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. 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, a 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. 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 in conjunction with an external recorder or monitor if desired. The footage also benefited from 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. 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 windscreen for the built-in mic is included to help achieve cleaner audio when working outdoors. In addition, this firmware update provides compatibility between the ZV-1 and Sony's Xperia smartphones for live streaming on the go, by using the smartphone as a hot spot and as a secondary display for monitoring the live feed and reading comments. The 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. The 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. 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 the 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 camera also offers Sony's advanced XAVC S format for recording high bit rates of 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. 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. The 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.

Sony ZV-1 Specs