Sony ZV Camera Round-Up

The ZV series of cameras is Sony’s streamlined video-centric lineup which incorporates particular features aimed to simplify video production for solo creators while elevating image quality. The new ZV-E1 is the fourth addition to the ZV family, with the first being the ZV-1 in 2020, followed by the ZV-E10 in 2021, and the ZV-1F in 2022. With the recent announcement by Sony of its newest model, we thought it would be good to look at where the ZV-E1 fits into Sony’s ZV lineup and how it compares to the other models in the series.

Image Sensor

An ideal camera for handheld video is typically small and light, allowing creators to work alone and with minimal rigging. For the most part, manufacturers achieve this by utilising smaller format sensors. In the case of the ZV series, the ZV-1 and ZV-1F use a 20.1 MP 1″ inch sensor, and the ZV-E10 uses a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor. Although the larger APS-C sensor does come at the cost of increased body size, the ZV-E10 has a distinct advantage over the other two as its larger sensor performs better in low-light scenarios and can achieve a shallower depth of field. 

The new ZV-E1 breaks the small sensor convention by adopting the same 12.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor as the Sony A7S III and FX3. It also houses the same impressive BIONZ XR image processor as the A7S III and FX3, which is why you’ll more likely see it compared to those higher-end cameras rather than the other ZV series cameras in terms of image quality and performance. This does mean it’s the biggest of the ZV cameras. Still, in keeping with the philosophy of the ZV family, the larger sensor and powerful processor are nicely packaged into a compact body for easy handheld operation.

Interchangeable Lens vs All-in-One

In addition to sensor size, the lens system presents the other most notable differentiation between ZV models. It instantly cuts your options in half when deciding which to purchase. Do you want to be able to change lenses? If so, the ZV-E1 or ZV-E10 will be the way to go. However, if you want to keep things as simple as possible and an all-in-one option appeals, then the ZV-1 or ZV-1F is for you. 

The ZV-1F is the lineup’s entry-level model. It has a built-in lens with a fixed focal length of 20mm (35mm equivalent). This is an excellent choice for anyone looking to film themselves because it is wide enough to comfortably capture oneself talking to the camera while holding it at arm's length. The supercompact nature of the lens keeps the whole unit small and light, but it means you have to move the camera to get closer or further from your subject. Its maximum aperture of f/2 is handy for increasing exposure in low-light conditions. 

Still keeping with the all-in-one design but offering more flexibility is the ZV-1. Its built-in lens is a very versatile 24 to 70mm (35mm equivalent) focal length, which is practical for many shooting scenarios. However, when used to capture oneself in the frame, some may find 24mm to be a little tight when held at arm’s length. With a maximum aperture of f/1.8 to 2.8, it also performs decently in low-light environments.

For the most creative expression, the ZV-E10 and ZV-E1 can be purchased as a body only and paired with any E-mount lens that suits your vision and budget. And while this adaptability comes at the cost of size, weight and dollars, it does unlock endless artistic possibilities for users.

Photo Capabilities

All four cameras can take great-quality photos. But it’s important to note that the ZV series has been optimised for handheld video operation, so if you’re looking for a photo-first camera, there are probably better options out there for you. To make way for a high-quality internal microphone, Sony has sacrificed a viewfinder, so you’re reliant on the LCD screen, which is fine for casual shooters but is not ideal for more serious photography. Additionally, many physical controls that make moving through photo modes quick and straightforward have been stripped away.

Despite these photo-centric shortcomings, the ZV series is more than capable of capturing beautiful still images, perfect for family and travel photo albums and for sharing on social media. Automatic and manual shooting modes are available. And photos can be captured in JPEG for quick upload or in RAW format for personalised editing, accommodating users of all skill levels.  

Video Capabilities

High-quality, simplified video performance is where this series shines. All ZV cameras record beautifully detailed 4K videos at 30p, and frame rates up to 120 fps are supported in Full HD 1080p. A range of picture profiles is included for creating various aesthetics with minimal postproduction in addition to S-Log2 and S-Log3 for personalised grading with maximum dynamic range.

Upon release, the ZV-E1 can shoot 4K at up to 60 fps and 1080p at 120 fps, but Sony has advised of a planned firmware update that will open up 4K at 120 fps and 1080p at 240 fps. And, like the more expensive Sony FX3 and A7S III, the ZV-E1 also boasts 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, 15+ stops of dynamic range with S-Log3 and Sony’s popular S-Cinetone shooting profile - professional features not found in the other three ZV cameras.

When it comes to audio performance, the built-in directional 3-capsule mic of the ZV cameras has always delivered impressively clean audio from in front of the camera. Allowing users to capture clear audio of themselves speaking to the camera without needing an external mic, even in bustling locations. They also have an input, so an additional mic can be added for even greater audio control and quality. With the ZV-E1, the built-in mic has been further developed into an intelligent three-capsule mic setup with variable directivity that can determine where a human voice is coming from and capture clean audio from that direction while subduing the surrounding noise. The ZV-E10 and The ZV-E1 have a headphone input which is great for monitoring the audio, but the ZV-1 and ZV-1F do not.

Super helpful in managing exposure in bright light, the original ZV-1 has an in-built 3-stop neutral density (ND) filter. This helps users shoot wide open to achieve subject-to-background separation or with slower shutter speeds for capturing motion. Of course, an ND filter can be screwed onto the lens of the other three cameras, but it is a handy trick for the ZV-1 to have up its sleeve.

Autofocus and Stabilisation

Reliable autofocus (AF) is an essential feature for solo filmmakers. All four cameras benefit from Sony’s industry-leading autofocus technology, including incredibly sticky real-time tracking and intelligent face and eye detection for humans and animals. The ZV-1F is equipped with 425 points of contrast-detection AF, while the ZV-1 and ZV-E10 use a hybrid system of both phase-detection and contrast-detection AF points to ensure fast, critical focusing in a range of scenarios.

The hybrid AF system of the ZV-E1 incorporates 759 phase-detection AF points for still images and 627 points for video to deliver responsive and accurate focusing in various lighting conditions. It also adopts the same impressive AI-based AF technology found in the Sony A7R V, which predicts movement and recognises limbs and the backs of heads rather than just face and eyes. It can also identify and track multiple subjects within the frame. 

With the ZV-E1, the highly-intelligent AI subject tracking goes even further with auto-framing in video mode. Here, the camera recognises the subject and crops in to continuously adjust framing as the subject moves within the scene. This is a game-changer for creatives working alone who can now set their camera up on a tripod and record moving footage of themselves in front of the camera instead of a static shot. Given the auto-framing feature is cropping in from a 4K image, there is a reduced angle of view, but that’s a pretty small price to pay for tack-sharp, dynamic footage that looks like it was filmed by an experienced camera operator. 

As one would expect from a series of cameras designed for fast handheld operation, all the models include some form of image stabilisation (IS). SteadyShot in the ZV-1 has ‘Standard’ mode, which utilises the optical IS in the lens and ‘Active’ mode, which combines the lens IS with digital IS in the body, both of which can be switched off when not needed. The lens in the ZV-1F is not stabilised, so users just get Active stabilisation with this model. Standard and Active stabilisation are again included in the ZV-E10, and the degree of stabilisation depends on the lens the camera is paired with. The ZV-E1 utilises a 5-axis image sensor-shift mechanism to deliver even more stabilisation with ‘Dynamic active’ IS, with Standard and Active IS also available.

It’s important to note that in all models, ‘Active’ IS does apply a crop to the image, so you’ll be working with a tighter field of view, and the Dynamic active mode in the ZV-E1 applies an even greater crop to achieve super smooth footage without the need of a gimbal.

Special Features

All four cameras have fully articulating touch screens, allowing users to compose shots easily from any angle, even in front of the camera. They each include the popular Product Showcase Mode, in which the camera will quickly snap focus to any object placed in front of the lens and then back to the subject when the object is lowered from the frame, alleviating the need for presenters to put their hand behind the product for the camera to focus. 

Background Defocus mode instantly blurs the background with a single button press. It is a favourite for beginner creators yet to master aperture or the exposure triangle as it helps them quickly achieve shallow depth of field. The terrific thing about this series is regardless of which camera you choose, all of these features for simplifying use and many more are included.

Sony ZV-1F Camera (Photo by Sony AU)

When it comes to handheld filming, weight matters. The ZV-1F is the smallest and lightest of the three, coming in at a tiny 256g with the battery and memory card inserted; the ZV-1 only weighs fractionally more at 294g. Next is the ZV-E10 at 343g, and while this might seem negligible, that’s without a lens attached. As expected, considering its much larger sensor size, the ZV-E1 is the heaviest of the four cameras at 483g with the battery and memory card included. But like the ZV-E10, the final weight really depends on the lens you pair it with.

Conclusion

Now with three sensor sizes on offer, the ZV family presents a real smorgasbord of options for creators and aspiring filmmakers. The smaller, all-in-one ZV-1 and ZV-1F are fantastic entry-level cameras thoughtfully designed for those looking for a camera that's as easy to use as a smartphone but delivers better-quality video and photos. As a bonus, these cameras also capture audio far superior to a smartphone with flip-out screens and some specific modes to assist solo creators new to videography. The main difference between the two is that the built-in lens of the ZV-1 is a 24-70mm zoom, while the ZV-1F has a fixed 20mm focal length, and the ZV-1 has a handy built-in ND filter while the ZV-1F does not.

The ZV-E10 continues with the same compact, easy-to-use ethos of the two smaller cameras but gives users vastly more creativity with its interchangeable lens design. Its larger APS-C sensor also delivers superior image quality and improved low-light performance, benefits also seen in the new full-frame ZV-E1 but to a greater extent, thanks to the sensor being bigger again. Adopting industry-leading tech from Sony’s more professional cameras, the ZV-E1 is the most advanced ZV camera to date, delivering the best AF, stabilisation, and some professional recording options not found in the earlier ZV models.

Although Sony has designed the ZV series with vloggers and content creators in mind, all four cameras' hybrid functionality and portable form make each supremely versatile. Equally useful as a business tool for creating content for clients or as a travel companion, fitting for solo adventures and family fun.

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