Sold the Sony ZV-1. Bought the RX100V (again). Here’s why.

Talking about why I sold my Sony ZV-1 and bought the RX100V(A) for a third time and some of the differences between the two cameras!
Cheers!
#ryanfromDetroit

[@MultiMattRogers]

I couldn't agree with you more. I was really surprised by how much I hated that side flipping screen after everyone online kept describing it as a 'must have', but I found it a bit unworkable.

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Same story dude! Could probably force myself to get used to it but didn’t want to. I’ll stick with my rx100va!

[@MHallo1]

Absolutely righ

[@miklosnemeth8566]

The main issue is that, I guess 99% you are not recording yourself and not taking selfies with this camera, and in that case the left protruding screen is not in the same axis as the lens, and that is totally unnatural. There is only one scenario where left protruding screen is fine, when shooting video or taking photos low angle portrait orientation. Then it is really useful. For landscape, it is not OK.

[@MultiMattRogers]

@@miklosnemeth8566 yes... To an extent. But I don't even like a screen that flips out to the side on the rare occasions when I am filming myself. It is too tempting to check the screen which then ruins the eyeline of the shot. I'd go with a screen that flips up over this every single time. Although, you're right. I'm mostly behind the camera despising the horribly imbalenced off axis view finder with terrible ergonomics

[@ryanfromDetroit]

True all around! I do have to say though….because of the superior audio and color science I made the switch to the ZV-1!

[@SourceAwareness]

Your videos are Pure Gold, Ryan, brother! Much Appreciation for you! 👍🏾

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Wow man thanks so much!! Appreciate you!

[@SourceAwareness]

@@ryanfromDetroit Very Welcome, my friend! Blessings and Best Wishes to you and your family. Carlos

[@fitzambrocio8398]

Love ur contents man.

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Thanks so much Fitz!

[@ClaudiayAdeel]

I was so lucky to find one used in 200 dollars here in Mexico. It's almost new. Loving the experience. I use it as my webcam. I use it as my pocket street photography camera and to record my 4k vlogs. So amazing.

[@MollyFitzBrown]

I love delivery days lol why the v and not to vii? I have to rx100vii and got the zv1 but think I am going to return the zv1 to keep my rx100vii, the flip screen also drives me nuts lol

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Hey! Me too! So Sony shifted the focus away from video and toward photographers with the VI and VII versions for the RX100 series. This caused them to get rid of a few key features that I find important including: 1) they added more zoom which decreased the aperture size from f/1.8 to f/2.8 at the wide end which makes it tough in low light 2) they removed the ND filter which was also key for outdoor bright situations and shooting low shutter speeds If neither for those mean anything to you and the way you shoot then still a great camera! The ZV-1 flip out screen drove me nuts!

[@DennisMeetsWorld]

I bought the ZV-1 too and ended up selling it and keeping my trusty RX100 VA because it's just an overall better "Do It All" camera. It's built better, I prefer the color science on it, I love that it has the pop-up flash, and you can record up to 8 seconds in 960fps vs the lame 3 seconds on the ZV-1. Thanks for the video!

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Yeah man! Such a great camera in the ZV-1 and lots of quirks with the RX100 but I made a good run on LinkedIn video with the help of that camera so it just hits different for me! No limits on 4K vs 5 mins, the bokeh button, product showcase, etc. make the ZV-1 “better” but took a lot for me to get used to! Out with the new in with the old! Appreciate it!

[@miklosnemeth8566]

@@ryanfromDetroit I agree, if the ZV-2 would have the premium features from VA with some of the excellent features (eye tracking AF in video, and unlimited video recording) from the ZV-1, then the ZV-2 could be a no-compromise camera, plus USB-C, WIFI streaming off camera, headphone jack. optional high quality external tilting EVF as the EV1S and EV1MK used to be for NEX5 and RX1. And modern touch-oriented menu/screen design as the AX53 has.

[@johnalexander4513]

Yeah man! I am with you!

[@Superman-23]

Is the rx100v good for concerts?..i always use cell phone (android) but looks all blurry with the lights....

[@08iwndavidturner82]

I picked up one today myself. Hopefully inspires to create

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Nice! Hard to beat the quality that this little video camera packs!!

[@dianew6672]

Glad to come across this review. I am thinking of getting one of these myself. One thing I can't get used to is not having a viewfinder when doing photos with my ZV-1 and even at times the need for a pop-up flash. There are days I do events that I am not taking pro gear in and having a small compact that can do 4k video and shoot raw is important. I also agree with the articulating LCD display. I thought I would really love it, but... I find it makes me glance away from the lens, but a flip-up would still make you look like you are looking at the lens. Also, even with the ZV-1 "stabilization", I use that extremely loose... I found that it just lacks a lot. Ended up getting a compact gimbal because video just picks up every moment and Catalyst Browse crops in so severely it's not my first choice to stabilize video. I picked up the ZV-1 specifically to replace an old cannon powershot that worked well for years until it just outdated itself where raw options, video and image sizing was concerned. I also have the ZV-E10 and I like it a lot and that it's able to change lenses, but still that no viewfinder thing when taking photos is something I just don't like but it's my vlogging camera. It's got a permanently fixed stand attached to my desk, so it's a great camera for vlogging and zoom stuff.

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Thanks Diane and glad you found it! Truth is I’ve bounced between these two cameras more time than I’d like to admit for all the reasons you mention. Latest go round I have the ZV1 again for one reason only….audio. The three capsule mic on these new cameras are well done by Sony. But I have some small pocket cams for photo stuff like my Ricohs but my all time fave is a 10 year old GRD IV (small sensor, outdated but love it). Let me know what you come up with! Also I’m jumping back in on video so my pocket cam is the ZV1 for a hot minute lol!

[@MarlonKingShow]

Interesting reasons and video techniques. Glad you have something that works. I still use the canon g7x mk2. Considered the zv1 but side by side footage showed me to keep the g7x. All the best dude.

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Thanks Marlon! Another great camera for sure! I like the ergo better on the canon and still prefer the colors but Sony’s AF is hard to beat so I’ve learned to trust it! Make art! 👊🏼

[@marianohumani]

Good video, some differences that you detailed I had not taken into account. Even so, I wanted to ask you about specific things, since today the RX100 V and ZV1 are very close in price and I have many doubts about it. They share the sensor, they are similar in luminosity of the lens being 1.8, and I understand that the ZV1 has better stabilization and the RX100 V has a flash and optical viewfinder, which I don't think would use it. Now, I think I use it more for photos than for video, in this sense, is the RX100 V superior and, on the contrary, would the ZX1 be superior in video? It is to consult outside the practicalities or specifications on paper. I will appreciate your response and sorry for the long message.

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Hey Mariano! Appreciate your comments and thoughts! You nailed it. Both are extremely capable cameras but if your primary focus is on photography or if you will use it’s a photo camera as much as a video camera, I’d suggest the RX100V! If primary focus is video, I actually made the switch a couple weeks back to the ZV-1 for a couple of main reasons….1) on-board mic is directional so much better, 2) upgraded color science so more easily matches my recently upgraded A7C and 3) as you mentioned slightly better stabilization. I will say I miss the aesthetics of the RX…better build overall and one of the best pocket cams ever made!

[@555ontario]

Good to see the opposite perspective comparing the two cameras. Most go the other way. Minor gripe. Not sure if in a lot of videos the audio is loud or if in yours here the volume is low. When the volume is too low, as ads come up, (they are never low in volume) the volume spike is really annoying. Would be nice if there was a way to at least match the audio level of videos to that of the ads and in that way won't have to do the volume knob dive to lower the level then turn it back up again once the video has restarted. :)

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Totally get it! Problem is they always bump the audio but I think I’ll focus on leaving out some of the music to focus on the video! Thanks!

[@anselmoreal]

The vA it’s my little treasure, I found it on a pawnshop for 140$ the viewfinder didn’t close all the way down witch is no problem for me, love that camera.

[@ryanfromDetroit]

What a great find! Lot cheaper than I paid for mine but even at $550 (mine was like new from mpb) this is still one of the best. This is the third time I’ve bought this camera...should just learn and stay with it. No better pocket video camera out there (well ZV-1 comes close, lol 😉)!

[@Pharesm]

haha ...my precious..!

[@mx3805]

I’m looking for a easy to use point & shoot that I can take videos on and crisp clean pictures. It’s for my jewelry business for reference. Any suggestions?

[@ryanfromDetroit]

If you are going to go video heavy I’d absolutely recommend the Sony ZV1! Can’t beat it for the size for sure…most other pocket cams stink at video!

[@phillippugh2161]

All the rx100s are such a great pocket camera . You can do some amazing street photography with it so small

[@ryanfromDetroit]

So true! Most will never be able to tell it is from a 1 inch sensor. Just wish the ergos were better on Sony.

[@phillippugh2161]

I have the original og rx100 I'm looking at the markv is the auto focus and low light that much better in the mark v to be worth the upgrade thanks

[@ryanfromDetroit]

AF in V is spot on. This is because it’s contrast based plus phase detect. Def worth it.

[@toddsmith8608]

Hey Ryan, I'm a commercial pilot who likes taking photos from the cockpit. Looking for something better than Galaxy S21 but i don't want to lug around a dslr. I don't plan on vlogging, or shooting that much video at all. Would you recommend the mk5a? Torn between it and the mk7. I know the 7 is more expensive but i like the idea of the 200mm zoom. The 5a may do better with night shots, though. Or is there a better option in 2023? Thanks.

[@toddsmith8608]

Also considering the Panasonic zs100

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Hey Todd! If you are prioritizing taking photos then def go with the mk7 for the longer reach on the lens! TBH you can’t go wrong with that series of camera though! But that 200mm will come in handy!

[@WhoobieD]

That's the best feeling!!!!🤣🤣

[@ericrjennings]

I need that camera!

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Next week homeboy!

[@Pharesm]

How do you deal with audio without a mic input??? I never gave up my RX100V. I knew Sony had cut off my upgrade path - I just didn't know for how long! I'm just dubious about vlogging with it, because of the lack of a mic input jack and the much less advanced auto focus...

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Alright dude I got a small trick for you that has paid for itself in spades for me (remember I had the ZV-1 for a hot minute and sold it to buy the RX100V for a third time...yup third but got the VA this time). Here’s the deal. Go to Amazon and buy the small windmuffs that stick on. Trim then down and glue it over the two mics on top to cut down wind noise. Works so well! BUT, I always flip the screen up when vlogging...not to see myself but tk use the screen to make the dual mics on top a mini directional/shotgun(ish) mic! Seriously makes a world of difference!! Try it out!

[@Pharesm]

@@ryanfromDetroit haha that's a pretty great idea, to use the display to bounce the sound! (I do have the little furry muffs), but I prefer to record with my MixPre 3II and a Rode mic.. Did the VA version improve video autofocus? For photography, I never had a problem, but Video could be difficult, depending on what you were aiming at...

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Thanks! I can’t say definitively that it has improved but I can tell you that I’ve never had issues with focus breathing or the Sony’s missing. I should say I only shoot in 1080 and have my responsive settings to fast for focusing though!

[@Pharesm]

@@ryanfromDetroit Thank you for the details!!

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Anytime!

[@JamesDBuzzard]

Great review! Are you in Chicago?

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Hey James...thanks! No I'm based out of Detroit! Used to frequent Chicago often though!

[@gtopor]

whats the difference between V and VA ? im looking at V mint for $500 is it a good price? I had III but sold it years ago, thanks

[@ryanfromDetroit]

VA has the better menu system, upgraded color science and that’s about it!

[@MarceloFong]

Im about to pick an RX100 V for about $400 semi-used is that good?. For comparison an ZV-1 costs about $1000 or more. Prices in Brazil are crazy.

[@ryanfromDetroit]

$400 is a steal for the V in good condition! I paid $525 for mine for reference!

[@MarceloFong]

@@ryanfromDetroit $400 with screen protector, 3 batteries (i think) and a 64gb microSD (with adapter). I shoot my videos from my Moto G8 Power and I think I will get the RX100 V before upgrading my phone.

[@BarbaryStudio]

I hope the rx100 m8 will be game changing and al so the rx0 m3

[@cineclue]

AMAZING Plz suggest it will be worth buying than zv1?

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Both of those cameras are so good you can’t go wrong with either!! If you find a good price on the RX100V or VA go for it! The ZV-1 has external mic input and a few extra features though so def worth it!

[@xamuth]

I know you have or had the Fuji X70 compared with the Sony rx100v for photography mainly which could you recommend?

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Oh Fuji hands down! Nothing touches the Fuji for the color science and that filmic feel IMHO! Although, gotta say I shot a lot of b&w with the RX100V and it held its own. FYI...I sold the x70 to buy the Fuji X-E3 to get back to the f/1.4 and f/2 primes that Fuji is known for!

[@alicefsims]

Hey Ryan I have watched all your Sony rx100 vids just now. Super helpful thank you. I am in the market for a great camera mainly for stills not video. I’d like something that produces classic SLR images like my old Pentax back in the day. Would you recommend a Sony or a Fujifilm? I’m not a pro, it’s for personal artistic use. I’m worried the Fuji is a lot more about how fashionable it looks rather than function. Can you help? Thanks very much. Alice, Melbourne Australia

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Hey Alice! So glad that my vids helped out…really appreciate you sharing that! On the camera for photos…this one is a bit tougher but I’d say fuji is the closest camera iv used from a function standpoint that physically reminds me of the older cameras. The dials are fantastic and the images are very filmic! I still own a fuji and when I want something more than my point and shoot (Ricoh GR Digital IV, 10 years old small sensor, special camera), I use shoot my fuji! I’d say but used, don’t overspend and focus more on the glass (lenses) versus the body!

[@aliceysims6990]

@@ryanfromDetroit Again mate thanks so much, that is super helpful! Once I make a decision and trial it out I will be sure to report back. I was massively into photography as a teenager and all through school. When early 2000's came around I shifted to digital and had both a canon d50 and a small point and press camera. Of course the d50 took great pics but wasn't as convenient as the point and press which looking back, took crap pics. To return to photography now and have the option of old film feel inside a point and press type body but with a decent lense excites me! Thanks for the inspo, long live the capturing of moments.

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Anytime! I’ve actually fallen in love with my little Ricoh Gr digital iv (the small sensor 1/1.7 inch sensor) because it has a ton of texture and feels like film. Also it goes in my pocket and Ricoh nailed the ergonomics on the whole GR series! Oh and it’s a fantastic one-handed operating camera so there’s that, ha! Good stuff! Please do let me know!

[@tripkoto6147]

Hello just want to ask what camera are you using on this video? Thank you

[@ryanfromDetroit]

hey Trip! I'm shooting with my sony a6500, Sigma 16mm f/1.4 lens and Shure VP83 microphone (old shotgun mic). Hope that helps! /rfD

[@tripkoto6147]

@@ryanfromDetroit thank you so much for your response.. 😘

[@ryanfromDetroit]

anytime!

[@chloescanlon1107]

Side hinged flippy flappy take forever screens should be banned. I hate them. Problem is virtually every youtuber cries like a baby when a camera doesn’t have the side hinged screen. Even if Chris Niccolls on dp review was reviewing a Hasselblad he’s still want the selfie screen…. Drives me bananas!! Hence we’re now inundated with side hinged screens! Excellent video, thank you for restoring my sanity!!

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Thanks for chiming in Chloe! I’m totally with you here. Just changes the whole dynamic for me and I am not willing to accept it, lol!

[@BedoNBeyoo]

So what should i get sony rx100m5 or Canon M50 or sony zv1 or canon sx740 ?

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Oooo...tough question and totally depends on 1) budget 2) screen preference (flip up or flip out) 3) style of shooting (vlog/run n gun or locked off) A lot of people like the Canon for the colors. Sony’s autofocus still can’t be beat IMO. I don’t know the SX740. As a total package and based on IQ the ZV-1 is hard to beat. It had quirks that I had a hard time getting used to but everyone still rates it the best pocket cinema camera. I’m partial to the RX100V and VA but I’m quirky and still shoot a bigger camera that is going on 5 years old! Hope that helps!

[@ibrahimvlogs2480]

is there any way of having a mic on it

[@ryanfromDetroit]

No external mic on this one...I just use the built in mics!

[@franciscoiris6659]

the stabilizer of the rx100v is better than zv1? I have bought a zv1 but it does not have intelligent active

[@ryanfromDetroit]

i haven't found one to be better than the other as far as stabilization goes. both have IBIS and some software induced stabilization added as well. I typically shoot in standard and 1080p to get less crop and rarely shoot 4k because of file size vs quality but that's me!

[@lynneftw]

There's a good comparison video out there between the ZV-1 and an RX100 (I think) for stabilization when shooting video and the ZV1 is incredibly good, and very minimal rolling shutter issues compared to apsc cameras.

[@ir.sanartemia3763]

With catalyst browse software, zv 1 can make smooth video like a gimbal...unfortunately rx100v not support for catalyst browse software, ..so for stabile and smooth video zv 1 is better than rx100v....cmiiw

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Thanks for chiming in! I’ve been running with the zV-1 for a month and can attest to the fact that it is improved over the RX100VA because of the digital stabilization applied in camera!

[@selfloverka]

Do RX 100 has the blurred background feature like ZV has?

[@ryanfromDetroit]

It’s does not have the single push-button defocus but you can achieve it by shooting in aperture priority and keeping your lens at f/1.8! Hope that helps!

[@selfloverka]

@@ryanfromDetroit yup a lot! thx :)

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Fasho

[@beachyTravels]

how's the stability on that camera?

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Small sensors with small body cameras so not great overall compared to an actual large body camera with IBIS but gets the job done!

[@migdafig9213]

Wait so if im starting youtube i shudnt get the zv1?

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Hey! The ZV-1 is definitely a youtubers dream especially if you are getting started (considering the design, features and price...I like the used market to get it even cheaper)! I just like quirky cameras and there were some quirks on the RX100 that I got used to after two years of shooting so I went back but the ZV-1 is the improved version! You can’t go wrong with either! Hope that helps!

[@joyousland]

The audio of the ZV1 is way better than the rx100

[@AlejandroArielBiain]

it has clean hdmi output? Thanks

[@ryanfromDetroit]

I haven’t used the hdmi actually so not sure there!

[@sarahandpromsspanishescapa9497]

Which of the two cameras is better for beginners?

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Hey! honestly it's really hard to go wrong with either but I would say for most if they had to choose....go with the ZV-1. It has a mic jack so you can add additional external audio and the focus is spot on! they built that camera for vloggers, video makers!

[@sarahandpromsspanishescapa9497]

@@ryanfromDetroit Thanks for your quick and honest response! 👍😊

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Of course! Here to help!

[@BJJgurl]

I have all the RX-100 except for II, III. V is my favorite.

[@ryanfromDetroit]

That one is special and I love it!

[@MusicFed]

@@ryanfromDetroit did you try the VII?

[@ags4058]

You are right.. RX 100mV have 1.8 f

[@EfectoCinemaViral]

Which of these cameras gets hot and need to be turned off?

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Not quite sure what you mean...sorry!

[@EfectoCinemaViral]

@@ryanfromDetroit Sony usually has cameras that after minutes recording get hot, and you must to turn them off

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Ohhh thank you! Yes that is the case with this RX100VA I believe but I shoot in 1080p and this typically only happens when shooting 4K!

[@montanareacts8835]

Which one over heats quicker??

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Good question but I’ve not had that issue because I still shoot everything in 1080p vs 4K!

[@lynneftw]

I think there's a standard and high heat setting on the ZV1. Set it to high and record in 4K until you run out of room on your SD card!

[@markstevens6682]

What price used..??

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Hey Mark! For the RX100VA I paid $565 used!

[@thomasusheriii971]

I have the ZV-1 but isn't the RX100 VII the ultimate?

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Hey Thomas! I think the RX100 series actually took a step back for filmmakers when they made the RX100VI and VII due to two things: 1) changed the lens to a longer zoom but that moved it from an f/1.8 lens at the widest to f/2.8 which is not good for low light 2) they removed the built-in ND filter which is much needed in bright light and shooting 24FPS The ZV-1 brings it all back and then some! Hope that helps!

[@thomasusheriii971]

@@ryanfromDetroit Thanks for the insightful information 👍

[@Pharesm]

not really, it has a long, dark lens. The lens on the RX100V was F1.8 at max aperture... The night shots you can take with that are unreal. I always chose a brighter lens over more zoom, cause for zoom, I have my feet - or car... :)

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Agree 100%! I’ve always shot primes so I rarely EVER use the zoom on this camera. Shoot wide open at 24mm!

[@adl6907]

Skin colors with the Sony RX100V are awful, with the ZV-1 or the rx100VI and VII, Sony corrected that issue

[@ryanfromDetroit]

For sure! I had to modify my profiles and tweak to get acceptable skin tones!

[@charruaporelmundo]

Mak V has eye af ? Only will do stills

[@ryanfromDetroit]

yup has eye AF and is a great video with 4k capability as well...only thing missing is mic jack!

[@FMFvideos]

1:42 rewind

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Lol

[@Celine-dr6hw]

It has a wider lens than zv1 right ?

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Hey Mia! Although the specs show slightly different the 35mm/full frame equivalent on both is 24-70mm!

[@embejeden]

Why V instead VI or VII?

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Hey! V vs VI or VII (for video): 1. V has f/1.8 lens vs f/2.8 (need that light) 2. V has ND filter built in Vi and VII does not - important for the 180 rule if you shoot at 24fps (1/50th shutter) like I do 3. Don’t need the extra zoom with VI or VII when shooting video Hope that helps!

[@embejeden]

@@ryanfromDetroit thank you!👍

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Anytime!

[@CO8848_2]

So it's the flip screen, yet ignoring all the great features of zv-1, which is a power camera

[@ryanfromDetroit]

I actually ended up in the end biting the bullet and grabbing a ZV-1…no looking back!

[@tamaraphiri5307]

I just really want the Sony ZV1 so much. It even makes me want to cry😭😩

[@ryanfromDetroit]

such a great camera at a really good price! I'm still partial to my RX100VA though...not sure what it is but I love it. Shot a video on it this morning because I had it in my pocket!

[@tamaraphiri5307]

@@ryanfromDetroit Oh I totally feel you. I like that so much. I’m currently using the 700d, my first camera and firstly it’s so heavy😂 just stretching it out to vlog hurts my arm. I want to work with a compact tiny camera now. Prices are crazy, so will see how that goes.

[@tamaraphiri5307]

Oh and if you have any tips on how best I can get quality footage from the 700d, I’ll be glad to hear them.

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Hey Tamara! Everyone hates hearing this (including me) but for quick vlogs, the iphone (or android) does an amazing job! It's all about storytelling and getting your point across to the audience! you got this!

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Oh heck yeah....here's what I would do. click it into movie mode, make sure in the settings you are set to 1080p ( I don't shoot 4k even though I could...easier to handle the files) and hit record. Canon has some of the best colors out of any camera, period! Big thing will be microphone and lens but again most important is the story!!

[@montanareacts8835]

Your video is shaky wen u walk....get another camera for walking or get a gimbal

[@ryanfromDetroit]

Thanks!

[@blck_brsh]

Did his wife deliver his package

[@ryanfromDetroit]

lol! nope just the FedEx lady!