Customer Ratings & Reviews

Read the hype it would replace a DSLR. Not even close and my phone takes better pics

This camera is a great beginners vlogging camera! I bought it with the vlogging kit and it was pretty much everything you needed to start with. I have had this camera for years now and it has held up extremely well through it all. My only issues were the battery life and the fact that you can't change the lens out. The battery life was easily fixed with a few back up batteries but as for the lens, I did have to purchase an off market version of a wide angle to attach to it.

Couldn’t get settings right came with no grip in box

This is marketed as a content creator camera. I honestly think Sony is selling itself short. This camera is for anyone who wants better than what they can get with a cell phone but do not want to go the DSLR route. Audio and Video capture is fantastic without an external microphone. The software wind reduction does a great job, paired with the windscreen and you don't hear the wind. I wanted to do a test video at the beach this past weekend but I did not have a chance to head out. The only video I was able to record was as a storm was blowing in and I was annoying the mother-in-law who is allergic to getting her photo taken. The video is not suitable for general audiences. I may try and post a video at a later date to show how well the wind reduction works. There is a setting in the camera for software wind reduction and also the windscreen, you can mess with software on or off and screen on or off to get your desired effect. As for video, the camera does a great job identifying the face even in low light and adjusts appropriately. In proper lighting the image stabilization does a fine to outstanding job. There are times when no level of stabilizing will help, running with the camera will still get a shake video. Don't ask. If you add in the Accessory Kit with grip, you can make a great selfie movie or general shooting of the environment. The grip makes handling the camera a little easier. This can do 4k so have plenty of SD cards available. I have seen some people complain about the size of the video when self shooting, this can be changed in the settings. I think the default was a 4:3 ratio, after adjusting the setting I was able to get a much larger view, but this could also be due to how long my arms are, so I don't cut a portion of my head off. For still photos the sensors are outstanding. I have been able to edit RAW images and get some really fantastic shots. You can use a external flash, the one I have I need to play with to get a better result. Right now I get a beautiful white flash and a great picture of whiteness. LOL This can be adjusted with timings in the camera settings, I just have not been feeling the need for a flash yet, this was just a initial test to make sure the shoe was working. For any mode being able to flip out the LCD screen is fantastic. The screen flips out and rotates which allows you to hide the screen for safe keeping while in a bag or rotate it out so you can see from anywhere from in front to the side, above, below or back of the camera. It is one thing I loved with my DSLR and having it in a camera I can take anywhere for quick shots and no need for additional lenses makes this a great addition to my camera portfolio. The LCD is usable even in direct sunlight. A side trick with the grip, or a tripod, you can use the camera to see what is above you on a roof or shelf. I have used it to check my router to verify there are no warning lights since it is on top of the kitchen cabinets. Always important to know how to connect. Your options are as follows: micro-USB, micro-HDMI, Microphone jack (3.5-mm stereo), Interface Shoe. There are Bluetooth and WiFi connections as well. As for the Accessory Kit/Grip. It works as a Bluetooth remote, pairing with BT could not be easier. I would imagine any BT camera remote would work. You can also use your cell phone or PC as a remote with the software installed. The apps are all well done and not overwhelming, there are three apps that I would love to see Sony condense into one app. There are so many things I love about this camera I could go on for days, but I will give a couple things that annoy me slightly, very slightly not enough to take a star: - This camera is definitely designed for video first based on the large size and placement of the record button, I keep taking video when wanting to take a snapshot - There are a ton of menu options that could overwhelm some, some options are almost hidden - No wrist strap included, using a old Samsung one I had in a drawer (I do not trust myself without a safety net) - Odd decision not to use a USB type C connection, for such a modern camera using a older interface just seems odd to me - There are 3 apps, I would like to see these condensed into one app - Currently you can not use this as a expensive webcam, Sony is supposedly getting ready to release the software for PC and MAC in the near future (There are 3rd party pay options) This camera has been a real joy to work with and get to know. I can not recommend it enough if you are looking for something between cell and DSLR.

Excellent camera at a great price! Overall have had limited use with it but so far very happy. The battery has not been an issue as reported by other users.

Better options out there. I got this camera on sale for 650$. However, i wish i would have got a different brand. If you plan on using the camera for vlogging you will need to buy extra batteries, lens, and a camera cage. Which brings this more towards 800. It overheats quickly and dies fast, and has a horrible crop. The quality of video and pics is great but get something else.

Sony's higher end RX100 series point-and-shoot cameras are popular for their compact designs and great photo and video quality. They've come a long way over the years and are some of the best point-and-shoot cameras on the market. That being said, they still have flaws. The VII of the RX100 overheats quickly (within 5-6 minutes) when recording video and has higher F-stops making it a poorer performer in low light. Enter the ZV-1. It has the same sensor as the RX100-VII but features a fully articulating display, focuses on the camera's smarts, and emphasizes video recording. Reviewers are touting this as a camera made for vloggers but that's only part of the story. First off, the video recording is high quality. It's easy to enable the ND filter, 4k 30fps and 4k 24fps videos are sharp with a bit of color pop, you can record video in various S-logs (and HLG) for post correction if you are into that (the intelligent auto mode does a good job for people that just want to shoot and not think about things), and I've been enjoying the higher resolution (1080p) 240fps video mode good for slow motion. I did play around with the two HLG profiles on my HDR (HLG and HDR10) monitor and, after correcting them in post, they looked great. details in the shadows popped without losing the subject. The camera remembers your last video recording settings and will quickly start shooting with the press of the red record button. It's nice having quick access to video recording so that, when the camera turns on, you can shoot photos or videos without changing the camera's modes. The articulating display can turn the camera on and off. Fold it in (with the screen facing the inside of the camera) and the camera turns off, rotate it out and the camera turns on. It's convenient especially when taking pictures or videos of fast moving subjects (kids, animals). It lets you jump into the moment without thinking. There are multiple accessories geared for video recording. The camera comes with a deadcat and it's great for cutting out wind noise. The camera's built-in microphones are more forward facing than the RX100 series and do a good job of cancelling out background noise though Sony's hot shoe connector gives you access to more accessories (like microphones). Sony makes a shooting stick that turns into a tripod, I highly recommend it. The controls for the shooting stick are actually wireless, so you can use it as a remote, but it's a convenient accessory for shooting anywhere. I've used it to take night photos requiring a tripod without actually lugging a full-sized tripod around (though I did have to be near a table). Videos aren't everything with this camera though. It features the same fast focus as the RX100 VII and 24fps burst photos without screen blackout. I've mainly left the camera in intelligent auto mode but it has some of the more advanced modes. The camera lacks a flash but the low f-stop range helps in low light conditions. You can always buy a flash if you really need one. The ZV-1 has been able to quickly focus on every subject I've captured without issues. I've had to delete photos but not because of an issue with the camera. Therein lies the big push with the camera: you are giving it control of everything. Yes, it has more advanced modes letting you tune in the shutter speed, aperture, and other settings but it lives happiest in intelligent auto. Luckily Sony's hardware and software has improved to the point that I'm not angry about this. I have an a6500 but have often turned to the ZV-1 because I either don't want to think about things, the subject is fast moving and I want the shot, I haven't had time to dial in the settings on my a6500, or all of the above. I highly recommend this camera if you want a high end point-and-shoot that thinks for you. It lets you change some settings but, for the most part, you take this out and shoot whatever you want with little to no fuss. It makes a good secondary camera for people with high end mirrorless, DSLR, or full-frame systems but it also makes a good primary for someone that wants something more serious than a smartphone without breaking the bank. Really, I'm unsure how Sony squeezed all of this into such a low price. Yes, the camera body is plastic and it isn't weather sealed. Yes, Sony's firmware is still kind of clunky and the touchscreen is really only good for focusing. Sony removed the dial so you can't manually dial the focus in but I'm alright with this as Sony's subject tracking is spot on and the camera is quick to focus even when you select the subject. My only real complaint against this camera is that it charges with micro USB. Nothing like this should be released in 2020 with micro USB, it should have USB C. Unlike most other cameras, you can use this one while it is charging so you can charge it with a power bank while you're out and about without missing anything. Still, the inclusion of micro USB means I now have to carry around yet another charging cable where before I only had to carry one around. I can charge my phone, tablet, and notebook all with the same brick and cable. Now, I have to carry around another cable and lower voltage charging brick. Not the end of the world but annoying nonetheless. This camera is for you if you want to take high quality photos and videos without worrying about settings. Just let the camera do its work and you'll end up with high quality results. Otherwise the RX100 line would probably be better if you like to dial in specific settings and go deep into other options. Of course, vloggers should enjoy this camera as would anyone that wants to record high quality videos with more advanced post editing options.

They didnt have white in store so Brady in winchester VA was very helpful in having it shipped to my home for no extra cost. He also helped me purchase a kindle . The camera is very high definition and easy to work. Love it.

This camera is a great beginner vlogging camera. I love the quality, the focus, and the overall appearance of videos. I don't like how it is so cropped, especially when shooting in 4k. It also over heats quickly and doesn't have the best battery life

I have a Sony A6100, and this camera is a much better deal if you don't want to buy lenses. It's small, and has very good video. I shoot in 4k with ease, and it looks really good with the defocus on. Blurred background is the way to go, nothing else matters. If you like to Vlog, this is your camera. However, it takes great photos too, simply a great value. Product Show is great for videos of you do need to show something, auto focus is super fast! Battery life is really good too, and it charges daily quickly. My only gripe is a flip out screen, I like it on the top. Bottom line, it's totally worth it, and should fit lots of peoples needs over even exceed them. Love it.

I got the Sony ZV-1 with the GP-VPT2BT vlogging kit because I have a son who wants to start making gaming videos. He is autistic so I wanted something that was easy enough for him to use right away. Unboxing the camera and it comes with a furry windscreen, a rechargeable battery, and a cheap, flimsy micro-SD cable. The vlogging kit comes with the handle/tripod base, a 64 GB memory card, a battery, and a carry pouch. After charging up the camera, connecting the grip via Bluetooth is a breeze, and you are ready to go! This camera is loaded with features. Some simple, some complex. Among the simple is the design of the camera casing itself. It is designed to be easily carried from front or back (when the vlogging grip is not attached) and it has separate buttons for photos and videos. The camera is designed mostly to be used making videos, but it takes really good photos. The only thing it is missing is a flash. You can buy one and attach it if you truly need it. For shooting video, you don’t need it. As far as camera usage us concerned, this thing is loaded with features. The product showcase mode is cool in that when you hold up something to show the camera, it instantly focuses on the item. The performance in low light conditions is spectacular to say the least. It has a slo-mo feature which is fun to use. This thing has so many features, that I just set it to automatic and let it do it’s thing. If you want to play around in the menus though, you can customize the settings However you like. The grip is a really cool accessory that I would absolutely recommend. It has legs that fold out to a tripod. It also has separate photo and video buttons as well as zoom control. We noticed that the zoom isn’t as responsive with the grip as it is on the camera, but it’s really no big deal. There is only one real flaw that I could find with the camera and that is that there is no charge progress bar. When the camera is charging a light comes on and when it finishes charging, the light goes out. There is no way to tell where you are in the charging process without stopping and turning the camera on to see where it is at. Not enough to detract from the rating, but it was a little bothersome to me and my OCD, lol. All in all this is one of the best cameras I have ever owned. It shoots stunning 4k video and is made perfectly suited for the aspiring vlogger, like my son.

I needed something other than my cellphone to create videos and this camera is perfect. Using it is a breeze and I'm happy there are so many advanced features and settings available to me as I become more proficient with this camera(I'm a rookie). Casting to TV and playing videos via HDMI was also a breeze. The still photos are also pretty amazing, that motivates me to go hiking and take pictures. Also, the tripod was excellent, easy to use.

For this test unit, Sony was also gracious enough to send the handheld tripod accessory as well as a 64GB memory card, two features that are unlikely to be included in the base camera package. As a reader of reviews, I'd ask you how long have you known the Sony brand? If it's been for decades, then you already know and understand Sony's contributions to the picture-taking world. And even though smartphones like the iPhone have clearly taken great strides in matching the same performance of a dedicated camera, as what I would call a "pro-sumer" model, the Sony ZV-1 hits in every area imaginable. While I am still testing this unit, I wanted to go ahead and make mention that the camera provides complete control over how you wish to shoot both audio and video. There are several presets available (which are nice if you want a generally good macro, portrait, landscape or other shot), as well as what seems like an infinite number of combinations regarding shutter speed, raw format type, several layers of focus, etc. The door-swing touch-sensitive viewfinder is a welcome bonus, especially if you truly are into video blogging and need to see a preview of what is actually being shot. And being touch-sensitive, you're able to tap-to-focus as well as switch the type of focus you're wanting to use. Camera construction is certainly sturdy enough for most camera applications. The female screw at the bottom also accepts standard tripods as well, so you're not limited to only what Sony might provide, especially if you have a years-old tripod that's worked with all of your other gear. Also, the ZV-1 is definitely wifi-capable. Once logged into a network, it's pretty simple to use Sony's free iPhone app to seamlessly transfer pictures from camera to phone. Or there is a PC-based application (that I have yet to try out) that appears to be the equivalent of an Adobe-based application to further enhance pics (and maybe videos). If you're looking for a sub-DSLR-based camera that's otherwise steps above a typical smartphone, the ZV-1 is the camera for you.

Overall seems easy to use and video quality quite good. Its small size makes it easily portable. The flip out screen is great to help make sure your shots are on target especially when doing talking head videos for a podcast etc.

A little small to handle if you have large hands but so far its a great video camera. Great for you-tube vloggers. I would not use the mic it comes with , definitely get a rode mic boom stick on top of it. Great features, great video quality. bad battery life. You need a dummy battery and extended usb charger to get 2 hours filming time. Each battery only lasts 30 min.

10/10 would recommend. There are so many cool features I have yet to find out about! I’m very satisfied with my first camera purchase & love the pictures i’ve taken so far!

Very easy to use, good quality, mic works well. Would reccomend getting some extra batteries if planning on using for video.

Amazing image and video quality in a compact size. Fast autofocus, flip screen, and clear audio—perfect for vlogs and content creators.

Definitely recommended 10 out of 10 amazing I love it !!

Absolutely impecable. Battery life does suck but the pros definitely out weigh the cons. Better than the canon G7X.