Sony Alpha ZV-E1’s Full-frame image sensor with extraordinary sensitivity and wide dynamic range together with advanced color science captures expressive, cinematic imagery. Innovative AI powered functions enable a solo creator to capture footage that would otherwise require a separate camera operator. ZV-E1’s unique combination of performance and convenience takes your creativity to the next level.
Key Features:
Full-frame 12.1MP1 Exmor R sensor, optimized for 4K, sensitivity and speed
The ZV-E1 is Sony's first vlog camera with a Full-frame 12.1 MP1 Exmor R image sensor that is optimized for 4K and delivers 15+ stops of latitude, low noise, high sensitivity, and gorgeous full-frame bokeh.
10-bit 4:2:2 recording with direct pixel readout, Long GOP or All Intra formats
The ZV-E1 can record 4K movies with direct pixel readout, 10-bit depth and 4:2:2 color sampling using Long GOP or All Intra compression, making it possible to grade for fuller, more natural gradations while generally providing greater editing freedom.
Create memorable imagery with ease with Cinematic Vlog Setting
Provides an intuitive way to create scenes that look like feature movies. By choosing a Look, Mood and AF transition speed, anyone can create cinematic vlog footage that ideally matches the scene and creative intent. The Cinematic Vlog Setting includes "Look" options such as S-Cinetone that can enhance skin tones, "Mood" options that can emphasize specific colors, and AF transition speed that determines how quickly autofocus will switch between subjects. The overall cinematic feel is further enhanced by the use of a 24 fps frame rate and the widescreen Cinemascope aspect ratio (2.35:1) with black bands above and below the image.
Dedicated AI Processor and Real-time Recognition for accurate subject tracking
With its innovative AI processing unit, the ZV-E1 uses subject form data to accurately recognize movement, providing an improvement of approx. 60% in human eye recognition. Human pose estimation technology recognizes body and head position, so even people wearing helmets or masks, or animals facing away from the camera, can be accurately detected and tracked in real time.
5-axis in-body image stabilization and Dynamic active mode for stable recording
A compact, precision stabilization unit and gyro sensors plus optimized algorithms achieve up to 5.0-step anti-shake compensation. Newly developed Dynamic active Mode10 features advanced electronic stabilization working in conjunction with the camera’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization system to achieve approximately 30% more effective compensation than the Active Mode provided in previous models. This makes it easier than ever to shoot smooth, stable vlog footage while moving around for bold, dynamic expression.
Framing Stabilizer maintains a constant subject position within the frame.
The Framing Stabilizer feature automatically keeps the subject's position in the frame constant, which can be particularly useful when walking alongside the subject. Advanced AI-based subject recognition technology works with the camera's Dynamic active Mode image stabilization to reliably keep the subject in the frame even while in motion during handheld shooting.
Ai-based Auto Framing automatically adjusts the framing to highlight your subject
Using AI-based subject recognition technology, the Auto Framing feature automatically crops the frame to keep the subject in a prominent position when shooting movies. Even though the camera is stationary, framing is continually adjusted so that recorded footage looks as if the subject was being followed by an experienced operator. In addition to the camera automatically recognizing a subject and initializing tracking, any other subject can be selected for tracking by touching it on the camera’s monitor or the Creators' App on a smartphone.
Multiple Face Recognition automatically optimizes depth of field for selfies or groups
AI based subject recognition determines the number of faces in the frame and automatically adjust focus and aperture when recording selfies or group portraits. This feature can continuously adjust aperture for the depth of field required to keep all faces in focus while minimizing depth of field if all faces are at the same distance – or only one face is in the frame. This ensures accurate focus and full use the camera’s artistic bokeh even when several people are entering or leaving a scene. No manual adjustment is required – the camera automatically and smoothly adjusts aperture as needed so the user can shoot in the flow of the moment to capture natural expressions.
Picture Profile with support for imported LUT files for monitoring and recording.
Custom user LUT files (.cube format) can be imported into the camera and assigned to Picture Profiles. This makes it easy to use LUTs for monitoring while shooting and to create specific looks when shooting in modes other than preset looks. The look is recorded in-camera, so color correction in post processing can be minimized or eliminated altogether.
Intelligent 3 Capsule internal microphone with variable directivity
The ZV-E1 features a high-performance 3-capsule microphone with variable directivity that is capable of picking up clear audio in outdoor situations where wind and environmental noise can be a problem. The microphone is designed to clearly capture the voice of your main subject and depending on your shoot you can set the microphone's directivity to Front, Rear, All Directions. In Auto mode, [Front] or [All Directions] directivity is automatically selected according to the current subject recognition and tracking status.
Compatible with all Sony E-mount lenses for comprehensive creativity
Because it features Sony's E-mount system, the ZV-E1 can be used with all E-mount lenses, including the superlative G Master series with its stunning resolution and world-class bokeh. A choice of focal lengths ranging from 12 mm to 1200 mm2 gives users outstanding creative control.
Upgrade from 4K 60p to 4K 120p15 internal recording for up to 5x slow motion
The ZV-E1 offers in-camera 4K recording at up to 120 frames per second. Extraordinarily smooth 5x (max.) slow-motion imagery16 at QFHD resolution with autofocus provides new expressive capability. When using the XAVC S format, up to 10x slow motion with Full HD resolution is possible at 240 fps (24p recording), providing fresh perspectives on dynamic sports and other types of action.
Natural skin tones, Soft Skin Effect and background bokeh control
The colors and textures of human skin and foliage are rendered consistently, even in challenging lighting conditions. Improved gradation rendering produces better skin tones and highlight roll-off in portraits, while the Soft Skin Effect smooths out small wrinkles and blemishes and adds clarity around the eyes and mouth. When you want to emphasize your main subject, a press of the Bokeh Switch creates impressive full-frame background defocus.
My Image Style directly recalls 4 key parameters to create expressive imagery.
When shooting in the Intelligent Auto or Scene Selection mode, icons on the touch-sensitive monitor make it easy to directly adjust background bokeh, brightness, and color tone, as well as select a Creative Look. This provides an intuitive way to create expressive imagery without having to be familiar with technical details such as F stops, exposure compensation, or color temperature.
Product Showcase Setting19 focuses on highlighted items for product reviews.
The Product Showcase Setting makes it easy to shoot product review videos. The camera will smoothly switch focus from your face to a product held in front of the lens and then back to your face when the product is moved away. Product Showcase Setting can be turned on or off simply by pressing the dedicated button provided.
S-Gamut3.Cine/S-Log3 and S-Gamut3/S-Log3 advanced color science.
S-Log3 offers enhanced reproduction of shadow to mid-tone (18% grey) gradations. Color spaces include S-Gamut3, with even better color reproduction than S-Gamut, and S-Gamut3.Cine, a color space that has been designed to provide a look similar to scanned cinema film. The combination of S-Gamut3.Cine, which has a slightly wider color gamut than DCI-P3 digital cinema, and S-Log3 allows easier color grading for the DCI-P3 or 709 video color space.
Flexible ISO Log shooting mode for greater exposure setting freedom.
Flexible ISO is an S-Log shooting mode that allows ISO sensitivity to change according to the brightness of the scene, while aperture and shutter speed are set manually. ISO can be set to AUTO or manually set between 640 and 102400 (160 and 409600 in expanded ISO mode) as required for optimum exposure.
Easy, stable smartphone connectivity
Connection stability when transferring images from the camera to the Creators’ App24 on a smartphone has been greatly improved, as transfers continue in the background even if the smartphone display sleeps or a different app is launched. Workflow from shooting to sharing has been notably improved overall.
High-quality live streaming
The ZV-E1 makes it possible to live stream at up to 4K 30p, with UVC/UAC support. Connected to a personal computer or smartphone26 via USB, the camera can function as a 4K (2160p) webcam. Add a new dimension to online meetings, live events or even conversations with family and friends, taking advantage of features like narrow depth of field, optical zoom, Intelligent 3 Capsule Microphone, Face Priority AE and Eye AF.
Simplified, intuitive touch operations on LCD panel
Swiping the left or right edge of the monitor display reveals touch function icons at the top that control the shooting mode, Cinematic Vlog Setting, and more. Additionally, the function (Fn) menu can be displayed by swiping up on the monitor. Other refinements include exposure compensation and white balance touch-control icons that have been added to the existing F-stop, shutter speed, and ISO icons at the bottom of the monitor display.
High-capacity Z series battery
The ZV-E1 uses Sony’s high-capacity Z battery. For even better power performance the image processing engine, image sensor, and related circuitry have been designed to optimize power economy under all shooting conditions.
Optional accessories to make the most of vlogging
You can improve your vlog's sound with an optional external microphone, attached easily to the ZV-E1's microphone jack. And smooth, one-handed operation is yours with the optional GP-VPT2BT Shooting Grip with Wireless Remote Commander. The grip features easily accessible zoom and still/movie shooting controls, and it can also be used as a tripod.
The world’s smallest, lightest full-frame interchangeable lens vlog camera
The ZV-E1 is the world's most compact, lightweight vlog camera with a full-frame CMOS sensor and lens interchangeablity, making it ideal not only for handheld shooting, but also for gimbal or drone mounting. Its extraordinary mobility gives vloggers new capabilities for creative expression.
Sony ZV-E1 Specs
Imaging
Lens Mount |
Sony E |
Sensor Resolution |
Effective: 12 Megapixel |
Sensor Type |
35.6 x 23.8 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS |
Image Stabilization |
Digital, 5-Axis |
Built-In ND Filter |
None |
Capture Type |
Stills & Video |
Exposure Control
Shutter Type |
Electronic Shutter, Mechanical Focal Plane Shutter |
Shutter Speed |
1/8000 to 30 Second |
Bulb/Time Mode |
Bulb Mode |
ISO Sensitivity |
Photo 80 to 102,400 (Extended: 80 to 409,600) |
Metering Method |
Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multiple, Spot |
Still Image Capture
Image Sizes |
3:2 11 MP (3776 x 2832) 4.6 MP (2464 x 1848) 2.7 MP (1888 x 1416) 1.1 MP (1232 x 920) 8 MP (2832 x 2832) 3.4 MP (1840 x 1840) 2 MP (1408 x 1408) 0.8 MP (912 x 912) 10 MP (4240 x 2384) 4.3 MP (2768 x 1560) 2.6 MP (2128 x 1200) 4.3 MP (2768 x 1560) 1.1 MP (2128 x 1416) 12 MP (4240 x 2832) 5.1 MP (2768 x 1848) 3 MP (2128 x 1416) 5.1 MP (2768 x 1848) 1.3 MP (1376 x 920) |
Aspect Ratio |
1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 |
Image File Format |
JPEG |
Bit Depth |
10-Bit |
Video Capture
Internal Recording Modes |
XAVC-I 4:2:2 10-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/50/59.94/100 fps [600 Mb/s] XAVC-I 4:2:2 10-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/120 fps [600 Mb/s] 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/120/240 fps [600 Mb/s] |
Fast-/Slow-Motion Support |
Yes |
Gamma Curve |
S Cinetone, Sony S-Log 2, Sony S-Log 3 |
Broadcast Output |
NTSC/PAL |
Built-In Microphone Type |
Stereo |
Interface
Video I/O |
None |
Audio I/O |
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output |
Power I/O |
1 x USB-C Input |
Other I/O |
1 x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) Data Input/Output (Shared with Power Input) 1 x Sony Multi/Micro-USB Control |
Wireless |
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Mobile App Compatible |
Yes *As of March, 2023: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility |
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.) |
None |
Monitor
Display Type |
Articulating Touchscreen LCD |
Viewfinder
Type |
Built-In Electronic (OLED) |
Focus
Focus Type |
Auto and Manual Focus |
Focus Mode |
Automatic, Direct Manual Focus, Manual Focus |
Flash
Built-In Flash |
No |
External Flash Connection |
Intelligent Hot Shoe |
General
Battery Type |
1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
Tripod Mounting Thread |
1 x 1/4"-20 Female |
Accessory Mount |
1 x Intelligent Hot Shoe |
Dimensions (W x H x D) |
4.8 x 2.8 x 2.1" / 121 x 71.9 x 54.3 mm |
Sony FE 28-60mm F/4-5.6 Lens Specs
Focal Length |
28 to 60mm |
Maximum Aperture |
f/4 to 5.6 |
Minimum Aperture |
f/22 to 32 |
Lens Mount |
Sony E |
Lens Format Coverage |
Full-Frame |
Angle of View |
75° to 40° |
Minimum Focus Distance |
11.8" / 30 cm |
Maximum Magnification |
0.16x |
Optical Design |
8 Elements in 7 Groups |
Diaphragm Blades |
7, Rounded |
Focus Type |
Autofocus |
Image Stabilization |
No |
Filter Size |
40.5 mm (Front) |
Dimensions (ø x L) |
2.6 x 1.8" / 66.6 x 45 mm |
Length at Maximum Extension |
2.73" / 69.3 mm |
Weight |
5.9 oz / 167 g |