Sony ZV-1 II Price is $900 USD and Release Date is Within June 2023, Made for Vloggers and Video Content Creators

Sony Electronics has introduced the latest version of their ZV-1 vlog camera series, called the Sony ZV-1 II. This new camera has been upgraded based on feedback and demand from users, incorporating highly sought-after features that are currently popular in the market. One notable improvement is the wider-angle lens compared to its predecessor, the ZV-1. This enhancement enables vloggers to create more captivating and visually appealing content with better image quality.

The Sony ZV-1 Mark 2 is equipped with advanced features that cater to creators of all skill levels. It boasts a 1.0-type Exmor RS™ image sensor with approximately 20.1 effective megapixels, a powerful BIONZ X™ image processing engine, and a newly developed ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 18-50 mm F1.8-4i lens. These capabilities allow users to enjoy sophisticated camera functions and produce high-quality content.

One of the standout features of the Sony ZV-1 Mark II is its versatile 18-50mm wide-angle lens. It enables users to capture a wide range of scenes, from group selfies to tight interior shots and dynamic everyday moments. Additionally, the camera incorporates Multiple Face Recognition technology, which can identify and focus on multiple faces simultaneously. This ensures that all faces remain sharp and clear, even when taking selfies with two or three people.

According to Ms. Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions at Sony Electronics Inc., the Sony ZV-1 II is an exciting addition to the ZV series and will become the preferred choice for many content creators, including vloggers, social media influencers, and short-form video makers. Sony has listened to feedback from users and incorporated features that are highly valued by vloggers. The company is committed to expanding and enhancing the ZV series based on community input, and the ZV-1 II is a testament to that commitment.

Sony ZV-1 Mark II is made for convenient video content creation

The ZV-1 II is packed with a range of new and popular features designed to enhance the capabilities of vloggers and video content creators.

One notable feature for this use is the ultra-wide angle and zoom capabilities. With an 18mm wide angle of view, users can easily capture attractive and photogenic images, especially when taking selfies at arm's length. The 18-50mm optical zoom and Clear Image Zoom further provide the flexibility to change the angle of view and create variety in videos without sacrificing image quality.

The camera also incorporates a Bokeh Switch, which allows users to create beautiful background bokeh by defocusing the background with a single touch. Additionally, the Intelligent 3-capsule microphone automatically adjusts its direction based on recognized human faces or objects, ensuring clear audio recording. It also offers easy attachment to the Multi Interface Hot Shoe Mount and a 3.5mm microphone jack for seamless connection with external microphones.

To cater to the demands of capturing videos with a filmic look, the ZV-1 II features a Cinematic Vlog Setting function. With a simple tap on the on-screen function icon, the camera automatically sets a CinemaScope size (2.35:1) and a frame rate of 24 fps, resembling the look of a cinema movie. Users can further enhance their videos by selecting from five LOOKs and four MOODs using on-screen buttons.

The camera includes various features to optimize image quality and enhance the shooting experience. These include Face Priority AE and Soft Skin Effect, which adjust exposure and smooth skin respectively for improved video quality. The Fast Hybrid AF System ensures precise focusing, even in high-definition 4K recording, and features like Real-time Eye AF provide accurate focus tracking for both photos and videos. Other features like Product Showcase Setting, S&Q shoot mode for slow or quick motion, ISO sensitivity range from 125 to 12800, Active Mode electronic image stabilization, and a built-in ND filter add further versatility and convenience to the camera.

Bring Sony ZV-1 II with you on your adventures

The ZV-1 II is designed for convenience and portability, making it perfect for those on the go. Its compact and lightweight design allows it to be easily carried in a pocket or small bag, even with its optical wide zoom lens. The camera offers versatility in filming styles with its vari-angle screen, ideal for selfies, and a comfortable body grip that can be enhanced with an optional GP-VPT2BT grip. The key and control layout of the camera are user-friendly, and there is a recording indicator on the front face of the body, easily visible with its bold red frame. Charging the camera is simple with its USB Type-C connector.

Content creators can effortlessly connect and share their content using Sony's Creators' Cloud platform and seamless smartphone connectivity. The Creators' App enables users to control the ZV-1 II from their smartphone, monitor camera battery and media status, edit metadata and camera names, and effortlessly transfer photos and videos, even in the background. The app also provides an easy way to update the camera's software.

For hassle-free high-quality live streaming, the ZV-1 II can be connected to a PC or smartphone using a commercially available USB cable (not included) to use it as a webcam. This allows users to enhance their videos during online meetings and live streaming by using the Creative Look feature to improve the appearance of skin and adjust the color tone. The camera's Face Priority AE ensures clearer and brighter faces, while Real-time Eye AF keeps the eyes in focus, adding a professional touch to the visuals.

Sony prioritizes Sustainability and Accessibility

Sony is committed to a sustainable future, and this commitment is reflected in the development of the ZV-1 II. The camera incorporates recycled materials, including SORPLASTM, in its body construction, reducing environmental impact while maintaining functionality. Furthermore, Sony utilizes their unique recycled paper "Original Blended Material" for packaging, which is plastic-free and easily recyclable. By incorporating environmentally friendly materials like bamboo, sugar cane fiber, and recycled paper collected from the market, the ZV-1 II is both eco-friendly and of high quality.

The ZV-1 II also includes accessibility features to make operation easier for a wide range of users. One such feature is the screen reader functionality, which aids individuals with low vision or visual impairments. When activated, the screen reader function reads aloud the text displayed on menu screens. Users can enable the screen reader function by turning on the [Screen Reader] option in the [Setup] tab and adjust the volume through the [Sound Options] settings. Additionally, the camera offers various functions to assist with achieving precise focus on different subjects. These include Real-time Eye AF, which automatically detects and focuses on human or animal subjects, as well as Real-time Tracking. Focus Magnification and Peaking functions facilitate manual focusing, while Touch Focus, Touch Tracking, and Touch Shutter allow users to focus, track, and capture images simply by touching the subject on the monitor screen. The ZV-1 II provides a range of accessibility features, including Screen Reader, Touch AE, Focus Magnifier, Peaking Display, Real-time Eye AF, Real-time Tracking, Touch Focus, Touch Tracking, Touch Shutter, Vari-angle LCD screen, and Custom function, all designed to enhance the camera's usability for a diverse user base.

Main Criticisms of the Sony ZV-1 II

While the Sony ZV-1 II comes packed with a range of useful vlogging features, it is surprising to note that it lacks two notable capabilities found in its predecessor, the Sony ZV-1. Firstly, the ZV-1 II does not include optical image stabilization, which was a valuable feature for ensuring smooth and steady footage, especially when capturing videos on the go. This hybrid camera merely relies on Electronic Image Stabilization. Secondly, the absence of slow-motion functionality, a popular feature in the original Sony ZV-1, may disappoint those who enjoyed the creative possibilities it offered for capturing captivating and dramatic moments in high frame rate. Thirdly, Sony ZV-1 II does not record 10-Bit videos, which is a feature already available on some smartphones and action cameras for greater details and improved dynamic range. Despite these omissions, however, the ZV-1 II still offers a compelling package for vloggers and content creators, but it's important to consider these differences when comparing it to its predecessor.

Sony ZV-1 II Price and Release Date

The upcoming Sony ZV-1 II will hit the shelves starting in June 2023 at various Sony stores and authorized retailers worldwide. In the United States, it is expected to have a price tag of around $900 USD. For Sony fans and vloggers in the Philippines, we're still awaiting news about the official suggested retail price and the exact date it will be launched there. Keep an eye out for future updates to stay in the loop and be among the first to know all the details.