Sony launches potent cine vlogger cam ZV-E1 for 2699 euros, full frame up to 4K120p
[17:25 Wed,29.March 2023 by Rudi Schmidts]
Sony markets the new full frame E-mount camera ZV-E1 not as a video-photo hybrid but as a vlogger cam. In other words, it&s a camera that primarily films, which is rather a rarity in times like these. The basic ingredients are quite tasty: 4K60p with 10 bit 4:2:2 S-Log3 recording, 120p with 10% sensor cropping, 15+ aperture stops and autofocus with AI-based real-time tracking.
For this purpose, a 12 megapixel sensor has been installed, which can already be found in the Sony Alpha 7 SIII and is characterized by particularly large, "cinematic" sensors. Compared to the SIII, however, the housing has been shrunk considerably. In addition, some modern vlogging features have been added to the camera: It can also act as a webcam for live streaming and "auto-frame", for example. The touchscreen is foldable and is supposed to offer a few new ease of use when filming.
The ZV-E1 records 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 video with full pixel readout without pixel binning at up to 600 Mbps (4:2:2 10-bit, H.264, All-I). The camera can be "updated" to 120p for free via Sony&s Creators Cloud. This also applies to some other features, which is probably Sony&s way of drawing the user&s attention to its own cloud offer.
For vloggers, the ZV-E1 offers integrated cinematic looks + moods, as well as 2.35:1 Cinemascope bars that can be "baked" directly into the recording. We&ll save commentary on this one. Fortunately, for people who appreciate post-processing options, there are also S-Cinetone as well as S-Log settings.
For image stabilization, the ZV-E1 brings some improvements: In addition to an internal 5-axis optical image stabilization, digital image stabilization with dynamic active mode is also possible, which is supposed to access even more effectively than its predecessors. In addition, the data from the integrated gyro sensors can be recorded and used for post-processing with Catalyst. A gimbal should thus become superfluous in many situations.
An AI-based auto-framing for videos can already track people during recording. Using AI-based subject detection technology, auto-framing automatically crops the image so that the subject is always visible in the frame when recording. Even when the camera is not moving, the frame is continuously adjusted to seamlessly track the subject, which is especially helpful when shooting without a team. The subject to be tracked can be easily selected via the camera&s touch display or the Creator&s App on the smartphone.
The framing stabilizer, which automatically keeps the subject&s position in the picture constant, should work similarly. This enables smooth videos, for example, in shots where the camera follows a walking person or moves around a person.
Breathing Compensation, which is supposed to suppress image shifts when focusing in real time, also sounds interesting.
The 3-capsule microphone with variable polar pattern allows for different settings (Auto, Front, All Directions and Rear). In addition, the microphone can automatically switch to the appropriate direction in line with face detection, making optimal audio recording easy. The camera is also equipped with a Multi Interface (MI) shoe with digital audio interface, microphone and headphone jacks.
At the same time, thanks to USB PD (Power Delivery) for fast charging, the ZV-E1 has an uninterrupted power supply for longer recordings. When connected to a PC or smartphone via USB, the ZV-E1 can serve as a 4K (2160p) webcam.
The Creator&s App allows the ZV-E1 to be controlled from the smartphone and images and videos recorded with the camera can be transferred to the smartphone.
The Sony ZV-E1 is scheduled to be available at the end of April for €2,699. A kit with the SEL-2860 lens is to be offered for 2,999 euros.
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