Sony ZV-E1 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

Sony ZV-E1 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera Summary

Sony’s most powerful interchangeable-lens vlog camera has arrived in the form of the Sony ZV-E1, which builds on the award winning APS-C format ZV-E10. The ZV-E1 boasts the lightest and most compact full-frame body with IBIS in the world and combines cutting-edge technology, which is derived from flagship Sony E mount mirrorless cameras and pro video cameras.

The highly portable camera has been designed to help creators achieve truly stunning cinematic content for their audience, with the ability to use dozens of exceptional Sony mirrorless lenses. AI driven subject detection, stabilisation and tracking join a host of new and upgraded features, which ensure your vlogs are sharp, dynamic and result in expressive cinematic video.

You can record 4K/60p movies in 10-bit 4:2:2 (with 4K/120p coming soon), while harnessing 15+ stops of dynamic range from S-Cinetone and S-Log 3 profiles. New one-tap Cinematic vlog settings provide instant mood changes to your movies, while a new-generation digital audio interface has been added, and the 3-Capsule mic upgraded to capture more dynamic audio from multiple directions.

The Sony ZV-E1 also brings USB streaming capabilities and a range of connectivity options, in order to share your content seamlessly to the world’s most popular social channels.

Key Sony ZV-E1 Features

• Full-frame 12.1-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor with 15+ stops of dynamic range
• High-speed BIONZ XR image processor
• ISO 80-102,400 (expanded ISO up to 409,600)
• Flagship cinematic image quality with 10-bit 4:2:2 recording capability
• S-Cinetone / S-Log 3 with assignable LUTs derived from Sony cinema cameras
• Record full-frame 4K video without pixel binning and 4K/60p for slow motion playback
• Firmware coming June 2023 introduces 4K/120p (with 10% crop) and Full HD/240p in S&Q
• Single touch cinematic vlog setting, product showcase mode
• Fully customisable focus performance
• Improved subject detection powered by a dedicated AI processing unit
• AI powered Auto Framing feature for movies
• Stable vlogging with Active and Dynamic Active image stabilisation
• Up to 2x digital zooming in Full HD and 1.5x in 4K with Clear Image Zoom
• Improved menu operation with new image styles
• Upgraded 3-Capsule Mic for changing directivity with front, rear and all direction audio
• Updated ergonomics include a Tally Lamp, Red REC button, S&Q switch, Vari-angle LCD and REC display with red border
• Inputs include 3.5mm audio, headphone socket. Micro HDMI, USB-C and Single SD card slot

Sony ZV-E1 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera in More Detail

Powerful sensor and processor

In its core, the ZV-E1 hosts a full-frame 12.1-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, which is combined with the powerful BIONZ XR image processor. These deliver fast readout speeds and superb low light performance with a native ISO range of 80-102,400, with the processor measured to provide 8x greater processing performance than its predecessor.

Exmor R sensors position the wiring and photodiodes opposite to regular sensors, which reduces light obstruction from the wiring layer and allows smaller sensors to have higher resolutions without decreasing light sensitivity. The result is a camera which excels at low light shooting, comparable to the class-leading Sony A7S III.

World’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera with stabilisation

On-the-go content creation has never been so easy with a camera which measures just 72mm wide x 54mm deep (and weighs 399g), which is even smaller than the A7C. Despite these compact dimensions you can experience the full force of technology available to Sony, with active and dynamic stabilisation, 5-axis IBIS, focus breathing compatibility and much more This ensures you can bring the camera to any location with any lens and accessory whilst still remaining as lightweight and portable as possible.

Professional video quality

Capturing your audiences imagination takes creativity and high-quality vlogs, which the ZV-E1 delivers through 4K recording without pixel binning. This can be captured as fast as 4K/60p in 10-bit 4:2:2 All-Intra rendering, which is set to rise to 4K/120p (with 10% crop) and Full HD/240p using S&Q, following a firmware update due July 2023.

Sony has also added the ability to record in S-Cinetone / S-Log 3 with assignable LUTs which results in 15+ stops of dynamic range and endless latitude for colour grading during post production.

Cinematic vlog settings at a single touch

The premium movie theme continues with the addition of ’Cinematic Vlog Setting’ presets, which includes five looks and four S-Cinetone moods (auto, gold, ocean and forest), that can be activated with ease. These automatically adjust settings such as saturation, contrast and more through:

• Cinematic – which adjusts the aspect ratio, frame rate, S-Cinetone look and AF transmission speed
• Clean
• Chic
• Fresh
• B&W

These are available by simply tapping the corresponding selection on the LCD screen to render instant mood changes to suit every moment.

Fully customisable focusing

The ZV-E1 offers the ability to set focus performance with focus breathing compensation, focus mapping and AF assist features. These allow you to take control over AF transition speed and subject shift sensitivity to achieve the look you want for every movie.

Cutting edge subject recognition powered by AI

Sony has significantly improved subject detection, which is now powered by AI with evolved AF and Real Time tracking, which includes Face, Face / Eyes and Human pose estimation. A dedicated AI processing unit developed for the flagship high resolution A7R V camera is utilised, which recognises humans with human pose estimation, by using deep learning.

This helps achieve incredibly accurate AF through Nose, Eye, Ear, Neck, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Hip, Knee and Ankle subject detection, ensuring your subject is sharp whichever direction they move or look, even if the face is covered. Aside from humans the camera also recognises birds, cars and trains, airplanes and insects so you can capture a huge range of subjects more confidently.

Framing stabiliser and Auto framing for movies

Thanks to the new AI processor the Sony ZV-E1 Camera recognises the position of your subject within the frame, in order to automatically crop around the body edges. The subject can be kept in a fixed position in the frame, even when you’re walking alongside and moving erratically.

The Auto Framing feature automatically crops the fame to keep your subject in the prominent position for an entirely new shooting experience which leaves you free to focus on content. This is ideal is diverse situations such as for interviews, music concerts and performances, as well as cooking vlogs and much more. Simply tap on the subject on the LCD screen and Auto Framing begins, or it can be set to start as soon as the subject is recognised, and after a certain duration.

These new AI-driven features can also be customised through crop level, framing tracking speed and sensitivity to get the perfect style for your video. Multiple face recognition is another new feature made for content creation. This automatically adjusts bokeh and focus when larger bokeh is not needed, by stopping the aperture automatically to achieve greater or shallower depth of field.

When recording with an external video recorder over HDMI the ZV-E1 is even able to record two types of images at the same time, with and without cropping. This can be controlled on the LCD or with your connected device, for limitless control over your results.

Advanced image stabilisation for smoother vlogs

Nobody enjoys watching juddering videos and vlogs, and Sony has upgraded the stabilisation system in the ZV-E1 vlog camera to help you capture smoother, stable footage.

Dynamic active mode facilitates handheld shooting in a wider variety of situations, which is perfect for faster movements and casual run-and-gun shooting. Optical active mode has been upgraded to provide increased stabilisation in other situations and the camera is compatible with electronic image stabilisation, which crops into the scene slightly.

S-Log profile and assignable LUTs

The ability to import Lookup Tables (LUTs) when shooting movies ensures your footage is as professional looking as high-end Cinema cameras. LUTS can also provide a more accurate preview of how the final footage will look, which is especially useful when using an external monitor / recorder.

Enhanced 3-Capsule Microphone

When vlogging and moviemaking sound often comes from different directions and Sony has upgraded the mic with selectable directivity which can be set to front, rear and all directions. This helps to capture dynamic, accurate and clear audio wherever your subject is positioned. Alternatively you can add your own external microphone to achieve the precise audio you want for your movies.

Updated menu navigation

The ZV-E1 introduces quick access intuitive operation with just the press of a button or a touch on the LCD screen with a new feature called ‘My Image Style’. This instantly changes settings such as background defocus, brightness, colour and the creative look by simply touching the icon.

Stills photography modes

Aside from excelling at video, the ZV-E1 is also a capable stills camera and hybrid creators are able to capture images in a variety of formats including HEIF and 14-bit RAW at 12.1 megapixels. Alongside advanced AF for video, 759 phase-detection AF points are used when capturing photos to help gain sharp results, and the camera is able to focus down to -3 EV for low light shooting.

Native ISO is a versatile ISO 80 - 102400 for a huge range of lighting conditions and the shutter speed is equally versatile at 1/8000 to 30 s. For faster moving subjects the ZV-E1 is able to shoot at up to 10 fps in Hi+ mode, with a buffer which captures over 1000 frames in RAW (Lossless Compressed). The Sony NP-FZ100 battery also provides impressive performance for stills and video, with a CIPA rated 570 shots

Easy-to-use ergonomics

Camera ergonomics are refined and updated across the body for easier, error-free vlogging and additional control. These include the positioning of the Tally Lamp, a Zoom Lever, large REC button and a toggle-through Stills / Movie and S&Q switch.

The bright vari-angle LCD screen also features a distinctive red border alerting you to live recording, which works perfectly when paired with the Sony GP-VPT2BT Shooting Grip.

Versatile connectivity for today’s creator

Camera connectivity includes:

• 3.5mm audio jack for a video microphone
• USB-C which supports power delivery
• An SD memory card slot
• Micro HDMI port (Type-D)
• Headphone jack

Seamless ways to share your content

The Sony ZV-E1 offers numerous ways to share your content and reach your audience. These include stable smartphone connectivity with full transfers and top-notch live streaming at 4K/30p and Full HD 60p UVC/UAC via a USB connection.

You can also access Creators Cloud, which adds cloud-based AI to your productions and is a great place to collaborate and share with other creators worldwide.

Huge range of Sony E mount lenses

The huge range of Sony mirrorless lenses complements every style of photography and videography, from low light primes with a fast aperture to dedicated cine lenses for advanced cinematography. Using native E mount lenses for video brings significant benefits, from focus and zoom to image stabilisation and iris control, as well as breathing compensation, but you can also choose from any number of third party lenses. The Sony ZV-E1 Kit with 28-60mm f/4-5.6 Zoom Lens is also available for creators who want a versatile lens included from the outset.

What’s in the box

• Sony ZV-E1 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
• Rechargeable Battery NP-FZ100
• Shoulder strap
• Wind Screen
• Wind Screen Adaptor
• Body cap
• Accessory shoe cap

Sony ZV-E1 Sample photos

Sony ZV-E1 with FE 20-70mm F/4 G Lens (no EXIF)