Introducing the ZV-E1: A Revolutionary Vlog Camera
The world’s smallest, lightest full-frame interchangeable lens vlog camera
The ZV-E1 is a game-changer in the world of vlogging, offering exceptional portability and unparalleled creative capabilities. As the world's smallest and lightest full-frame interchangeable lens vlog camera, it provides vloggers with the freedom to shoot handheld or attach to a gimbal or drone for elevated shots.
Full-frame 12.1MP Exmor R sensor, optimized for 4K, sensitivity and speed
Capture stunning visuals with the ZV-E1's Full-frame 12.1 MP Exmor R image sensor optimized for 4K, delivering 15+ stops of latitude, low noise, high sensitivity, and full-frame bokeh. It's a revolutionary sensor that offers exceptional image quality, making it Sony's first vlog camera with such an impressive feature.
10-bit 4:2:2 recording with direct pixel readout, Long GOP or All Intra formats
With the ability to record 10-bit 4:2:2 video using Long GOP or All Intra compression, the ZV-E1 offers greater editing freedom and more natural gradations for fuller, more professional-looking videos.
Create memorable imagery with ease with Cinematic Vlog Setting
The Cinematic Vlog Setting is another unique feature of the ZV-E1. It provides an intuitive way to create cinematic vlog footage that ideally matches the scene and creative intent. By choosing a Look, Mood, and AF transition speed, you can create scenes that look like they're straight out of a feature film. The Cinematic Vlog Setting includes "Look" options such as S-Cinetone that can enhance skin tones, "Mood" options that can emphasize specific colors, and AF transition speed that determines how quickly autofocus will switch between subjects. The overall cinematic feel is further enhanced by the use of a 24 fps frame rate and the widescreen Cinemascope aspect ratio (2.35:1) with black bands above and below the image.
Dedicated AI Processor and Real-time Recognition for accurate subject tracking
One of the most innovative features of the ZV-E1 is its AI processing unit. It uses subject form data to accurately recognize movement, providing an improvement of approximately 60% in human eye recognition. Human pose estimation technology recognizes body and head position, making it easier than ever to shoot smooth, stable vlog footage while moving around for bold, dynamic expression.
IBIS, Framing Stabilizer, and AI Autoframing
The ZV-E1 also features 5-axis in-body image stabilization and Dynamic Active Mode, which work in conjunction to achieve approximately 30% more effective compensation than previous models. The Framing Stabilizer feature automatically keeps the subject's position in the frame constant, even when walking alongside the subject. Additionally, the Ai-based Auto Framing feature automatically crops the frame to keep the subject in a prominent position when shooting movies, giving the impression that the subject is being followed by an experienced operator, while any other subject can be selected for tracking by touching it on the camera’s monitor or the Creators' App on a smartphone.
Multiple Face Recognition automatically optimizes depth of field for selfies or groups
With its AI-based subject recognition, the ZV-E1 camera can automatically determine the number of faces in the frame and adjust the focus and aperture accordingly when taking selfies or group portraits. This ensures accurate focus and full use of the camera's artistic bokeh, even when several people are entering or leaving the scene. No manual adjustment is required, and the camera can smoothly adjust aperture as needed, allowing the user to capture natural expressions with ease.
Intelligent 3 Capsule internal microphone with variable directivity
The ZV-E1 camera features a high-performance 3-capsule microphone with variable directivity that can capture clear audio in outdoor situations where wind and environmental noise can be a problem. The microphone is designed to clearly capture the voice of the main subject, and depending on the shoot, the user can set the microphone's directivity to Front, Rear, or All Directions. In Auto mode, the camera automatically selects either Front or All Directions directivity according to the current subject recognition and tracking status.
Picture Profile with support for imported LUT files for monitoring and recording
The ZV-E1 camera allows custom user LUT files in .cube format to be imported and assigned to Picture Profiles. This enables the use of LUTs for monitoring while shooting and creates specific looks when shooting in modes other than preset looks. The look is recorded in-camera, reducing the need for color correction in post-processing.
Compatible with all Sony E-mount lenses for comprehensive creativity
The ZV-E1 camera is compatible with all E-mount lenses, including the superlative G Master series with its stunning resolution and world-class bokeh. A range of focal lengths, from 12 mm to 1200 mm, offers users outstanding creative control.
Upgrade from 4K 60p to 4K 120p internal recording for up to 5x slow motion
With in-camera 4K recording at up to 120 frames per second, the ZV-E1 camera offers extraordinarily smooth 5x (max.) slow-motion imagery at QFHD resolution with autofocus, providing new expressive capability. When using the XAVC S format, up to 10x slow motion with Full HD resolution is possible at 240 fps (24p recording), offering fresh perspectives on dynamic sports and other types of action.
Natural skin tones, Soft Skin Effect and background bokeh control
The ZV-E1 camera ensures consistent rendering of the colors and textures of human skin and foliage, even in challenging lighting conditions. Improved gradation rendering produces better skin tones and highlight roll-off in portraits, while the Soft Skin Effect smooths out small wrinkles and blemishes and adds clarity around the eyes and mouth. When you want to emphasize your main subject, a press of the Bokeh Switch creates impressive full-frame background defocus.
My Image Style directly recalls 4 key parameters to create expressive imagery
When shooting in the Intelligent Auto or Scene Selection mode, the ZV-E1 camera makes it easy to directly adjust background bokeh, brightness, and color tone, as well as select a Creative Look. This provides an intuitive way to create expressive imagery without having to be familiar with technical details such as F stops, exposure compensation, or color temperature.
Product Showcase Setting focuses on highlighted items for product reviews
If you're creating product review videos, you'll love the Product Showcase Setting. This feature makes it easy to smoothly switch focus from your face to a product held in front of the lens, and back to your face again when the product is moved away. The setting can be turned on or off with the press of a button, making it a convenient feature to use when you need it.
S-Gamut3.Cine/S-Log3 and S-Gamut3/S-Log3 advanced color science
The ZV-E1 camera also features advanced color science, including S-Gamut3.Cine/S-Log3 and S-Gamut3/S-Log3. These color spaces provide enhanced color reproduction, making it easier to achieve the look you want in your videos. The combination of S-Gamut3.Cine and S-Log3 allows for easier color grading in the DCI-P3 or 709 video color space, and the camera's flexible ISO Log shooting mode gives you greater freedom to adjust exposure settings.
Flexible ISO Log shooting mode for greater exposure setting freedom
With the ZV-E1's Flexible ISO Log shooting mode, you can adjust ISO sensitivity based on the brightness of the scene, while setting aperture and shutter speed manually. This feature gives you greater control over your exposure settings, with ISO levels ranging from 640 to 102400 (or 160 to 409600 in expanded ISO mode).
Breathing Compensation function suppresses image shifts while focusing
The Breathing Compensation function on the ZV-E1 camera helps to minimize focus breathing, which can cause changes in angle of view when focusing while recording movies. With Sony's original Clear Image Zoom technology, you can maintain a consistent angle of view while focusing, resulting in smooth and dramatic focusing effects.
Metadata facilitates editing in Catalyst Browse
The ZV-E1 camera records image stabilization and camera rotation metadata, which can be useful when editing in the Catalyst Browse desktop application. This metadata allows the recorded footage to be displayed with the corresponding rotation, eliminating the need to rotate the footage beforehand. Lens breathing compensation can also be applied during editing, making it easier to achieve the look you want.
In-camera Time-lapse creation to capture unforgettable moments
With the ZV-E1's in-camera Time-lapse creation feature, you can easily create time-lapse sequences that show the movements of people or cities in time-compressed form. The exposure interval can be set from 1 second to 60 seconds, allowing you to capture slow action in an enjoyable time-lapse sequence. And when a compatible video light is attached to the camera, it can be set to turn on just before each exposure, allowing you to shoot time-lapse sequences in low-light situations.
Creative, versatile zoom control by conveniently accessed zoom lever
The zoom lever on the ZV-E1 camera allows for creative and versatile zoom control. This feature not only controls compatible powered zoom lenses, but also allows Clear Image Zoom to be used with unpowered zoom and prime lenses with less image degradation. Real-time Recognition AF, Real-time Tracking, and focus area settings remain active while zooming digitally or with Clear Image Zoom, ensuring that the full precision and speed of the camera’s phase-detection AF system is never lost.
Multi Interface (MI) Shoe with Digital Audio Interface for External Microphones
Capture high-quality audio for your videos with ease using the ZV-E1 camera's Multi Interface (MI) Shoe. The camera supports a digital audio interface that directly transfers audio to the camera in digital form, resulting in minimal degradation and superior audio quality. Since no cables or batteries are required, vloggers and moviemakers can enjoy unrestrained freedom when using other MI shoe accessories.
Easy, Stable Smartphone Connectivity
The ZV-E1 camera greatly improves connection stability when transferring images to the Creators' App on a smartphone. Even if the smartphone display sleeps or a different app is launched, transfers will continue in the background. This workflow improvement allows for seamless shooting to sharing.
Simplified, Intuitive Touch Operations on LCD Panel
Control your shooting mode and Cinematic Vlog Setting with ease by swiping the left or right edge of the monitor display, revealing touch function icons at the top. Swiping up on the monitor will display the function (Fn) menu. Refinements such as exposure compensation and white balance touch-control icons have been added to the existing F-stop, shutter speed, and ISO icons at the bottom of the monitor display.
High-Quality Live Streaming
The ZV-E1 camera offers the possibility of live streaming at up to 4K 30p, with UVC/UAC support. By connecting the camera to a personal computer or smartphone via USB, it can function as a 4K (2160p) webcam. Take advantage of the camera's features, such as narrow depth of field, optical zoom, Intelligent 3 Capsule Microphone, Face Priority AE, and Eye AF, to add a new dimension to online meetings, live events, or even conversations with family and friends.
Quick Access to Frequently Used Menu Items
The ZV-E1 camera provides quick access to frequently used items, such as frame rate, shutter speed, and other essential shooting parameters, via a list-style main menu. You can assign the display of this menu to a custom button so that parameters can be quickly checked and edited prior to shooting. Separate main menus optimized for movies and stills are available.
Simple, Convenient Operation for Stress-Free Shooting
Designed with convenient shooting of selfies and vlogs in mind, the ZV-E1 camera features a side-opening vari-angle LCD screen and major controls that are easy to reach. The LCD screen allows you to check framing from just about any angle, while the REC button, Still/Movie/S&Q selector, custom buttons, and other controls on the camera's top panel are laid out for easy access and operation.
High-capacity Z Series Battery
The ZV-E1 camera uses Sony's high-capacity Z battery, which has been designed to optimize power economy under all shooting conditions. This ensures that the camera has a better power performance, as the image processing engine, image sensor, and related circuitry are all designed to work together to save power.
Optional Accessories to Make the Most of Vlogging
To improve the sound quality of your vlog, the ZV-E1 camera comes with an optional external microphone that can be easily attached to the camera's microphone jack. Additionally, you can use the optional GP-VPT2BT Shooting Grip with Wireless Remote Commander to operate the camera smoothly with one hand. The grip also features easily accessible zoom and still/movie shooting controls and can be used as a tripod.
Convenient Features for Confident Shooting
The ZV-E1 camera comes with convenient features that allow you to shoot with confidence. One such feature is the recording tally lamp located on the front of the camera, which allows you to easily see when the camera is recording. Additionally, the camera also comes with a self-timer for movie shooting, with a countdown indicator prominently displayed in the center of the screen, allowing you to record only the required footage.
Dust and Moisture Resistant Design for Use in Challenging Conditions
The ZV-E1 camera has been designed to withstand challenging outdoor conditions. The sealing around all buttons and dials, combined with the tongue-and-groove structure of all body seams, provides double protection against dust and moisture. The effective sealing throughout the camera contributes to its outstanding resistance to challenging outdoor conditions.
Creator’s Cloud Platform
The Creator's Cloud platform is a place for discovery and collaboration with other creators worldwide. It supports creative work from shooting to production, combining advanced Sony camera technology with cloud-based AI. The platform provides web, mobile, and PC-based apps that integrate cameras with shooting and production apps and services, providing efficient solutions.
Accessibility Features That Facilitate Operation
The ZV-E1 camera includes accessibility features that facilitate operation in several ways, including screen reader functionality for the visually impaired. When the screen reader function is activated, text on the menu screens is read aloud, and the reading speed and volume can be adjusted as required. Additionally, the camera has functions that assist in achieving pinpoint focus on various subjects.
Recycled Materials in Digital Cameras
The ZV-E1 camera uses repeatedly recyclable, durable, high-quality SORPLAS™ material, which contains no non-recyclable resources. Sony uses SORPLAS and other recyclable materials in camera bodies as much as possible, reducing the environmental impact without compromising performance or functionality in any way.
Environment-Friendly Packaging and Non-Plastic Materials
Sony's durable, recyclable "Original Blend Material," made from bamboo, sugar cane, and recycled paper, is used for the ZV-E1 camera's outer packaging to minimize environmental stress. Additionally, Sony is working towards using non-plastic packaging materials that provide ample protection against shock and impact. Plant-based non-woven fabrics are also used for product bags.
Camera
Camera Format
Full Frame
Lens Mount
Sony E-Mount
Image Sensor
Image Sensor Type
Exmor R CMOS sensor
Image Sensor Size
35.6 x 23.8mm
Total Pixels
12.9 MP
Effective Pixels
12.1 MP
ISO Sensitivity
80-102,400
Extended ISO Sensitivity
40-409,600
Stabilization
5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization, Dynamic Active Digital Stabilzation
Fast Hybrid AF (phase-detection AF / contrast-detection AF)
Autofocus Points
Still Images: 759 Phase-Detection Points Movies: 425 Phase-Detection Points
Autofocus Sensitivity
EV -6 to 20
Recognition Target
Human, Animal, Bird, Insect, Car, Train, Airplane
Other Features
AF Track Sens. (Still), AF Subj. Shift Sensitivity (Movie), AF Transition Speed (Movie), Switch V/H AF Area, AF Area Regist., Circ. of Focus Point, Focus Map (Movie), AF Assist (Movie)
Shutter
Shutter Speed
Electronic: 1/8000 to 30 sec
Continuous Shooting
Hi+: 10 fps Hi: 8 fps Mid: 6 fps Lo: 3 fps
Self Timer
10/5/2 sec. delay Continuous self-timer Bracketing self-timer
Interval Recording
Yes
Flash
Built-in Flash
No
Flash Compensation
+/- 3.0 EV (switchable between 1/3 and 1/2 EV steps)
Control
Pre-flash TTL
Flash Sync. Speed
1/30 s (35mm full frame), 1/60 s (APS-C)
Video
File Formats
XAVC S XVAVC HS PP1-PP10
Video Quality and Frame Rates
XAVC HS 4K (3840 x 2160, 4:2:2 10bit): 59.94p/50p/30p/25p/24p (50 to 200Mbps) XAVC HS 4K (3840 x 2160, 4:2:0 10bit): 59.94p/50p/30p/25p/24p (30 to 150Mbps) XAVC S 4K (3840 x 2160, 4:2:2 10bit): 59.94p/50p/30p/25p/24p (100 to 200Mbps) XAVC S 4K (3840 x 2160, 4:2:0 8bit): 59.94p/50p/30p/25p/24p (60 to 500Mbps) XAVC S HD (1920 x 1080, 4:2:2 10bit): 59.94p/50p/30p/25p/24p (50Mbps) XAVC S HD (1920 x 1080, 4:2:0 8bit): 120p/100p/59.94p/50p/30p/25p/24p (16 to 100Mbps) XAVC S-I 4K (3840 x 2160, 4:2:2 10bit): 59.94p/50p/30p/25p/24p (240 to 600Mbps) XAVC S-I HD (1920 x 1080, 4:2:2 10bit): 59.94p/50p/30p/25p/24p (89 to 222Mbps) Slow & Quick Motion (S&Q): 240p/200p/120p/59.94p/50p/30p/25p/15p/12p/8p/6p/4p/3p/2p/1p