Is the Sony ZV-E1 a Pro Camera? + does it ACTUALLY overheat?

[@Steeephen28]

Coming from an A6300 to the ZV-E1 is definitely a huge upgrade for me and a good intro as well to full frame. Aiming for the FX3 someday but this is what my budget can afford now and glad enough that it got some features or even better from their top of the line cameras. Also I still can't fathom as to why some people shoot 4K 60 all the way for their videos and gets disappointed that the camera doesn't shoot that long enough in that format. I mostly notice this in some vlogs and to be honest I don't like the look and feel of it. Also in a professional sense, those high frame rates are mainly used for slow motion needs including the 120fps update soon. I'm just quite a bit bothered by it since I know the proper usage of those frame rates and these people don't know how to use them the right way. Maybe they just really like the "look" of the 60fps in their videos that's why. I would be surprised if someone will be shooting 120fps for their vlogs. That is for sure going to be a questionable one. But overall as a vlogger and content creator myself, I'm satisfied with my purchase and so excited to be shooting with it for my future videos. :)

[@PhillipSkraba]

I've been using mine quite a bit, not overheated once, solid little thing.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Nice! Even in 60? Or I guess 50 for you?

[@PhillipSkraba]

@@chrisbrockhurst Well, I'm on 25, 50 most of the time unless I go outside and have no pesky light sources, but yeah, generally having zero problems. Very happy with it so far.

[@SeanDaPaulSeh]

Ok but when the hell are you gonna shoot long periods of time with 60 or 120? It just seems like a non issue.

[@leo_hoang]

I had my first SD card corruption yesterday… but I had a back up in slot 2 in my a7siii. Slot 1 lost an 18Gb file for a corporate interview but the other clips on this slot were ok. So I totally understand with the 1 slot concern… I’ve always shot to two cards where possible for 12yrs, and never had an issue until yesterday.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

ouch! yeh once you have experienced it once youll never want to NOT use dual card slots.

[@nomad0714]

Hi Chris, Another good video. Daniel and Mark did some overheating tests with fans which provides airflow, moving heat out and away from a single source of failure and the solution is low cost. Tilta should jump all over this as their $165 active cooling fan (which lowers the heat temperature rather than pushing it away and the temps remains the same) is now selling it for $59 for the Canon R5. This is a clean solution. I just don’t have the ZV-E1 to see it it fits onto the back of the LCD screen when it is flipped out to the left side (when facing the back of camera). Can you please try some tests to see if the 4K60 improves the shutting down time: 1) under Network tab, click on Airplane mode so that the BT, Wifi, and other features that contributes to heat build up are shut off. Sony should tag this function in a firmware update as “tripod mode” like Gopro did after GP9; 2) use a Smallrig powerbank adapter to hold a small and light powerbank such as the 10,000mAh carbon fiber powerbank from Nitecore and power ZV-E1 via USBC. This will give you continuous long run times, while still allowing your NP-FZ100 battery to be full and a backup for hot swapping the power bank; 3) record externally and see if it will still overheat. If yes, does the run time improve further from your tests. Or it remains the same or worst. The R5 ran indefinitely when recorded on Ninia 5/5+

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Hey, I won't be able to perform any more overheating tests now as my loaner unit is going back, but I can let you know that the BT and Wifi were both off when I performed all these tests.

[@RockySVK]

Hi @@chrisbrockhurst , please which LUT did you use for that footage from house, at around 7:34? :)

[@WhoIsJonHarris]

Just unboxed mine. I was watching a 45 minute settings walk through video as I was getting familiar with the new meny system. I cam from an a6600/a7r3/a7iii. I was setting things up and got about 35 minutes in and it overheated.... BUT the camera was on and running while I was getting things set up. Outside. On my back patio. Just outside of Nahville, TN. Towards the tail end of spring. I'm not worried about it all. Bumped the high temp auto-off settings up and I was able to get some test footage. Super impressed already. Especially with DYNAMIC ACTIVE STABILIZATION. If I can keep a camera on and set things up for 35 minutes straight I think I'll be ok. Paired with the 16-35 gmaster. I love this thing to death.

[@MrFraiche]

It overheated while you were adjusting settings and not even recording content..? 😅

[@kernzilla]

I seriously appreciate this review (and your content in general!) - your vids are very easy to watch, and I always learn something. keep up the good work! theory question // thinking out loud: I would have guessed dummy battery could potentially help rather hinder the overheating factor; since there's not a physical battery in camera, and not emitting additional heat internally, my best guess would have bit it would perform better. very interesting m8 ... next question: do you think using HDMI out to field monitor, with the camera's display turned off would improve the thermal mgmt? 🤔

[@DocRock]

Mahalo CB, happy you are back safely and putting in work. Great meeting you in Vegas 🤙🏽 #Aloha

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Likewise fella!

[@ONGO_]

Honestly when I first got this camera I was bummed on the time it took till it overheated but then released who the hell is recording for like 10 minutes straight at 60/120 fps. I’d be more worried about my card filling up if anything

[@PaulFeinberg]

Yes, great tests! Good thoughts as always! Great video! Cheers!

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Appreciate you 🙏🏼 Paul

[@CaleMcCollough]

The micro HDMI is just fine if you use that Tilta cage with the cooling fan. No one who uses an HDMI locking port on their camera cage complains about micro HDMI.

[@scottievee7467]

Comes across as very honest.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Trying my best!

[@MickaelFjaerePhotography]

Hi Chris, is it normal for unboxing the camera and while going through the menus photo and video to customised then having the camera overheat ? I was thinking I should returned it or trade for another one… I was indoors, temperature was nice, not very hot… I couldn’t believe it…

[@philpritchard8772]

fx30 or zve1 as a b cam 25fps only and b cam to my fx3....go!!

[@scb2scb2]

Dummy battery is a little confusing the over usb? In my testing using a real dummy battery gave me about the same results as a sony battery. warning at about 37min shutdown early 40min. Now with a small $15 fan its limitless proof its all about airflow on the back of the camera ran it in multiple modes for 4 hours including 4kp30 webcam mode with and without internal recording. I know its a hack but very doable for some people and might turn into a nice product. I already made a few videos on this but will make one more with how to make and use it that is little shorter. We need to keep in mind we are using the camera outside of its design specs and unit to unit and other variations will be massive.

[@fxlrs_jon.e437]

So I’ve always done photography as a hobby I shoot on a A7iii I’ve recently started getting into videography more b-roll stuff with friend or at car meets would this be a good camera for me to continue to learn videography??

[@davidvictory9764]

I have a gh5, and really want to save up for this or a7iv. Which one would you recommend? I want zve1's video, lowlight and autofocus but also like to take professional pictures

[@rolfjohannesbenjaminkuhr3071]

Great video! Thanks bro 💪🏽💪🏽 you got a SUB 🥰

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Appreciate you 🙏🏼

[@pushedeyeso]

I literally just got my zv e1 yesterday in the mail and I was so worried about the 4k 60 😅 this definitely helps ease my mind on it. Do you think 4k 120 is actually coming to it or do you think the overheating on that mode is just goin to be too much?

[@aaronmoe12]

what were the ambient temps while testing?

[@chrisbrockhurst]

My studio was HOT that day, just installed an AC because it’s so bad. Probably 25c if not higher

[@hiawrj]

Does XAVC HS mode overheat more than XAVC S mode, as the CPU needs to work harder on compressing the files in the h.265 codec vs h.264 codec?

[@wclinus]

Great video again Chris! And I just received my camera 2 days ago, did you find out if you shot log with embedded LUTs on it, and with “show LUT”, then yes LUT color is on the video when looking at the screen on camera. however when download to computer, it’s still only a plain log video file with no LUT burned in it. 😓😵 And when google with Sony Menu, that’s what it said “ [Embed LUT File] is locked to [Off] when using SD cards or SDHC cards.” Then ZV-E1 is only with 1 SD card slot, what does it mean? Anybody successfully have the log with embed LUT and still showing in Computer?

[@andora9695]

Thanks Chris, have you turned off GPS, wifi and bluetooth connection during the overheating tests ? Thx

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Bluetooth and Wifi was off for these tests!

[@M.A.D.C.J]

I would love to use a cam like those solely for my socials and as a b roll camera.

[@robertconrad6802]

can I be annoying and ask if dynamic active steadyshot also works much better on Native glass, like active steadyshot in the a7siii? if it works on 3rd party well, I will most likely pick this up asap.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

ive got a vid coming soon about using active stabilization on 3rd party vs Sony lenses. At a guess my assumption would be yes, it will perform better on Sony glass (based on my findings)

[@robertconrad6802]

@@chrisbrockhurst many thanks!

[@SGT._ROSIE]

Mine shipped today. Asking advice. I just got a a7iv from B&H as my A cam and was going to use the ZV-E1 as my B cam. Was also considering what others use, including yourself, the a7siii as your main cam. Should I return this and just spend the extra grand if I can afford it? I'd keep the aiv just didn't know to use the s3 or a4 as main or vice versa!!!!

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Tough decision. Depends on what modes you’ll be shooting with the ZV-E1. If mostly 24 I think you’ll be happy with it and the a7IV, that’s a great combo. If you need thst 60p slow motion for long takes it might be risky

[@SGT._ROSIE]

@chrisbrockhurst Thanks for the reply. No the zve1 will be used as a webcam primarily in the studio. I just couldn't decide between what combo to get or keep!

[@PS-ys9yg]

and what about the audio input?

[@chrisbrockhurst]

3.5mm jack

[@emil.goranov]

This camera or fx30? The hardest dilemma I’ve had.

[@ItsMe_Philippines]

One is sold as a vlogging camera and the other is sold as a cinema camera. So what are you looking to record?

[@chrisbrockhurst]

bigger question is are you going to be shooting in low light situations and if so is it going to be 24 or 60 FPS? If alot of low light and 24fps the ZV-E1 may be better if its all you can afford. FX30 vs ZV-E1 in a low light situation will yield big performance differences with the 2nd base ISO.

[@HDBnB1]

How long can it go before overheating on 4K 24 or 30

[@chrisbrockhurst]

I had zero issues in 24 at all, I don’t see 30 being any different. Went over an hour with no heat warning even appearing and the camera didn’t even feel warm

[@jmlepunk]

its*

[@PulakChowdhury]

Dear sir. What was the environment temperature during the over heating test.. Plz.memtion it.. I am little bit confused to get this camera.. I am from Bangladesh. In here right now when i write this comment the temperature of my city is 32°Celsius.. Plz sir help me to take a good decision... ❤❤ by the way i do make travel vlog and travel Cinematic..

[@lvc394]

I would rather have a FX-30 or wait for the a6700

[@chrisbrockhurst]

each to their own!

[@WillCaban]

If you already have an FX30 + A7iv ... is it a worthwhile investment to buy this? Curious about peoples opinions on this.

[@iz5442]

the only reason to get this is the base ISO other than that. just stick to what u have. wait for new upcoming cameras in 2024 or so.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Maybe as the most budget ‘C’ camera you can buy or potentially for its AI features if you need to film yourself but otherwise you’re pretty set with the FX30 and A7IV

[@WillCaban]

@@iz5442 much appreciated!

[@WillCaban]

@@chrisbrockhurst much appreciated, thanks!

[@iz5442]

@@WillCaban np buddy, i shoot w my a7iv and the only concern is lowlight but cranking the iso to 10000-12800 aint that bad still crispy. u can definitely work it out with freelance works if u do :)

[@laurenthenry]

Does it overheat with 4K 25/30 fps ?

[@truthseeker6804]

overheating is subjective to your ambient temperature. if youre at 20celcius you wouldnt get overheating. close to 30celcius or outdoor daylight, would overheat in about 30 minutes.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

I doubt you’d have any issues in 24

[@switchunboxing]

As a noob, something that’s bothering me with your introduction, at least, is that you look great, and you are in focus, but the object you’re actually talking about, the camera you’re holding in your hand, it’s blurry. Is this just an issue with aperture? Or is this required in order to get your blurry background, I always see shots like this and it bugs me to no end The whole reason I’m looking to go to a Camera is because my iPhone has such a shallow depth of field. It can never get everything in focus.

[@DigitalSmokeStudios1]

If you'd like to have everything in focus get a very wide lens, 8-12 mm & shoot with aperture at f22, you'll be all set!

[@switchunboxing]

@@DigitalSmokeStudios1 Haha I’m going with a negative mm lens actually it just sucks no manufacturer has the balls to make it so I’m gonna do it myself just need to find a wormhole

[@ginoy8885]

I wonder is there a half camera shutdown

[@chrisbrockhurst]

😂

[@perigee1275]

Yes, it does, absolutely. I sent it back. Don't waste your money on a pos.

[@truthseeker6804]

single card slot is NOT a pro camera. can it be used to get pro results? Yes, you can also use a phone to get pro results. quickly overheating for a video dedicated camera makes it NOT a pro camera. but its not marketed as a PRO camera so thats understandable.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

all depends if you are using 60 or 24 as to whether youll have issues.

[@Melizm]

For long sessions of video shooting, you can use coolers for phones with a magnetic mount. These devices use electronic Peltier cooling. They come in different sizes. The cost of such devices is low. Just as an example kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4XLZWeQa7NssLs

[@truthseeker6804]

compared to other cameras its competiting with , this camera is a bad investment. overpriced overheats and lacks features. add alittle more, get sony a7iv or better get Canon r6ii. or get canon r6 mark 1; would also overheats but probably lesser but with Dual card its more Pro. or best value get Panasonic s5ii, that has internal cooling with more features.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

What features is it lacking you’d have liked to see?

[@truthseeker6804]

@@chrisbrockhurst for the price it lacks features of its competitors. dual SD, overheating control, better screen, viewfinder, more megapixel, false color or waveform, mechanical shutter etc. aisde 4k 120p which its competitors doesnt have, and it also currently doesnt have, theres really no logical reason to get this zve1 over its competitors, r6ii, a7iv, r6, s5ii, even the canon r8 is better for $1500. look the s5iix came out similar price has prores and a ton of recording features. if this zve1 was $1000 i wouldve said its the best affordable full frame. but at $2200 theres way too much competition smashing it.

[@skepsys]

one of the things about this camera that i find annoying is how youtubers say it's best in low light (as one of the main arguments to get this camera). thats not exactly like that, as it is best in low light but at 12,800 iso and over. at values between 3200 and 10,000 it's worse than cameras with second iso at 3200/4000. yeah, if u film a lot at 12,800 and over, yes, its best, but most people dont do that and i think would rather have usable image at 3200-10,000, and this 12mp isnt that good at those values when compared, afaik. i doubt regular vloggers film at 12,800 and above frequently..

[@truthseeker6804]

@@skepsys yes fully agree. this sensor is overrated, sony paid promoters keep pushing it. most people arent at 12800 iso. the dual gain is mostly useless for most usecases.

[@kernzilla]

@@skepsys it is interesting it performs the same as FX3 at iso12800, but sony deliberately omits it being "dual iso" for some reason 🤔

[@ITechCreatorVlog]

Only 12 minutes 4k 60fps very bad

[@bondgabebond4907]

Ok, define "PRO." Is the camera a pro device or are you the professional videographer due to the percentage of money you make from your business. Calling a camera "pro" is just stupid. Can you do the job or not? I bet you can make money with the a6100. The real question is, 'are you any good at your job?'

[@toneohm]

Good Lord.... YOU MISSED THE WHOLE POINT!!!!!! not to pick on you cause plenty other reviewers have done this too.. The temperature.... the temperature.. the temperature is what we want to seeeeeeeee.... lol, the ambient room temp.. you're wearing a hoodie and beanie... doesn't really let us know how well its gonna do from 70, 73, 75, 80, 85, 90 degree F weather.. in the shade.. in the sun..., etc.. and at 24p., 4k.... that would be the most useful, practical overheating test... EVERY REVIEWER..., seems to just want to test the 4k 60p in 60-68 degree weather... lol smh... killing me here... You put the work in for this video which im grateful for,, but you missed everything potentially useful about the overheating test... i just want to see 24p... 4k... and various degree of temp... that would be an A+ video if one of the thousand reviews of this camera could tackle that.. please , please let you be the one to bring this to light!

[@Spencer_White]

A74 still seems a better buy.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Depending on what you need it may well be

[@eggydrums]

@@chrisbrockhurst It's honestly crazy to me that so many folks just don't understand the concept of "different gear for different uses, for different people". I have an a7c for stills and the ZV-E1 just makes sense to have as a dedicated video camera. It doesn't need to replace another camera, and it also doesn't have to compete with its higher end siblings.

[@truthseeker6804]

@@eggydrums many people dont want to buy multiple cameras. too much weight too much cost. also this zve1 as your dedicated video camera? this camera that overheats this quick? unless youre doing shorts videos.

[@ReveriEWOW]

Can i use that camera for a wedding film?, i have a7iii and i want to upgrade but i dont have a lot of money to pay for the a7siii, so i wanna buy a a7iv or zv-e1, what would u recommend for two?