Up your vlogging game with new Sony full-frame camera

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The new Sony ZV-E1 is designed for vloggers and other content creators.
The new Sony ZV-E1 is designed for vloggers and other content creators.
Photo: Sony Electronics

Sony Electronics unveiled its new full-frame 12MP ZV-E1 camera Wednesday. It takes its place at or near the top of the company’s growing ZV lineup of cameras for vloggers and other content creators.

At $2,200 it’s not cheap — a big step up from the company’s roughly $750 cameras for content creators — for but it could a key to making amateur content look professional.

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Sony ZV-E1 full-frame, interchangeable lens camera for video

The new ZV-E1, available in May, is an an interchangeable-lens camera with a 35mm, 12MP full-frame image sensor. Sony said it’s “the world’s most compact, lightweight full frame interchangeable lens camera.”

The new camera includes Sony’s latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, a dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) processor and compatibility with more than 70 Sony E-mount lenses.

“The ZV-E1 has been designed to deliver a premium content creation tool for video creators who want to elevate their content,” said Sony’s Yang Cheng, vice president, Imaging Solutions.

“With more sophisticated video features, a streamlined user experience and an extremely compact design, the ZV-E1 offers a whole new way for today’s creators to create top level video content,” she added.

Processing power

Sony said the new BIONZ XR image processing engine “markedly boosts high-sensitivity performance, gradation rendering, color reproduction, low-noise performance and more.” It packs eight times the power of previous versions.

The image processor’s high volume of data can process in real time, even when shooting 4K (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) footage at 120piv. The BIONZ XR processor also contributes to improved AF speed and precision, Sony said.

The camera, with 15+ stop latitude, is designed to perform well in a variety of lighting conditions. That includes “extraordinarily low light situations.”

Getting a cinematic look

To make your vlog content look like a feature film, the ZV-E1 offers Cinematic Vlog Settings. You can choose the Look, Mood and AF transition speed.

In addition, Sony’s S-Cinetone helps achieve a cinematic look directly from the camera without post-processing. “Based on Sony’s Cinema Line technology, S-Cinetone delivers natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin color to deliver cinematic quality,” the company said.

You can also select new, customizable Creative Looks to dictate the appearance of stills and video in the camera.

AI features

The ZV-E1 features a dedicated AI processing unit. It helps eliminate the need for a second shooter, Sony said. It adds AI human recognition, including newly developed features of Multiple Face Recognition, Auto Framing, Framing Stabilizer and even Auto Microphone directivity.

AI-based Auto Framing for video helps in recording interviews, music performances, cooking, and more. Using AI-based subject-recognition technology, Auto Framing automatically crops the frame to the user’s desired level, keeping the subject prominent.

Made for easy content creation

Sony said it designed the ZV-E1 for ease of use. It features a side-opening, vari-angle, 3-inch LCD Screen for easy monitoring, a touch function while recording to control layout. And it’s grip-optimized for content creation.

The new camera features uninterrupted power for extended recording. It comes from Sony’s high-capacity Z battery and USB power delivery that supports fast charging. The camera is ZV-E1 is dust- and moisture-resistant.

You can also stream live content while connected to a personal computer or smartphone via USB. The ZV-E1 can function as a 4K (2160p) webcam for online meetings and live events.

Pricing and availability

The new ZV-E1, with a choice of black or white bodies, ships in May 2023 for $2,199.99. A kit variation including the compact full-frame 28-60 mm F4.5-5.6 zoom lens is also available for an estimated retail price of $2,499.99.

Where to preorder: Sony or Amazon

Source: Sony

 

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