Sony introduces the latest ultra-wide-angle vlogging camera with a zoom lens - the ZV-1 II

The integrated lens and compact body of the new ZV series vlog camera open doors to a wider range of content creators

Today, Sony launches an entirely new ZV-1 camera, the second generation of the ZV series vlog cameras – the ZV-1 II, offering the most sought-after and popular leading features on the market. With a wider angle of view compared to the ZV-1, the ZV-1 II helps vloggers create more exciting stories with beautiful and immersive image quality.

With a 1.0-type Exmor RS™ sensor (approximately 20.1 effective megapixels), BIONZ X™ processor, and a ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 18-50mm F1.8-4 lens, the ZV-1 II allows any content creator to take advantage of the latest high-tech capabilities, regardless of their skills. Featuring a wide-angle 18-50mm lens that can capture everything from group selfies to cramped interiors and dynamic daily footage in a single shot, and a Multiple Face Recognition function that recognizes multiple faces and automatically adjusts settings to ensure clear focus on every face when shooting group selfies with two or three people, the ZV-1 II is a vlog camera packed with advanced technologies in a compact, travel-friendly size.

“The ZV-1 II is an exciting new beginning for content creators and will become the preferred camera for many, including vloggers, social media influencers, and short video storytellers. With the latest ZV series vlog camera, we are responding to the desires of many of our users and have included the features that matter most to vloggers,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing and Solutions in Digital Photography at Sony Europe. “We strive to take into account the feedback we receive from our community to continue expanding and improving our ZV series, and the ZV-1 II does just that.”

All the features vloggers and video content creators need

The ZV-1 II offers many new and popular features with which creators can record better content. Ultra-wide-angle and zoom lens – the 18mm wide viewing angle makes it easy to capture beautiful images covering the entire scene, especially when shooting selfies at arm's length. With 18-50 optical zoom and Clear Image Zoom, you get smooth image magnification with minimal loss of quality and different looking clips with a changing viewing angle.

• 1.0 type sensor with Bokeh Switch function, allowing for beautiful background bokeh with a single press.
• Intelligent 3-capsule microphone – in Auto mode, the camera recognizes human faces or subjects and automaticallyiv changes the direction of the built-in microphone ([Front] or [All Directions]). In manual mode, you can select [Front] for selfies, [Rear] when shooting while narrating behind the camera, or [All Directions]. The included wind screen ensures clear voice recording outdoors. You can also easily connect external microphones via the Multi Interface Shoe for a cable-free connection or via the 3.5mm microphone jack.
• The Cinematic Vlog Setting function meets the needs of those who want to easily capture the atmosphere of a location from their vlog camera. With it, you can shoot impressive footage with just one touch. Simply press the function icon on the screen, and the camera will automatically set the CinemaScope format (2.35:1) and a frame rate of 24 fps, just like for a film. Then, from the on-screen buttons, you can add the final touches by choosing between the five available styles (LOOK) and four moods (MOOD).
• Creative Look supports 10 preset styles to choose from according to your creative preferences, and professional-level image adjustment functions.
• Face Priority AE and Soft Skin Effect automatically and instantly detect faces and adjust exposure for optimal face brightness regardless of lighting conditions. The "soft skin" effect smooths skin and facial features during recording.
• Fast Hybrid AF system – Even in high-definition 4K quality, where precise focus is required, the camera will continue to capture sharp and crisp images thanks to the same Fast Hybrid AF system used in α series cameras. The camera offers the AF Transition Speed function for selecting the focusing speed during video recording and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity for controlling the focus relative to the subject's movement and environment. In addition, Real-time Eye AF can maintain high-precision focus on people and animals for both photos and videos.
• Product Showcase setting – offers a convenient way to shoot product videos with a smooth focus transition from your face to the product you are showcasing.
• S&Q mode allows shooting at up to 5x slow motion or up to 60x fast motion for more dramatic capture of everyday scenes. You can now control the shooting and recording frame rate from a single screen.
• ISO sensitivity in the range of 125 to 12800 – allows the camera to record sharp images with less noise even in low light conditions.
• Active Mode electronic image stabilization – you can record content while walking or on the move, which is particularly useful when shooting handheld. Also useful for shooting handheld videos in Movie and Slow & Quick modes.
• Built-in ND filter – reduces exposure by three stops for beautiful background bokeh even in the brightest environments.

Compact and lightweight design for greater mobility, functionality and easy connectivity

The ZV-1 II is the ideal choice when you're on the go; compact and lightweight, it easily fits in your pocket or small bag, even with its optical wide-angle lens. The ZV-1 II supports various shooting styles thanks to its swivel screen, suitable for selfies, a comfortable grip (or optional GP-VPT2BT grip), intuitive button design, and a recording indicator on the front of the body. The display design is complemented by a clearly visible red frame that unambiguously indicates when recording is in progress. Easy charging via USB Type-C® connector.

Content creators can easily connect to their smartphone and share content via Sony's Creator’s Cloud platform. You can use the Creators’ App to control the ZV-1 II from your smartphone, monitor the camera's battery and media status, edit the camera's date and name, and easily transfer captured photos and videos, even in the background. The Creator’s App also offers a convenient way to update the camera's software.

For easy and convenient high-quality live streaming, simply connect the ZV-1 II to a PC or smartphone with a USB cable (sold separately in retail) to use it as a webcam. Video during online meetings or live streaming can look better with the help of Creative Look, which enhances skin appearance and changes color settings. Faces appear clearer and brighter (Face Priority AE), and eyes are always in focus (Real-time Eye AF).

Eco-friendly and accessible design

The ZV-1 II has been specially designed to be sustainable in line with Sony's commitment to a sustainable future through global initiatives such as Road to Zero and renewable energy targets by 2030. The camera body actively uses recycled materials, including SORPLASTM, which reduce environmental impact without compromising functionality. For individual packaging, Sony's unique recycled "Original Blend Material" paper is used, which is plastic-free and easy to recycle. Made from materials such as bamboo, sugarcane fiber, and recycled market paper, it is both environmentally friendly and guaranteed high quality.

The ZV-1 II offers accessibility features that make operating the camera easier in various ways, including a screen reader function for visually impaired individuals. These features enable everyone to enjoy the pleasure of shooting and playback. When the screen reader function is enabled, the text from the menu screen is read aloud. The screen reader function can be activated by setting [Screen Reader] in the [Setup] menu to ON. The volume of the screen reader can be adjusted from [Sound Options]. Additionally, the ZV-A II also offers a range of functions for achieving precise focus on various types of subjects. Real-time Eye AF can automatically recognize and focus on people [Human] or animals [Animal], in addition to the Real-time Tracking function. With Focus Magnification and Peaking functions, you can more easily focus manually, and Touch Focus, Touch Tracking, and Touch Shutter allow users to focus, track, and shoot with just a single touch on the subject on the monitor screen. The ZV-1 II's accessibility features (described in the specifications) are: Screen Reader, Touch AE, Focus Magnifier, Peaking Display, Real-time Eye AF, Real-time Tracking, Touch Focus, Touch Tracking, Touch Shutter, swivel LCD screen, and customizable functions.