Sony Vlog Camera ZV-1 II + Sony ECM-G1 Shotgun Microphone Sony - Review 🏆

The Sony ZV-1 II is a compact mirrorless camera that is ideal for vlogging and content creation. Sony specifically designed this camera for vloggers and video creators, packing it with features to make capturing high-quality video simple and intuitive.

The ZV-1 II builds on the success of the original ZV-1 with improved autofocus, image stabilization, and an updated directional 3-capsule microphone. The camera has a large 1-inch sensor capable of beautiful background bokeh, while the bright lens maintains exposure when vlogging in dim lighting. Simple one-touch video recording makes capturing footage a breeze.

Overall, the ZV-1 II aims to provide everything an aspiring or professional vlogger needs to create eye-catching videos with excellent image quality and sound. Its compact form factor and flip out vari-angle LCD screen allow for easy framing when self-recording. If you're looking for an all-in-one vlogging camera, the ZV-1 II is a great option worth considering.

Camera Design

The Sony ZV-1 II has a compact and lightweight body that is optimized for vlogging and creating video content. Despite its small size, the camera still feels sturdy and durable. The body weighs only 294g which makes it easy to carry around and hold up even for extended recording sessions.

The handgrip and large right-side grip allow for a secure hold on the camera. The ergonomic design and button placement also make it easy to access the main shooting controls while recording. Things like the record button, zoom lever, and custom buttons are strategically positioned for convenient access.

Overall, the portable form factor coupled with the smart ergonomic design really makes the ZV-1 II well-suited for vlogging, traveling, and on-the-go video creation. It's a great camera option for content creators and vloggers who want advanced video capabilities in a compact, lightweight package.

Image Quality

The Sony ZV-1 II features a 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor, which allows it to capture high-resolution stills and UHD 4K video. The large sensor size and fast sensor readout contribute to excellent image quality with smooth gradations, vivid colors, and impressive low-light performance up to ISO 12800.

The camera's fast hybrid autofocus locks onto subjects quickly and accurately for both photos and videos. Face detection and eye AF work very well to keep people in sharp focus. There is also a bokeh switch that allows you to easily blur the background and create artistic separation between your subject and the environment. By activating the bokeh switch, the camera will automatically adjust settings like aperture to maximize that creamy background bokeh in your images and videos. Overall the ZV-1 II delivers outstanding image quality and intuitive creative controls ideal for vlogging and content creation.

Video Capabilities

The Sony ZV-1 II excels as a video camera, making it a great choice for vloggers and video content creators. It can record crisp, detailed 4K video at 30fps with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. This results in very high resolution 4K footage. The ZV-1 II can also shoot HD video at up to 120fps for impressive slow motion effects during editing.

A key upgrade from the original ZV-1 is the addition of a 3.5mm external microphone input. This allows you to connect professional external mics like the bundled Sony ECM-G1 shotgun mic for improved audio quality over the built-in mics. The external mic input is essential for vloggers and videographers who want great audio to match their 4K visuals.

Overall, the video capabilities of the ZV-1 II make it a versatile camera for both stills and video capture. The sharp 4K quality and slow motion options appeal to video creators, while the external mic input improves audio capture.

Autofocus Performance

The Sony ZV-1 II has excellent autofocus performance, making it a great choice for vlogging and video. It uses Sony's fast and accurate Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking focus modes. These focus automatically on a person's eyes and face, or other moving subjects, to keep them sharply in focus.

The autofocus is very fast at acquiring initial focus and also quick to adjust focus when your subject moves around the frame. This is really useful when you are filming yourself, as the camera can smoothly refocus if you move closer or further from the camera. The autofocus works well in a range of lighting conditions.

The ZV-1 II has both touch focus and touch tracking. You can simply tap on the LCD screen to select a focus point. Double tapping will make the camera switch focus from one subject to another. Overall, the reliable autofocus capabilities make the ZV-1 II a great choice for vlogging and one-person video shoots.

LCD Screen

The Sony ZV-1 II features a 3-inch flip out vari-angle touchscreen display, allowing you to compose shots from high and low angles with ease. The touchscreen interface makes changing settings quick and intuitive. You can tap to focus, making focusing on subjects while vlogging a breeze.

The vari-angle design lets you rotate the screen 180 degrees to face forward, which is ideal for selfie-style shooting. This allows you to monitor yourself in the frame with no guesswork while recording. Overall, the high-quality LCD screen provides excellent flexibility for both photography and videography.

Microphone

The ZV-1 II comes equipped with Sony's latest 3-capsule directional microphone that provides crisp, clear audio recording. The mic uses advanced beamforming technology to isolate the sound source, reducing background noise for improved voice pickup.

Sony also redesigned the wind screen on the ZV-1 II, making it larger and more effective at reducing wind noise when recording outdoors. The furry wind screen fits over the top of the microphone seamlessly.

In addition to the built-in mic, the camera has a mic input, allowing you to connect an external microphone for more flexibility. The hot shoe mount on top makes it easy to attach a shotgun mic like the Sony ECM-G1. This gives you the ability to record from a longer distance or in noisy environments.

Overall, the mic capabilities of the ZV-1 II give vloggers and content creators the tools they need for professional-level audio recording in a compact package. The directional mic focuses on voice pickup, while features like the wind screen and mic input provide options for improving audio quality further.

Battery Life

The Sony ZV-1 II has decent battery life for a compact camera of its size. It is powered by an NP-BX1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack.

Sony claims the ZV-1 II can record up to 430 shots per charge based on CIPA standards, or up to 75 minutes of continuous 4K video recording. This is a slight improvement over the original ZV-1's battery life.

Real world battery life will vary depending on usage. Using features like the LCD screen, image stabilization, and WiFi will drain the battery faster. But for general day-to-day shooting, the battery should comfortably last through a full day or more.

The ZV-1 II can be charged via the USB-C port. This allows charging via a power bank or laptop USB port in a pinch. However, using the included NP-BX1 dedicated battery charger is faster for a full charge. Overall, the battery life is decent given the compact size and USB charging adds flexibility.

Connectivity

The Sony ZV-1 II offers robust connectivity options for transferring photos and videos as well as remote control capabilities.

• Wi-Fi - The camera has built-in Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) which allows you to wirelessly transfer images to your smartphone or tablet using the Imaging Edge Mobile app. You can also use your mobile device as a remote control for the camera.

• Bluetooth - Bluetooth 4.1 is also built into the camera for an always-on low-power connection to your mobile device. This allows quick image transfer and remote shooting capabilities.

• USB-C Port - The ZV-1 II has a USB Type-C port that supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds. This allows for fast transfer of images and video to a computer or external storage. The port can also be used to charge the camera battery.

• HDMI Output - An HDMI micro connector (Type-D) is provided for outputting video to an external monitor or recorder. This allows you to record higher quality video externally or monitor your footage on a larger screen. The port supports 4K video output.

The wireless connectivity options combined with wired USB-C and HDMI make it easy to transfer, edit, and share your photos and videos from the ZV-1 II. The ports are conveniently located on the side which enhances the camera's portability.

Conclusion

Overall, the Sony ZV-1 II is an excellent vlogging camera that improves upon its predecessor in several ways. It offers great image quality, versatile video capabilities, and useful features for vloggers like product showcase mode and background defocus. The directional 3-capsule microphone delivers clear audio, and the side-opening vari-angle LCD touch screen makes framing shots a breeze. Autofocus and tracking performance are also excellent.

The ZV-1 II's compact, lightweight design makes it highly portable for shooting on the go. Battery life could be better, but the option to power the camera via USB helps offset this. The lack of a headphone jack is disappointing, but the built-in audio level meter is helpful.

In terms of downsides, the ZV-1 II is relatively expensive for a point-and-shoot camera. Low light performance and rolling shutter effect could be better as well.

Overall though, the ZV-1 II offers outstanding quality and capabilities for vlogging and content creation. If you're willing to invest in a premium dedicated camera, the ZV-1 II is easy to recommend for vloggers and video content creators looking to step up their production quality.