The new Sony ZV-E1 offers vloggers a powerful full-frame camera with 5-axis stabilization, impressive low-light sensitivity, and innovative AI-based auto-framing, making it a top choice for content creators.
Key Features:
Sony has just released its greatest vlogging camera to date, the full-frame ZV-E1. With a 12-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor and a price tag of $2,200, the ZV-E1 offers a plethora of features typically found on the $3,500 A7S III at a more affordable price point.
The full-frame sensor allows for a significant background blur, making subjects stand out compared to smaller APS-C or Micro Four Thirds sensor cameras. The ZV-E1 provides 4K video recording at 24/30/60/120 fps with a full-pixel readout in all modes and data rates up to 600Mbps.
Thanks to the 12-megapixel BSI sensor, the ZV-E1 boasts an ISO range up to 409,600 expanded (80-102,400 in normal modes), offering the best high ISO performance in the Alpha series. This enables creative opportunities, such as shooting in near pitch-black conditions.
Weighing in at just 483 grams, the ZV-E1 is much smaller and lighter than other A-series models. Its compact design does away with the large grip and generous controls seen on other models. Despite its size, the camera uses the same Z-batteries as larger Sony models, allowing for up to 570 shots or 95 minutes of 4K 60p video recording.
The ZV-E1 features a fully articulating touchscreen display and adopts the A7R V’s intuitive menu system. While it lacks an electronic viewfinder, the ZV-E1 offers several new features not found on other Sony cameras, such as 5-axis in-body stabilization and a new “Active” optical mode for enhanced shake reduction while walking.
One standout feature of the ZV-E1 is its AI-based auto-framing mode, perfect for solo content creators. Using subject recognition technology, the camera automatically crops the frame to keep the subject in a prominent position, even when the camera is mounted on a tripod.
Other AI-powered features include a framing stabilizer, multiple face recognition, and a bokeh switch for instant background defocusing. The ZV-E1 also supports a variety of subject recognition modes, such as animal, bird, car/train, airplane, and insect.
On the audio front, the ZV-E1 has a built-in 3-capsule mic with adjustable directionality and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The camera also offers UVC/UAC webcam capability with support for up to 4K 30p video.
The Sony ZV-E1 is priced at $2,200 for the body only or $2,500 with the SEL 28-60mm zoom kit. Pre-orders begin tomorrow, with shipping starting in early April.
- High-quality video capabilities: The ZV-E1 offers 4K video recording at 24/30/60/120 fps, with 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and up to 15 stops of dynamic range. The full-frame sensor ensures stunning background blur, making subjects stand out from the background.
- Exceptional low-light performance: With an ISO range of up to 409,600 expanded (80-102400 in normal modes), the ZV-E1 offers the best high ISO performance in the Alpha series, allowing users to capture stunning images and video in near pitch-black conditions.
- Compact and lightweight design: Weighing in at just 483 grams, the ZV-E1 is smaller and lighter than other A-series models, making it perfect for vlogging and on-the-go content creation.
- Advanced stabilization: The camera features 5-axis in-body stabilization and an Active optical mode for improved shake reduction while walking or moving quickly.
- AI-based auto-framing: The ZV-E1 uses subject recognition technology to automatically crop the frame and keep the subject in a prominent position, even when the camera is fixed on a tripod.
- Multiple subject recognition modes: In addition to human subjects, the camera can recognize animals, birds, cars, trains, airplanes, and insects, providing accurate autofocus and tracking for various shooting scenarios.
- Built-in 3-capsule microphone: The ZV-E1 features a built-in microphone that changes directionality based on the subject, ensuring clear audio capture.
- UVC/UAC webcam capability: The camera supports up to 4K 30p video for webcam use, outperforming most other Sony models.
- Versatile lens compatibility: The ZV-E1 uses the Sony E-mount system, making it compatible with over 70 Sony lenses and numerous third-party options.
