Sony ZV-E1 launches as a creator-focused full-frame, interchangeable-lens camera

With its slightly blocky, purposeful build, Sony's latest camera could nearly be mistaken as an a7c upgrade on first glimpse. Instead, however, it is in fact a new interchangeable-lens addition to the ZV "vlog camera line-up".

The ZV-E1 can be said to have outdone even its predecessor in cherry-picking the high-end Sony attributes that go best with its "ultimate video creation" use-cases. They include the 12MP sensor from the a7S III, IBIS that could nearly have come from the a9 II and the OEM's leading auto-focus, all of which are informed or controlled by the new AI processing unit that debuted in the a7r V.

They confer potential advantages such as Real-time Tracking and Auto Framing on the ZV-E1, as well as the intelligent selection of subjects - even aircraft, cars, insects and multiple human faces in this generation - to focus on or keep in shot on the new full-frame unit.

It also integrates what might be called ZV-series fan favorites, Product Showcase, Sony S&Q mode and Background Defocus included. Accordingly, the E1 can be thought to have been designed to take much of the learning curve out of content creation: it even has features to bypass or negate editing in such cases, such as the Mood 'color-grading filters' such as Gold ('warm') and Ocean ('cold') as well as an S-Cinetone auto-processing feature.

The ZV-E1's buttons and touchscreen controls have also been optimized for easy and intuitive operation: for example, it has a dedicated one-touch Bokeh Switch and lots of one-person-crew and hands-free shortcuts. Then again, the new up-to-QFHD (3840 x 2160)/120p vlog camera misses out on some 'pro' features, such as full-sized HDMI and CFExpress card support.

The ZV-E1 will be released in May 2023 in its series' signature choice of black or white colorways (with matching screen for its in-built 3-capsule mic) for an estimated RRP of US$2,199.99, or US$2,499.99 bundled with a 28-60 mm F4.5-5.6 zoom lens.

Buy a ZV-1 on Amazon