Sony has launched a successor to its fashionable compact ZV-1 vlogging digicam, the ZV-1 II, which addresses an enormous concern with the previous mannequin. Particularly, it has a brand new wider lens that permits you to suit your complete face into the body with e-stabilization turned on, addressing the most important grievance I and others had with the ZV-1. It additionally presents new settings that present a extra cinematic look, however in any other case, the digicam is basically a rehash of the earlier mannequin.
As earlier than, the ZV-1 II has a 1-inch (16mm diagonal) stacked BSI sensor borrowed from Sony’s RX100 V, identical to the unique ZV-1. The physique is unchanged and the controls are the identical, and it has a pleasant flip-out show as earlier than — however no digital viewfinder.
Sony
The built-in 3-capsule microphone ship higher sound high quality than the built-in mics on most cameras, and it has a 3.5mm microphone jack (however no headphone port, sadly) and multi-interface shoe that helps choose Sony mics.
The most important addition is a brand new 18-50mm (35mm equal) f/1.8-Four lens that is wider than the 24-70mm f/1.8-2.Eight lens on the previous mannequin. With the latter, the ZV-1 was barely broad sufficient with digital stabilization off. With e-stabilization enabled, it was successfully too tight for vlogging except you may have super-long arms. The brand new lens is now equal to 23mm with stabilization on, which is broad sufficient, although simply barely.
Sony
There are some drawbacks, although. Whereas the ZV-1 had optical stabilization on the lens that was good for handheld taking pictures (however not vlogging), the ZV-1 II is missing that operate. And naturally, you lose 20mm of zoom vary, and the brand new lens can be slower on the 50mm finish. So patrons might want to select between the brand new mannequin’s wider area of view or the longer and sooner lens on the unique ZV-1.
Video is basically unchanged, with 4K restricted to 30fps regardless of the quick stacked sensor. Whilst you do get S-Log2 and S-Log3 taking pictures modes, it solely helps 8-bit and never 10-bit video, so the log modes will not significantly enhance dynamic vary. What’s new is the Cinematic Vlog setting first launched with the ZV-E1. It makes use of a 2.35:1 side ratio for that CinemaScope really feel, and fast entry to filters, appears and extra.
As earlier than, you get Sony’s Product Showcase setting that rapidly shifts focus to things offered to the digicam, together with a Bokeh Swap that immediately opens the iris as a lot as potential to blur the background and put the emphasis on the topic. Sony guarantees quick autofocus through its Hybrid AF system, that makes use of AI to lock onto your topic’s eyes, whether or not they’re individuals or animals. It additionally has a helpful built-in ND filter that reduces publicity by three stops to permit for higher background bokeh on sunny days.
The brand new ZV-1 II can be out there in June 2023 for $900, costlier than the $800 worth for the ZV-1 at launch. As soon as it hits shops, Sony could low cost the ZV-1 (it at the moment sits at $748), giving potential patrons one thing further to consider.
Sony
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