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Sony announces its new "vlogger's camera", the ZV-1

The new ZV-1 camera. (Source: Sony)
The new ZV-1 camera. (Source: Sony)
Sony has launched a lightweight, compact camera with a 20.1MP 1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS sensor. However, it is not a new RX: the new ZV-1 was designed with content creators in mind. It has a side-mounted LCD touchscreen, as well as the OEM's latest directional mic that is compatible with its own wind-screen.

Sony has introduced a new kind of compact digital camera specifically aimed at vloggers and other similar creators. The ZV-1 has a 1.0-type sensor with a ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens; however, unlike its siblings the RXs, it has a 24-70mm range with an f-stop of 1.8-2.8. This choice facilitates 2-mode bokeh (or Background Defocus) that blurs the shot save on a given subject. which even has its own dedicated button on this new model.

The ZV-1 also has an up-to-date BIONZ X processor, as well as Sony's prized (optical) SteadyShot and Eye AF (auto focus) tech. It is delivered through Hybrid AF, which incorporates phase-detection AF (PDAF) and contrast-detection AF. However, the new camera's most distinguishing feature may be its LCD screen.

It is attached via a hinge to the side of the ZV-1, and has a 7.5-inch diagonal length, a 270-degree swivel and a touch panel besides. It can be used to control the device's 4K recording, which it does in XAVC-S with full pixel readout and without pixel-binning. It also packs an in-built directional 3-capsule mic, designed to capture audio from all necessary angles.

This mic has a standard 3.5mm input and its own fuzzy little wind-screen. The Sony ZV-1 will start to become available from June 2020, and is priced at US$799. However, the OEM is offering a discount of $50 off this price that will be in effect until June 28, 2020.

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Deirdre O'Donnell, 2020-05-26 (Update: 2020-05-27)