There are many cameras out there that can do both photos and videos and this one by Sony was designed to do VLOG specifically, the ZV-1. How different can this model be compared to the rest of the compacts in the family?
The rise of VLOG has more or less change the landscape of camera makers. Predicted with the growing trend, Sony is one of the early birds who jumped into the vlogging bandwagon two years ago with their RX series and now, a camera just for doing VLOG, the ZV-1 (of course you can take photos with it as well).
Let’s have a quick look at its specifications and we will highlight some important features you should use if you want to buy this camera:-
- 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
- ZEISS 24-70mm (35mm Equiv) f/1.8-2.8 Lens
- UHD 4K 30p Video with HLG & S-Log3 Gammas
- 3.0″ Side Flip-Out Touchscreen LCD
- Real-Time Tracking & Eye AF
- Background Defocus & Face Priority AE
- BIONZ X Image Processor & Front-End LSI
- Directional 3-Capsule Mic & Mic Jack
- Multi-Interface Shoe, Built-In ND Filter
- Product Showcase Setting
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 creating beautiful background bokeh (background blur), allowing the subject to stand out from the background. The ZV-1 is Sony’s first compact camera with a side-opening Vari-angle LCD touchscreen, making it easier to compose your 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 stabilisation.
Background Bokeh Modes
The ZV-1 offers a simple solution to easily switch between two levels of background blur (bokeh) while recording. Using the new Bokeh Switch function, rapidly adjust the optical aperture between more and less background defocusing blur without losing focus on the subject. Located on top of the camera, this Bokeh button is easily accessible and makes self-shooting a breeze.
Easy Focus Control
The ZV-1 makes it easier than ever to shoot product reviews and similar video content. The new Product Showcase Setting allows quick and smooth focus transitions between the subject’s face and the object placed in front of the lens. Borrowing from the AF technology from the Alpha and RX series of cameras, the ZV-1 includes advanced autofocus allowing it to lock on and track subjects with high accuracy and speed while recording. For maintaining focus on the intended subject or subjects in busy environments, Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking for video allow the ZV-1 to stay locked on the subject’s eye/face or seamlessly switch focus between multiple subjects while controlling the AF speed and tracking sensitivity when needed.
Your Face Value
Extreme changes in lighting, like walking outside on a sunny day and suddenly moving from a bright location into the shade, are the problem of the past, thanks to the ZV-1 new Face Priority autoexposure (AE) function. It detects and prioritises the subject’s face and adjusts the exposure to ensure the face is depicted at an ideal brightness in any environment. This AE technology also suppresses an abrupt change in exposure if the subject quickly turns away from the frame to eliminate unexpected blown-out or extremely dark shots.
Colour Science
The ZV-1 features advanced colour science re-engineered to optimise skin tones. To enhance emphasis on the subject’s face – especially when shooting in selfie mode – the ZV-1 creates a smooth and natural complexion, while also maintaining sharp images of the mouth and eyes in both videos and stills.
Superior Audio
The ZV-1 is well-equipped to produce reliable and versatile audio options. The ZV-1’s 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 minimising background noise, especially when operating in selfie mode. For added flexibility, the ZV-1 also features a standard 3.5mm 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 minimise wind interference.
True VLOGGING Design
The ZV-1 was designed with content creators and vloggers in mind. It is compact, lightweight (approx. 294g) and designed with a side-opening Vari-angle LCD Screen, allowing creators to simplify their setup by utilising the MI shoe for optional external mics without the need of an additional mounting bracket.
The comfortable grip and a large movie REC button located on the 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 make content creator’s workflow much streamlined.
The ZV-1 also includes major advances in image stabilisation, ensuring steady video even when shooting hand-held while walking. When recording in HD (Active mode), optical and electronic stabilisation methods are combined to reduce shaking up to 11 times that of standard SteadyShot. When shooting 4K video using Optical SteadyShot (Active mode), there is improvement in the stabilisation effect of up to 8 times that of standard SteadyShot. The ZV-1 is also compatible with the GP-VPT2BT Shooting Grip with Wireless Remote Commander, offering additional stability and comfort combined with cable-free connectivity.
Live Streaming with the ZV-1
Transform the ZV-1 into a webcam by connecting it to a PC via USB, which allows content creators to interact with their followers in real-time while also utilising the advanced imaging technology and unique features of the ZV-1. This new Sony’s PC software will be available in July 2020. Apart from this, there are some other cool video features you should know, such as:-
- 4K movie recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning in high bit-rate XAVC S codec.
- Industry-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 1000fps
- Compatibility with ‘Movie Edit add-on” from the “Imaging Edge™” mobile application for image stabilisation while editing Highlight ability to edit aspect ratios for IG etc.
The Sony ZV-1 will be available in July 2020 with the price under wrapped during writing time. Contact Sony Malaysia if these are your kind of tools for Vlogging.
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