Customer Ratings & Reviews

So I’ll review this from 2 different angles – for its marketed use, which is “VLOGGING” and the second as a standard “point-and-shoot” camera. The Sony ZV-1 is a 20.1 megapixel camera marketed to the ever-popular world of “Influencers” and ‘VLOGGERS”, touting an excellent set of video and audio features for live or recorded video. With native video capability up to 120p (excellent for slow-mo shots) and with a lens from arguably the best camera glass on the market – Zeiss – image quality is spectacular. The lens is a 24-70 zoom, so from a photography standpoint it lacks the focal length for longer-length zooms, but for use for VLOGGING it works just fine. The camera features a built-in mic, but also includes an external hot shoe mic with a deadcat (yes, that’s an actual term) windscreen. For use with multiple mics (mixer) or a lavalier mic, the camera also has a 3.5mm mic jack on the side. The camera has a 3” multi-angle, flip, reversible screen which allows for viewing of “selfies” when shooting video (or photos). The screen is also a touch screen, but that is a little of a misnomer, as its solely a touch screen to adjust focus points. No controls from the camera can be controlled from the touchscreen, which I found a little disappointing. Video, as mentioned, is excellent, and can be launched with a separate button on top from the still photo button. One of the features of this camera is a special single button called “Product Showcase” that allows you to flip between focus on the subject speaking and the item being “showcased”. Those of you who have VLOGGED or seen videos know the frustration of someone trying to get the computer to refocus from the person to something else being shown in the foreground. Both still & video modes have the 4 standard camera shooting modes – Program (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), and Manual Mode (M). For more point-and-shoot options, the camera has auto-detection of scene, as well as the usual modes you would expect with point-and-shoot cameras like sport, fireworks, etc. When shooting in Aperture or Manual modes, you can control the aperture as low as f/1.8 for that much-loved “bokeh”, or background blur. Stills are just as crisp and good-looking as the video. At 20.1 megapixels, and the ability to save as RAW images, they are easy to edit in Lightroom or your choice of photo editing programs. ISO ranges of 80-12800 are selectable on the menu dial, as is EV+/-. Other settings are accessed thru the menu. CONS: - To me, the body feels cheap. It’s a lighter-weight plastic which just doesn’t feel like it will withstand drops. - The limited capabilities of the touchscreen were a little of a disappointment, as compared to other cameras where many of the features are controlled with more simple on-screen prompts. - The buttons to access the menu, as well as the dial to scroll and toggle, are EXTREMELY small, and tough to manipulate quickly or on-the-fly, so you’ll likely pick a mode & stick with it, or just keep the camera in point-and-shoot mode, which is a disappointment since there is so much more you can do shooting manually or with more control over settings. - The hotshoe is a proprietary design, so more standard DSLR accessories (mics, flashes, etc.) will not work, so you’ll have to come back to Sony for more accessories. SUMMARY: The camera is a great solution for video use once you set your settings and start shooting. The Zeiss lens is a great addition for quality and clarity, but with the limits on the focal range. The camera overall will make a great addition for your live streaming videos or VLOGGING activities.

Although we have a pair of Sony A7IVs we choose to shoot wedding videos with the ZV-1! It is superv easy to set up and use, and it takes great videos. The batteries run down very quick so we got 2 dummy batteries and connect them to power banks. The onboard mics and windscreen are decent, but we upgraded to Rode MiniMics that have excellent wind screens and we get zero wind noise even at the beach.

Great camera for beginners or experienced users. It can be used with a minimum of interaction but has a ton of adjustments if you want to really tweak it. Great for vlog use with 4k video (or less if you don't need 4k) and also beautiful still shots. I know a lot of people just use their phone camera nowadays but for great pics I still prefer a real camera and this one is much better than any phone camera I have seen. Phones are just too awkward for me for real quality pics or video. I won't try to give you too many specs or features since there are too many to list here and other reviewers have covered a lot of them but I will mention a few things that may still be important. If you want to learn more the sony website has a ton of info. Here is a link to the quick start guide and the 555 page full manual from sony. Yes I said 555 pages. https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/compact-cameras-zv-series/zv-1#manuals They also have a good tutorial at this link https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/support/tutorial/dc/zv-1/en/index.php This camera appears to require an SD card so if you don't have a good one you will need to get a fast one and big if you plan on doing 4k videos. I got mine with the vlog kit which includes a 64G card and the grip/tripod with wireless bluetooth remote. This is a great addition and isn't too pricey when purchased together. If you use it a lot you may want additional SD cards. It's a pretty compact camera so it's easy to take with you. You will probably want to get a case to protect it and also a strap since they didn't include one. I already have several cases and straps so not a big deal to me but they could have thrown in a strap. The swivel touchscreen can be turned inward to protect it and by default will turn the camera off when this is done. You can change this but you won't have a viewfinder with the screen turned in. Best Buy sells separate battery chargers and batteries for this camera; I would probably prefer the sony branded ones (which BB sells). Overall it's a great camera for this price range (it's the most expensive one I've had so far). If you're serious about it check out the manuals and tutorial; they have a lot more info.

Item doesn't work. Item was a return and i see why.

The Sony ZV-1 camera is a small heavily armed tactical device meant to tackle a big list of digital imaging tasks, from movies to selfies to still images of all types--close up, panoramic, portraits. It's targeting the VLOG market, with an available remote grip/tripod gadget that connects with bluetooth to the camera itself. The grip is a solid handle that features some basic control buttons, and has two flip out "feet" to make a little tripod. The top of the grip is the usual tripod mount for cameras, and has an easy-access press button to tilt the camera. All you have to do is flip out the screen on the camera, and aim it at yourself, and use the Sony Edge Mobile remote app on your phone (or PC) to control the camera for producing a VLOG. There is also free Sony software for PC or Mac you can use to edit and sort images. At the price of this camera and grip, it might have too steep a learning curve for even an adventurous newbie. If you have some experience with digital cameras and video, this may just the thing for your next step up. It is by far the fastest multi-shot digital camera I've ever used. You can really make some cool GIFs with other programs with a series of fast shots this camera takes while the auto-focus is bringing the subject into focus. Pluses---Zeiss lens. Great, stunning quality still images. Sharp macro auto-focus. Cool focusing effects. The "product showcase" mode is excellent, the focus quickly moves to something you hold up to the camera. The gimbal/tripod/remote that is included as a bonus right now is a cool idea. Phone app for remote operation and easy image editing/sharing. The wifi features of this unit are a plus, but a bit tricky to set up and use for transferring images or video to PC. Minuses--Tiny buttons. You almost need a stylus. The camera could have been a bit bigger. The battery doesn't last very long at all. I've had to recharge three times just experimenting with it. So many tricky little settings dependent on other settings. This could be a one-semester college class learning everything this camera can do. Gone are the days where cameras and phones came with a nice thick little manual. You have to download (or view online) a huge PDF in this case. But don't get me wrong--once you get all the features and options down pat this camera probably can do anything and everything a digital camera can be expected to do.

First of all, doing some research there are hours and hours of Youtube content on the PROS of this camera. I spent a decent amount of time watching and learning how the professionals rated this camera and to see how they would best utilize this camera. I was shocked with how versatile this camera really is!! Sony hit this one out of the park, I am pretty familiar with DSLR's and have GoPros for some of the action/adventure capturing so this camera I had high hopes for to become that in between solution. I can say without a doubt it really has. It has some of the entry level capabilities paired with some of the high end demands. Sony also found a way to simplify some of the complicated, the single button to apply the bokah affect is super easy. The sony menu took some getting used to so expect a decent amount of time to become familiar with how this camera ticks. This camera paired with Sony's Vlogger Accessory Kit can get anyone interested in experimenting with a YouTube channel off the ground with tons of room to grow as you learn. The camera's specifications also combine some of the best features of higher end options in a more affortable sweet spot for price. I have been very happy with the content this camera captures and can only think of two minor cons, battery life but the trade off is a super compact feature packed camera, so just buy another battery. Second con is the plastic covers for the HDMI, audio/mic input and usb charging port need very careful operation as to not damage them, only time will tell how durable they are and after playing with this camera for about a week this is the only thing I can really find about it that is less awesome. This is a great camera and will be a huge success, hoping the tons of existing reviews and online content help showcase how great this camera really is!!!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.