SONY ZV-1: The ULTIMATE Review

[@WannabeAlpinist]

Gerald, thank you for everything you do for us small KZbinrs. Your ability to convey advanced information in an organized fashion is impeccable, not many KZbinrs can do that!

[@ClementZhouk]

Gerald is the Bill Nye of the Camera Guy, EverydayAstronaut of the electronics!

[@jettlifeproductions]

Like 30 KZbinrs posted a video on the Sony ZV-1...I saw Gerald Undone posted it and knew that was the best decision to get all of the information I need about it without any fluff or biased opinion. You are very much appreciated sir!

[@LostWax]

Now that's a well done review video. You answered questions I never knew I had! Great unbiased information, thank you!

[@KOrnhOliO1]

Yes, fantastic!

[@ChrysGringo]

You’re so comprehensive with your reviews man! Good job

[@gonewiththewynns]

Gerald, we met you at camera camp and you have been our fave tech channel since. Thank you for all the fantastic videos. I (Nikki) have been learning so much.

[@geraldundone]

Aw! Thanks so much! That means a lot. I hope we can have a Camera Camp #2 eventually.

[@EinzMY]

According to Potato Jet, the ZV-1 has the new "Soft Skin Effect" applied by default, thus making things look softer than usual. After turning it off, the images should look sharper.

[@nvaudio]

Agreed! Jared Polin also said Soft Skin effect was On by default (Sony needs to change that default in the next firmware update!) -- so I am wondering what that might do to the A/B comparisons. Gerald -- maybe do an update video of sample comparison footage, with Soft Skin Off?

[@gillesmatheronpro]

An old function from back in the days. Now, we're better with it set "off" for sure !

[@losmandu]

Without that, it will just be a cellphone video.

[@BrendanEvan]

Why does Sony think we all have such bad skin

[@STATXMUSIC]

I’m predicting a lot of Sony ZV-1 targeted ads coming to my social media feeds in the near future. Bathe me, algorithm gods. Bathe me good.

[@erodz1892]

Not if you pihole them ,,, browse wisely

[@STATXMUSIC]

Emmanuel Rodriguez pihole? Never heard of it. Down the Google wormhole I go...

[@JamesDBuzzard]

🤣

[@BrendanEvan]

Lol

[@TheFosterJourney]

I love ads that are spot on. Bring em on!

[@51Drones]

It's almost magical how you weave the information into a perfectly crafted presentation that leaves me wanting for nothing more. My ZV-1 arrives today. Thanks Gerald!

[@zZjak793Zz1]

I got like 20 reviews in my feed and you are the first and probably only one I’ll see. Thanks for always putting out ace content 👍👍

[@babyboy1971]

I just bought this camera in 2022 and I’m super happy. It ticks all the boxes of what I wanted…small video camera to vlog with, decent built in mic, very usable as a pocketable stills camera, and a good camera to start a KZbin channel with. I’m a photographer and I exclusively shoot Fuji, so I didn’t want to invest too much in the Sony ecosystem. And best of all, I got the camera on sale for $650. I’m super excited to dig into using it and for the price, it’s superb. Lastly, it’s really cool that it just turns on when I pull the screen out, very reminiscent of the old handycams I used growing up. It feels nostalgic and brand new at the same time, fits in my pocket and gives me great results, straight out of the box. Thanks for the amazing and in depth, positive but balanced review, it helped me to make my decision to pull the trigger and I have no regrets. It’s a fun little camera with a decent set of features and a perfect basic vlogging camera, that I can fit in my jacket pocket.

[@bensgadgetreviews]

This is the best video on this camera yet. Thank you for this.

[@Paddleheads]

Agreed. I've been through quite a few Zv-1 reviews now and this one is by far the most comprehensive and most unbiased.

[@alexandrosroussos]

I'm stunned by the quality of your review, way more critical than the other reviews I watched for this camera,, but so many useful specs details. Well done. That's a like subscribe for me :)

[@ShishaWG]

I use this cam for nearly all my Livestreams. Since the delay is too high on YT 4K Streams, i stream in 1080p anyway :) Im very happy with this affordable, light and versatile cam. Also, it keeps my a7iii ready on the Tripod for shoots :) Great Video Gerald!

[@MrGaryDiehl]

Unquestionably the most thorough and well thought-out review video of the Sony ZV-1 on KZbin.

[@TechLineHD]

Excellent review, thank you for making this!

[@StetsonDoggett]

THANK YOU! Clearly a tremendous amount of time, energy, and effort went into producing this high-quality and in-depth review video. Just want to say I SUPER appreciate it and found it both entertaining and informative. I hit the like button 3 times :)

[@aaronpk]

Thank you for answering all the questions I didn't know I had!

[@JamesDBuzzard]

Gerald I watched this video at least 4 time (lbs) before I bought this camera. Thanks for always being a trusted resource on new cameras and giving us so much information about all the features and quirks. 👊🏽

[@galenlong3745]

I was wanting to see a review that was honest and forthcoming about the negatives of the camera as most were with the positives. Thank you Gerald for laying it all on the line.

[@jeffyu4972]

I held on to my rx100v because of the f1.8 aperture and the built-in ND filter. Finally, a worthy successor.

[@GLOBIK]

Great detailed review! Seems like an interesting little camera. Could you make a comparison with a more similar camera like the Sony RX100 V?

[@sleetvisuals]

Long-time subscriber here. Just pre-ordered. Gerald's reviews are by far the best, answering those granular questions that no one else addresses.

[@jeromechiu]

I must must MUST applaud Gerald Undone for his constant strive for excellence, e.g. the recent addition of embedded info (viz. section headers) on the timeline and the convenient coupling of sponsor info with those parts of gear tests that require little or no voiceover audio. Bravo!

[@MrKing1990]

You're the first person I've seen who has an a6600 and a zv1. I've had the a6600 for the last 2 years and I just picked up a zv1 yesterday. So thank you.

[@poiisondn]

My favorite KZbinr for all camera stuff related and you're the only camera-related reviewer I have a bell icon notification for. Love the work you do. Keep it up! Fellow Canadian here saying hi! :D

[@AthanCondax]

"I'm Gerald Undone and I feel pretty, oh so witty."

[@jc2685]

This is the best review of the Sony ‘Zed’ V-1 I’ve seen so far. Great comparison between the Sony a6100/6400 too. Went with the Sony ZV-1 in the end for 506

[@nadamuchu]

Only two years ago?! You're the best, feel like I've watched ur stuff forever man, keep doing whatever makes you happy 😄

[@PerfumeGuru]

Perfect review. Fabulous effort and detailing. Cheers.

[@RbShahi]

Never seen a video with so much depth. Thank you for you time and effort. This is amazing

[@DMS3TV]

still the best and most informative camera videos around. This was exactly what I needed to learn about this camera.

[@PeterSvensk]

Curious if apparent softness may have been caused by "Soft Skin" setting, which defaults to "Mid." Also curious about the "Bokeh Button." Thanks for the consistently high-quality content!

[@ChechoGoto]

Man, great video, THANKS. Never saw someone doing such a complete and in depth review, and also, with such a zero waste in time without risking detail loss. Loved the specific tests in both audio and image stabilization. Please, keep this AWESOME work 😏👊🏼.

[@DigitalGenki]

Oh man, i've followed you for a long while now and I REALLY appreciate your format. This video review really hits home your experience with how to review a product. Thank you for being informative, succinct, thoroughly professional and still relatable. Thank you.

[@JakeBaconDigital]

When you say stuff like the "ultimate" review... its always true

[@Deceptive24]

Farr out, what an EPIC review. As an engineer who desires no fluff and straight to the facts, I'm speechless. Good job!!

[@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! Thank you!

[@bunnyhallow]

Gerald: Battery door can't be opened if you have anything screwed on the 1/4" 20 on the bottom Smallrig: Hold my CNC end mills. Gerald: ....Okay? Smallrig: Wait...I actually need those.

[@BackusCreativeImaging]

Gerald .... your reviews are amazing. Hitting us all with tons of info and not playing around. Keep up the great work. This camera, despite its flaws, interests me. I have a GH5, GH5S, and they share the Sigma "Holy Trinity" of lenses lol (18-35mm f/1.8, 50-100mm f/1.8, and 14mm f/1.8). But I also have the good old Sony AX53 camcorder. This camera pretty much has the same codec, shooting frame rates, and video resolution as the AX53. The ZV1 I think is a great little camera for those lower lit situations despite it's less than stellar aperture stopping down so suddenly. Thanks for showing us that. Love the built in ND filters, seems electronic at the sensor level (maybe) and not like on the Canon XF400 or Sont AX700 which feature physical ND filter turret style arrays, but this ZV1 is much cheaper. I kinda like it actually. It is a good side camera. There's always a place for cameras like this. I agree with you on the tripod screw placement. They should have just made the camera a little bigger. Anyways, absolutely LOVE your videos. This is the best review of the ZV1 on the internet. Your channel has grown rapidly for a reason. I loved also when you met Camera Conspiracies and showed him your fancy camera setup lol :)

[@shammyh]

As per always... best review of this camera. Hit every scenario of interest, did all your research, and presented both in logically and aesthetically pleasing manners. Excellent work and very helpful review!

[@monarksinghyede]

On ZV1 this is the 6th review video that I have seen. I have seen Kai's, Jason , Iphonedo and Jared video's. This is the most detailed & best review that I have seen. and god bless you for the timestamp. Immediately subbed, Liked and notification icon pressed. I know where I need to come now for all of my camera review fix.

[@HardwareVoyage]

subbed a few days ago, watched a lot of your videos, and now i've decided to buy the a6400. saying goodbye to my samsung galaxy s8. thanks gerald!

[@DavidBcc]

Almost sploshed $3000+ on an A7C + lenses. Purpose? Travel. I'm now confident I'm getting the ZV-1. Less bulk, less weight, less messing around with accessories, less caring for equipment, less prone to theft, more incognito in the street. You basically proved it's identical to the 6600, and in some ways better. Yeah. It'll do fine for travel.

[@truthseeker6804]

how did he prove its identical to the a6600? the a6600 is interchangeable lens therefore more options, you can get wider view lens, more zoom lens, and better low light with the a6600. this is rx100 series group of camera.

[@danjames6427]

Kasey “Really, they sent it to Gerald.....” Pass it on Gerald, he needs it! We need him to need it... thanks though, great stuff.

[@dunnadidit]

Great video dude! The "solution" I gave in my video for the "one more function button" problem was to make the movie button customizable since you can use the shutter button to start and stop recording. Also, I gave in and said "zee"... its just so much easier.

[@geraldundone]

Haha. Thanks, dude! Yeah, I noticed you said "zee". I thought you would have my back on this one! Ha. 🍁🤓

[@baqcasanke]

Its pronounced Zee. Sony is not a canadian company....

[@superzaka]

Fifth review in a row Ive watch today for this camera. This one is the best review so far.

[@joenicklo]

“I’m Gerald Undone and I have normal sized thumbs”

[@wissell4287]

Hey driven! Midnight shadow here!

[@alolkoydesigns]

I know that virtually every review of this camera is geared toward vloggers but it's still worth mentioning that the ZV-1 is much smaller and much easier to fit in your pocket than the a6600 or any of the alpha cameras for that matter

[@stringrip]

Some of the reviews point out it takes good still shots. I find cameras last longer if you don't keep them in your pocket but hang them around you neck under your clothes.

[@DanSanderson]

One of the best early ZV-1 review vids. I especially appreciate the a6000 comparisons. Thanks!

[@chazalpha96]

"I know some vloggers that think 24mm is too tight" ==> grumpy Kasey.

[@TT23TechTalk]

Love how you explain everything in so much detail but still easy to understand

[@foolofaguyinlove]

Gerald, you might just be untouchable in your space, my good man. Your overall execution and quality are every bit as seamlessly organic as they are impossibly high a calibre.

[@raksh9]

Great, thorough and helpful as always. Thank you, Gerald.

[@NiamhAdkins]

Thank you so much for making such a great review video. I was recommended this camera and I really feel like I know everything I need to know now!

[@MichaelSchmidt_UrbnPxl]

from all the videos i've seen about that camera yours is pretty much the best overview and more detailed ... thanks man!

[@BruceChastain]

best review ive come across, appreciate the deeper technical content.

[@BrianSantero]

"I'm Gerald Undone, and you heard what I zed."

[@otakulensphotography]

Outstanding work brother and I come to you for the real answers. You gave me all the pros and cons. I’m getting it for running slick on the go.

[@miguelcarlostarrosa9109]

Really impressed by how much you've covered in such a relatively short amount of time for a review video. It would've been nice if you compared the ZV-1 with its competitors outside of the Sony lineup. Nonetheless, all the tiny details you mentioned makes this the most comprehensive review video yet for this camera.

[@alaneddy4575]

That's what I've done Gerald. The A6400 w/ Sigma 16mm. I discovered that it just fits on the Zhiyun Crane M2 lightweight gimbal. You have to discard the tightening screw and put in a smaller bolt instead but it works..and doesn't add much weight. It is literally only just big enough, which is great as you are adding minimal gimbal weight. You can plug in your camera too and I think it might work with a little tubular "handle battery for even more lovely power. haven't tried that yet, tho.

[@kiranroberts]

Did ever camera KZbinr decide to review this camera within 15 minutes of each other? Gerald, Potato Jet, Kai Wand Matti, all just uploaded this EXACT video!

[@rsmith02]

No they held the review until Sony said it could be released. Not a coincidence.

[@kiranroberts]

rsmith02 True, but it doesn’t make it any less weird.

[@mirrorlessny]

got to stay on the trend wagon

[@apu889]

This single video makes me want to buy ZV1. This is the right marketing lol

[@GamingRobot13]

Camera noob here and this really helped me out! One of the most informative video i've ever watched!

[@nagarjunameda]

Probably the most data-packed review I have ever seen. Great job. Thank you very much.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

Just posted a comment on dpreviewTV after listening for precisely 13 seconds: "Several other channels where they don't say "Zed." Going to go watch those reviews." Come here and you say "zed" literally within ONE second! However, you are Gerald Undone. I will keep watching.

[@BenChamberland]

Regarding the screw/battery door issue, there are some pretty good cages that were made for the RX100 . Hope to see something similar for the ZV1.

[@opx4real]

If Gerald's Auto focus face detection testing doesn't warm your heart, you just don't have one.

[@andrescarrasco1248]

Oh good old zv1, i still use this camera for many many many things, i use it with a zhiyun m2 that provides it power with the usb and a micro fan sticked to the bank of the camera which lets me use it for hours without even a overheat warning

[@tamvee]

Best review on this camera thus far.

[@bitwalk]

Dude! The colored rim lights on all closeups is dope!

[@GrillSergeant]

Great review and comparison with the ZV-1...just picked one up and subscribed to your channel! Cheers!

[@htmoh8115]

This is a good travel camera. No extra lens, no bulkyness. Simple with excellent quality. May purchase one.

[@makatron]

This kinda perfect for what it is, an advanced point and shoot. And the price seems fair.

[@tombuck]

I’m surprised low light performance isn’t better- Sony normally knocks it out of the park there. Thanks for this review, it’s the only one I’m watching 😉

[@WillEDC]

Wow a review rather than an ad 👏🏻

[@michaels5166]

got the ZV and satisfied so far...thank you

[@tusslemania]

Gerald reviews are always thoroughly elaborate, clearly concise, and obviously unbiased. I appreciate the hard work and also ... "I'm Gerald Undone and all I wanna do is zoom a zoom zoom zoom in your boom boom." Use it already please!

[@AmritaBhortake]

Very thorough review, Gerald. Thanks so much!

[@jgtbym601]

Thanks, Gerald, for your entertaining in-depth review of the Sony Zed-V-1 (I’m a Canuck too). I’m sitting on the fence about the a6600. There are more ticks on the ZV-1 side for all the reasons you stated. But the a6600’s battery life, earphone jack and lens interchangeability are so hard to dismiss. I can afford the latter but I do have other budgetary priorities as well. I guess I’ll have to immerse myself in some ZV-1 vs a6600 comparison reviews. Sigh...

[@reg171reg]

I don’t mean any disrespect to the other KZbinrs out there but this was the one review I was most keen on seeing. I knew I would get an impartial and detailed summary. That being said (sorry Chris) could you get it into the hands of Kasey ASAP?

[@PE4Doers]

I really liked this review Mr. Undone. I was ready to run right out (or for now Web right out) and lay down the $750, but now I know I have to think it through a little more. Which is actually better for Sony, since when/if I purchase one, there will be much less chance of 'Buyer's Remorse' since I will be stepping out (or Web'ing) with my eyes fully open and my expectations properly set. Thank you sir.

[@PE4Doers]

By the way - this also earned me as a subscriber.

[@Linealo]

"I'm Gerlad Undone and Oops, I did it again!..." *Sings the intro*

[@PeregrineChurch]

Really appreciate the extra work of the youtube-integrated timestamps/chapters!

[@omega3294]

Dude you really make the best reviews on youtube, hands down.

[@Nicdehouwer]

This turned into Camera Conspiracies quickly :D I could already hear his voice. 'it's good... Flippy screen...'

[@martinhain]

Appreciate the in depth review, great quality content Gerald!

[@jrosedds42]

No one goes into detail quite the way you do. Awesome job.

[@half9media]

"I'm Gerald Undone, and the cake wasn't a lie"

[@kolvis6626]

NO.

[@FlyHighinItalian]

Thanks, very technical! Just ordered this and your video was really helpful!

[@onocoffee]

This video was the reason that solidified my decision to buy a ZV-1. Thanks! But after a month, I had a major fail of the lens mechanism. It stopped closing.

[@michaelpoczynek]

Interesting camera. For the cost - you can't go wrong. Thanks for making this video, Gerald (fellow Canadian). Cheers!

[@ooievaar]

Hello Gerald, you are one of the best vloggers around. Good video quality, no distracting background music, good voice quality, well informed. Amazing. I have one question, that you may be able to answer. With compact camera’s in general the zoom range of the lens equals the zoom range of the 35 mm equivalent. Not so with the ZV-1. The lens is zooming from 9.4 mm to 25.7 mm, giving a rather poor range of 2.7. But it is also mentioned as 24 mm to 70 mm (in 35 mm terms). This gives a range of 2.9. Why the difference ?

[@geraldundone]

Thanks for the kind words! I imagine the 24-70 is just an approximation used to give the closest equivalent lens that exists. So that shoppers can have a rough idea of what to expect. I'm just guessing though.

[@hypnosiscenternyc]

Be the first one to do a video on how to set your external audio mic settings inside the new Sony ZV1 Camera. Do you have to put it on manual, very low, etc. Great review.

[@WookieeRage]

Great review. You covered SO many questions I had, including battery life and power usage. Thank you!

[@paulgero]

solid information Gerald....great review as always!

[@CarySagady]

Nice job! Very technical and to the point. My old RX100 (1st gen) died 18 months ago and I really miss it! I find the lack of the small flash inconvenient, but the hot shoe opens opportunities for accessories.

[@armando.visuals]

This is by far the best review Ive seen and I saw lots. Great video! Im def subscribing

[@rsmith02]

Looks like a hacked RX100IV perfected. Same unlimited recording and timelapse but much better autofocus and ability to do long 4K shoots without overheating. I'm impressed.

[@ChristofferLund]

Let's get you to the top!

[@jingjingcoming]

thanks. the best review for zv1 and I bought it this Black Friday.