Yesterday, Sony launched a new camera designed for vloggers — the ZV-E1. Besides the excellent tech stuff, the ZV-E1 is armed with a full-frame sensor, to make the vlog more cinematic. ‘Cinematic Vlogging’ anyone?
Sony launches the ZV-E1
Newly positioned in Sony’s ZV vlog camera line-up, the ZV-E1 boasts a 12MP full-frame image sensor, Sony’s latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, a dedicated AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit, compatibility with over 70 Sony E-mount lenses, and other advanced technologies for capturing cinematic imagery with rich colors, low noise, and high precision. The ZV-E1 is defined (by Sony) as the world’s most compact, lightweight full-frame interchangeable lens camera. The goal is the offered mobility, with a delicate operation to give video creators ‘maximum creative freedom and versatility’. Explore the commercial below:
Providing the cinematic look & feel for vlogging
The ZV-E1 has a smaller form than the EV-10 and the cinema-style inner workings of the a7S III. As explained, its full-frame E-mount makes it one of the most miniature cameras with an interchangeable lens mount around. Some of the benefits of the ZV-E1 include a cinematic bokeh, 15+ stops of dynamic range, 5-axis stabilization, AI-based auto-framing, AF assist, multiple mic options, USB streaming, dust, and moisture-resistant housing, Key highlights are below:
- Designed for Content Creators
- 12MP Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- UHD 4K 120p / FHD 240p / 10-Bit 4:2:2
- 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- 15+ Stops Dynamic Range, AI Auto-Framing
- Multi-Face Recognition, Time-Lapse
- Product Showcase Setting
- S-Log3, S-Gamut3, S-Cinetone, User LUTs
- Extended ISO 80-409,600
- Internal Mic + Inputs, USB Streaming
FF and affordable price
“The ZV-E1 has been designed to deliver a premium content creation tool for video creators who want to elevate their content,” says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We are constantly listening to feedback from our customers, pushing to innovate to meet their demands. We have taken all the information into mind with our development of this new camera – with more sophisticated video features, a streamlined user experience, and an extremely compact design, the ZV-E1 offers a whole new way for today’s creators to create top-level video content”. The camera’s price is $2,200, which is affordable for a full-frame camera.
Initial thoughts
Well, the ZV-E1 is made for vloggers. That’s what Sony says. We won’t be diving into the specs here. However, ZV-E1 incorporates some very neat features indeed. Nevertheless, it lacks crucial features related to cinematography and professional filmmaking (for that you have the Cinema Line), but it allows great aspects that simplify video creation which are essential to independent vloggers. The secret sauce here (not so secret) is the full-frame sensor, and that’s what Sony wants to sell here. A simple camera, that can be easily operated with the help of a bunch of cool AI AF functions, and thus granting junior filmmakers the cinematic look & feel out of the box. So vloggers can film themselves with the glory of the large format look. However, the question is if there’s a place to justify cinematic vlogging. Do you need a full-frame sensor for your vlog? And the answer is: Why not?
Take, for instance, the vlogger Marques Brownlee, which shoots his vlogs with RED Monstro 8K camera. Also, Linus Tech Tip uses top of a line RED Digital Cinema camera to film his vlogs. Hence, the term ‘Cinematic Vlogging’ is legit, and junior vloggers can start with the ZV-E1 and enjoy the style and advantages of the large format, even when uploading to TikTok.
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- Sony ZV-E1 Mirrorless Camera
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