Sony ZV1 Review: The Ultimate Vlogging Camera?

The Sony ZV-1 is a modified version of Sony's RX100 camera aimed at vloggers. Is the ZV1 the ultimate vlogging camera? We vlog way through a review to find out.
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[@ArumesYT]

I like how Chris and the camera have the same hair style.

[@haseeb6053]

🤣🤣🤣

[@tobi6882]

💀💀💀😂😂

[@hemuway2818]

😂😂😂

[@MBinTube]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Zoranurai13]

“Suddenly garnier fructis is sold out everywhere”

[@trym2121]

And the marketing guys were stumped on the question why.

[@Chundles]

it’s been Draked.

[@ShlomoLevi]

according to this guy hair I will never buy it)))

[@jayu4078]

Try M nobody no kno no j

[@ryanyu5051]

You guys are so cute when Chris called Jordan to our of the background

[@crabbisk9767]

our?

[@kane4013]

Chris’ hair is even more majestic in the rain 🦁

[@TechReflex]

Well those Fuji X-T4 colors look really great.

[@skypekai]

Too green

[@BarefootVlogger]

Funny I was looking for this comment. Forget the Sony that Fuji is sharp and unreal. I'm buying that!

[@jjakkad]

Don't care how many reviews come out on KZbin but this is the one I trust the most. You guys provide real insights into products.

[@holycannoli8562]

Would love to see some reviews of how it functions as a stills camera. Not so much the quality of the stills, as we can infer that from its predecessors, but the user experience of manually changing settings on the fly and taking pictures in comparison to the experience when using a DSLR.

[@HappyHubris]

It's true. I watch everything with Chris and Jordan, regardless of whether I would ever want it. Also, Sony webcam app?!

[@Blawlog]

Yeah, I was surprised and excited to hear about a webcam app as well! Didn't see anything about it on the DP Review website though which is odd.

[@rzero21]

Chris and Jordan are legends, they're mocking up the entire KZbin Universe lol

[@PeterKoperdan]

Actually, they are just trying super hard to be funny, because compared to many other YT reviewers their reviews are quite stale. They can't even compete on technical aspects of the reviews anymore. The bar is pretty high on YT these days..

[@MarkHoltze]

The only ZV1 review one needs to watch! lol! LOVE it

[@TomRipley7350]

Camera Conspiracy's is funny.

[@MarkHoltze]

@@TomRipley7350 true, I watch him for satire, even though it may be a review, I never really consider them one, but you're right and I should give him credit for the watch because I always do lol. Thanks Tom!

[@jdawg206A]

I watched tons of video reviews and you guys hands down made the best and most comprehensive and entertaining video review for the ZV-1. Love you guys!

[@matthconphoto]

I love the subtile product placements and the humor in this episode!!!

[@madtoffelpremium8324]

This is the third video I watch about this camera, that I have no intention of buying. I just love watching you guys.

[@szz1070]

This is the 5th review of this camera I've watched. And it's first one that is less glowing, as in it's more balanced with the pros and cons. And humour. The other four reviews were all going gaga over it. Thanks Chris and Jordan. Great hair!

[@stigovegisnaas]

Great review, good job very helpful, love the humor! 😁

[@TomRipley7350]

Why does Chris look like he's still getting slick barber cuts when I look like I've been attacked by wolves with my quarantine self-cuts?

[@thatjordandrake]

Chris has been cutting his own hair for years.

[@Rationalific]

It's all the L'Oreal 24 Hour Remix. Works like magic.

[@sh8736]

And then he washes it with Garnier fructus.....

[@ALLSTARSPACE]

Hi guys, this review is so appreciated, thank you for the practical side of it! Greetings from Munich

[@zfisher]

This camera definitely intriguing, nice to see camera manufacturers making lots dedicated to certain needs in the community. Jordan choosing a higher depth of field in the bridge shot makes for a different look to this video.

[@aCeRahmat]

This is what I've waiting, you always have unique perspective 😁

[@PopKMedia]

6:30 face auto expose was magical.... That level of clean adjustment is such an astounding thing to have.

[@B9scrambler]

You're right. I do come to watch you and Jordan. The camera is secondary :D Another awesome video guys. keep it up!

[@Ndstars1]

Finally! Like, you know, like, a lot of us guys have been, like, asking about this on your socials and it's, like, probably your most highly requested videos for, like, e-var!!

[@blaspayri]

Thank you for this lively and in-depth review that tackles real issues in real conditions. I find that the walking shots are not really usable as the artifacts of stabilization are too distracting. The image quality is good for such a small sensor.

[@BudionoSukses]

this camera is awesome to change my canon g7x mark ii to balance with my a6600 in color scheme

[@sans6956]

This video brings me such joy. Thanks guys 🙌

[@80-80.]

Why is no one talking about the usefulness of the built-in nd filter for this camere?

[@ErebosGR]

Cause most vloggers don't even know what an ND filter does.

[@thatjordandrake]

It's incredibly useful! We forgot to mention it because it's also part of the RX100 3-5 that this camera is based on.

[@edgarleft8528]

@@thatjordandrake Does the built-ND ever turn on automatically in the auto-bokeh mode? As Chris mentioned at 8:40, the wide aperture resulted in the camera making the shutter angle much smaller, resulting in a jittery video and I was hoping the built-in ND would combat this this.

[@thatjordandrake]

@@edgarleft8528 It does, but a three stop filter at F1.8, 125 ISO in direct sunlight is too bright for a 50th or 60th of second shutter speed, that's why we still see the fast shutter speed motion in those clips.

[@davidanderson8381]

Nailed the 'not sponsored' thing Jordan!

[@DavidHarry]

Jordan’s intro is awesome :) Cheers, Dave.

[@cbflazaro]

the bokeh button is basically "aperture priority f1.8" .

[@BAdventures]

Vlogging and 'Product Showcase Mode'. Funny and still practical demo. Fast auto focus. Good detailed review 👍

[@amermeleitor]

The Sony ZV1 have two standout features: - Crazy good autofocus for the price and size - Incredible image quality for the price and size Canon pocket cameras, Panasonic pocket cameras, GoPros, etc, are far below, only other Sony cameras can match the quality, like the RX100 mk7. The only other two compact cameras that are up to the ZV1 quality could be the Canon G1X MK2 (pricier, bulkier, no 4k, no slowmo / high fps video), with DualPixel autofocus and APS-C sensor, excellent 1080p 60fps, better stabilization, and weather sealed. Other could be the DJI Pocket 2, gimbal stabilizer, very good image quality (ZV1 is better), cheaper, smaller.

[@photosbyjosef]

Dude the intro is hilarious I actually just went out and put that shampoo just so I can remember laughing. Love your guys' work love your videos very very helpful very enjoyable please keep up the good work.

[@BigOvlogger]

A good review. Thumbs up from Kingsport, Tn.

[@bmkq2007]

Yeah i usually here for you guys, awesome way to present content. Jordon nice hair :)

[@lawrencebautista1]

The name reminds me of the Zeiss ZX1. Speaking of which, what's the update on that one? It's been more than a year since it was announced.

[@nomadcurate]

Great vid as always.

[@sanderforpresident]

Great vloggerinos i bought all the fructis now

[@DaleTheChannel]

You're right, there are hundreds of videos in my feed on the ZV-1, I only watched yours because I knew it would be the best. I think I'm more sold on the Fuji XT4

[@AndrewWorkshop]

Finally the ultimate compact travel vlog camera. Great hair 👌 btw

[@bondfamous]

Iv come to watch you guys. You are right! Great video's

[@danny3303]

The autofocus seems to be struggling at 4:03 and 14:16 - looks like it shifts between subject and background. Was this using eye AF?

[@alirazvan6651]

Intro was amazing 😀😀

[@ZangLussuria]

Good point that it's better for home & studio. No built-in flash and weather resistance takes a lot out of it for travel and outdoor use. Phones now have multiple lenses and ultrawide. Quality on them are getting better. Since the touch screen can't be used for settings and the tripod/control attachment is needed to get a wider FOV, then a phone with a small gimbal works well too. Can you please test the built-in ND on this as well?

[@TriexLola]

I bought the SONY ZV-1 few days ago! It's quite expensive but its super easy to use, features are awesome! Perfect for beginners!

[@nielskersic328]

The X-T4 footage looks great! Can't wait to see the full review on that!

[@giancassini8390]

lol. I'm 5 months behind just "discovering" the Sony ZV-1. Looks like a great camera! Thanks for the awesome review! Hey, regarding the lack of a video/photo switch one thing that is cool is that that you can take pictures while recording a video (Dual record). It does not work in all modes and I think it's full resolution but cropped for the movie aspect ratio so not perfect but better than most other cameras out there.......

[@ThuanVanNguyen]

Is autofocus speed and stability good for vlogging? Thank you for your videos test.

[@leejack218]

Stability wise I got it, but the auto focus seems to be incredibly quick

[@dadanardi5541]

looking at this video, active steadyshot while using stick is actually quite good.

[@EinzMY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn7Sn2R3i8mZm68 active stabilization is very usable. But if you are willing to get better footages; you can try Philip Bloom method using sony catalyst browse software

[@mirrorlessny]

ZV1 has latest AF, like in a6600/a7RIV, stabilization definitely looks better than bigger Sony cameras

[@shanyialexander]

Thank you Jordan.

[@manishajoshi7504]

What software do you use for video and photography editing? By the way this was a very informational video thank you so much.

[@vinmertv1747]

Thanks for this video

[@zianyang1011]

Could you guys review the new Sony phone? Xperia 1 II, it might be a serious competitor to iPhone 11 Pro or the new upcoming iPhone in terms of photography capabilities.

[@LamPhamQuynh]

hi Chris, can u tell me more about battery life and how long can Sony ZV1 handle video with powerbank. thank u so much!

[@variamusica]

@jordan: that imovie 1999 title at the beginning. Imac g3 days. Brotherhood.

[@Frag1ty]

Can you use sony imaging edge software also to apply active steadyshot on different cameras like the a6400?

[@franzweber7494]

I was really looking forward to learn about all the beauty secrets from Jordan. Which nail polish he buys or which hair wax he can recommend. But then, out of no were it endet up being just another camera review. So I will buy the Sony and a bottle of Fructis.

[@thatjordandrake]

That's my only beauty secret. The rest is purely genetics.

[@pjw2000]

I'm just glad Sony put something out with a fully articulating screen. Finally! And hopefully a preview of what's to come in other models.

[@HappyHubris]

For stills, I really prefer a flip-up or ideally a screen like the A99ii.

[@BlueBomberTurbo]

Pretty sure all of their consumer video cameras have this type of screen. Much less useful for photography, which is why their photo cameras have a tilt screen.

[@shaasframe]

Thanks

[@markwiemels]

Finally, Jordan has found his calling!

[@WeTheKongs]

Do you think there will be a version 2 of the zv1? Planning to get this for my vlogs

[@JoshuaKoerner]

Jordan sold that so well!! The comedy sketches at the beginning of these are a little hit or miss, appreciated always, but that was a 100% hit!

[@scdobserver835]

Jordan! You are a natural. That little shimmey is really very beauty vlogger authentic! 😂

[@thatjordandrake]

Thanks!

[@jean-gabrielclermont-tonne2475]

Super video ! Merci bien.

[@lloyd76oswald]

I watched the rest and then came here to see the best.

[@AndrewVanBeekOttawa]

I notice a few times where you’re speaking to the camera that the background is sharper and then it eventually focusses on the eye.

[@Cutieplus]

Will it overheat when taking 4k ?> Is there record time limit for 4k >>?

[@cosmosex3572]

No, it doesn't have a record time limit of 29m59s. But surely it will overheat eventually.

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

_Recording limitations: By default, in 4K filming mode, the camera will stop recording after 5 minutes. (Overheating protection). To overcome this, change the settings under “Setup 2” - Auto Power OFF Temp, and apply “High”. Now recording up to 30 minutes should be possible._ www.cinema5d.com/sony-zv-1-hands-on-review-a-new-camera-not-only-for-vloggers/

[@vidthreenorth4007]

@Han Chen: Also, it depends on how you define "overheating". Is it "uncomfortably warm" (which seems to be Sony's definition)? Do you have to be hot enough to burn your fingers? Or are we talking about "hot enough to damage hardware"? I think there will probably be a thermal shut down around the "burn your fingers" level, well before hardware damage. But I could be wrong about that.

[@PostColorGear]

I hear ya on the beauty feature, Chris. For me, it's more the eye bags. I've never considered that feature more in my life than now 😂 But seriously, great stuff as always gentlemen.

[@davidb9682]

Got to say, the T4 is looking good. What lens was used for the vid?

[@pantonebear]

Best video intro EVER!!!!

[@GuyVinmara]

13:26 The dynamic range of the iPhone seems better than the Sony here!

[@tuannguyent.3696]

Thanks for pointing it out. I just need this comment to decide that I don't need an RX100 or ZV-1 :) when a phone is sufficient

[@YiggaP]

I liked as soon as I saw the Garnier ad :-)

[@RyoHazuki224]

8:39 I thought that when it does the background blur opening the aperture, it doesn't speed up the shutter but instead use the built-in ND filter??

[@RhawiDantas]

I humbly request DPReview to phase out the Gold Award in their reviews and just have Jordan saying "it's Jordans choice". It's my new favourite seal of approval.

[@tseliang.z]

Quick question - what mic were you using when u vlogging? It's so clear.

[@chippy511]

Interesting camera ! Not really sure about who it’s aim at Nice for bloggers I suppose but then your iPhone is quicker and probably easier to use. Love your vids always watch you make it interesting and pack in a lot of stuff including some fun from you nutters🤣🤪! Keep up the good work Lads. 👍😉

[@nigelo92]

This or the RX100VII, which should I get? Hmm. I want a nice 50/50 balance on picture and video quality/usability. This seems to be more 70/30 on what its for. I think I'm right in saying the RX100VII can do everything the ZV-1 can right? Just without the use of the insta macro buttons. And I'm one who prefers the longer zoom range.

[@thetexaseagle]

How are Electronic vs Manual Stabilizers compared in terms of image quality on video??

[@JustinPulitzerTrades]

Did you have the skin smoother on when you compared it to the iPhone camera? iPhone actually looked a bit sharper.

[@livewallberg]

A comparision between the Sony and the Iphone 11 would be interesting. Next to the Iphone XS the footage looked almost identical.

[@sloanNYC]

Have you tried any HDMI to Audio jack converters to get around the lack of headphone jack? They are pretty cheap though not 100% reliable...

[@JonInLondon]

The Jordan back garden shot had all sorts of stuff going on... was Face-AF not enabled?

[@marcdesilva1644]

Can you guys please do a review on the Sony Xperia 1 mark II smartphone? The camera can shoot 20fps and has active tracking

[@thegreatestshowstopper5860]

OMG I use the exact same hair shampoo!! Am I going to have Jordan's hairstyle before not too long?

[@jpjay1584]

what mic are you using???? the quality is awesome.

[@vinmertv1747]

Thanks much watching from Philippines done subscribing

[@rchatte100]

Hi guys, could you pls do a HLG episode? Things like playback HLG straight to a compatible TV wihtout/with grading etc.

[@BlueBomberTurbo]

Hopefully they'll expose it properly, too, as the HLG sample here is painfully overexposed.

[@AlainSTO]

Sucks that it's not weathersealed though. Needed that when doing landscape videos.

[@Snowcatsrt]

man if this had a wider lens it would be a must buy

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

should've used the RX100 as a "fake prop" while still recording majority of the video with the ZV-1. on a distance, they look basically the same on the hand anyway. Joke around that it's actually an RX100 at the end of the video or something 😉 Because having video completely shot and produced with a ZV 1 by a professional video person would be nice change to see from these flood of ZV-1 videos. So far, only Lok's tripod comparison video do that.

[@monsieurhassan]

Im interested in knowing if Jordan shot the Fuji on manual focus, because its known to focus hunt on auto. It wasnt doing that in this video. Quality footage.

[@petergplus6667]

Looking at the F1,4 badge on my LX15.

[@DarkPa1adin]

How long can it record 1080p before it overheats with overheating protection off?

[@seantomlinson3320]

No discussion of the record time limit versus overheating? Anyway that was fun and well done.

[@thatjordandrake]

I've been able to record over an hour of 4K. The camera was warm, but not uncomfortably hot.

[@RichartAsia]

The starting gave me a shock!

[@1fareast14]

13:36 yep, it's not even close. Is the iphone using its multi-exposure hdr?

[@littlejunior5297]

which lens did you use on the xt4 to shoot this video?

[@MichaelBabich]

Any info about the date of Fuji XT-4 proper review? Long overdue.

[@dpreview]

Jordan is editing it right now.

[@cletusferrao3895]

Yes Chris got it right... among all the other videos, I defeated prefer them for my regular camera related reviews... keep up the great work 👍

[@IDOLCAM1]

We have the new IDOLCAM VlogStar V2 shotgun/Lavalier microphone in one, small size, perfect for ZV1, can we send you one to you to play with?

[@rikardlandberg]

Does the eye detection live focus work with 4K 30?

[@billtheleg]

Hi does the screen go dim when recording 4K ?