Sony introduces ZV-1 digital camera for vloggers

Sony Electronics Inc. announced the new pocket-sized Digital Camera ZV-1, a lightweight, compact camera for content creators and vloggers.

“Sony’s new ZV-1 was purpose-built to meet the needs and demands of today’s video creators,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president of Imaging Product and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “We are always listening to our customers, and this camera is the result of direct feedback from our extended community. Featuring an innovative design plus many new technologies, settings and modes, it will allow creators to make content in ways they have never been able to before.”

The ZV-1 features a 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with DRAM chip and 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* large-aperture lens allowing the subject to stand out from the background. The camera locks on to and tracks subjects with high accuracy and speed using Sony’s leading-edge autofocus system. The ZV-1 also includes the latest-generation BIONZ X image processor with front-end LSI delivering high resolution as well as low noise for superior image quality.

The ZV-1 is Sony’s first compact camera with a side-opening Vari-angle LCD screen, making it easier to compose shots in selfie mode while connecting external audio accessories. To meet any video need, the ZV-1 contains advanced video features including 4K movie recording and in-body image stabilization.

Using the new Background Defocus function, users can rapidly adjust the optical aperture between more and less background defocusing blur without losing focus on the subject. The ZV-1 also has a new Product Showcase Setting for video creators doing product reviews, allowing for quick and smooth focus transitions between the subject’s face and the object placed in front of the lens.

Building on the autofocus technology developed for Alpha and RX series cameras, this new compact camera can lock on and track subjects with high accuracy and speed while recording, according to Sony. For maintaining focus on the intended subject or subjects in busy environments, Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking AF for video allow the ZV-1 to seamlessly switch focus between multiple subjects while controlling the AF speed and tracking sensitivity. The ZV-1 has a Face Priority function for autoexposure and has advanced color science that has been re-engineered to optimize skin tones for any subject in both still and video modes.

The ZV-1 onboard mic features Sony’s latest Directional 3-capsule mic which was designed for forward-directional audio capture, allowing for 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 3/5,, mic jack and Multi Interface Shoe (MI shoe) making it easy to connect a wide range of external microphones. The ZV-1 is also supplied with a wind screen accessory that fits on the MI shoe to minimize wind interference.

The ZV-1 also includes advances in image stabilization, ensuring steady video even when shooting hand-held while walking, the company says. The ZV-1 can also be used for streaming by connecting it to a PC via USB

Sony will also be introducing a Vlogger Kit (ACCVC1), which includes a GP-VPT2BT Shooting Grip with Wireless Remote Commander and 64GB Ultra High Speed Media Card. The grip is compatible with a variety of Sony cameras.

The Digital Camera ZV-1 will be available in June 2020 for a special introductory price of approximately $749 USD through June 28, 2020. After that, the price will increase to approximately $799 USD. The ZV-1 will be available in Canada for approximately $999 CAD.

The ACCVC1 Vlogger Kit will be available in June 2020 with a special introductory offer of $50 off when purchased together with ZV-1 (at participating retailers) through June 28, 2020 in U.S. and June 25, 2020 in Canada, and can be purchased separately for approximately $149 USD and $199 CAD.