Customer Ratings & Reviews

This camera is marketed to vloggers, but for those of us that simply want a small camera to fit in the pocket and shoot RAW this camera is excellent. It's quite good for the street photog that wants to disappear in the crowd (ala Henri Cartier-Bresson). It's no Leica, but it's no slouch either. It's a nice companion camera for film shooters that want to take some digital snaps as well without looking like all the other smartphone shooters out there (and there really is something to being discrete). For Sony mirrorless shooters, the workflow and controls will be familiar. Image quality is acceptable within the various focal lengths in the zoom range. It's a little touchy to zoom to a precise full frame equivalent (like 35mm for street), but that Carl Zeiss lens is well-matched to this 20 mpx sensor. While I only shoot RAW, it should render JPGs with the latest Sony color science improvements that have been updated on their recent mirrorless systems. As a RAW shooter, I relish the option to do my normal post-processing workflow and apply my style and editing as if it were shot on a full frame mirrorless kit. As I do not use this for vlogging or really care about its video, check out other reviews for that. For me, it's a camera, Period. And when walking in Chicago, I wouldn't cry as much if this one were stolen as I would with any full frame kit or even any film camera I own. But it's so small that it should not attract much attention, and that is precisely what makes this camera so good. Sure, be prepared to charge your battery or have a spare. Be prepared for tiny buttons and no viewfinder. Yet for first-time camera buyers coming from a smartphone, this would be a great option. Composing shots with the view screen is familiar to digital natives, and there's something to be said for keeping your eye on the subject and not through the lens.

The Sony ZV-1 has been a game-changer for my personal photography and vlogging, especially for TikTok and YouTube. It’s compact and easy to carry around, yet delivers outstanding image quality. The colors are vibrant, and the autofocus is impressive, tracking my face perfectly even in poor lighting. Using it with an external flash, the results are comparable to those from the Canon G7X Mark II/III but with better focus and versatility; the video on the ZV-1 is better than G7X in my opinion. The background defocus button is a great feature for achieving a professional look effortlessly. Pros: - Compact and portable, ideal for on-the-go vlogging and photos. - Excellent autofocus, even in low light. - Crisp, vibrant image quality. - Background defocus button for a professional touch. - Comparable performance to Canon G7X Mark II/III with an external flash. - Wide range of accessories available through Sony, Amazon, etc. Cons: - Limited battery life, so I always carry a spare. - Battery/SD slot cannot open with a tripod attached (accessories are available to address this). - Cropped video in 4K (a wide-angle lens can help mitigate this). The ZV-1 Mark I maintains excellent autofocus and high-quality video similar to the Mark II, but at a lower cost. Additionally, the Mark I offers slightly better battery life and a more straightforward interface, making it more user-friendly for those who don’t need the extra features like the wider lens and touchscreen enhancements found in the Mark II. I’ve shared pictures taken with my ZV-1 using an external trigger flash (MEDALight) and a still flash (Ulanzi).

Pretty good camera! Super light weight and easy to use! Buy an extra battery, this drains quick and I Hate that the mounting point is inline with the battery compartment door. When I use the ac power adapter I have to put an extension in. Those are what keeps this camera from being 5 star for me.

"The Sony ZV-1 is, without a doubt, the best camera I have used to start recording videos and vlogging. Its design is small and light, ideal to carry in your pocket, but its quality is comparable to that of much larger cameras.

So far I really enjoy this camera, pictures and video quality are amazing. Super easy to learn how to adjust settings just takes research. It doesn’t have flash but that wasn’t an issue I just bought a flash attachment. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around. The video is a little up close when recording but again I added a zoom attachment. The lens isn’t interchangeable but you can find attachments.

This camera is exactly what I was looking for. Technically, it was my second choice but I have ZERO regrets about purchasing. The pictures and videos are so good, even in dim lighting. I love the capability it has to upload directly to my phone so I can share quickly. The attachment to help with wind noise also is really good! I used it on a windy beach morning, & yes you can still hear some wind, but it knocks out so much background noise. I was so pleasantly surprised!! If you're thinking about it, GET THE CAMERA.

This camera is a great camera for both vloggers or creators trying to get BTS. But it can also be used to capture some sick shots as well if you want to get cinematic. The only downside is the battery life, but I found a hack. It you get a portable battery and a mount for it to stay on the camera. Then you should be fine. Until it starts to overheat…. But besides that its fine

Great camera for beginners, its automatic setting gives beginners a safe dive into understanding camera settings. Vlog quality IS AMAZING, its not big whixh means you can carry it anywhere but make sure you take care of it because it might fall

This camera has exceeded all my expectations. It’s super easy to use and delivers excellent photo and video quality. The autofocus is fast and accurate, and the flip screen is perfect for vlogging and self-recording. I love how compact and lightweight it is, making it great to carry anywhere. Definitely recommend it for beginners and advanced users alike!

Camera is great for beginner vloggers. Has great quality and decent battery life. Digital zoom and many different modes and settings to switch from. 7.5/10 only because you can’t change the lens, only add onto the current lens. Sad I don’t have it anymore..

The quality on this camera is amazing, it have so many different modes, only thing it doesn’t have a flash so I had to buy it separately. But other than that I love the camera

As a stand-up comedian, capturing high-quality content is everything, and the Sony ZV-1 delivers in spades. This compact camera punches way above its weight. The autofocus is lightning fast — perfect for moving around on stage or switching focus during crowd work without missing a beat. Low-light performance? Surprisingly solid, even in dim comedy clubs where the lighting can be unpredictable. I usually run it with either a Rode mic or a wireless mic pack (both pictured in my setup), and the audio comes out clean and pro-level. But honestly, if I forget the Rode? The onboard mic still rocks — way better than you’d expect from a built-in. The flip-out screen is clutch for framing myself during solo bits or YouTube uploads. It’s easy to toss in a bag and head to a set, or even record quick content in the car post-show when the jokes are still fresh. If you’re in comedy or any creative field and want a no-fuss camera that just works, the ZV-1 is a killer option. It’s not just a vlogging cam — it’s a legit tool for content creators who take their craft seriously without taking themselves too seriously.

I shoot a lot of broll and weddings. For a quick capture, this camera does great with low light due to the 1inch sensor and the 4K with 2.8 apurture is outstanding. On the other hand, in auto mode, my wife finally has a camera to shoot with me that literally exemplifies the point-and-shoot expectations. The new menu system that Sony implemented to be more user friendly like the canon series makes this a powerful yet fun piece of equipment.

This camera has been an amazing tool to capture precious memories, create professional quality vlogs, and social media content, and just an easy camera to keep close for the spontaneous photo opportunities. I really love this camera, I am very happy I landed on the ZV-1 for my first camera after my last camera was stolen from my car. The ZV-1 has been the upgrade I didn't know I needed to help me get back to creating. Super versatile with options for someone looking to create professional media content to the photography lover who wants a high quality camera.

I love this camera quality! Small and compact, perfect for on the go. Easy to use especially for beginner users!

I like the camera how they simple things down is truly nice For someone that doesn’t know how to manually control cameras like a professional definitely has features that Does make it a bit special then others. I bought it and tried and it gave me what I was looking for. Don’t go just for opinion of YouTube buy it if you dk t like it return it. There’s nothing better then you actually have it and put it to use would I recommend it yes!, o lot of people say is not worth it because of the pricing but read the specs and compare it to other cameras and see if it’s worth it to you

First of all I just want to say after so long wanting this camera and debating for so long to purchase is it! I am the happiest of people after purchasing it. The quality of it is AMAZING! It’s honestly perfect for someone who’s some what on a budget and getting started with making videos, etc. But don’t get it twisted this camera is also perfect for photos!!!! All around the best purchase ever. I also did go ahead and purchase extra equipment (as seen in the photo) for my camera but it’s so worth it!

the precision and quality of the video is impressive with this camera.its controls are self explanatory and easy to use.Whether you're a seasoned professional pr an amateur enthusiast, this camera will exceed your expectations with superb performance

Good overall mini camera made a great pocket strap still got to get used to going with me part

Very good camera! Has so many features only bad thing is that it dies quickly if you’re recording long videos so you need to buy extra batteries! Other than that it’s an amazing camera for both pictures & videos.