Sony ZV-E1 guide

Sony ZV-E1 Review

A full-frame vlog camera with AI-powered featuresSony's full-frame ZV-E1 camera 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.

Sony continues to bet big on vlogging cameras, following up a spate of entry-level ZV series video specialists with its most capable made-for-YouTube model yet. The ZV-E1 ($2,199.99, body only) squeezes a stabilized full-frame sensor into a stunningly small body with a clear-sounding mic and plenty of AI features that expand what creators can do without the benefit of a crew. Its stabilized sensor is a boon for handheld work, and along with a clear-sounding mic it allows you to get great results without a boatload of accessories. The ZV-E1 is the first made-for-vlogging camera to earn top marks and our Editors' Choice award.

The tiny Sony ZV-E1 is the most capable ‘vlogging’ camera available, and is overkill for most content creators, but it will likely surface on more serious video productions too, thanks to its clean 4K video image quality in any light, plus superb in-body image stabilization and autofocus. It 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.

Sony ZV-E1 Review: 5 Reasons to Avoid this Camera

Sony ZV-E1 Review: 5 Reasons to Avoid this Camera

I will list six reasons you shouldn’t purchase the new Sony ZV-E1 mirrorless camera. Unfortunately, the hype train on YouTube can be persuasive, convincing, and dangerous.

While there are a lot of positive features within the Sony ZV-E1, it’s fatally flawed, looking at what we have seen so far. So here is a list of reasons you should miss this camera if the ZV-E1 is your primary A camera.

There were a lot of YouTubers flown to a Sony-sponsored event promoting this camera. While on the surface, that’s fine, it also led to many channels not disclosing paid product promotion. As a result, there were only a handful of truly balanced video reviews out there.

This is not a heavy specification review. However, this will cover the practical limitations and restrictions of Sony’s new flagship vlogging camera. If you want the specifications, check out the Sony ZV-E1 on B&H.