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The Sony ZV-E1 is a full-frame camera that focuses on video. It combines the easy handling of Sony’s ZV line of cameras, which are made for vloggers and content creators, with some of Sony’s best consumer-level 4K video quality. So, it looks like it will be the best camera for filming, even though most people won’t need all of its features.
The Sony ZV-E1 is more proof that AI is changing how our cameras work. It has a few more AI tricks up its sleeve. AI-powered features include Auto Framing, which crops into the full image and then smartly follows your subject as they move around in that full image area, making it look like the camera is being controlled by a person.
Sony ZV-E1 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS |
| Lens | E-mount compatible |
| Video Resolution | 4K UHD at 30fps, Full HD at 120fps |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis in-body stabilization |
| Autofocus | Fast hybrid AF with 425 phase-detection points |
| External Mic Input | 3.5mm microphone jack |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI |
| Screen | 3.0-inch vari-angle touch LCD |
Sony ZV-E1: Design and Ports
The ZV-E1 is a good choice for video cameras because it is easy to carry and use. It’s Sony’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera with image stabilization built in. It has the same shape as the Sony A7C, with a good grip and a plastic body that’s strong enough to last. Other Sony ZV cameras have a simplified button layout with a defocus button and a switch for picture, video, and S&Q mode.
During my tests, we only used the ZV-E1 with the new 20-70mm F4 lens. It’s a flexible lens that did really well in my tests for video, but we found it a bit big for such a small camera. When we were taking video selfies, it blocked my view of a big part of the flip-out screen. Most full-frame lenses will feel a little big on the ZV-E1, but if I were getting the ZV-E1 for vlogging, I’d get the 16-35mm F4 G lens instead of the 20-70mm F4, since it’s about 20% shorter and 25% lighter. You can buy this camera from its official website
Controls and Monitor
The ZV-E1 is a portable device, and its interface reflects that. The record button is located immediately behind the shutter release on the top of the handgrip. Sony’s power zoom lenses feature a zoom rocker around the shutter and an on/off switch crammed in to the right. Two more controls, a dial and a Background Defocus (C1) button, can be found on the top plate. To produce fuzzy backdrop footage without cycling through f-stops, you can use the Defocus option, which toggles between a wide open and small aperture with a single button click.
Power and Connectivity
The ZV-E1 is powered by the NP-FZ100 battery pack, which can take about 570 still images or record 95 minutes of video. The USB-C power and charging port is compatible with 4K at 30 frames per second or 1080p at 60 frames per second when using the appropriate UAC/UVC codecs. With a few restrictions, this enables the ZV-E1 to function as a webcam with audio. Live streaming does not support picture profiles or 2.35:1 CineVlog, but special focus modes like Product Showcase and features like skin softening are still accessible.
The ZV-E1 has enough juice for an hour and a half of shooting, but it’s not designed for long-form recording, especially not if you’re shooting at 4K60. I did not experience any overheating while shooting in 4K24, and the ZV-E1 is capable of continuous recording until the memory card is full or the battery dies, making it ideal for filmmaking. However, while filming at higher frame rates, heat becomes an issue; the ZV-E1 shut off after about 40 minutes of recording a 4K60 movie owing to overheating.
Price & availability
The ZV-E1’s price tag of $2,300/£2,350 (about AU$3,500) for the body-only or $2,600/£2,600 (approximately AU$3,800) with Sony’s 28-60mm F4-5.6 lens may appear high at first glance, but it’s actually rather reasonable when you take into account all the capabilities it offers.
It has in-body stabilization and is the world’s smallest full-frame camera. It has Sony’s finest 4K video sensor, which is also found in more expensive cameras like the Sony FX3.
Final Words
The ZV-E1 undoubtedly offers several advantages. By cramming many of the camera’s most impressive capabilities into a compact package, Sony has created a truly portable powerhouse. Like most Sony cameras, it has a simple interface. It’s almost as if Sony took the greatest features of the ZV, A7S III, and A7R V and combined them into a one camera. It’s an outstanding compact camera. It can fit into almost any scenario.
It records at a high bitrate, blurs the background, and has impressive stability for experts. However, the cost is a major drawback. With a European MSRP of €2700 for the body alone, it leaves the more affordable ZV series and moves closer to the Alpha tier.
Sony ZV-E1 review: The good and The bad
The Good
- Makes high-quality vlogging as simple as possible
- Great for handheld videos
The Bad
- Not a camera for heavy video use
FAQS
The Sony ZV-1 is a good camera to take on trips. It’s small and easy to carry around, and the fully movable screen is great for taking selfies. For a small camera, the image quality is great.
With a Street shooting score of 95, the Sony ZV-E1 is an EXCELLENT choice for this type of shooting. It will give you everything you need for Street Photography, so you won’t have to look for any other cameras.