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Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera (Black)

BH #SOZV1 • MFR #DCZV1/B
Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera (Black)
Key Features
  • 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
  • ZEISS 24-70mm-Equiv. f/1.8-2.8 Lens
  • UHD 4K30p Video w/ HLG & S-Log3/2 Gammas
  • 3.0" Side Flip-Out Touchscreen LCD
Vloggers and influencers rejoice, the Sony ZV-1 is a purpose-built compact camera blending the proven imaging capabilities of the RX100-series platform with an updated physical design for more efficient content creation.
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Sony ZV-1 Overview

By B&H Photo's

Vloggers and influencers rejoice, the Sony ZV-1 is a purpose-built compact camera blending the proven imaging capabilities of the RX100-series platform with an updated physical design for more efficient content creation.

Featuring a side flip-out 3.0" touchscreen and a directional 3-capsule microphone that are perfect for front-facing recording, the ZV-1 also caters to this crowd with the Product Showcase Setting, Background Defocus function, Soft Skin Effect, and Face Priority Auto-Exposure.

Despite its sleek and lightweight design, the ZV-1 is also characterized by its large right-hand grip that is ideal for one-handed recording in conjunction with a front tally lamp, larger REC button on the top plate, and a Multi Interface Shoe for attaching accessories. An impressive ZEISS 24-70mm-equivalent standard zoom lens, with a bright f/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture range, is also featured and, suiting recording while walking, Active SteadyShot image stabilization helps to steady footage and reduce the appearance of camera shake for smoother takes.

Inside, the ZV-1 has some familiar imaging attributes in the form of a 20.1MP 1"-type Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor, with front-end LSI, which contributes to impressively fast performance along with wide-ranging sensitivity to suit working in a variety of conditions. The processing capabilities avail Real-Time Eye AF and Real-Time Tracking for quick and precise focusing and subject tracking. In terms of video specs, UHD 4K recording at 30p is supported for extended takes and a micro-HDMI port can be used to conjunction with an external recorder or monitor if desired. Footage is also benefitted by Sony's S-Log3/2 and HLG picture profiles that match up with their professional cine cameras for refined color, dynamic range, and detail when recording.

Content Creator and Vlogging Features
  • Rear 3.0" 921.6k-dot LCD touchscreen features a side flip-out design that is ideal for filming yourself or taking selfies in a natural and intuitive manner.
  • Since the screen flips out to the side, the top plate has been redesigned to incorporate a directional 3-capsule microphone that is specifically designed for forward-directional audio recording. Also, a dedicated wind screen for the built-in mic is included to help achieve cleaner audio when working outdoors.
  • Firmware version 2.00 enables camera livestreaming by simply connecting the camera to a computer via USB, allowing the ZV-1's video and audio capabilities to be used for live social media and video conferencing. UVC and UAC standards are supported for improved picture and sound quality during streaming. In addition, this firmware update provides compatibility between the ZV-1 and Sony's Xperia smartphones for livestreaming on the go, by using the smartphone as a hot spot and as a secondary display for monitoring the live feed and reading comments.
  • Both a 3.5mm microphone port and a Multi Interface Shoe are also featured for greater accessory compatibility.
  • Compact and lightweight body design is complemented by an easy-to-hold right-hand grip that makes one-handed operation more comfortable and efficient. There is also a large REC button for quick recognition.
  • Front tally lamp serves as a visual indicator for when recording is occurring.
  • Product Showcase setting is ideal for vlogging and product showcases and allows for quick and smooth focus transitions between a subject's face and an object placed in front of the lens.
  • Background Defocus lets you immediately switch to the maximum aperture setting (f/1.8-2.8), using a custom button function, for isolating your subject using shallow depth of field and bokeh. A built-in ND filter benefits using this mode in bright lighting conditions by controlling overexposure.
  • Face-Priority AE detects the subject's face and adjusts the exposure to ensure the face is depicted in an ideal brightness, even if walking from a bright place into shade. The AE technology also suppresses abrupt changes in exposure if the subject quickly turns away from the frame to eliminate unexpected blown-out or extremely dark shots.
  • Refined color science helps to optimize skin tones for any subject, in both still and video modes, in order to achieve a healthy and natural look that is inclusive of different ages, genders, and ethnicity.
  • Soft Skin Effect can be used to soften and smooth wrinkles or blemishes on a subject's face to create a natural, smooth complexion. The default setting is Mid and can be adjusted to Off, Low, or Hi.
  • For longer takes, extended continuous video recording is available when setting the Auto Power OFF Temp. function to High.
  • Active SteadyShot is an advanced image stabilization mode that ensures steady video while moving, even when handheld shooting while walking. This mode combines optical and electronic stabilization methods for more effective results—when recording HD video with Active mode, camera shake is reduced by up to 11 times more than with standard SteadyShot; when recording 4K video with Active mode, camera shake is reduced by up to 8 times more than with standard SteadyShot.
20.1MP 1" Exmor RS CMOS Sensor & BIONZ X Image Processor
Utilizing an advanced stacked structure with an integrated DRAM chip, the 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor is able to deliver outstanding image quality from ISO 100-12800 with incredibly fast performance. This sensor stacks the pixel area, a high-speed signal processing circuit, and memory in order to increase data throughput and deliver features such as Single Burst Shooting, an Anti-Distortion shutter, UHD 4K video, and more. This 1" sensor also has 315 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast detection areas for faster, more precise focusing.

This sensor is paired with a revised BIONZ X image processor and front-end LSI, which dramatically improve the speed and throughput of the entire imaging system, enabling blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 24 fps with continuous AF/AE calculations being performed at 60 times per second. The front-end LSI and enhanced sensor performance also improve overall image quality, especially at higher sensitivities, by reducing noise and offering higher perceived resolution and color definition.
ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm Lens
Spanning a useful 24-70mm equivalent range, the integrated ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens suits working in a wide range of situations. Despite its compact, retractable form factor, the lens still retains a bright f/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture range that benefits working in low-light conditions as well as isolating subject matter using shallow depth of field techniques. The optical design incorporates a series of specialized elements to reduce aberrations and distortions, in order to achieve high sharpness and accurate rendering, and a ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating has also been applied to suppress reflections and glare for improved contrast and color fidelity.

The flexible reach is complemented by Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which minimizes the appearance of camera shake to suit handheld shooting in low-light conditions.
UHD 4K Video Recording
Able to record UHD 4K video at 30/24 fps, the ZV-1, is capable of producing movies with exceptional clarity. By using a full pixel readout without binning, the camera collects about 1.7x the information needed for 4K output. This oversampling helps to increase clarity while reducing the impact of moiré and jaggies. Benefitting sharper recording, an Active SteadyShot mode can be used for recording that prioritizes smoothness when reducing the appearance of camera shake. Fast Hybrid AF is available during movie shooting for ensuring accurate, fast tracking using phase-detection AF points. The camera also offers Sony's advanced XAVC S format for recording a high bit rates up to 100 Mb/s. In addition to high-resolution internal recording, uncompressed HDMI output also enables the use of an optional external recorder for clean 4K recording with 4:2:2 sampling.

Affording extensive customizable color and gamma controls, the ZV-1 allows users to adjust the gamma, black level, knee, color level, and more. Also, users can use the same S-Log2 Gamma Curve that is found on high-end Sony Cinema cameras that squeezes up to 1300% more dynamic range into the video signal then traditional REC709, for increased post-production flexibility. HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support is also available, along with the BT.2020 color space, for recording within a wide color gamut and, in addition to S-Log2, S-Log3 is also available for producing an effective 14-stop dynamic range with increased grading control in the shadow to mid-tone regions of the image.

Speed is also a huge advantage of the ZV-1, and, in video, users will benefit from advanced High Frame Rate shooting and super slow motion. In Full HD, shooters will have access to a standard 120 fps setting that will enable outstanding slow motion when placed in editing software. In addition to this, the camera also offers a dedicated HFR mode that boosts the camera's frame rate to up to 960 fps.

A Photo Capture function is built directly into the camera, allowing shooters to quickly save an 8.29MP still from their UHD 4K movies. Full HD can also benefit from this feature, where users will be able to pull a 2MP still. Additionally, the camera is NTSC/PAL switchable, making it usable around the world, vertical videos can be recorded with embedded metadata to correct for the vertical orientation during playback.
Fast Hybrid AF System with 315 Phase-Detection Points
The ZV-1 is equipped with an on-sensor phase-detection AF system that dramatically improves autofocus speed for both stills and video. The camera uses a hybrid system with 315 phase-detection points that cover approximately 65% of the frame along with a 425-area contrast-detection system to provide fast, accurate focusing in a range of situations. It is able to lock onto subjects quickly and can use Real-time Tracking for AI-based tracking on moving subjects. Real-time Eye AF, suitable for both humans and animals, also ensures critical sharpness when shooting portraits.
Wireless Connectivity
Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity enables instant transferring of imagery to mobile devices for direct sharing online to social networking, via email, and to cloud storage sites. Once connected, the linked mobile device can also display a live view image on its screen and, using Smart Remote Control, remotely control the camera's shutter release. Additionally, connection to a smartphone using a QR code is also possible and the ZV-1 is also compatible with the Movie Edit add-on from the Imaging Edge mobile app. Bluetooth connectivity also enables connecting to the optional GP-VPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip for efficient camera control.
Other Camera Features
  • Interval shooting mode is ideal for creating time-lapse movies with the aid of Imaging Edge software. Intervals can be selected between 1-60 seconds for recording up to 9999 sequential free. Also, in-camera battery charging is possible via the USB port using a portable battery to benefit long interval shooting sessions.
  • Anti-Distortion electronic shutter can enable completely silent shooting as well as the ability to work at shutter speeds as fast as 1/32000 second. This shutter also keeps rolling shutter effects to an absolute minimum and enables photographers to work in bright light with wider apertures.
  • The Fn menu can be accessed and edited immediately after continuous shooting, while data writing is still in progress.
  • File name setting allows users to change the first three characters of the file name from DSC to three characters of their choice. Additionally, images shot in continuous mode can also be displayed, reviewed, and deleted in the groups they were shot for faster operation.
  • Step Zoom lets you quickly change between five common focal lengths (24, 28, 35, 50, or 70mm) by rotating the control ring.
  • Users can set a minimum shutter speed when using ISO AUTO to help minimize shutter blur.
  • Creative Style settings: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn Leaves, Black & White, Sepia, and Style Box.
  • Picture Effect modes: Toy Camera, Pop Color, Posterization, Retro Photo, Soft High-Key, Partial Color, High Contrast Mono, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Richtone Monochrome, Miniature, Watercolor, and Illustration.
  • Picture Profile parameters: Black Level, Gamma (Movie, Still, Cine1-2, ITU709, ITU709 [800%], S-Log2, S-Log3, HLG, HLG1, HLG2, HLG3), Black Gamma, Knee, Color Mode, Saturation, Color Depth, Color Phase, Detail, Copy and Reset.
UPC: 027242920552

Sony ZV-1Specs

Key Specs
Sensor Resolution
Effective: 20.1 Megapixel (5472 x 3648)
Image Sensor
1"-Type CMOS
Image Stabilization
Digital
Optical in Integrated Lens
Focal Length
9.4 to 25.7mm (35mm Equivalent: 24 to 70mm)
Optical Zoom
2.7x
Maximum Aperture
f/1.8 to 2.8
ISO Sensitivity Range
100 to 12,800 in Auto Mode (Extended: 64 to 25,600)
Internal Recording Modes
AVCHD/MP4
1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps [17 to 24 Mb/s]
MP4/XAVC S
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [60 to 100 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100 fps [16 to 100 Mb/s]
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo Hybrid
Wireless
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Display Size
3.0"
Display Type
Articulating Touchscreen LCD
Built-In Flash/Light
No
Battery Type
1x NP-BX1 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 3.6 VDC, 1240 mAh (Approx. 260 Shots)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
4.15 x 2.36 x 1.71" / 10.54 x 5.99 x 4.34 cm
Weight
10.37 oz / 294 g (With Battery, Recording Media)
Imaging
Sensor Resolution
Effective: 20.1 Megapixel (5472 x 3648)
Image Sensor
1"-Type CMOS
Image Stabilization
Digital
Optical in Integrated Lens
Lens
Focal Length
9.4 to 25.7mm (35mm Equivalent: 24 to 70mm)
Optical Zoom
2.7x
Digital Zoom
16.3x Maximum (44x Combined Zoom)
Maximum Aperture
f/1.8 to 2.8
Minimum Aperture
f/11
Focus Range
1.97" to Infinity / 5 cm to Infinity (Wide)
11.81" to Infinity / 72 cm to Infinity (Telephoto)
Optical Design
10 Elements in 9 Groups
Exposure Control
Shutter Speed
Mechanical Shutter
1/2000 to 30 Seconds
1/2000 to 4 Seconds in Auto Mode
Electronic Shutter
1/32000 to 30 Seconds
1/32000 to 4 Seconds in Auto Mode
Bulb/Time Mode
Bulb Mode (1/2000 to 30 Seconds)
ISO Sensitivity Range
100 to 12,800 in Auto Mode (Extended: 64 to 25,600)
Metering Method
Average, Center-Weighted Average, Multi, Spot
Exposure Modes
Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation
-3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
White Balance
Presets: Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater
Continuous Shooting
Up to 24 fps at Maximum Resolution
Interval Recording
Yes
Self-Timer
2/5/10-Second Delay
Special Options
Panorama
Still Image Capture
Aspect Ratio
1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
Image File Format
JPEG, Raw
Video Capture
Internal Recording Modes
AVCHD/MP4
1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps [17 to 24 Mb/s]
MP4/XAVC S
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [60 to 100 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100 fps [16 to 100 Mb/s]
Recording Limit
No
Broadcast Output
NTSC/PAL
IP Streaming
MJPEG
1280 x 720 at 25p, 29.97p
Built-In Microphone
Stereo
Audio Recording
AC-3 Audio
2-Channel LPCM Audio
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo Hybrid
Internal Memory
No
Video I/O
1x Micro-HDMI Output
Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
Power I/O
1x Micro-USB Input
Other I/O
1x Micro-USB (USB 2.0) Data Output (Shared with Power Input)
Wireless
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Mobile App Compatible
No
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.)
No
Monitor
Display Size
3.0"
Resolution
921,600 Dot
Display Type
Articulating Touchscreen LCD
Flash
Built-In Flash/Light
No
Flash Modes
Auto, Flash On, Off, Rear Sync, Slow Sync
External Flash Connection
Shoe Mount
General
Environmental Resistance
No
Operating Conditions
32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C 
Battery Type
1x NP-BX1 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 3.6 VDC, 1240 mAh (Approx. 260 Shots)
Shoe Mount
1x Hot Shoe
Dimensions (W x H x D)
4.15 x 2.36 x 1.71" / 10.54 x 5.99 x 4.34 cm
Weight
10.37 oz / 294 g (With Battery, Recording Media)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.94 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
6.2 x 4.7 x 2.9"

Sony ZV-1 Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

What is the buffer size for photos?

What is the buffer size for photos?
Asked by: NICHOLAS
it takes 172 JPEG photos before the buffer is filled
Answered by: vilson
Date published: 2022-12-04

What Remote can be used with ZV-1 that has a ...

What Remote can be used with ZV-1 that has a greater range than 20 feet?
Asked by: Greg
A remote you can use for this Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera (Black) would be, the Sony GP-VPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip MFR #GP-VPT2BT
Answered by: Moe
Date published: 2022-05-17

Is it possible to run with an AC adapter?

Is it possible to run with an AC adapter?
Asked by: George
Yes it is. This camera is powered through USB. You can have the included USB Cable connected to the same kind of AC adapter you'd use for a smart phone. https://bhpho.to/2BQF5w3
Answered by: Joe P
Date published: 2020-06-27

Is there a headphone jack? I don't see it in the ...

Is there a headphone jack? I don't see it in the specs.
Asked by: Dave
No
Answered by: SonyListens
Date published: 2020-05-29

When recording video, does the camera break the ...

When recording video, does the camera break the files into 4gb clips?
Asked by: Bobby
As far as we are aware, in XAVC-S 4K/HD, it does not. In AVCHD (lower quality), it automatically records new files at approximately 2GB. For more information, see this page of the ZV-1's help guide: https://helpguide.sony.net/dc/1910/v1/en/contents/TP0002870058.html
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2021-02-14

Looks like there is no way to add a filter on the ...

Looks like there is no way to add a filter on the front of the lens? Can someone please confirm. Thanks
Asked by: peter
You are unable to add a filter to the front of the lens.
Answered by: SonyListens
Date published: 2023-02-10

Is this comparable with the Sony XLR-K3M Audio ...

Is this comparable with the Sony XLR-K3M Audio Adapter?
Asked by: Keaton
As of right now, according to Sony's compatibility chart for both the XLR-K3M and ZV-1 - it is not compatible.
Answered by: Kevin
Date published: 2020-08-04

4k 60fps recording or only 30fps?

4k 60fps recording or only 30fps?
Asked by: Georgi
I record 4K at 24fps. So I'm sure it does 30.
Answered by: Adam
Date published: 2021-12-03
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