Sony ZV-E1: The Most Versatile and Refined Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera for Video Performance and Ease of Use
The Sony ZV-E1 is a full-frame mirrorless camera aimed at video creators, especially vloggers and content creators who need a high-quality and versatile camera for various situations and subjects.
It packs the sensor and IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) from the Sony A7S III into a smaller body with no viewfinder but a bunch of features designed to make filming easier, especially if you’re a team of one.
This mirrorless camera also offers a simple control layout, and AI smarts that make life easy for modest crews, and hint at how cameras are likely to evolve. In this review, we will look at the main features, pros and cons of this camera, based on various sources¹²³⁴⁵.
Introduction
The Sony ZV-E1 was announced in January 2023 as a full-frame mirrorless camera for video creators. It is part of Sony's ZV series of cameras, which are designed to deliver high image quality and performance for vlogging and content creation.
This is the most capable and expensive model in the series, following the ZV-1F, the ZV-10, and the ZV-11, which are all compact cameras with fixed lenses and smaller sensors.
The ZV-E1 is essentially a stripped-down version of the Sony A7S III, which is Sony's flagship full-frame camera for video professionals. The ZV-E1 uses the same 12MP BSI CMOS sensor and Bionz XR processor as the A7S III, which enable stunning 4K video quality in any light, with minimal noise and high dynamic range.
It also inherits the 5-axis IBIS system from the A7S III, which provides up to 5.5 stops of stabilization for handheld shooting.
However, the ZV-E1 also sacrifices some features from the A7S III to achieve a smaller size and lower price. The ZV-E1 has no viewfinder, no mechanical shutter, no dual card slots, no top LCD panel, no joystick control, no headphone jack and no full-size HDMI port.
It also has a lower-resolution rear LCD screen (1.04M dots vs 1.44M dots), a lower-capacity battery (NP-FZ100 vs NP-FZ110), a lower-resolution EVF (0 vs 9.44M dots) and a lower frame rate for 4K video (60fps vs 120fps).
The Sony ZV-E1 also adds some features that are tailored for vlogging and content creation.
It has a flip-out touchscreen that can face forward for selfies and vlogs, a built-in directional microphone that can capture clear audio without an external mic, an AI-powered Auto Framing mode that can crop and track subjects automatically, a Cinematic Vlog mode that can record widescreen videos with S-Cinetone color profile, and a USB-C port that can be used for power delivery or webcam streaming.
Features
| FEATURE | Sony ZV-E1 |
| Full frame | Yes |
| Sensor Resolution | 12 MP |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame |
| Image Stabilization | 5-Axis IBIS |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF with 759 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points |
| Video Resolution | Up to 4K UHD at 60fps or Full HD at 240fps |
| Video Format | XAVC S or XAVC HS with H.264 or H.265 codec |
| Video Bit Depth | Up to 10-bit internal or external |
| Video Color Space | Up to BT.2020 internal or external |
| Video Log Profile | S-Log2 or S-Log3 |
| Video HDR Profile | HLG |
| Audio Input | Built-in directional microphone or external microphone via 3.5mm jack |
| Audio Output | None |
| Display Size | 3 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1.04 million dots |
| Display Type | Flip-out touchscreen LCD |
| Viewfinder Type | None |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI, USB-C, Microphone (3.5mm) |
| Memory Card Slots | 1 |
| Memory Card Format | SDXC (UHS-II) |
| Battery Type | Sony NP-FZ100 |
| Battery Life | Up to 440 shots or 95 minutes of video recording |
| Dimensions | 2.8 by 4.8 by 2.1 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 lb |
| Weather Sealing | Yes |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Tiny full-frame camera with stabilized sensor
- Widescreen cinematic vlog mode
- S-Cinetone and S-Log3 picture profiles
- Great-looking 10-bit 4K60 video
- Excellent stabilization system
- Quality in-camera audio
- AI-powered Auto Framing mode
- USB-C power delivery and webcam streaming
Cons
- No viewfinder
- No mechanical shutter
- Single SD card slot
- Fragile micro HDMI port
- Can overheat at 4K60
- Not a great camera for photos
Conclusion
The Sony ZV-E1 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that delivers fantastic results for videos and vlogs thanks to a stabilized sensor, S-Cinetone color, and a number of AI-powered features to assist creators operating without the benefit of a crew.
It is the most capable and expensive model in Sony's ZV series of cameras, which are designed to deliver high image quality and performance for vlogging and content creation. It is also the smallest and lightest full-frame camera on the market, making it ideal for handheld shooting and travel.
However, the ZV-E1 is not a perfect camera for everyone. It is not a great camera for photos, as it has no viewfinder, no mechanical shutter, and a low-resolution sensor. It is also not a great camera for heavy video use, as it has a single SD card slot, a fragile micro HDMI port, and can overheat at 4K60.
It is also more expensive than some other full-frame cameras that offer more features and versatility, such as the Sony A7C.
If you are looking for a full-frame mirrorless camera that offers excellent image quality and performance for videos and vlogs, with a simple control layout and AI smarts that make life easy for modest crews, then the Sony ZV-E1 may be the best choice for you.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a full-frame mirrorless camera that offers more features and versatility for photos and videos, with a viewfinder, a mechanical shutter, dual card slots, and better cooling system, then the Sony ZV-E1 may not be the best choice for you.
Further Reading:
(2) Sony ZV-E1 review: vlogging on steroids | TechRadar
(3) Sony ZV-E1 review: pint-sized vlogging powerhouse