Sony ZV-1 - ultra-compact camera, created specifically for vlogging

Sony ZV-1

ultra-compact camera, specifically designed for vlogging 

May 26, 2020 - Sony Electronics Inc. announced the new ZV-1 digital camera, a pocket-sized, lightweight and compact all-in-one solution. Developed from the ground up for content creators and vloggers, the ZV-1 combines easy-to-use features with uncompromising imaging technology, making it the perfect tool for any content creator of all skill levels.

The ZV-1 features a 1.0-inch Exmor RS® CMOS image sensor with a DRAM chip and a 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* large aperture lens, creating a beautiful background bokeh (background blur) that allows the subject to stand out from the background. The camera locks onto and tracks subjects with high accuracy and speed using Sony's leading autofocus system. The ZV-1 also includes a latest-generation BIONZ X™ image processor with a front-end LSI, providing high resolution as well as low noise for superior image quality. It also combines this outstanding imaging technology with high-quality and versatile audio options. The ZV-1 is Sony's first compact camera with a side-opening vari-angle LCD screen, making it easy to compose your shots in selfie mode while connecting external audio accessories. To meet every video need, the ZV-1 includes advanced video features, including 4K movie recording and in-body image stabilization.

Meeting the Needs of Today's Content Creators
Quickly switch between two Background Bokeh modes
The ZV-1 offers a simple solution for easily switching between two background blur levels during recording. Using the new Background Defocus function, users can quickly adjust the optical aperture between more and less background defocus blur without losing focus on the subject. Located on the top of the camera, this Bokeh button is easily accessible and makes selfie shooting effortless.

Focus on the subject you want
The ZV-1 makes it easier than ever to shoot product reviews and similar video content. Gone are the days of placing a hand behind a subject to prompt the camera to bring it into focus, thanks to a new Product Showcase setting that allows quick and smooth focus transitions between the subject's face and an object placed in front of the lens.
Based on cutting-edge technology developed for α™ cameras and RX series cameras, this new compact camera incorporates advanced autofocus (AF), allowing it to lock onto and track subjects with high accuracy and speed during recording. To maintain focus on the intended subject or subjects in a busy environment, Real-time AF and Real-time Tracking AF for video allow the ZV-1 to seamlessly switch focus between multiple subjects while controlling AF speed and tracking sensitivity.

Prioritize your face
Extreme lighting changes, such as walking outdoors on a sunny day and suddenly moving from a bright place into shade, are no problem for the ZV-1 thanks to the new face priority automatic exposure (AE) function. It detects and prioritizes the subject's face and adjusts exposure to ensure the face is depicted with ideal brightness in any environment. This AE technology also suppresses abrupt changes in exposure if the subject quickly moves out of frame, to eliminate unexpected blown-out or extremely dark shots. In addition, the camera features new advanced color technology, designed to optimize skin tones for every subject, in both still and video modes.

Crystal clear audio
High-quality content requires clear, excellent sound quality, and the ZV-1 is well-equipped to produce exactly that with reliable and versatile audio options. The ZV-1's built-in microphone features Sony's latest directional 3-capsule microphone, designed to record audio in the forward direction, allowing clear capture of the subject's voice while minimizing background noise, especially when operating in selfie mode. For added flexibility, the ZV-1 also features an industry-standard microphone jack (3.5mm) and a Multi Interface Shoe™ (MI Shoe), making it easy to connect a wide range of external microphones. The ZV-1 also comes with a wind screen accessory that fits onto the MI Shoe to minimize wind interference.

Design and Functionality Optimized for Vlogging
The ZV-1 was designed with content creators and vloggers in mind. This compact, lightweight (approx. 294g / 105.5mm x 60.0mm x 43.5mm) camera is Sony's first compact camera with a vari-angle LCD screen, allowing creators to simplify their setup by using the MI shoe for additional external microphones without the need for an additional mounting bracket.

Conveniently operate the ZV-1 with one hand thanks to the comfortable grip and large REC movie button located on top of the camera for quick access to video recording, as well as a recording lamp on the front of the camera that indicates if the camera is actively recording.

The ZV-1 advances image stabilization, ensuring stable video even when shooting handheld while walking. When recording in HD (active mode), optical and electronic stabilization methods combine to reduce shake up to 11 times from standard SteadyShot™ image stabilization. When shooting 4K video using Optical SteadyShot (active mode), there is an improvement in the stabilizing effect up to 8 times from standard SteadyShot. The ZV-1 is also compatible with the GP-VPT2BT Shooting Grip with wireless remote control, offering additional stability and comfort in combination with a Bluetooth® wireless connection.

Class-leading AV Features
Despite its small form factor, there are many possibilities for creating professional-level films, including:

• 4K movie recording with full pixel readout in high bitrate with XAVC S™ codec.
• Standard 3.5mm microphone input
• Hybrid Log-Gamma (HDR) / S-Gamut3.Cine / S-Log3, S-Gamut3 / S-Log3
• Interval shooting for stunning time-lapse videos.
• Super Slow Motion recording at up to 960fps
• Compatibility with "Movie Edit Add-on" from the "Imaging Edge™" mobile app for image stabilization while editing.

Live streaming with the ZV-1
Transform the ZV-1 into a webcam by connecting it to a computer via USB, allowing content creators to interact with their followers in real-time while utilizing the ZV-1's advanced imaging technology and unique features. New Sony computer software will be available in July 2020.

New Vlogger Accessory Kit
Sony will also introduce the Vlogger Kit, which includes the GP-VPT2BT Shooting Grip with wireless remote control. The grip is compatible with various Sony cameras.