Sony ZV-1 Mark II Review: Sony ZV-1 vs Sony ZV-1 M II (Worth Getting?)
Are you in the market for a new camera that can deliver professional-grade features in a compact, portable package?
Look no further than the Sony ZV-1 Mark II.
This camera is the perfect choice for vloggers, content creators, and anyone who wants to capture high-quality video and photos on the go.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the Sony ZV-1 Mark II, including what's new and improved, the camera's limitations, and its vital details.
We'll also compare the Sony ZV-1 Mark II to its predecessor, the Sony ZV-1, as well as the Sony ZV-1F, to help you decide which camera is the best fit for your needs.
So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, read on to discover everything you need to know about the Sony ZV-1 Mark II.
Sony ZV-1 II Review
Get ready to discover the latest upgrades and features of the newest addition to the ZV-1 family in this review.
The Sony ZV-1 II is a powerful camera that boasts several improvements that make it a serious contender in the market.
The ultra-wide 18-50mm zoom lens allows you to capture everything in the frame, while the large 1.0-type sensor ensures professional results even in low-light conditions.
The wide aperture F1.8-4.0 lens is perfect for creating beautifully defocused backgrounds, and the directional 3-Capsule mic with wind screen accessory ensures clear audio.
One of the standout features of the Sony ZV-1 II is its Realtime autofocus tracking and Eye-AF, which allows you to stay in focus no matter what the subject is doing.
The side-articulating touchscreen LCD makes it easy to compose selfie shots, and the easy touchscreen operation for frequently used features is a welcome addition.
The My Image Style feature lets you easily adjust brightness and color, and the Cinematic Vlog Setting adds a dramatic touch to your videos.
With 10 presets to match your style, the Creative Look feature is sure to impress.
Best Compact Vlogging Camera For Content Creators
Sony ZV-1 II Vlog Camera for Content Creators and Vloggers
Product Specs:
🗹 Ultra-wide 18-50mm zoom lens
🗹 Large 1.0-type sensor
🗹 Wide aperture F1.8-4.0 lens
🗹 Directional 3-Capsule mic with windscreen accessory
🗹 Realtime autofocus tracking and Eye-AF
🗹 Side-articulating touchscreen LCD
🗹 My Image Style feature
🗹 Cinematic Vlog Setting
🗹 10 presets with Creative Look feature
🗹 20.1MP 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor
🗹 4K video recording at 30p, 24p, and 25p, and Full HD recording at 120p
🗹 Compact and lightweight design with flip-out screen
Pros - Why We Love It
✅ Excellent autofocus tracking and Eye-AF
✅ Wide aperture lens for beautifully defocused backgrounds
✅ Built-in ND filter for shooting in bright outdoor conditions
✅ Clear audio with directional 3-Capsule mic and wind screen accessory
✅ Easy touchscreen operation for frequently used features
✅ My Image Style feature for adjusting brightness and color
✅ Cinematic Vlog Setting adds a dramatic touch to videos
✅ Creative Look feature with 10 presets to match your style
✅ Compact and convenient camera body design
Cons - Consider Before Buying
⛔ Expensive compared to other cameras in its class
⛔ Limited zoom range compared to other cameras in its class
⛔ Not a huge improvement over the Sony ZV-1
⛔ 8-bit color depth limits cinematic possibilities
⛔ Limited lens stabilization
What's New And Improved?
If you're looking for an upgrade from the original Sony ZV-1, you'll be pleased to know that the ZV-1 Mark II comes with several new and improved features.
For starters, there's an updated 18mm focal length and a wider lens, thanks to the newly developed ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 18-50mm F1.8-4 lens.
The camera also boasts a 3-capsule microphone, making it great for Zoom calls and live streams, and a built-in ND filter for better exposure control.
Additionally, the ZV-1 Mark II has a new 1/4 20 thread placement and a new touchscreen menu for easier operation.
Wide-Angle Zoom Lens 18-50mm
You'll love the new wide-angle zoom lens on the Sony ZV-1 mark ii, which has been improved to cater to vloggers' needs.
With an 18-50mm zoom range, this lens is perfect for capturing all the details in your vlogs.
You won't have to worry about cropping out important elements from your frame, as this lens is wide enough to accommodate all your surroundings.
The Sony ZV-1 mark ii's wide-angle zoom lens is a significant improvement from its predecessor, the Sony ZV-1, which had a limited 24-70mm zoom range.
This new lens allows for more creativity and flexibility in your vlogging, as you can capture a wider range of shots and angles.
Whether you're filming yourself or your surroundings, the Sony ZV-1 Mark ii's wide-angle zoom lens has got you covered.
3-Capsule Microphone
The capsule microphone on the ZV-1 mark ii is a standout feature that sets it apart from its predecessor, the Sony ZV-1.
This microphone allows for superior sound quality and versatility in capturing audio from all directions.
With the ability to pick up sound from the front, back, and all around, the ZV-1 mark ii is perfect for speaking to the camera or narrating what you film.
One of the most impressive aspects of the capsule microphone is its ability to suppress wind noise.
This is particularly useful for outdoor shooting, where wind noise can be a major issue.
Additionally, the microphone has a low-cut filter that helps reduce background noise and improve the clarity of your audio.
Whether you're using the ZV-1 mark ii for vlogging, interviews, or general video production, the capsule microphone is a powerful tool that can help take your audio to the next level.
Overall, the capsule microphone is a key feature that makes the Sony ZV-1 mark ii a great choice for content creators looking for high-quality audio in a compact and versatile camera.
Also, the Mark II version now features a multi-interface hot shoe and can be used with Sony's native microphones which makes the new Sony ZV-1 II a very compact video camera.
Great for Zoom Calls And Live Streams
Looking for a vlogging camera that can enhance the quality of your Zoom calls and live streams?
Look no further than the Sony ZV-1F and Sony ZV-1 Mark II!
These cameras have USB-C power delivery, which means that you can plug them into your laptop or computer and they'll automatically charge while connecting you to your device.
This allows you to record for longer periods of time without worrying about running out of battery.
You won't need an HDMI cable or 4k capture card anymore, just plug in the USB-C cable into your laptop or computer and off you go.
In addition, the Sony ZV-1 Mark II has a 3-capsule microphone that suppresses wind noise and improves audio clarity.
This feature makes them perfect for vloggers who want to produce high-quality content that sounds professional.
With the new ZV-1 II, you can record your videos with ease and be confident that your audio will be clear and crisp.
So, if you're looking for a camera that can take your vlogging game to the next level, consider the Sony ZV-1 Mark II.
Built-In ND Filter
If you're someone who loves to shoot videos outside, then the Sony ZV-1 Mark II is definitely worth considering.
One of the most notable features of this camera is its built-in ND filter, which is a game-changer for outdoor videography.
With this filter, you can easily adjust the amount of light that enters your camera and capture stunning footage even in bright sunlight.
Compared to its predecessor, the Sony ZV-1, this updated version has a 3-stop ND filter that's quite limited but is still better than not having one at all.
We would have loved to see a 3 stop plus a 6 stop ND filter in-camera which adjusts the exposure, but maybe that is to big of an ask for this compact vlog camera.
The built-in ND filter is especially useful when you're shooting in harsh lighting conditions, such as during midday or in bright sunlight.
It allows you to maintain a shallow depth of field and capture stunning bokeh shots without overexposing your footage.
Overall, the Sony ZV-1 Mark II is a great camera for anyone who wants to take their outdoor videography to the next level, and the built-in ND filter is just one of the many features that make it a worthwhile investment.
New 1/4 20 Thread Placement
With a new 1/4 20 thread placement that allows for easy memory card and battery swaps while on a tripod, the Sony ZV-1 Mark II caters to the needs of videographers who value convenience and efficiency in their filming process.
This feature was a big issue with the original Sony ZV-1, as the placement of the thread was located near the card and battery door, making it difficult to access while on a tripod.
With the new placement, videographers can now swap memory cards and batteries without having to remove the camera from the tripod, allowing for a more seamless filming process.
The benefits of the new 1/4 20 thread placement on the Sony ZV-1 Mark II are numerous.
Here are some of the advantages that videographers can expect from this feature:
- The new placement ensures easy access to the memory card and battery door, allowing for quick and effortless swaps.
- The camera can now remain stable on the tripod, which reduces the risk of any accidental falls or camera shake.
- The 1/4 20inch thread placement is now located away from the card and battery door, making the process of swapping memory cards and batteries smoother and more efficient.
- The feature is particularly beneficial for videographers who require frequent memory card and battery changes, as they can now do so while the camera remains securely attached to the tripod.
Overall, the new 1/4 20 thread placement on the Sony ZV-1 Mark II is a significant improvement over its predecessor, making it a more convenient and efficient option for videographers.
New Touchscreen Menu
Get ready to experience a whole new level of ease and flexibility with the Sony ZV-1 Mark II's new touchscreen menu - it's a game-changer that'll leave you feeling empowered and inspired.
The new touchscreen menu is a significant upgrade from the previous version, providing smoother and more intuitive navigation.
The new interface is designed to be more user-friendly, allowing you to access the camera's settings and features in a more straightforward and efficient way.
The Sony ZV-1 Mark II's new touchscreen menu is highly customizable, allowing you to organize your settings and features based on your preferences.
You can rearrange the menu items to access your most frequently used settings quickly, making it easier to adjust your camera on the go.
Additionally, the new menu has a more modern and polished look with swiping feature, making it easier on the eyes and enhancing your overall experience with the camera.
Overall, the Sony ZV-1 Mark II's new touchscreen menu is a significant improvement from the previous version even though it is still not a completely functional touchscreen as Canon for example has it for years now, but it will be providing a more intuitive and customizable experience for the user.
What Are The Limitations?
You may want to consider the limitations of the Sony ZV-1 Mark II before making a purchase decision.
Firstly, the new lens isn't optically stabilized, which may affect the quality of your footage, especially when filming in shaky conditions.
Secondly, while the camera has some minor improvements, it isn't a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the ZV-1.
Additionally, the price tag of $899.99 may be quite high for beginner vloggers, and the camera only supports 8-bit color, meaning you won't be able to use S-Cinetone for most filmmakers' appetite.
These factors should be taken into account when deciding if the Sony ZV-1 Mark II is the right camera for your vlogging needs.
New lens is not optically stabilized
The biggest flaw of this upgrade? The lens isn't stabilized, unlike its predecessor.
The Sony ZV-1 Mark II sports a new lens that offers an impressive f/1.8 aperture and a 2.7x optical zoom.
However, the absence of optical stabilization is a notable downgrade from the original ZV-1, which featured Sony's Optical SteadyShot technology.
Without optical stabilization, the Mark II's lens is more susceptible to camera shake and blur, especially when shooting at longer focal lengths.
This limitation may not be a deal-breaker for casual vloggers, but for those who require top-notch image quality, the lack of stabilization can be frustrating.
While the Mark II does offer electronic stabilization, it's not as effective as optical stabilization, and it can result in a noticeable loss of image quality.
It's worth noting that some users may not even notice the difference, but for those who are accustomed to the ZV-1's stabilization.
Overall, the new lens is a mixed bag, with some impressive features and some notable limitations.
No Major Improvements
Don't expect any major upgrades from the Sony ZV-1 Mark II, as it has a similar structure and form factor as its predecessor.
While the camera boasts some slight improvements, such as the addition of a new BIONZ X image processor and stacked CMOS T Sensor, and a faster autofocus system, the overall changes are not significant enough to justify an upgrade from the original ZV-1.
So if you have a Sony ZV-1 or ZV-1F you most likely will be happy with your camera for another year or two.
One of the biggest disappointments is the lack of optical stabilization in the new lens.
This feature was highly anticipated by many videographers and photographers, but unfortunately, Sony decided not to include it in the Mark II.
While the camera does have electronic stabilization, it is not as effective as optical stabilization and may result in shaky footage in certain situations.
Overall, while the Sony ZV-1 Mark II is a great camera, but it falls short in terms of major improvements and may not be worth the investment for those who already own the original ZV-1 or even a great smartphone - like the new Sony Xperia 1 V.
Relatively High Price Tag For Beginner Vloggers
If you're just starting out with vlogging, the Sony ZV-1 Mark II's $899.99 price tag may seem like a considerable investment.
This camera is marketed towards content creators and vloggers, but its price point may not be accessible to everyone.
While it does have some advanced features like 4K video, 18mm f1.8 on the wide-side, and a flip-out screen, it's important to consider whether these features are worth the investment for your particular needs.
When comparing the Sony ZV-1 Mark II to its predecessor, the Sony ZV-1, there are no major improvements that justify the price difference.
Both cameras have similar specs and features, with the main difference being the addition of the new 18-50mm full-frame equivalent T* lens and the 3-capsule mic on the Mark II.
So, if you're on a tight budget, it may be worth considering the earlier model or looking into other brands and models that are more affordable.
Ultimately, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of investing in a high-end camera for vlogging and determine if it's the right choice for your goals and budget.
8-Bit Color So No S-Cinetone
You'll have to keep in mind that the lack of S-Cinetone in the Sony ZV-1 Mark II due to its 8-bit color may limit your options for achieving a cinematic look.
While log shooting is still an option, the results may not be as impressive as its bigger siblings like the Sony ZV-E1 or maybe even the Sony ZV-E10 mirrorless camera.
This may be a deal breaker for content creators who are aiming for a more professional and polished output.
However, despite the limitations in color depth, the Sony ZV-1 Mark II still offers an impressive set of features for vloggers and content creators.
Its autofocus system is still one of the best in the market, with real-time tracking and eye autofocus that works seamlessly even in low-light conditions.
Its compact size and flip-out screen also make it an easy and convenient tool for on-the-go shooting.
Overall, while the lack of S-Cinetone may be a downside, the Sony ZV-1 Mark II still offers a lot for its price point.
Sony ZV-1 Mark II Vital Details
Now, let's get into the important details you need to know about the latest version of this camera, the Sony ZV-1 Mark II.
This camera comes with a 20.1-megapixel 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor that delivers stunning image quality.
The camera also has an 18-50mm F1.8-F4 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens that provides exceptional sharpness and detail, even in low light conditions.
The camera is equipped with a fast Hybrid AF system that uses 315 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points to ensure accurate and fast autofocus with multiple face recognition.
The Sony ZV-1 Mark II also comes with advanced video features, including 4K video recording at 30p, 24p, and 25p, and Full HD recording at 120p for slow-motion footage.
The camera has a built-in ND filter (3-stop) that allows for shooting in bright outdoor conditions without overexposing the footage.
Additionally, the ZV-1 Mark II vlogging compact camera features a vari-angle LCD touchscreen that can be flipped out to the side or rotated 180° for easy vlogging or self-portraits.
Sony ZV-1 vs. Sony ZV-1F vs Sony ZV-1 Mark II
When comparing these three cameras, you may feel like you're standing in a vast landscape with the Sony ZV-1 as a towering mountain, the Sony ZV-1F as a rolling hill, and the Sony ZV-1 Mark II as a sleek and modern skyscraper.
The Sony ZV-1 has a higher maximum expanded ISO, making it better for low-light situations.
However, the Sony ZV-1 Mark II has improvements that the other two cameras do not have, such as animal AF tracking in the movie mode, an updated 18mm focal length, and improved stabilization.
The Sony ZV-1F has an improved autofocus system and a larger and higher resolution LCD, but it lacks the wider lens of the Sony ZV-1 Mark II.
The focal length is a significant improvement on the Sony ZV-1 Mark II compared to the original ZV-1.
The Sony ZV-1 has a 24-70mm lens, while the Sony ZV-1 Mark II has an 18-50mm lens, which is much more useful for vlogging, especially when factoring in the added crops of 4K and active stabilization.
The Sony ZV-1 Mark II also has an onscreen control that is greatly improved and expanded, providing more touchscreen control than the Sony ZV-1 and Sony ZV-1F.
Additionally, the new Sony ZV-1 Mark II has a new 1/4 20 placement that's away from the card and battery door, which was a big issue with the original ZV-1.
Overall, the Sony ZV-1 Mark II is a more modern and improved version of the Sony ZV-1, with added features such as animal AF tracking, a 3-capsule mic, and a wider lens.
However, the Sony ZV-1F may still be a viable option for those looking for an improved autofocus system and a larger LCD.
It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
New Sony ZV-1 II Digital Camera FAQs
Q: What is a sensor?
A: In photography, a sensor is a device that captures light and converts it into an electronic signal, which is then used to create an image.
Q: What is a vlogging camera?
A: A vlogging camera is a camera that is specially designed for capturing videos that are used for vlogging or video blogging on platforms like YouTube.
Q: What is ISO?
A: ISO is a camera setting that measures the camera's sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the camera is to light.
Q: What is shutter speed?
A: Shutter speed is a camera setting that controls the amount of time the shutter stays open when taking a photo. A faster shutter speed can freeze motion, while a slower shutter speed can create motion blur.
Q: What is frame rate?
A: Frame rate refers to the number of frames that are captured per second when shooting video. A higher frame rate results in smoother video.
Q: What is aspect ratio?
A: Aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of a photo or video. The most common aspect ratios are 4:3 and 16:9.
Q: Can the camera adjust the exposure based on a person's face?
A: Yes, many cameras have face detection technology that can identify a person's face and adjust the exposure accordingly.
Q: What is the Sony ZV-1?
A: The Sony ZV-1 is a compact point-and-shoot camera that is designed for convenient shooting of product review videos.
Q: What are the differences between the Sony ZV-1 and the Sony RX100?
A: The Sony ZV-1 is designed specifically for shooting product review videos and has features like a flip-out screen for easy self-recording and a "Product Showcase" mode that keeps products in focus.
The Sony RX100 is a more general-purpose camera that has a larger lens and sensor than the ZV-1, but does not have some of the specialized features for shooting product review videos.
Q: What is new in the Sony ZV-1 Mark II?
A: The Sony ZV-1 Mark II is a new version of the ZV-1 that has improved autofocus, a wide-angle lens of 18-50mm, a 3-capsule microphone, and both support the Sony GP-VPT2BT Bluetooth shooting grip for a great vlogging experience.
Q: What is the function icon on the back of the camera for?
A: The function icon on the back of the camera allows you to quickly change camera settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. But it can be set to anything you want to quickly access via the Sony menu on the LCD screen.
Conclusion - Wide-Angle Zoom Lens, Built-IN ND Filter & Autofocus For Vlogging!
Congratulations, you've made it to the end of the Sony ZV-1 Mark II review.
So, what's the verdict?
Well, the Sony ZV-1 Mark II is undoubtedly an improvement over its predecessor, the Sony ZV1. It comes with a few new features and enhancements that make it a better option for content creators and vloggers.
The new features include the 3-capsule microphone, the multi-interface hot shoe, the wider 18mm lens, improved autofocus, product showcase mode, blurry background mode, and a built-in ND filter that allows you to create content on the fly with a minimalistic setup and are features designed specifically for vlogging.
However, the Sony ZV-1 Mark II does have some limitations, such as the no optical stabilization, although you could use Catalyst browse in post, and the high price point for beginner content creators.
Your friend,
Ben
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