The ZV-1 has been a extremely popular compact digicam for Sony since its launch again in 2020, providing plenty of options designed particularly for vlogging and content material creation. Now the brand new Mark II model of the ZV-1 has been launched in Might 2023.
So how does the brand new ZV1 II differ from the unique ZV1, and which of those cameras is the fitting one for you?
We’re bringing you this in-depth Sony ZV-1 II vs Sony ZV-1 head-to-head comparability that can assist you select between them.
Sensor
Each the ZV-1 and the ZV-1 II use precisely the identical 20.1 megapixel, 1-inch stacked Exmor RS stacked sensor, so the picture high quality is similar.
The stacked Exmor RS sensor in these fashions offers them some benefits over the APS-C sensor ZV-E10 digicam, primarily in burst capturing and slow-motion video capabilities (extra on these beneath).
Processor
Each cameras use precisely the identical highly effective Bionz X picture processor, which permits them to shoot at as much as 24 photos per second utilizing the digital shutter!
ISO Velocity
The ISO vary of the Sony ZV-1 and ZV-1 II is similar, ISO 100 to ISO 12,800, which could be expanded by one cease to 25,600 utilizing the particular Multi Noise Discount mode.
Lens
That is the one greatest distinction between these two cameras.
The unique ZV-1 has a 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 equal non-removable zoom lens, as beforehand seen on the favored RX100 sequence (the RX100 IV to be particular).
The brand new ZV-1 II has a a lot wider 18-50mm f/1.8-4 equal zoom lens that is higher suited to vlogging, notably when holding the digicam at arm’s size for selfie recording and group photographs.
We have been barely essential of the 24mm lens in our Sony ZV-1 evaluate, so it is nice to see Sony listening to suggestions and implementing this important change within the 2023 Mark II model.
There are some tradeoffs, although, with the zoom vary being noticeably shorter – 50mm versus 70mm – and the utmost aperture being a cease slower on the telephoto finish – f/4 versus f/2.8 – each of which can make it more durable to throw the background out of focus when capturing on the 50mm focal size than on the earlier digicam.
Sony do present the Clear Picture Zoom digital zoom operate on the ZV-1 II which will increase the focal vary from 50-100mm “with none considerable loss in picture high quality”.
On the ZV-1 II the zoom could be operated by utilizing the touchscreen along with utilizing the bodily rocker swap on prime of the digicam, with selectable zoom steps working from 1x / 1.5x / 2x / 4x plus icons for W (wide-angle) and T (telephoto) to rapidly change the angle of view on the press of an onscreen icon.
Autofocus
Each cameras have the identical hybrid auto-focus system with 315 section detection and 425 distinction detection AF factors.
Each of them additionally provide Sony’s glorious real-time monitoring system, together with Eye AF for people/animals for stills and people for video, plus the Face Precedence autoexposure (AE) operate, which detects and prioritises the topic’s face and adjusts the publicity to make sure the face is depicted at a really perfect brightness.
New to the ZV-1 II is the Multi-face Recognition mode which has trickled down from the just lately launched ZV-E1 full-frame digicam.
On this mode the ZV1 II will routinely cease down the aperture when one other individual comes into the body to assist make sure that all of the individuals are in focus, fairly than simply the unique one, which is a good function for group selfies the place you need everybody to be in focus.
Additionally new to the Mark II model is animal AF tacking within the film mode – on the ZV-1 it is restricted to stills capturing solely.
Video
The core video specs of the 2 cameras are basically the identical.
So on each the Sony ZV-1 II and the ZV-1, video could be recorded in 4K decision at as much as 30fps, while Full HD could be recorded at as much as 100/120fps relying on whether or not you’ve got chosen the PAL or NTSC format.
Each fashions function Sony’s S-Log2 and S-Log3 gamma and HLG curves which allow them to document larger dynamic vary.
Sony have added the Cinematic Vlog setting from the ZV-E1 to the brand new ZV-1 II mannequin.
This lets you select from a spread of various cinematic Seems to be and Moods and mix them to your individual specific model. The ensuing video is the routinely shot within the widescreen Cinemascope facet ratio (2.35:1) at 24fps with black bands above and beneath the picture. for a real cinematic really feel, all by merely choosing the Cinematic Vlog possibility.
Sony’s vary of Image Profiles are additionally current and proper, which means you possibly can match the footage shot with the ZV-1 II or ZV-1 with higher-end cameras such because the A7 IV.
New to the ZV-1 II are a choice of 10 totally different Artistic Seems to be, once more inherited kind the ZV-1 E1.
The stacked sensor moreover offers each cameras the flexibility to supply particular HFR modes the place you possibly can shoot quick video clips at 250, 500 or 1000fps, with footage then saved at 25fps for tremendous sluggish movement playback.
Audio
Sony have improved the microphone high quality on the brand new Z-V1 II when in comparison with the unique mannequin.
The upgraded clever 3-capsule mic from the ZV-E10 now gives three totally different settings – entrance, rear and all instructions – so that you’ve got extra management over the sound recording relying on the place your topic. is positioned.
It additionally sports activities a wind discount design with a removable Lifeless Cat wind defend supplied within the field. Clear voice isolation is nice for recording your voice and never the background, and there is additionally a devoted Multi Interface Shoe for an exterior microphone and different additional equipment.
Each cameras additionally provide an all necessary 3.5mm microphone enter, however there may be nonetheless no headphone output.
Vlogging Options
Each digicam’s provide Sony’s particular vlogger-friendly options – Background Defocus, Product Showcase and a Tally gentle.
Each have a Background Defocus button. For vloggers the goal of this button is to change between having the background blurred or clear. In photographic phrases it’s switching the aperture between the biggest accessible for the hooked up lens and a stopped down worth.
The Product Showcase mode is an autofocus mode that alerts the digicam to change the main target from an individual’s face to an object which may be held up in entrance of the digicam. It’s a well-liked YouTube approach for when wanting to point out an merchandise to the viewer, however on cameras with slower autofocus it could go away the main target fastened on the presenter’s face with the product out of focus, and vice versa. The Product Showcase mode solves that situation, including one other plus level for vlogging with these cameras.
A recording lamp (tally gentle) can also be supplied on the entrance face of the digicam physique for an at-a-glance indication of the present video recording standing, and a pink coloration recording alert sq. is displayed on the LCD display screen too (each could be turned off).
Stay Streaming
Stay streaming is feasible straight from each cameras just by connecting it to a pc or suitable cell gadget by way of USB, eliminating the necessity for a video seize card. This enables the digicam’s video and audio capabilities for use for stay social media and video conferencing. Each the UVC and UAC requirements are supported for improved image and sound high quality throughout streaming.
ND Filter
Each of those cameras have a built-in ND filter – the Z-V1 has a 2-stop filter and the Z-V1 II has a barely stronger 3-stop filter.
An ND filter lets you shoot at bigger apertures on shiny days, which is extraordinarily helpful when capturing video and attempting to stay to the shutter velocity being double the body price rule.
Burst Taking pictures
Because of the stacked picture sensor, the Sony ZV-1 and Z-V II each provide a really quick most burst price of 24fps with steady AF/AE monitoring.
Physique and Design
The unique ZV1 and 2023’s ZV1 II cameras are nearly similar by way of their exterior design, other than the totally different zoom lens and an enormous 2g in weight! (the Mark II model is lighter).
The place they differ is the onscreen controls, with the ZV-1 II offering a significantly improved and expanded smartphone-like consumer expertise that higher fits its target market.
You possibly can shoot completely utilizing the on-screen icons alongside the underside of the display screen, and a easy swipe-up from the underside rapidly accesses the Operate menu display screen which homes regularly used settings.
The entire similar exterior buttons and controls are the identical on each fashions, there’s simply much more touchscreen management accessible on the brand new Mark II model.
One necessary change is the flexibility to cost the ZV-1 II digicam by way of its USB-C port utilizing an exterior powerbank or comparable, one thing that was sorely missing on the unique model.
Additionally, in case you use the exterior Sony GP-VPT2BT Bluetooth capturing grip (which Sony strongly recommends), it not blocks the battery/reminiscence card compartment.
Climate Resistance
Neither the ZV1 II or the ZV1 provide any licensed degree of weather-sealing, so you may should be cautious and/or shield the digicam in inclement climate.
IBIS
Almost about stabilisation, there may be Optical Steadyshot built-in to the ZV-1’s and ZV-1 II’s lenses. This gives you a few stops additional to play with when taking nonetheless photos, and it’ll clean out the lightest of actions when capturing video.
Each cameras provide the choice to change on Energetic SteadyShot in video, which is a digital type of stabilisation. This crops in to the picture barely to offer the digicam so digitally transfer the picture body round to compensate for any bigger actions.
It really works very nicely, creating very secure footage when handholding and taking out all however the heaviest of footsteps when strolling. The catch is that due to the slight crop, in case you are vlogging your face will seem bigger when within the body.
We might counsel solely utilizing it when strolling or zooming in to point out one thing, and when presenting to digicam persist with utilizing the Commonplace Steadyshot mode.
Lastly, camera-shake metadata is recorded by the built-in gyro sensor that is inside each cameras, permitting handheld footage to be smoothed out and stabilised in post-production utilizing Sony’s Catalyst Browse / Catalyst Put together desktop software.
Viewfinder
Neither digicam has a viewfinder, so in case you do not get pleasure from utilizing an LCD display screen for composition, you may have to look elsewhere completely.
LCD Display
Each cameras have a 3-inch, 921,000 dot LCD display screen which is hinged to the aspect of the digicam and gives 180 diploma rotation.
This implies it may be flipped out to the aspect and rotated forwards by 180 levels for vlogging or self-portraits (or selfies as they’re now recognized), in addition to with the ability to fold the display screen in to the digicam physique to supply safety whenever you simply need to carry the digicam unfastened in a bag or pocket.
Reminiscence Playing cards
The ZV-1 and ZV-1 II each have a single reminiscence card slot which helps UHS-I sort SD playing cards.
Battery Life
Each cameras use the NP-BX1 battery, with battery life quoted as being between 45-75mins of video or 260 stills.
Value
The older Sony ZV-1 is priced at £700 within the UK and $800 within the US.
The brand new Sony ZV-1 II prices €1000 in Europe, £XXX within the UK and $XXX within the US.
Conclusion
The brand new Sony ZV-1 II and older ZV-1 are each glorious vlogging choices, with the previous bettering on the latter principally by widening the lens, enhancing the display screen operability and enabling energy supply by way of the USB-C port.
With the ZV-1 persevering with within the vary, are these upgrades sufficient to justify the additional money for the brand new 2023 model?
So what do you assume? Would you select the Sony ZV-1 II or the Sony ZV-1, and why? Depart a remark beneath!