Sony ZV-E1

Content creators have become a key segment in the mirrorless camera industry, and Sony fully embraced them back in 2020 with the launch of the ZV1 camera. It has since added no less than four models to its ZV lineup, with the latest being the 12-megapixel full-frame ZV-E1 — its most capable model by far.

A serious step up for vlogging and drone photography.

The ZV-E1 becomes Sony’s most powerful consumer camera aimed at video content creators, delivering the quality and frame rates of the A7S III in a smaller, more affordable body with the benefits of genuinely improved stabilisation, a better quality built-in mic, and a bunch of cunning modes to make filming easier, especially if you’re a team of one. It also becomes one of the most affordable full-framers with 4k 120p, and for the new modes, I especially enjoyed auto framing. But it’s a real missed opportunity not to offer a vertical crop option with Auto Framing, especially if coupled with Open Gate recording. There’s also no getting away from the price, which is getting on for three times that of earlier models in the series. Sure, it’s still a cheaper way to enjoy the excellent A7S III sensor with some more vlog-friendly modes, but as a compact ZV camera, you’re limited to a single card slot, Micro HDMI port and potentially shorter recording times. These may not be a big deal in the sub-$800 category, but when a camera costs over two grand, you become more critical. There are of course plenty of alternatives at a roughly similar price, albeit aimed more at a hybrid owner, including Sony’s own A7 IV, Canon’s EOS R6 and Panasonic’s Lumix S5 II. All deliver higher resolution photos with the benefit of dual card slots, mechanical shutters, longer recording times and built-in viewfinders, while two also sport full-size HDMI ports, with the Lumix additionally boasting Open Gate facilities. The ZV-E1 counters with 4k 120p, reduced rolling shutter, a better built-in mic, and those enhanced vlogging modes. It’s unashamedly aimed at videographers and especially one-person content creators. It’s certainly capable of great results, but ultimately you’ll need to weigh-up the pros and cons to see if it’s right for your personal needs.

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