Sony unveils its widest point-and-shoot vlog camera yet.
As we covered last week with Canon’s announcement of their new PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera, the long-held arms race between digital photo and video camera manufacturers has run a bit off course as of late. Instead of chasing the new flagship mirrorless or cinema cameras as they had been for years, it appears like everyone is doubling down on point-and-shoot and vlog-style content.
To not be outdone by their biggest rival, Sony has launched a successor to their popular (with millennials, probably) Sony ZV-1 with a new Sony ZV-1 Mark II camera which aims to add an even wider lens for more expansive coverage and pack a faster sensor for (slightly) better video.
Let’s take a look at this new vlog-focused point-and-shoot from Sony to see how it might be right for your own projects and shoots, and how it might differ just enough from the aforementioned Sony ZV-1 or the cheaper Sony ZV-1F.
Introducing the Sony ZV-1 Mark II Digital Camera
According to Sony, this new camera was developed for “carefree, effortless creation,” the Sony ZV-1 II is the ideal point-and-shoot vlog camera for those looking to do just that. As in, not care or spend much effort in any settings or setups, in favor of turning the camera on and pointing and shooting it at themselves. Fr a certain type of run-and-gun creator, this can of course be quite appealing.
The biggest offering points for this new Mark II version of the ZV-1 which make it stand out from its predecessor really have to do with the new 18-50mm-equivalent f/1.8-4 wide-angle zoom lens which has expanded the frame for content creators without long arms or those simply looking to get more of their picturesque backgrounds into their travel vlogs.
While the specs appear mostly the same, the 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor are indeed a bit faster too which should allow for upgraded autofocus features including multiple face recognition tech so you can keep your friends in frame if you’re shooting content with a buddy.
Comparing the ZV-1 Mark II to Other Cameras
For the sake of argument though, it is worth pointing out that this Mark II isn’t that much different from the original ZV-1. Which, from all accounts, has done quite well for Sony in the prosumer market and can be found at most Best Buys and basic camera stores.
What’s a bit more puzzling though might be that Sony also has a ZV-1F vlogging camera as well, which is a bit cheaper than the ZV-1 yet also contains the same sensor and most of the same specs and features.
If you’re truly starting off with digital video, and photo perhaps, for the first time, it might be a bit confusing trying to decide which of these three cameras in particular you might be interested in (to say nothing of all of the other Canon and other competitors’ vlog cameras out there as well).
Still, if you know what you’re doing at least a little bit in this vlog style of content creation, then you might know enough to have a preference for lenses and coverage, as well as want some specific types of AF technology under the hood. So, if that’s the case, this Mark II should be exciting to you and a worthy companion for your travels.
Full Specs and Pricing
Nevertheless, the Sony ZV-1 Mark II is absolutely a quality camera from a quality brand that can serve as a good gateway purchase to learn more about video content and build a career, or perhaps as a fun companion camera to your usual setup which you can keep in your pocket and take for your more exotic travels.
Here are the full specs and pricing details:
- For Vloggers and Content Creators
- 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
- Wide-Angle 18-50mm-Equiv. f/1.8-4 Lens
- UHD 4K30p Video w/ HLG & S-Log3/2 Gammas
- 3″ Side Flip-Out Touchscreen LCD
- Intuitive Touch Focus & Exposure Control
- Real-Time Tracking & Eye AF
- Bokeh Switch & Face Priority AE
- Cinematic Vlog Setting, S&Q Shoot Mode
- Product Showcase Setting
Price: $898.00
Pre-orders for the Sony ZV-1 Mark II are set to start at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 24th with shipments going out hopefully soon after.
What do you think of this new vlog camera from Sony? Any interested in the Sony ZV-1 Mark II?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
