Sony ZV-1 II Vlogging Camera with New Zoom Lens Introduced

Camera News

by Florian MilzMay 23^rd, 2023

Sony just introduced a successor to the 1-inch-sensor ZV-1 vlogging camera. The new Sony ZV-1 II features a new and wider zoom lens with an 18-50mm equivalent focal range. Many functions from the flagship vlogging camera ZV-E1 have also found their way into the ZV-1 II. Product Showcase, Background Bokeh, Cinematic Vlog Settings, and more are now present in this less-expensive camera. Let’s see what the ZV-1 II is all about!

Sony is building on the existing lineup of vlogging cameras, from the ZV-1F and the ZV-1 (see our review), both with fixed lenses, to the interchangeable lens ZV-E10 and recently released ZV-E1, which we also reviewed. The Sony ZV-1 II aims to bring new software features and hardware improvements to an affordable vlogging camera.

ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 18-50mm f/1.8-4.0 lens

After feedback from ZV-1 users, Sony changed the zoom lens from the previous 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 to an 18-50mm f/1.8-4.0 in the ZV-1 II. The wider focal length makes vlogging much easier and also enables some new software features that the shorter focal lengths enable.

Electronic stabilization is available in “Active Mode” to keep your footage as stable as possible. Being electronic only, you have to accept a cropped field of view while you are filming, though.

The new lens sits in front of a 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS sensor, which enables video recording in 4K up to 30p and HD up to 120p. There is also a built-in ND filter for controlling your exposure without having to change shutter speed or ISO.

Multi-face recognition

Next to the “Product Showcase” and “Background Bokeh” features that were introduced in the ZV-E1, there is a new feature in the Sony ZV-1 II called multi-face recognition. This feature adjusts the iris (and therefore the depth of field) as soon as a second person enters the frame to keep both subjects in focus.

Phase-detection autofocus, with the ability to recognize and track humans and animals, helps keep things in focus.

CineVlog mode

Just like in the ZV-E1, the ZV-1 II also features Cinematic Vlog Mode, which will change the aspect ratio of your videos, and lets you select 5 different looks (like S-Cinetone) and 4 mood settings.

3-capsule mic with different directivity

There are 3 microphones built into the top of the ZV-1 II, which can be configured to capture better audio, depending on which direction the sound is coming from. You can record sound coming from the front, the rear, or all directions.

Built-in compatibility for the external ECM-G1 microphone using the MI-Shoe enables more options for audio capture.

Screen reader accessibility feature

An excellent feature for users with visual impairments is the Screen Reader function, which reads the menus and menu items out loud. As long as the camera menu is set to one of the following languages:

• English
• Spanish
• French
• German
• Portuguese
• Italian
• Japanese
• Simplified Chinese
• Traditional Chinese
• Korean

The Screen Reader feature can be enabled. You can also adjust the reading speed to 7 different speed settings.

Operation and connectivity

The ZV-1 features an improved touchscreen monitor, which now offers a “smartphone-like” experience. You can use the touch screen to adjust most of the common video settings, as well as adjust the focal length of the zoom lens.

The camera can connect to a smart device via Bluetooth and content can be controlled and transferred by using the Sony Creator’s App, and the camera’s software can be updated, too.

You can also use the Sony ZV-1 II as a webcam by simply connecting the camera to your computer with a USB-C cable.

Videos and images are stored on an SD card, and the ZV-1 II uses the same X-battery as the ZV-1 and ZV-1F. This battery allows for approximately 45 minutes of recording runtime. This new camera is also now 2 grams lighter than the ZV-1, weighing in at 292 grams (10.3 ounces).

The Sony ZV-1 II will be available in June 2023.

You can find more details on Sony’s website.

What’s your take on this camera? Do you think there’s a big market for an updated version of this vlogging wunderkind? Let us know in the comments below.