After enriching its line of vlog-focused cameras with the full-frame ZV-E1, Sony is now updating the base autofocus camera that started the ZV series. The new ZV-1 II is an $899.99 camera with a 1-inch type sensor, a wider zoom lens than its predecessor, and various quality-of-life improvements over his ZV-1 in 2020. . When it launches in June, the new model opts for a wider, vlog-friendly zoom lens and a range of conveniences like a USB-C port.
The original ZV-1 was derived from the long-running RX-100 line, a perennial favorite with those looking for a compact camera with high image quality for stills, with enhanced video capabilities and more for self-recording. It has a clear screen. The ZV-1 II features a wider 18-50mm (35mm equivalent) f/1.8-4 zoom lens, cinematic vlog settings (similar to the ZV-E1), touch controls, easy webcam use, adjustable Taking it a step further with a mic with a pickup pattern. Use S-Log 3 for narration and S-Log 3 for a professional editing workflow.
What the ZV-1 II doesn’t have is a mechanical shutter, adopting a high-speed reading stacked sensor that relies solely on the electronic shutter for still photography, and completely ditching the mechanical shutter. If the Sony Alpha 1, A9 II, or Nikon’s shutterless Z9 and Z8 stacked sensors can handle fast-moving photos without exhibiting the jelly effect, the ZV-1 II uses the same technology in a smaller sensor. It should be able to meet its mission.
The stacked sensor is useful for capturing stills without introducing any shutter noise, but having a fast readout sensor also helps with video, which is the focus of this camera. The ZV-1 II, like its predecessor, can shoot in his 4K at up to 30fps. It also uses Sony’s real-time phase-detection autofocus tracking to easily focus and track multiple faces and eyes, as well as use product showcases to tell when an object held up to the camera is in focus. You can know what to match. Many of these things are taken for granted in a Sony camera, and while it may not have the AI smarts of the A7R V or ZV-E1, you’ll get this level of focus performance in a sub-$1,000 camera. It’s still impressive to be able to.
One trickle-down feature from the recent ZV-E1 is the Cinematic Vlog setting. It adds black bars at the top and bottom of the frame, sets the frame rate to 24fps, and lets you dial in some preset “looks”. And “mood” to your liking. Just as the ZV-1 II offers a shortcut to creating great-looking vlogs with minimal effort, Cinematic Vlog adds drama to your video clips with a single click, even if you don’t know how to set up your camera. can. The same goes for the Bokeh switch, which lets you easily set the camera to blur the background and narrow the depth of field by opening the lens to its maximum aperture.
The ZV-1 II’s maximum aperture of f/1.8 is the same as its predecessor’s lens, but the wider 18mm choice makes it easier to frame both yourself and your surroundings. Most vlogs are shot at a very wide angle and some loss of telephoto range is probably not a big deal so a wider lens makes perfect sense but the new lens has a 50mm limit f/4 slows down when zoomed to. This is a fair trade-off for keeping the ZV-1 II pocket-sized.
The ZV-1 is the best-selling model in Sony’s burgeoning ZV series, and version II seems to have decent improvements in key areas. Of course, that’s about $100 more than the original price of his ZV-1 at its launch, and $150 more than it sells today. But even with the higher price tag, it’s a worthwhile upgrade if the ZV-1 owner isn’t quite ready to jump on his ZV-E10, ZV-E1, or Sony Alpha cameras with interchangeable lenses. You may find new lenses and features. With batteries, and more robust features — at least until, of course, Sony throws more cameras into this space to cover every use case.
Photoshoot by Becca Farsus/The Verge
