Sony has officially announced their latest vlogging-focused compact camera, the ZV-1. As you may recall from our previous article, images and specifications of the device were leaked soon after the company released a teaser for it last week.
As it turns out, the leaks covering the new device are mostly correct. The ZV-1 is indeed inspired by the Sony RX100 series in terms of features and is equipped with a 20MP 1-inch sensor, along with a fast 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens. The camera allows for 4K recording at up to 30fps with full pixel readout, and also 1080p at up to 120fps. On top of providing high quality imagery, its sensor also enables for excellent background bokeh and blurring when focusing on a subject.
The ZV-1 features Face Priority auto-exposure (AE) function with eye-tracking autofocus (AF), which will continuously track a person’s face throughout recording. This enables it to also automatically adjust to the correct exposure for faces even when the vlogger is walking through continuously changing lighting conditions. Another feature, as mentioned earlier, is the “background defocus” function that sets the aperture to its widest setting, thus producing a blurred background while the camera focuses on the vlogger.
The camera itself is not limited to just vlogging-oriented functionality. It also offers real-time AF tracking for regular video recording, and is able to take photos with shooting speeds of up to 20fps with AF and AE activated. Focusing on subjects can be easily determined by the user via touch-focus control on its vari-angle LCD display. The ZV-1 also features optical and electronic image stabilisation that smoothens out bumps and wobbles during recording.
As for audio, the new camera is equipped with a built-in 3-capsule microphone with noise reduction capability. Sony claims that it is capable of recording better audio quality than the built-in mics found on its other mirrorless or DSLR cameras. To further help with noise reduction and to muffle wind noise, the ZV-1 also comes with a windscreen accessory that covers the microphone. Other than that, it also includes a 3.5mm external microphone port and a micro-HDMI port.
The camera weighs in at approximately 294g, allowing users to easily hold it with one hand. Alternatively, they can also opt for grip accessories (sold separately) which also provides access to certain camera controls on the grips themselves.
Sony Malaysia has confirmed that the new ZV-1 compact camera will be available locally from July 2020. Pricing for the device will be announced at that time as well.
(Source: Sony Malaysia)
