Sony announced the ZV-1 vlogging camera a couple of months ago in lockdown, you may have read about it from international tech media and influencers.
The compact camera is aimed at content creators, vloggers, product reviewers, etc, due to its features.
It has a Exmor RS CMOS sensor that is 20.1MP with an aspect ratio of 3:2, shoots 4K videos, ISO 100-12800, and supports a directional 3-capsule mic with wind screen. It has a F1.8 lens, focal length f9.4-25.7mm and 2.7x optical zoom. It has a 7.5cm screen that is non-touch, a built-in mic mentioned above and a mic jack but no headphone jack (very NB), has advanced autofocus and a micro USB slot.
From the livestream event earlier, we saw a demonstration of how quick the autofocus is, especially if you are holding a product in front of the lens like for review purposes. It also records videos vertically, which carries over when you transfer it and can be shared to Instagram etc.
The built-in ND filter looked great too as it immediately fixed over exposure in one tap. It also does time lapses and a background defocus. A lot of what was showcased appeals to anyone who is a content creator. If you hate shaky footage, it has SteadyShot. The screen is a swivel screen so you can see what is being shot.
Sony also says a future firmware update will allow you to use the camera as a webcam. There’s also a Sony app called Edge Mobile for Android and iOS that you can use to edit footage from the camera and share to social media. It also comes with a handheld accessory available separately.
The Sony ZV-1 vlogging camera retails for R16 999 and is available on 2 August onwards.