Sony ZV-1 II Review
We've aggregated 23 high-signal reviews and 2 live retailer prices below.
Our editorial take on the Sony ZV-1 II
The Sony ZV-1 II is a purpose-built vlogging compact that refines the formula of its predecessor with a significantly wider 18-50mm equivalent lens. This shift from the original's narrower focal length makes it easier to capture yourself and your surroundings without the contortions vloggers often face. The 20.1MP 1-inch sensor delivers sharp 4K30p video and handles low light well, particularly at wider focal lengths. The side flip-out touchscreen, dedicated audio features, and compact form factor make it a natural choice for content creators prioritizing ease of use over extensive manual control.
Reviewers consistently praise the ZV-1 II as one of the best compact vlogging cameras available, especially under $1,000. The wider lens is the standout improvement, though some note that photographers may find the original ZV-1 more versatile for stills work. Build quality and responsiveness earn positive marks, and the camera borrows useful features from Sony's higher-end ZV-E1. Battery life is modest at around 290 shots, and the lack of 4K60p or 4K120p may disappoint those chasing higher frame rates. Still, for casual to serious vloggers and social media creators, the ZV-1 II delivers strong video quality and thoughtful design in a portable package that outperforms smartphones.
- Wide 18-50mm equivalent lens ideal for solo vlogging and environmental framing
- Sharp 4K30p video with good low-light performance from 1-inch sensor
- Side flip-out touchscreen and compact, responsive body
- Strong audio features and connectivity for content creators
- Well-built with intuitive vlogging-focused controls
- Limited to 4K30p, no 60p or 120p options
- Modest battery life at approximately 290 shots
- Better suited for video than stills photography
- Digital-only image stabilization
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This article discusses why Sony adding 4K 120P video to the ZV-E1 is significant for content creators.
The Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera is an ultra-compact system designed to better appeal to the everyday content creator, borrowing a lot of tech from the RX100 but redesigned for vlogging.
The Sony ZV-1 Mark II is a slight evolution of its predecessor, offering a wider lens that's good for vlogging, but it mostly maintains the features that made the original ZV-1 popular. It's a solid choice for casual vlogging, but the original ZV-1 might be preferred for photography.
The new ZV-1 II is an $899.99 camera with a one-inch-type sensor, wider zoom lens than its predecessor, and various quality-of-life improvements over the ZV-1 of 2020. The ZV-1 II’s maximum aperture of f/1.8 is the same as the lens of the last-gen model, but by opting for a wider angle of 18mm, it’s much easier to get both yourself and your surroundings in frame.
My main takeaway is that the Sony ZV-1 is a near-perfect compact vlogging camera. It has everything you need to become a YouTube or Instagram star, including a flip-out display, a mic input and great audio and video quality, all in a compact body. And it’s a big upgrade from a smartphone.
For those who want the best the ZV series has to offer, the new ZV-E1 is for you. It promises the highest-quality video thanks to its 12.1-megapixel full-frame image sensor. As we will learn throughout this hands-on preview, Sony has not just “promised” high-end performance for top creators but has seemingly delivered it in spades.
The Sony ZV-1 II is a compact vlogging camera. The follow-up to the Sony ZV-1 features a new lens with a wider 18-50mm full-frame equivalent focal length that' ...
As cameras designed for vloggers, it's fair to say that the ZV-1 II and its predecessor focus more on video than stills. I wanted to see if the new Mark II could nonetheless serve the needs of a stills photographer looking for a sophisticated, connected compact camera. So I took the ZV-1 II out on the streets of Vancouver for a day.
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Specs
- Color
- Black
- Weight
- 9.4 oz / 266 g (Body Only); 10.3 oz / 292 g (With Recording Media)
- Battery
- 1x NP-BX1 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 3.6 VDC (Included); Approx. 290 Shots
- Aperture
- Maximum: f/1.8 to 4
- Wireless
- Bluetooth 4.2 / 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
- Focus Range
- 2" to / 5 cm to (Wide); 5.9" to / 15 cm to (Telephoto)
- Digital Zoom
- 4x Maximum; 1.5x Optimized
- Display Type
- Articulating 3" Touchscreen LCD
- Focal Length
- 6.9 to 17.6mm (35mm Equivalent: 18 to 50mm)
- Image Sensor
- 1"-Type CMOS
- Optical Zoom
- 2.7x
- Shutter Speed
- Electronic Shutter 1/32000 to 1
- Image Stabilization
- Digital (Video Only)
- Max Recording Modes
- H.264/MPEG-4 AVC 4:2:0 8-Bit Up to UHD 4K at 23.98/25/29.97 fps
- Built-In Flash/Light
- No
- ISO/Gain Sensitivity
- Native: 125 to 12,800 (80 to 12,800 Extended)
- Dimensions (W X H X D)
- 4.15 x 2.4 x 1.84" / 10.55 x 6 x 4.67 cm
- Media/Memory Card Slot
- Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo Hybrid
- Effective Sensor Resolution
- 20.1 Megapixel
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