameras modes. The articulating display can turn the camera on and off. Fold it in with the screen facing the inside of the camera and the camera turns off, rotate it out and the camera turns on. Its convenient especially when taking pictures or videos of fast moving subjects kids, animals. It lets you jump into the moment without thinking.There are multiple accessories geared for video recording. The camera comes with a deadcat and its great for cutting out wind noise. The cameras builtin microphones are more forward facing than the RX100 series and do a good job of cancelling out background noise though Sonys hot shoe connector gives you access to more accessories like microphones. Sony makes a shooting stick that turns into a tripod, I highly recommend it. The controls for the shooting stick are actually wireless, so you can use it as a remote, but its a convenient accessory for shooting anywhere. Ive used it to take night photos requiring a tripod without actually lugging a fullsized tripod around though I did have to be near a table.Videos arent everything with this camera though. It features the same fast focus as the RX100 VII and 24fps burst photos without screen blackout. Ive mainly left the camera in intelligent auto mode but it has some of the more advanced modes. The camera lacks a flash but the low fstop range helps in low light conditions. You can always buy a flash if you really need one. The ZV1 has been able to quickly focus on every subject Ive captured without issues. Ive had to delete photos but not because of an issue with the camera.Therein lies the big push with the camera you are giving it control of everything. Yes, it has more advanced modes letting you tune in the shutter speed, aperture, and other settings but it lives happiest in intelligent auto. Luckily Sonys hardware and software has improved to the point that Im not angry about this. I have an a6500 but have often turned to the ZV1 because I either dont want to think about things, the subject is fast moving and I want the shot, I havent had time to dial in the settings on my a6500, or all of the above.I highly recommend this camera if you want a high end pointandshoot that thinks for you. It lets you change some settings but, for the most part, you take this out and shoot whatever you want with little to no fuss. It makes a good secondary camera for people with high end mirrorless, DSLR, or fullframe systems but it also makes a good primary for someone that wants something more serious than a smartphone without breaking the bank. Really, Im unsure how Sony squeezed all of this into such a low price. Yes, the camera body is plastic and it isnt weather sealed. Yes, Sonys firmware is still kind of clunky and the touchscreen is really only good for focusing. Sony removed the dial so you cant manually dial the focus in but Im alright with this as Sonys subject tracking is spot on and the camera is quick to focus even when you select the subject.My only real complaint against this camera is that it charges with micro USB. Nothing like this should be released in 2020 with micro USB, it should have USB C. Unlike most other cameras, you can use this one while it is charging so you can charge it with a power bank while youre out and about without missing anything. Still, the inclusion of micro USB means I now have to carry around yet another charging cable where before I only had to carry one around. I can charge my phone, tablet, and notebook all with the same brick and cable. Now, I have to carry around another cable and lower voltage charging brick. Not the end of the world but annoying nonetheless.This camera is for you if you want to take high quality photos and videos without worrying about settings. Just let the camera do its work and youll end up with high quality results. Otherwise the RX100 line would probably be better if you like to dial in specific settings and go deep into other options. Of course, vloggers should enjoy this camera as would anyone that wants to record high quality videos with more advanced post editing options.
Brian –
Excellent vlogging and streaming camera with a few minor things that I would hope they improve.This camera will record at 4K at 30 frames per second, and 1080 at 60 fps, and will even support High Frame Rates for a super slow motion but at some reduced quality.The flip out screen is bright and has good detail. In certain recording modes it is not lit up. In my case I found that it would turn off if I am recording on the camera and outputting HDMI at the same time. Otherwise it was very useful with horizontal and vertical flips of the picture depending on where you point it.The ZV1 has a full hot shoe at the top Something that I was not expecting and does support speedlightsIt accepts a full SD card, but make sure you get v30 or better class card if you want to shoot 4K 30fps 100m video. I found a 128GB card had room for over 2 hours of video, and the camera can only shoot 4K for about 40 minutes before exhausting the battery. note you also have to turn the temperature shut down setting to high, otherwise it will auto stop recording after 5 minutes of 4kAnother nice thing is that you can power the camera from USB, so you can extend the shooting time in the field with a battery back, or shoot indefinitely if you have it plugged into an AC adapter.My only cons are as followsThe battery and SD slot opening gets covered up if you mount the camera to any tripod or other device to hold it. gimbal, selfie stick Which means if the battery runs out, or your card runs out of room, you have to take the camera off the mounting device to change them. Fortunately you can get a camera cage that not only protects it a bit, but provides a lot of additional threaded mounting holes. These additional mount points allow you to work around the battery cover issue, and give you vertical mount options for Instagram TikTok and mounting locations to hold a battery bank.The other minor issue I had was the low battery life. These are super small batteries, so while they keep the size and weight of the camera down, they do not last long if you are out vlogging. The good thing is they are also very inexpensive at least the third party versions. You can find a 3 battery pack with USB charger for just over 22 on the internet. Then you can quickly swap batteries between events if you want to.
Kvolante –
This camera is great but not for what I need it for. It will not last last 30 min of Continuous filming which is something I need. So I definitely recommend purchasing more batteries from Sony.
Brandon –
This camera is truly amazing The quality of the video is outstanding and so are the pictures The microphone is even good enough that you do not need an external one. Nice, compact, amazing quality, good sound, a flip screen The only downside is that the screen isnt touchscreen but I am perfectly fine. It does not bother me at all. I am truly happy I made this purchase
Anonymous –
I bought this camera because I recently wanted to to start documenting my diy projects while also filming my quickly growing toddler. Its been so easy to use and fun figuring out all it has to offer. My videos have been 100 x better then that I use to take from my phone alone. I am very happy with it so far and cant wait to keep it up
tmcgo510 –
The Sony ZV1 Camera is one of the newest editions to the camera market that is purpose built for people who create content, such as vloggers. When youre out on location or even when you are set up at a dedicated location, this camera, along with some amazing accessories, is a great choice for filming and photographing. First of all, lets mention size. The camera itself is small enough that it could easily fit in your pocket. Such a small product packs a powerful punch when it comes to the quality of the photosvideos it takes. The product does have some weight to it. While I am not sure of the exact weight I can tell you it is heavy in your hand. The camera does not feel cheap, and it shouldnt considering the expensive price tag. The camera comes with a removable, rechargeable battery. The USB cable included does not come with a plug adapter, so you will either need to use one you already have, purchase one, or plug it into a computer to charge it. I initially used this camera to take some photos and videos in an outdoor environment and I was thoroughly impressed. The pictures came out crisp and clear. The videos were even more impressive with the 4k quality this camera puts out The camera also comes with a wind screen for the microphone. It looks goofy, but serves its intended purpose well. A must have accessory is the Vlogger Accessory kit ACCVC1 This kit gives you a battery powered handle of sorts that doubles as a tripod and a SD memory card 64gb The handle has legs that fold out to allow the camera to sit on flat surfaces. It also has buttons on it that allow you to control the camera via a bluetooth connection between the handle and the camera. This handle is great, however, I will mention that when walking and filming it doesnt completely eliminate the shaking of the footage like a gimble would. In addition to the camera having bluetooth, it also can connect to wifi. This camera can transmit photosvideos straight to your phone, tablet, or computer for editing on the go Perfect for people away from their home editing software. The autofocus was perfect, allowing the camera to focus in on the eye of the person in the frame, or allowing you to use the onboard touch screen to select a point to focus on no matter where the camera moved. This camera has a huge host of customization options and features. These features are accessible by a menu screen. One thing worth pointing out is that not every aspect of the menu screen or camera for that matter can be controlled by the on board touch screen. In order to make changes to the menu settings, you must use the movable wheel and push buttons. The screen is very helpful though, as it flips around in different directions for us when your filming yourself or taking a quick selfie. All in all, this is a great camera to use for content creation. I plan on using it in a mobile environment instead of a set place for filming. I think it will serve the purpose well and aid me in creating great content
BigRoy –
I needed something other than my cellphone to create videos and this camera is perfect. Using it is a breeze and Im happy there are so many advanced features and settings available to me as I become more proficient with this cameraIm a rookie. Casting to TV and playing videos via HDMI was also a breeze. The still photos are also pretty amazing, that motivates me to go hiking and take pictures. Also, the tripod was excellent, easy to use.
Magneto –
This has the potential to be a very long review. To cut to the chase, here is my thesisBUY this camera if you want the best vlogging camera on the market that is below 1000 bucksBUY this camera if you want the best all around point and shoot that is less than 1000 bucks.BUY this camera if you want a potent putinyourpocket travel camera that is light and easy.BUY this camera if you want to start your own YouTube channel.If you want great video reviews of this please go to YouTube and search the model and you will find dozens of new videos that talk about the various features, greatness and flaws, and some even run through the menu system to help users get acquainted with the functionalities of the camera. I will not waste this space by talking about all that. These are some points I want to add to all of thatA This is a great vlogging camera. BUT, if you are a budding street photographer, this should be a nice weapon in your arsenal, maybe even a complete weapon. The lens range of 2470mm equivalent and the sheer inconspicuous being of this camera is a great asset to have on the streets.B In tune with the above, the BW setting with a plus contrast is really nice. It may not have the mythical Zeiss POP of those 1200 dollar lenses but boy was I pleasantly surprised by the microcontrast.C I have been a Nikon guy who only recently started using some Cannon mirrorless cameras with their dualpixel autofocus system. But Sonys eye autofocus is simply the cream on top. I have to admit. Awesome autofocus. And it is easy to maneuver for beginners as well.D This thing is fast. I think it does shoot 24 FPS and I tried to follow the paths of birds several times and it was a piece of cake.E I had apprehensions about the 1 sensor but this is a tried and tested sensor and it shines. Low light situations are not clumsy but please do not compare the noise with your full frame sensors. That would be unfair.F The AWB out of the camera is quite true. Fiddle with the thing and you might like the WB options.G The included microphone is good, much better than nothing. You can always upgrade. But for a budding vlogger it should be enough to learn the tricks of the trade.H Headphone jack would have helped.I USB C would have been better.J Battery life is bad. If you shoot 24 FPS and the battery capacity is for under 230 shots then one can imagine what may happen if you take it out on the field.K The lack of a long reach for the lens hampers the full use of 24 FPS speed.L No specific dials for the various modes. The Menu and Mode buttons help and you really do not have to dig deep to use it. The Function button on the back dial is a big help. You can also change C1 and C2 button functionalities to better suit your needs. All in all, for a new Sony user like me, it was a never that big a deal hunting through the modes and menu.M The screen is touch sensitive but only for certain very specific actions. If you love a all purpose touch screen then you may be disappointed. I was not as the layout of the camera did not hinder my progress without an all pervasive touch functionality.N The face lighting in high contrast areas is superlative. During videos, that is.O The product mode C1 I think is an added help for the social media influencers.I can keep adding points to the above. I can also get very technical about many of the features. But to conclude I will simply say that the consumer will be very hardpressed to find a better alternative with better features at this price point, and even beyond to a certain extent. If you are a beginner or a vlogger or an influencer or simply someone who wants to take a great all around camera in your pocket, this is a great purchase. I am Prof in a University in the NorthEast. In my spare time I have covered Ted talks, done some high profile photo shoots and have published my work at various places. I am dead serious and authentic about my endorsement of this camera.
AlanD963 –
The first thing I noticed when I opened the box is that the camera looks just like the first digital camera my mom used in the 80s. Its looks are nothing special. But looks can be deceiving. The features of this little camera are amazing.First I should say that the camera is really designed for videos, especially vlogging I dont think my mother would have known what vlogging was in the 80s If youre looking for a great still camera, youd be wasting money with the ZV1. There isnt even a flash attachment on the device.This camera just lives to make great videos. Whats nice is, for someone who in not an expert in digital cameras, it runs really well right out of the box. As you learn more about it, you can delve into the menus, but its not necessary at the start.Because its primary a video camera, the largest button on the top will start video recording. I love the video stabilization setting. Without it, as you walk around with the camera, the picture is naturally jittery as you move. With the stabilization on, the video results are more like youre using a Steadicam. Auto focus is very quick. You can set it to either stay focused on your face no matter what is going on around you, or set it focus on something youre holding up in front of you, and the immediately go back to your face when you move the item out of frame. Theres a windscreen to help get rid of wind noises, a skin smoothing feature which gets rid of face blemishes in several steps, slow motion settings, it features one button which blurs the background, making your face stand out and much more.The optional vlogger kit is a big help. One of the few complaints I had with the camera was that the buttons are really small. The Sony vlogger accessory kit, not only makes it easier to hold the camera, and is also a builtin tripod, but with its large buttons makes it easier to control the camera, and stop and start your video or take still pictures. It links up to the ZV1 via Bluetooth, and the setup was quick and flawless.Bottom line, the ZV1 makes great videos, can certainly be used as a still camera as well, and since its so easy to put yourself in the picture, even if youve never thought of having your own vlog, this camera might inspire you to do just that.
Steve –
Received the ZV1 this morning.Wow Small but powerful.Does everything the writeup promises.When I saw the online manual with 555 pages I swallowed hard, but the incamera menus are laid out very intuitively, easy.1080p clean HDMI with audio in any modeECMB1M shotgun mic works greatShoots or records on wall power via USBRMTP1BT remote works perfectly paired effortlessly zooms thru full range of optical and digital snaps stills while recording videoHas wow features Ill never use facial recognition which I think stores a cam setup profile for that particular face, are you kidding shutter trips on a configurable level of smile, I mean dudeOnly downside is the zoom is weaker than Id like and the 30 minute recording limit to SD is disappointing but this will be a stream cam and for that purpose it is perfect.Battery comes only slightly charged so charge it up first.Great camera. Well played SONY
Hotroller –
Love this camera. It is made for technologically challenged folks like me. What I mean by that is everything like focus and fade detection happens automatically with zero effort on my part. It also has an NDr filter and some way of prioritizing your face in different lighting. So you can be vlogging on a sunny day and then walk thru a dark tunnel and your face will be in view and illuminated. The aperture is not huge but this is not meant to be a full fledged video camera it is truly a vlogging camera.
PalmettoSportsImaging –
Great quality and super versatile camera. can be used on the go, and even be used as a webcam when paired with an Elgato Camlink. I am a professional photographer and use this for webcam, behind the scenes video footage etc.
Jsean –
I like the camera. I wish it was cheaper but I also own a Canon G7X mkii. The main advantage is the mic jack but I also feel the overall video quality is a bit better on this Sony. The build seems better on the canon but Id still take the a Sony. I actually prefer the screen on top like canons but it has to be to the side on the Sony because of the mic input. I was never a fan of point and shoots costing more than a few hundred dollars but if your in the market for vlogging id say its a go. Not perfect but pretty close
dMenace –
Best VLOG camera Ive owned. I was wondering if Id made a mistake since I own a high end phone with a great camera. But quality is literally night and day difference. I promise, you wont have any regrets. Love the video and audio quality for a beginner.
Mitch –
As the title states, this camera is secondary to done at this price point. The videos and pictures produced from this camera are amazing. The only major flaw is battery life. When filming for more than an hour, the battery drops to about half, which is just not great.
David –
This is a great little camera and cinematic video machine. In the right hands it give fantastic results. For the price I do not think it cant be beat. It does need need a few accessories to make it complete. I would recommend getting a grip so that you can change batteries while mounted to a tripod or gimbal . It takes more than good stills as well. Its about understanding your settings and you will be pleased.
Jl555 –
Photos are lackluster not as good as my iphone 12, but video stabilization is great has software and hardware stabilization. Works for what it is, and is a slight step up from iphone 12 vlogging. Not cheap though
Mitch –
I just got this so I cant speak to all its features but thats part of the beauty of this camera…out of the box it will have you shooting gorgeous photos and insanely clear video. I was quick to add an extra battery as the one in here is small and most reviews will tell you it wont last too long if youre shooting video. I opted with the extra being Sony but there are generics out there.I also added a Smallrig, an Atomos 5 monitor, a Samsung T5, and later Ill add some wireless lapel mics. Like i said out of the box this thing rocks but the customization opportunities are almost endless too. Buy it, it punches well above its weight and will outperform your expectations.
Terrance –
In overall performance, this unit gets 5 stars from me. My only reason for giving it 4 stars is how hot the unit gets when shooting in 4K. Batteries dont really give a warning before they go out. If you dont mind the heat, get extra batteries and have fun, its a great camera.
Carson –
This camera is amazing It really makes getting a7 or higher end interchangeable cameras make less sense with the quality you can get out of something a third of the cost. This is probably the most I could spend on a Sony camera for video. If I wanted more quality I would rather go to Black Magic 6K. ZV1 is the cost to performance KING.
ZV1videocamera –
Great video camera. The quick focusing works amazingly. Wish it had a longer lasting battery life and a AC adapter that could be plugged into to do longer recording. I solved these two problems by purchasing additional batteries and a dummy battery charger that plugs into my computer. I would definitely recommend this camera.
Bob –
Love this camera I initially had the Canon G7mkii, and didnt like the softness and bad focus. Purchased a Sony a6500 and love that camera, but not ideal for vlogging for two reasons, Its bulky to carry around, and image stability is terrible. Purchased the ZV1 a week ago and I absolutely love it. Its pretty much the perfect vlogging and walk around camera. Excellent in low light and very portable. Image quality is cleaner then I anticipated. Out of camera, the image quality is smoother then what youve seen most people post on youtube. I guess youtube is compressing the videos. The focal range is perfect for street photography. Cant wait to take this on hikes and hopefully a vacation soon.
Christopher –
Pros Amazing video and image graphics . The camera grip is very handy. Light camera not heavy .Cons Images have to be lightened upon transferring them to another media source.
Ben –
Pros Crispy clear image quality for pictures and video, easy just point and shoot. Good to use as a streaming camera too if youre into streaming live online.Cons Mainly just the computer software that allows you to use it as a webcam. Sometimes its just laggy but just have to tweak it sometimes and its ok then
Bob –
When shooting video, I can nearly shoot more than 15 mins. It will say temperature too high then it shuts down itself. It is super annoying the fact that both my friends and me have to stare at it and wait for it to cool down then start to shoot again. After another 15 mins it will say temp high then shuts down again.
sonysaini –
i used sony rx100M5 before this camera . this camera is better in all ways other then view finder . zv1 have tilty flippy screen, better autofocus and and no record limit. i still wish if it have 4k 60 p but i can live without it for now . 4 out of 5 stars from me ..
Makeupluver11 –
I love this camera. I got this camera as a bundle purchase. The shipping was fast. One of the best features on this camera is that the camera lens turns around and your are able to see exactly what your recording.
Brionne –
I am intrigued with the Color Profile options and the flexibility to setup for 4K 24fps and 1080p slowmo shots. This camera is more cinematic then just for vlogging. Amazing piece of gear.
Txstatesal –
In a time where I thought a phone camera suited me for everything and I didnt need a Vlogging camera. Sony proves me wrong, and Im glad they didAs I type this Im listing places near and far I could take this camera to capture moments with the perfect shot As a point and shoot camera it adjusts well to depict exactly what I want. Youll notice I love dog pictures and foodThis camera brings all the muscle and all the fluff you needwant in a camera to capture lifes moments.As my doggo begins to age I wanted something to capture moments of him and I. The ZV1 is doing that and inspiring me enough to take him out and have some fun adventures.Ive never been able to master the blur in the background while just having one subject be in focus. The ZV1 does it The tripod is amazing and easy to set up, I learned to transfer photos from the camera to my phone all through wifi never having to connect the camera to a computer.There are so many untapped features like the slow motion, color grading which I havent learned yet, time lapse for fun on the river and moreIf you can get the shooting grip it makes the camera so dynamic and you feel like a camera person shooting a movie. The touchscreen that youre using to capture life is the perfect size and provides crisp, quality picture.This is a great fit for someone who is a professional or someone like me who wants a camera that can grow with me and my skill.Its that time of year for family events outside and I cant wait to flex my picture taking skills with everyone and to print out a photo of my little doggo to post on my wall.Usually I have some sort of downside but there isnt one for me with the ZV1. It is utterly been so helpful capturing moments and home and will be my companion of trips this summer and winter
AP21 –
The Sony ZV1 is a great camera for vlog style videos or sit down videos like product reviews but not much else. For me, I was looking for a camera that could do it a little bit of everything. I was hoping that it could be a camera that is for vlogging PLUS a little extra. Turns out, its for that and only that. I found that the lens angle was also not that wide so if youre vlogging and you want to get some background scenery, you might have to purchase a selfie stick to get more in the shot. The camera did have in body stabilization which is great for when youre walking and filming but it also crops in it so the frame of the video is even smaller. Its great for beginner vloggers, sit down videos, or and perfect for a second easyquick pull out camera. If youre looking for more than that, you might want to look elsewhere.
Ardent –
This camera is amazing Autofocus is SICKI make films for a living and love this as a side vlogging spur of the moment cameraA few quirks though. The 1.8 though, while bright has the depth of field more like an f5. But if you are ok with that, awesomeIf youre shooting in ia for video, be warned that the auto shutter kind of goes wonky and plays back clips too fast if you move the camera around too fast.But once you know the quirks, its amazing Most convenient camera ever Purchased for in the moment vlogging shots so I love it If you vlog though, use a selfie stick rather than the optional accessory… Its worth it and will greatly open up your shots.
Primetime35 –
Really impressed with this little camera. The video quality has far exceeded our expectations and they were high to begin with. The onboard audio is also very good. Was going to immediately buy an external mic, and will in the near future, but it is not necessary out of the box for our use. Well done, Sony.
Wambui –
I am not a professional photographer. I have a growing crafting channel on YouTube. I enjoy making videos for my crafting channel and another channel where I tell stories. I have high standards and want my videos to look good so that I can always be proud of them. I am over 70 years old and do not want to spend time learning how to be a photographer. I am a onewoman operation. I wanted a camera that would just do what a camera is supposed to do. I have a Canon 70D and a Canon M50. Since I have had the Sony ZV1, I find myself reaching for it most of the time. All I know is I set it on auto for video or photos and it just makes everything look good including me. My skin looks good and the closeups of my demonstrations are beautiful. If you feel like you just may not have enough years left to want to spend them learning how to use a camera properly or, if you are just lazy, you will love this camera. I think the results are fabulous
Edwina –
Love this camera so easy to use after watching a couple of YT videos. Perfect for vlogging and taking pictures. The 4k and quality is great no regrets here. Cannot wait to take this on vacation.
LastGuitarPlayer –
First off, I returned it and purchased an Sony a6400. My usage is mainly video and the ZV1 was nice but limited because you cant change the lens. Also, for me the big negative was not being able to get at the memory card without removing it from the base when it is mounted on a tripod. That alone was enough to return it because it is a big workflow killer. It has lots of great features. Takes great video if you can get the lighting right. It is small and light weight, the swing out screen is nice and can be flipped to protect the screen when it your pocket. No viewfinder.
John –
Just received this camera yesterday and it overheated on me twice. It keep dying due to heat.. even i cant shoot more 5 than mins, it keep showing alertwarning on the Screen and they turn off. Another issue is horrible battery life, I fully charged lastnight but it wont stay more 30 min of shoot.. Another issue is it keep toggle change the Auto Focus, i assume the custom Product showcase C2 is causing this.. when i shooting my birds inside the cage the bird cage is focusing on the Video not the birds.. I turned off Product Showcase set off but still it change automatically
Xu –
Overall, an excellent video camera with unique offerings that no competitors currently have in their bags.Pros excellent video quality in such a small and light package with a flip out screen excellent auto focus and tracking in video mode a few touches here and there made the camera much more usable, such as automatically and fairly quickly switching on and off camera coupled with the flip screen, builtin ND filter, hot shoe that works with Sony ECM shotgun mic even in zoom mode, external mic input, improved ergonomics for better gripping, good video stabilization, redesigned incamera mic with hot shoe mounted wind screen quick access and customizable menu items make the UI less terribleCons battery life is abysmal limited touch screen functionality lens quality is meh for photography menu can use a major overhaul nitpicking build is OK but on the plasticky side, AF haunts in low light and jitters sometimes, overheats, no hand strap
Scotty –
Finally got my hands on the zv1, love the 4k quality, decent audio very surprised with the mic built in and flip screen finally Defocus and product showcase is very useful too.However during vlogging test with 4k and active mode on, the footage crops way too much unless you apply 3rd party wide lens adaptor, otherwise its a great cameraHopefully zv2 will have wide angle lens…hopefully
Wayne –
For a point and shoot, this camera is pretty robust. It is a little spendy, but you get a lot of bang for your buck in such a small package. I purchased it to replace my Panasonic LX100 which rides shotgun alongside my bulky Pentax K1 and lenses. The video is pretty spectacular as everyone is reporting. Theres really not much more I can say that others havent said for video quality and ease of use. I will say that this camera also shines taking stills, both during the day and at night. I have only two complaints and both are workable. 1 lens needs to be wider for video 2 No dial to adjust exposureaperture. There are certain expects more around ease of shooting stills I like better in the Panasonic, but ultimately you can do everything, you just have to know where all those features are on the menu screen or set them up as a program setting.
SimpleLiving –
I was very excited to get this camera Although my experience with photography and videography is small, I fully enjoy taking pictures and videos. Thus, I intend to use this camera to really improve my skills. Fortunately, the camera is very handy for beginners and even for people with more experience. The camera with the Vlogger Kit came with everything needed, including the memory card, rechargeable batteries, an onboard mic for clear audio, and a wireless remote commander grip. I also appreciate how the instructions were straightforward to follow. Ive only owned one other camera, which is big and bulky, primarily for taking pictures. In contrast, this camera is relatively light, ideal for vlogging. Nonetheless, the quality of the camera is exceptional I am also very pleased with its size and lightweight because it makes it very portable. I can easily capture trips, events, and just about anything I want to with greater quality than my smartphone and without having to take a big, heavy camera. I especially love the side flipout LCD screen, and its advanced autofocus features. The focus quickly adjusts with movement and changes in lighting. The Zoom feature also works great, although I expected a larger range. Additionally, there are various modes to choose from to best fit the needs of the user. I was most amazed, however, with how easy it is to transfer images and videos from the camera to my smartphone via the Imaging Edge Mobile application. This app allows me to access and share the pictures and videos I take with my camera super fast. Connecting the two devices was simple. This camera has precisely what an advanced, modern device needs
SonyA6400 –
Great camera. I did a lot of research before purchasing the ZV1 camera from Sony. Its so easy to use and the pictures and video looks amazing. True 4K videos at this price is unbelievable. Dont hesitate buy this now if you want an easy to use, lots of features camera
R7476 –
I purchased the ZV1 after watching several reviews on YouTube and PotatoJet was the review that sealed the deal. I had originally been looking at Cannon M50 but opted to go the Sony route due to their better low light technology.Reasons I Purchased Price Sub1000 Size Literally fits in my front pocket so I can take it with me and isnt a hassle to carry around. Picture Can shoot in a variety of formats to include 4K at various frame rates. Focus Auto focus is awesome and still maintains the ability to manually focus which is nice for preplaned productions. VLOG I wanted the option to VLOG in the future some family trips and work related material. This certainly does that well.Things I Like The Dead Cat cover does an amazing job at reducing wind noise. It also picks up great audio considering its size and limitations. Fully adjustable screen. This is incredibly handy and I find myself adjusting it all the time to give me the best view and angle. SmallRig has accessories and cages for it. I can carry it all the time and I have been carrying it all the time without much inconvenience. Memory Cards I like being able to use and swap out SD Cards compared to when I used my iPhone. Data management of content was a hassle, now I just swap out various memory cards and its all good.Things I Dont Like Battery life is terrible and youll definitely want to invest in 23 extra batteries. DONT waste your money on cheep aftermarket batteries, just suck it up and get the Sony batteries. I personally now have 4 batteries total that I rotate through and when traveling bring with. Because its small, it can be hard to hold sometimes. To resolve this I purchased a cage from SmallRig and that seems to be working well so far. It also provides a layer of protection of accidentally dropped.Things I WOULD NOT Invest In Cheep SD Cards… I use ScanDisk Extreme Pro. Dont waste youre money on the VLOG grip, its way over priced for what you get. Use that money instead to buy extra batteries and SD Cards. If you need an extension, buy a gorilla pod, selfie stick or monopod.FINAL IMPRESSION This is a solid investment so long as you take care of it. I intend to actually purchase another ZV1 to possibly use it as a backup B camera for work.
Tyler –
I recently decided to start a YouTube channel and once I switched to this camera my video quality increased tremendously. I battery dies fast so I would definitely recommend buying at least another battery. I also heard that if you wear sunglasses and try to use the flip screen then it will go black.Other than those two things, I think this is a great camera for those starting out. I mostly use mine for vlogging
ArtSyrix –
Ive had the ZV1 for a couple of weeks and have really enjoyed it.My main camera is an A7riii. I sought out a second camera for compact, run gun video, and to double as a webcam. I have no video experience, so I wanted a simple camera.The ZV1, with an Elgato Camlink, has worked wonderfully as a webcam, especially on my 2017 iMac. When plugged into my 2018 MacBook Pro, the fans run loud thats the fault of the MBP, not the ZV1. Because battery life of the ZV1 is awful, I leave it plugged in all the time. The video quality far exceeds typical webcam quality, and has been commented on by others on my video calls. I also used it to record a talking head lecture using Camtasia, and the video recorded was terrific.Image stabilization is fair but becomes outstanding when paired with Sonys Catalyst Browse software, which uses gyroscopic data to stabilize video in post. Ive mounted the ZV1 to my bicycle extra gear needed, and the quality of the video, especially after running it through Catalyst Browse, has been excellent. Catalyst Browse is free, and it also includes basic tools for color grading and editing video.Being only 2425mm on the wide end is a bit limiting for selfies, but the grip accessory separate purchase helps. When using the ZV1 as a webcam, I leave it mounted on the grip, which doubles as a tripod.Downsides poor battery life screen difficult to see with polarized sunglasses I bought a screen protector that solved the problem limited usefulness of touchscreen. Many people dont like the Sony interface, but I guess Ive gotten used to it from having other Sony cameras.Overall, I would highly recommend this camera for such a small and inexpensive device, its extremely versatile. Check out YouTube for incredible videos that others much more talented than me have created with the ZV1.
teasten –
The Sony ZV1 Digital Camera is designed for Creators and Influencers. What does that mean First, if youre reading this and you want a point and shoot camera, this is probably not for you. If youre creating YouTube or Instagram videos or need to shoot close range video the ZV1 is Perfect.In the box, youll get the camera micro USB cable wind screen accessory instructions and warranty paperworkThe ZV1 has a good weight and a premium feel. It has dedicated buttons for photos and video recording love the large dedicated video button as theres no more fumbling in a menu trying to shoot video. Theres no flash but it has a very good microphone and the wind screen accessory helps reduce wind noise. If you want to use an external flash or mic then the camera uses the standard Sony MI mount. Just a note though,When youre shooting video, theres a red record light on the front, which is useful. The screen is a touch screen, which is super handy for things like tap to focus and face tracking. It actually tracks in realtime and will prioritize faces. In fact, the intelligence in the focus on the Sony ZV1 has me seriously impressed. As it has something called a product showcase setting so if you hold something in front of you, the ZV will automatically bokeh the background and focus on the item youre holding. Theres also a bokeh button Sony calls it clear if you want to apply the effect to photos.Other cool features include that it automatically turns onoff when you flip out the screen. The screen flips so you can use it as a selfie cam but also a total flip if you want to protect the screen when not in use.I was fortunate enough to get the ZV1 with the Sony vlogger grip GPVPT2BT which I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. The ZV1 paired with the vlogger kit makes for a perfect creator and vlogger camera. As you can more easily grip and hold the camera for taking your own selfie videos. You can use the ZV1 without it but it does make for a better experience.If youre wondering about storage. A 64Gb SD card standard size SD will store about 5,500 photos or 2 hours and 25mins of video depending on shooting quality. Make sure you get a highspeed SD card if you plan to shoot 4k video.On video, its AMAZING. I mean WOW. I havent owned a 4k camera before and it will knock your socks off. I played back the videos I recorded on my Sony TV and it looked professional. I wanted to upload videos to this review but they were too huge, so settled on photo hopefully you get a sense of how good the quality is.Sony also makes some free software for iOS and Android as well as desktop apps for editing, etc. Ive also included a minireview of these apps below in case youre wondering.Only minor issue, but still giving Sony 5 stars is the camera menus are, well not perfect, but thats typical for Sony cameras and if youve used a Sony camera before its not really an issue. Theres also an intelligent system that will autodetect everything, so you dont have to get into the menus if you dont want. The other minor issue is some of the fluff on the wind screen sometimes gets caught as you turn the screen. But this is trivial and really me just looking for an issue.Would I recommend YES. If youre dreaming of being the next big star on YouTube or IGTV, this is the camera for you. I would have uploaded a video, but even a 10second 4k video as an MP4 comes in at 70Mb and Best Buy caps video uploads to 5Mb.Additional Notes on Apps below for those that might be interested.Imaging Edge Mobile App iOSSonys free Imaging Edge App lets you connect the ZV1 Camera to your phone for the transfer of photos and videos. Connecting was easy you just scan the QR code from the connection menu in ZV1. The mobile software is pretty good and you can also use your phone as a remote. Transfers are made using WiFi peer to peer. Images transfer from the ZV1 fast and video depends on the length and shooting quality. I like that you can transfer to your phone as it means you can then easily uploaded videos to Instagram TV IGTVViewer, Remote, Edit Windows AppSony makes a couple of free apps for windows, technically called Imaging Edge Desktop. You connect the camera using the included USB cable. The Viewer and Remote apps are particularly useful. The Editor app is somewhat basic but good for minor edits. Personally, I recommend installing and using the phone apps and sticking with Adobe if you really need to do desktop video editing.
InfiniteCuriosity –
I have been vlogging for the last 2 years with an a7iii and 1635mm f4. It is a great camera to vlog with but has its drawbacks. The a7iii is large and quickly draws attention. If you are looking for an excellent vlogging camera that is bit more discrete than this camera might work for you.The biggest drawbacks are the 5min. recording maximum and the 24mm wide angle. If you extend your arm the 24mm is definitely manageable but the 5 minute recording time is something that you really have to be pay attention to. It will shot off before you realize it has happened.Cool camera. If you are really bored please check out my vlog on YouTube Stories from the Bay.CheersIan.
Nick –
Love Love Love Love I had got this product to start off my interest in creating a YouTube channel. Upon turning on the camera I was in love due to how well the camera automatically adjusted to my surroundings. I was walking from an indoor environment to an outdoor environment and was expecting the camera to essential whiteout my background due to exposure. However, the camera adjusted instantly and kept me in focus. Next, I tried filming in the dark was able to see myself and my surroundings without the need of an additional light. It did all of this with its high quality photos too. Lastly, it has an amazing display focus feature so that if I am showcasing a product while recording and hold it infront of the camera it focuses on the product and back to me as soon as I put it down. Disclaimer Best Buy College Crew members receive products to write honest, unbiased reviews. Reviewers have been provided products free of charge and may have received nominal compensation.
NJam –
This is my first camera with 4K capability. I have the RX100 III, on which this is based, so I like that it has the new autofocus system of the Mark V. This is better than my RX100 in every way except for the telephoto. The ZV1 doesnt not have the same range capability as my Mark III.There are a lot of YouTube videos that review this camera with the most common complaint being that its a bit too tight close to the face compared to other cameras that people use for blogging. Im not a blogger so I dont care, but I see their point. And I imagine the next iteration of this camera will not be so tight. Also, going to YouTube, a novice would get a better sense of how to better set the settings on the device. If you want to use automatic, its great for a beginner. If you want more control and you arent a more knowledgeable camera person, YouTube is a good source, as are the reviews online that youll find everywhere.The stabilization function does cut the screen down by 25. Its very noticeable. And you need a little practice getting the camera situated so you dont crop something out inadvertently. If youre going to edit the footage, this wont be a problem. But, if you plan on using the footage right away without editing, youll have to practice with it to get the framing right from the very beginning.The 4K is wonderful, but Ive found with such high definition, you will notice any shake of the camera if youre trying to get steady shots. My RX100 III had wonderful 1080 footage in all types of lighting. I could zoom in to maximum with it held over my head with two hands to steady the shot and Id get great footage at a concert, for example. But with 4K, any shake seems to stand out very clearly, even with the stabilization system on. I have therefore bought a light tripod in order to capture any kind of landscape footage. The image is so clear, that I expect absolutely no shake when Im reviewing the footage, and unfortunately I always see shake now when I only use my hands to steady the camera.When youre vlogging and the camera is facing you, I imagine the shake is just really part of the experience. But with 4K, any shake just doesnt seem acceptable to me anymore.I really like the 1080 footage I got on my RX100 but 4K is a different ball game. I want the quality of my footage to match the quality of the image, and thats forced me to up my expectations. Im just learning the editing program I got and Ive discovered that it takes a long time to render 4K footage. Im a bit of an archivist so I tend to keep everything I film, but 4K takes up a lot of space on my hard drive.Price is cheap when compare to the RX100 V, on which it is based. And if youre going to use it for vlogging, its automatic setting will make this camera very easy to adapt to.Im still waiting for the upgrade program that will allow me to use the camera as a computer camera when facetiming. It was supposed to be out in July, and its July 22 already.Oh, the stereo microphone attachment works very well. It has much better sound quality and it has a jack so you can listen in as well. This camera doesnt have an eye piece and I was hoping my Sony viewfinder attachment would work, but it didnt. Its also made from more plastic than my RX100, but thats to make it lighter. Good change in my opinion. Im not using it as a museum piece.I love it so far. No complaints. I look forward to keeping it for many, many years because Im not looking for more professional cameras I travel a lot and dont have the space or money. Its got 4K, which will be the standard for amateurs because 8K is just too big in terms of file size and indistinguishable from 4K to the eye.
PhilGA –
For this test unit, Sony was also gracious enough to send the handheld tripod accessory as well as a 64GB memory card, two features that are unlikely to be included in the base camera package.As a reader of reviews, Id ask you how long have you known the Sony brand If its been for decades, then you already know and understand Sonys contributions to the picturetaking world. And even though smartphones like the iPhone have clearly taken great strides in matching the same performance of a dedicated camera, as what I would call a prosumer model, the Sony ZV1 hits in every area imaginable.While I am still testing this unit, I wanted to go ahead and make mention that the camera provides complete control over how you wish to shoot both audio and video. There are several presets available which are nice if you want a generally good macro, portrait, landscape or other shot, as well as what seems like an infinite number of combinations regarding shutter speed, raw format type, several layers of focus, etc.The doorswing touchsensitive viewfinder is a welcome bonus, especially if you truly are into video blogging and need to see a preview of what is actually being shot. And being touchsensitive, youre able to taptofocus as well as switch the type of focus youre wanting to use.Camera construction is certainly sturdy enough for most camera applications. The female screw at the bottom also accepts standard tripods as well, so youre not limited to only what Sony might provide, especially if you have a yearsold tripod thats worked with all of your other gear.Also, the ZV1 is definitely wificapable. Once logged into a network, its pretty simple to use Sonys free iPhone app to seamlessly transfer pictures from camera to phone. Or there is a PCbased application that I have yet to try out that appears to be the equivalent of an Adobebased application to further enhance pics and maybe videos.If youre looking for a subDSLRbased camera thats otherwise steps above a typical smartphone, the ZV1 is the camera for you.
Ponskippa –
Sony got a lot of things right with this compact camera. Just when I thought manufacturers were beginning to give up on compact cameras, Sony unleashes another pocket monster Ill start by saying that the autofocus is very fast with this camera. It is very accurate also. It recognizes faces and eyes quickly and nails focus instantly. The camera has a mode called product showcase which will kind of turn off the face detect when you bring a product into view. So, lets say you are making a makeup tutorial video, The camera will focus on you, and when you bring up your lipstick or mascara the camera will quickly focus on to the product you bring into view, and when you move it out of sight, it will quickly focus on your face again. A brilliant feature. This camera is made for video creators. Vlogging, Product Reviews, Home Videos, you name it. I think the camera is more video oriented. It has an awesome built in microphone, Sony includes a dead cat or aka a wind sock in the box. It has a hot shoe mount and will cover the huge microphone that is on the top of the camera. Its meant to hush wind and silent ambient sounds a bit and let voices come through clearly. It works, and its awesome that it is included in the box. The screen the flips out and is of the vari angle type. You can frame just about any angle you need with the screen. It has touch capability, but mostly to set focus tracking. Another great feature in the camera is High frame rate mode. You can record uptown 960 frames per second Mind boggling. You can really create some amazing slow motion footage with this camera also. This camera is so jam packed with features and modes that Im still digging and finding new things to do with it 4 days later and it would probably take another hour of typing to list them all. Build quality is very good, although it feels like the camera is mostly hard plastic. It is very strong and rigid though, I already dropped it once . and it didnt even get a tiny scuff or scratch. After the baby heart attack I had, I was impressed to see that the camera looks brand new. The Zeiss lens is bright and focuses zooms very quickly. I wish it zoomed just a little further, but it is fine for most scenarios. My only complaint about this camera is that it doesnt have a built in pop up flash. I like to carry compact cameras with me all the time, and a pop up flash would be great for low light night. indoor and party photos. The built in microphone makes up for it thought, because I honestly think the microphone is good enough in the camera to skip plugging in any kid of external microphone. The image sensor is large enough and the lens is bright enough for most low light or indoor situations though. I just prefer to use a flash sometimes My other minor complaint is thet the camera has a micro USB port for charging and syncing. Its ancient technology, and I wish it had USBC. It works, but USB C is the new standard. And I imagine the camera would charge and sync just a little quicker with the newer port. Would I recommend this camera to a friend For sure I would recommend this camera to someone who wants a well rounded and compact camera that can be relied on for just about any scenario. I plan on carrying this camera with me everywhere I go and I will be taking many home videos of my family to cherish forever. Most importantly, I think this camera will be the best for chasing my little nephews around the house and yard and take many photos and videos and memories. Sony has an optional vlogger kit that can be purchased with the camera or as an added option. It can be used as a monopod and table top tripod. It remains compact and easy to carry. It will pair with the cameras bluetooth antenna and allow you to zoom and snap a photo or start and stop your video recording. I wouldnt say its a must have but is definitely very convenient for many situations. Also it will help stabilize your video just a little bit more.Pros Blazing fast and accurate autofocusVery good 4k video qualityGreat microphone and articulating bright screenVery good battery lifeCons Micro Usb charging and sync portno pop up or built in flash
ivette.s –
After watching Home videos during quarantine I had told my husband that I could not wait until we had the opportunity to do the same with our own children. He surprised me with this camera as my Christmas gift. I cannot begin to describe how much I love this camera. In the age of the selfie the fact that I can flip over the screen makes recording videos of ourselves so much easier. I cant wait to continue our home video tradition
Jvargas323 –
I like the camera how they simple things down is truly nice For someone that doesnt know how to manually control cameras like a professional definitely has features that Does make it a bit special then others. I bought it and tried and it gave me what I was looking for. Dont go just for opinion of YouTube buy it if you dk t like it return it. Theres nothing better then you actually have it and put it to use would I recommend it yes, o lot of people say is not worth it because of the pricing but read the specs and compare it to other cameras and see if its worth it to you
Doll –
This camera is amazing. The low light functionality is exactly what I wanted with a light weight body. I had been a DSLR user for years, and I didnt expect to downgrade to a point shoot. Yet, the ZV1 has become my favorite for certain times.
Elijah –
I got this camera to capture moments of my newborn baby. Its been great. Both my wife and I can pick it up at any time to take photos or video and the quality of both are surprisingly great. The autofocus helps to make it that easy. We dont have to fiddle around. The quality is noticeably better than our cell phone, and the microphone and built in ND filter make it a complete package that doesnt require any extra equipment except more batteries and a selfie stick.Highly recommend for anyone looking to capture moments that may arise sporadically or need a camera to travel with them.
capri.b –
This was my first camera purchase for my YouTube channel since I intend on vlogging a lot I absolutely love the quality and quick focus. What I dont like is how fast the camera dies. I quickly learned to purchase a second battery for this reason. Its easy to set up out of the box and very beginner friendly to use.
Qboluisillo –
Awesome quality, and very simple ease of use. I have used it for video recording events, and a handful of pictures. The Auto settings are great for beginners, and many adjustable options for intermediate shooters. The flip around screen is a very nice feature. Mic attachmentcover is a bit cheap, but expected from Sony. Otherwise, sound and video quality are sharp
Stanley –
I have been using a Panasonic G85 and even though its much lighter than a full frame, its still a bit of weight to carry around when hiking. The Sony ZV1 solved that problem for me. Its light and produces both great video and pictures. The only downside is the stabilization is nowhere as good as Panasonics so walking shots are difficult to do without turning on digital stabilization which crops quite a bit.
Sabbyfox –
I love this camera Being a Vlogger and all I ever used was a Gopro for youtube. I love that it comes with a dead kitten for the inter microphone. But to where I can also use my own microphone on camera and the mic not covering the frame due to the scene being on the side now. Totally worth that money. They were thinking about Vloggers first before photographers.
Nick –
I preordered this immediately after the announcement. I have shot live stream videos with it, 960FPS slow motion, taken stills, panoramas, made videos, etc. It has not disappointed in any way. The battery life is as good as my A7S. It does not come with a wall charger, but there are a battery and charger package for sale that works great. The autofocus is crazy fast and silent. I am a fullframe shooter and I thought I could never own a small sensor fixed lens camera. This is it. The lens is great and the shallow depth of field button helps just enough to make it feel like fullframe depth of field.I am thinking of buying a second one.