sony has introduced a new camera focused on content creators: the Sony ZV-E1. It is a full frame of interchangeable objectives and with the smallest and lightest body in the world in its category.
The ZV-E1 is positioned as the new top of the range of the line for vlogging from Sony, and it is not for less. It combines a powerful sensorimproved capabilities thanks to the artificial intelligenceand the fact of being designed “first for video”with the needs of content creators in mind.
One of the main features that separates the ZV-E1 from its peers in the ZV line, and even from other models popular with vloggers (such as the Sony a7C), is the ability to record in 4K up to 60 FPS (frames per second) at the time of its release to the market, and up to 120fps in the near future thanks to a free firmware update via the platform Creators’ Cloud.
The Sony ZV-E1 has a Exmor R Full Frame CMOS sensor backlit with more than 15 steps of latitude and about 12.1 effective megapixels. This component promises high sensitivity, low noise level and a greater bokeh effect (blurred background) so sought after by many creators.
As for objectives, this new camera uses the Sony E mount system, which makes it compatible with more than 70 brand lenses (and many others from third parties). This makes it very versatile, being able to record with ultra wide angles of 12mm up to super telephoto lenses of 1,200mm.
Artificial intelligence is also present in the new Sony ZV-E1
At a time when artificial intelligence seems to be everywhere, image and video processing through these technologies could not be missing from the Sony ZV-E1.
Real-time AF (autofocus) recognition is supported by an AI processing unit that uses subject shape data to accurately recognize movement: Recognizes not only the eyes, but also the position of the body and head with high precision, making it possible to lock on and track the subject even when they are not looking at the camera or their face is covered.
The IA processing unit can differentiate even between several subjects with different postures and recognize faces individually. In addition to humans and animals, it is now also able to recognize birds, insects, cars, trains, and planes as subjects.
the sony ZV-E1 It features AI-based real-time tracking that can be activated by choosing a subject and half-pressing the shutter button. The camera will automatically follow, leaving the user free to focus on framing and composition.
On the other hand, the movement of the camera is detected and corrected effectively in 5 axes. Likewise, the image stabilization on the camera body can provide efficient stabilization with a wide variety of lenses, including E-mount lenses that do not have this built-in system.
Another notable feature is the AI-based auto framing for video, which automatically crops the image to keep your subject prominent when shooting video. Even leaving the camera stationary on a tripod, the frame constantly adjusts to follow the subject fluidly, which is a big help when one person is operating the equipment and the subject on the screen is moving.
The camera also has a multi-face recognition function that automatically adjusts bokeh. This is ideal for those cases where there is only one person speaking to the camera, and then a second person joins behind, preventing only the faces in front from being in focus while those in the back remain out of focus.
A common denominator in many video content creators is the desire to achieve cinematic image quality, but without having all the technical knowledge to achieve it. Not to blame them: many of them are cooks, painters, musicians, even carpenters! Videography is something that came into their lives much later.
the sony ZV-E1 has a feature that comes to the rescue: Cinematic Vlog settings. It is a very intuitive way to create scenes with the visual aesthetics of feature films thanks to different looks (aspects) and Moods (environments) predesigned.
between the different looks we find natural medium tones, as well as soft colors and intense brightness. We also have ‘Moods’ that enhance a specific color and the ability to control the autofocus transition speed.
The overall cinematic feel is increased with a 24 fps frame rate and the aspect ratio Cinemascope (2.35:1) –in widescreen and with black bands at the top and bottom of the image–. The latter is fixed in Cinematic Vlog mode, although it would be interesting if it could be adjusted as well.
And outside of these default functions, the camera allows recording in color profiles S-Gamut3.Cine/S-Log3 and S-Gamut3/S-Log3, as well as install LUTs for detailed color management.
Other notable features
With up to eight times more processing power than previous models, the image processing engine BIONZ XR promises to dramatically increase high-sensitivity performance, rendering gradation, color reproduction, low-noise performance, and much more. The large volume of data generated by the image sensor can be processed in real time, even when shooting 4K (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) at 120p.
He ISO standard range it goes from 80 to 102400 for both photography and video. The extended range for photos is from 40 to 409600, and the extended range for video is from 80 to 409600.
The Sony ZV-E1 can record internally 10-bit 4:2:2 video when Long GOP or All Intra compression is being used. It also supports internal intra-frame (All-I) recording and recording in the XAVC HS format using the MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec, which offers approximately twice the efficiency.
In addition, the camera records the image stabilization metadata and camera rotation, which can be useful when editing on the free desktop app Catalyst Browseor in Catalyst Prepare (paid), so users can stabilize shots during editing quickly and accurately.
Sony ZV-E1: price and availability
the new sony ZV-E1 will be available in April 2023 for an estimated price of €2,700 (body only). A price that is definitely not for those who are just starting out in the world of content creation, but for those who are looking at it professionally, it can be a very wise investment.