Sony’s ZV-1 Mark II: The Perfect Tool for Vloggers and Content Creators

Sony has unveiled the ZV-1 Mark II, an innovative compact vlog camera equipped with a 20MP 1″ CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8mm) and an 18-50mm-equivalent f/1.8-4 wide-angle zoom lens.

Sony ZV-1 Mark II Vlog Camera

Building upon its predecessor, the first-generation ZV-1, this upgraded model features the same rapid wide-angle zoom lens, catering to the needs of vloggers by providing an exceptionally broad field of view, even when digital stabilization is applied.

The ZV-1 Mark II incorporates a Stacked CMOS sensor, enabling the capturing of 4K videos at up to 30p. Additionally, it offers the flexibility to shoot 1080p footage at up to 120p or opt for downscaled video modes that offer impressive slow-motion capabilities of up to 960 fps. In terms of photography, the ZV-1 Mark II rivals the latest RX100 models, allowing continuous shooting at up to 24fps in both JPEG and Raw formats, with a buffer capacity of up to 800 JPEG images.

Continuing the tradition of its Sony predecessors, the ZV-1 Mark II is equipped with S-Log2 and S-Log3 profiles, providing enhanced creative control. However, it’s worth noting that video recordings from this camera are limited to 8-bit files, which slightly restricts the available color gradations. Additionally, similar to the original ZV-1, the camera lacks a headphone jack for audio monitoring.

Direct control options on the ZV-1 Mark II are somewhat limited, and it does not possess a mechanical shutter. While this poses no issues when shooting at high shutter speeds, thanks to the swift readout capability of the Stacked CMOS sensor, it does come with a downside. The maximum achievable shutter speed is limited to 1/4 second, which may impose certain constraints on creative shooting endeavors. To compensate, the camera includes a built-in ND filter that facilitates shooting with wide apertures.

The ZV-1 Mark II retains the three capsule microphones and a fully articulating screen that faces the camera operator, reminiscent of its predecessor, the ZV-1.

Price and availability

Enthusiasts can now pre-order the Sony ZV-1 Mark II vlog camera on Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com for $898. The camera is slated for release in mid-June 2023 and is available in two color variants: black and white. As an optional accessory, users can pair the camera with a black or white Sony GP-VPT2BT Bluetooth shooting grip, which also serves as a compact tripod, available for an additional $139.99.

Sony ZV-1 Mark II specifications

Sony ZV-1 Mark II Vlog Camera
  • Sensor Type: 1.0-type (13.2 mm x 8.8 mm) Exmor RS CMOS sensor
  • Number of Pixels (Effective): Still images: Approx. 20.1 megapixels, Movies: Approx. 16.8 megapixels max.
  • Number of Pixels (total): Approx. 21.0 Megapixels
  • Color Temperature Range: 2500K – 9900K
  • Built-in ND Filter: ND (1/8 ND)
  • Recording Format: JPEG ( DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver. 2.32, MPF Baseline compliant), RAW (Sony ARW 4.0 format)
  • Image Size (pixels) [3:2]: 1.0-type L: 5472 x 3648 (20 M), M: 3888 x 2592 (10 M), S: 2736 x 1824 (5.0 M)
  • Image Quality Modes: RAW, RAW+JPEG, JPEG
  • Video Compression: XAVC S: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
  • Audio Recording Format: LPCM 2ch (48 kHz 16 bit)
  • Proxy Recording: Yes
  • TC/UB: Yes
  • Slow & Quick Motion-Shooting Frame Rate: Yes
  • Memory Card Slot: Multi slot for Memory Stick Duo/SD memory card
  • Focus Point: Still images: Max. 315 points (phase-detection AF), Movies: Max. 273 points (phase-detection AF)
  • Other Features: AF Subj. Shift Sensitivity (Movie), AF Transition Speed (Movie), Circ. of Focus Point
  • Recognition Target (Still images): Human, Animal
  • Recognition Target (Movies): Human, Animal
  • Focus Type: Fast Hybrid AF (phase-detection AF / contrast-detection AF)
  • Metering Sensitivity: EV0 to EV24 (at ISO100 equivalent)
  • Metering Type: 120-zone evaluative metering
  • Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0 EV (1/3 EV steps)
  • ISO Sensitivity: Still images: ISO 125 – 12800 (expandable to ISO 80 – 12800)
  • AUTO (ISO125-12800, selectable lower limit and upper limit) / Movies: ISO 125 – 12800 equivalent
  • AUTO (ISO125-12800, selectable lower limit and upper limit)
  • Display: 7.5 cm (3.0-type) TFT Touch panel, 921600 dots, Opening Angle: Approx. 176 Degree, Rotation Angle: Approx. 270 Degree
  • Shutter Type: Electronic shutter
  • Shutter Speed: Still images: 1/32000 to 1/4 s, Movies: 1/12800 to 1 s
  • Flash Sync. Speed: 1/100 s
  • Images Stabilization: Electronic, Movie: Active / Off
  • Flash compensation: +/- 3.0 EV (switchable between 1/3 EV steps)
  • Control: Pre-flash TTL
  • External Flash Compatibility: Sony Alpha System Flash compatible with Multi Interface Shoe
  • Microphone: Built-in, stereo
  • Speaker: Built-in, monaural
  • Connectivity: Multi Interface Shoe, Mass-storage / MTP, Wi-Fi Compatible, IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz band)), Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5 mm Stereo minijack, HDMI micro connector (Type-D), USB Type-C (Hi-Speed USB 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) compatible), View on Smartphone, Remote control via Smartphone, PC Remote
  • Movie Recording System (Xavc S 4K): 29.97p (100 Mbps / 60 Mbps), 25p (100 Mbps / 60 Mbps), 23.98p (100 Mbps / 60 Mbps)
  • Movie Recording System (Xavc S Hd): 119.88p (100 Mbps / 60 Mbps), 59.94p (50 Mbps / 25 Mbps), 29.97p (50 Mbps / 16 Mbps), 23.98p (50 Mbps), 100p (100 Mbps / 60 Mbps), 50p (50 Mbps / 25 Mbps), 25p (50 Mbps / 16 Mbps)
  • Battery: Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BX1, Approx. 290 shots, Actual Recording: Approx. 45 min, Continuous Recording: Approx. 75 min
  • Lens: Focus Range: Approx. 5 cm (0.17 ft) to infinity, Angle of View: 18-50 mm, Focal Length: f = 6.9 – 17.6 mm
  • Dimensions: Approx. 4.15 x 2.36 x 1.84″ (105.5 x 60.0 x 46.7mm)
  • Weight: Body: Approx. 9.4 oz (266g) / With Battery & Memory Card: 10.3 oz (292g)

In recent news, Canon also introduced a vlogging-centric camera, the Canon PowerShot V10. Designed for streamers and vloggers rather than professional photographers, this compact Canon camera is available for pre-order on Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com at a price of $429, with deliveries scheduled to commence on June 15th.

About Ankeet Solanki

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