Sony ZV-E1 Review - 👍 For Vlogging, 👎 For Wedding Videography...

Sony has managed to cram an a7S III sensor inside the new ZV-E1 camera along with a lot of amazing new features; but if you are a wedding filmmaker, should you get one as a B or C camera? Here's my full review of the ZV-E1 for wedding videographers!
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0:00 ZV-E1 Review for Wedding Filmmakers
0:54 Spoiling The Conclusion
1:37 Ferrari Specs...
4:33 Inside A Civic Body...
7:31 Dynamic Active Image Stabilization Is NUTS
10:27 Intelligent Auto Mode Is Impressive!
13:27 The BIGGEST Issue (Overheating)
19:41 Bonus For Wedding Filmmakers!
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[@whoismatt]

How bout that extra bass in the voice? Oh and if you like the colors in this video, check out my presets - whoismatt.com/luts

[@raufkerebash8242]

hi Matt, previously i shoot on mp4 format and the video get 50k views. then i shoot another video on mov format and exported it on mp4 youtube format. it got 70 like n 20 comment on 1k views. but youtube is not suggesting this video any more. i think this happen bc of format, what do you think? please answer me. bc i already shoot another video on mov format. what should i do?

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Thanks for this, I think I'll stick with my A7sIII 😅 Oh, and +1 for the extra bass - I love the Sm7B, just gives it the real broadcast feels!

[@denizyayla]

I love my zv e1 😂 its not over hearting after firmware update

[@powdermuaythai]

u still have this same opinion? im like, rihgt on the fence of getting one

[@denizyayla]

@@powdermuaythai yes i am

[@BSRWeddingFilms]

Feels like Podcast Hour with Matt. Love the content as always!

[@JaceJalique]

I definitely needed this video. I was beating myself up about purchasing the A7SIII ever since the ZV-E1 was announced. I knew there would be overheating issues based on the materials used for the body but didn't expect it would be that bad. Thanks again for the review!

[@thevanster8084]

I've heard someone say to open the battery door to fix the overheating issue lol. Just thought I'd comment

[@26alexxkidd]

Don't listen to that, it's a great camera

[@Bigboytravel]

Great review Matt, I'm so glad they finally fixed the primary errors of the A7-C and finally have stabilization! One thing you could add to the description is that the release date is May 2023. I heard you mention pre-order but didn't hear May

[@wendywitzig119]

Looking good! Refreshing, honest, solid review without focusing on overhyping features while minimizing faults.

[@Levi_Allen]

It was a life goal to hear "hey my name is Matt Johnson" in person, and you fulfilled that goal. Great to meet you Matt! I'm gonna buy 10 of these to start my wedding business

[@whoismatt]

😂 so great meeting you in person bro!

[@TSCinema]

Lookin good Matt! Thanks for the awesome info!

[@iammourad]

Great video as always… what about 1080p in 120fps.. does it overheat ?

[@WaywardNorth]

Soft spoken Matt hits different.....I love it! Great content as usual!

[@andrewb76]

The over heating is such a bummer! I really wanted this for weddings but just not sure now. I dont film weddings in 4k 60 so maybe but tough decision.

[@imranalijafar]

why you waited for so long to post this review? your review is the most pleasing and informative so far

[@crysistec]

Gotta say , most reliable reviewer if you doing weddings/event

[@michaelsmallwood6002]

awesome review as always, question do you have to crank the shutter to get the dynamic active to work respectably, as I fell like I have not seen a review where the shutter looks like its at 1/50 ?

[@jeremymayhew6287]

Thank you for being honest. Overheating in 5 minutes outside? I will absolutely be canceling my preorder now.

[@stalman]

I might need one

[@Andreas_Reuter]

Great review Matt 💯 Pre-ordered mine over here in Germany last week. Can't wait to try it with the 11mm 1.8 (APS-C) with the improved Clear Image Zoom at 1.5 crop in 4K. I think that will be the ultimate lightweight vlogging setup...

[@superstringsbro]

Man that will take the 11mm to around 35mm with clear image zoom?

[@jorgruthschilling]

Well, APS-C lenses are supported according to Sony. But you will not get the full 4k quality.

[@fiestadigitalmedia6601]

I was looking forward for your review.

[@MChronicler]

I'll still buy it as an a7siii owner. It's the perfect gimbal cam/travel cam for me. Not too concerned about overheating as for gimbal shooting for weddings are primarily filmed in bursts.

[@ayanbanerjeefilms]

i am so confused between these two actually my main focus on videos as a cinematic content creator, So is ZV-E1 have better video quality than A7Iv or i need to go with a7iv, also 6700 is good but crop sensor, that's the factor so which one is ideal for me? can you help me?

[@davidalanmedia]

What lenses would be your go to on the ZV-E1 for a wedding? Great review!

[@matteoblau]

What if an external cooling system is used?

[@NewbieFilmMaker]

Thanks for the review - i was waiting for your true review before deciding on this cam. SIDE NOTE - did you up your audio on this video!?

[@BryceKoebel]

Your voice is so soothing in this video 🥲

[@BikeEatRepeat]

This is the review we wedding videogs are waiting for!

[@schoeferfilm]

Great review Matt 👏 I think the ZVE1 is a better option for me as the fx30 as b-cam for my Fx6 👍🏻 I do not film weddings 😅 no overheating problems 😉🙈🔥

[@GrandpaSStudio]

Overheating was present on A7S2, and ton of people were working on them, I still do. Is it ZV-E1 worse?

[@hometimestudios1]

So beautiful! What settings? Iso? Lens?

[@Dhruvgadhvi]

Hi Matt.. I own FX6 and a FX3...would this camera make a nice Cam c? For hand held general shots of audience etc in an event?

[@verrettproductions3487]

Finally the review I was waiting for. Hopefully there will be an update to solve the overheating issue.

[@GatehiMwaniki]

There won't be one because the overheating is related to the form factor of the camera not the optimization of the internals. No firmware can fix that. That sensor is just way too powerful to run seamlessly without a robust cooling solution or a larger body to spread out the heat.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

In case anyones wondering, the moment I licked my lips at 1:07 was a result of pushing the cinematic vlog mode button for the first time.

[@impulsesystems]

Great summary of this camera, which looks really interesting to me. Is humidity really an issue, or just the temperature? I ask because México is a big country, with two humid coasts and a central, dry region. No humidity where I am! I know humidity affects the comfort of humans but I'm not sure if it would affect the cooling ability of a camera under convection.

[@KEHA14]

How do you think this compares to the FX30? In terms of stabilization and image quality?

[@glasco_]

Can it reliably shoot KZbin videos - 45 min takes of 4k 24 talking head videos? Consistently?

[@ryejack]

Twice now, I've had other cameras crap out during shooting because of overheating, and that's super annoying. I could see it being useful as a second studio camera or to grab quick footage when out and about. Sure, there is a lot to love, but knowing about these issues (and the single card slot), I don't think I'd trust this as a primary camera.

[@schoeferfilm]

If there is overheating, how long will it stays and when can I film again? 🤷‍♂️🤔

[@imranalijafar]

what would you recommend for a traveling lens on this body ? some thing compact

[@PhilKnall]

Really appreciate your reviews. I'm super tempted by this (I have the a7c), but I do shoot stills from time to time so I need that EVF and mech shutter... That improved rolling shutter, always on eye detection, and slomo would be damn cool though.

[@yakoubbouhadeb]

Man, I am in the same situation as you 😂 I have an A7C and it’s hard to decide !

[@PhilKnall]

@@yakoubbouhadeb right?? 😂 I think i should hold off and hope they make an a7cii.

[@linksss3016]

Get a A74

[@PhilKnall]

@@linksss3016 no can do. My right eye is borderline unusable and i hate slr-style bodies.

[@LearnSpanishWorld]

I learned my lesson. I won't be buying another higher end camera from SONY. It's very disappointing how Sony has not provided updates for their higher end cams such as the A7S3. I heard a lot of content creators who use the A7S3 are dissapointed.. . I feel not releasing updates for the higher end cams will only drive more KZbinrs and people in general, just to wait and go for their cheaper cams, and in spite of all the "commercial hype: this new cam overheats whereas the A7S3 does not.🙄 By the way. I can tell you're a neutral person. I posted a similar comment on Sony s youtube channel, and they deleted my comment, even though I was only expressing my respectful opinion. Thanks for keeping things real amigo

[@KeepingThisTech]

I appreciated this video! Thanks Matt! Overheating is going to be a major problem with this camera.. at least in 4K…

[@AurelianIrimia]

“At least in 4K”? If you buy a camera like you buy it for shoot in 4K. If not, we can buy a Sony a600, much chipper

[@dharmani_youtube]

My question is for reverse temperatures instead. Can I shoot with this in under 0 Celsius in snowfall? Occassionally weather in Toronto goes upto -25C and those are my favourite moments to shoot

[@nVuFilms]

Good stuff. ... Question... Why do people test long take 4k60 overheating? Who films longer than 1min 60p? 4k24 would probably not overheat. And if it does, and if DESPERATE, can compromise and just shoot 1080p which on this sensor looks fantastic. 🤷‍♂️ PS. nice mic placement

[@TlhOnYT]

A lotta people don’t have money so we gotta make excuses to not buy it 😂

[@63MacGuy]

I was really thinking about this tiny camera for 60p gimbal work. I usually film clips that are under 5 minutes. Also that tracking feature using clear image zoom would be great for speeches when the person is swaying back and forth. I still think I’m going to get the FX-30 for the upcoming wedding season

[@MChronicler]

I'm in the same fence, but I'm glad I waited for this camera instead of getting an fx30. Mainly because I also want a good travel camera. I brought my a7siii on a trip before and I did not really enjoy how heavy and hefty the thing was.

[@sikapacapture]

I purchased fx30 and returned it because it performed poorly in low light. I had to the A7SIII in the end. I just bought the zv ei for handheld getting ready.

[@63MacGuy]

@@sikapacapture I ended up not buying the FX-30 even though I thought the footage looked fantastic. I usually use my A7iv for the bulk of the reception coverage. The FX-30 worked great with a Sigma 16mm 1.4. I ended up buying a Fujifilm XT-3 and 18-55, I had an X100s years ago and loved it.

[@shaddring]

Great for vlogging, short segments under 5 minutes. Also a great B-Roll camera. Long recording a no go. Appreciate the info

[@kirtanforthesoul]

I would buy it but Overheating is a big issue.

[@amangrayfilms1538]

How did you get the voice audio to sound so good?

[@jgooch99]

Thanks for the videos

[@serefumut4702]

my maan on action ! thanks to you Matt !

[@UltratecJS]

I was considering purchasing this camera but will be getting the Lumix S5 II X as my secondary camera, I already have the S5 II as my primary. When comparing both of those this is why I will not: -No fan (over heating) S5 II has amazing cooling -Micro HDMI (really sony it's 2023) -No OpenGate (Lumix can be used for horizontal / veritcal video with the same shot) -Only one Memory slot (once you have used two it's hard to go back to 1) -Ibis seems good on this but Lumix is amazing with Ibis. It doesn't make sense to get this over the Lumix S5 II or the S5 II X from ANY angle.

[@ranjinirajainfilm]

even though the video may not be of my interest, Matt voice on that mic makes me want to tune in haha! so fx 30 or this? please help a lost 6400 user wanting to upgrade, or is there an upgrade coming for the alpha series?

[@danieldougan269]

I applaud Sony for trying new things with form factors. However, they should have developed an optional, removable viewfinder to use with the FX3/FX30/ZV-E10/ZV-E1. In the early days of Micro Four Thirds, the Olympus Pen cameras had these. I had one, and it was great. It wouldn't have to be as good as the one on the a7S III, but if it were comparable to the one on the a7 IV, that would be fine. A full-frame camera for vlogging...eh, I feel like that's a waste of what this sensor can do.

[@ChristianElia]

i appreciate the honesty in this review man. seeing WAY too many comments about people wanting to leave the A7S, FX3 and FX30 for this camera. it simply isnt a tool for professional work though, and thats getting lost in the hype. thats not to slam the camera either, its groundbreaking in some ways, but it is a content creators camera. it could be used in some studio work perhaps but the FX30 is a WAY better buy for pro work. the difference between APSC and FF is simply not big enough to justify the body design of the ZV-E1 for pro work. its very frustrating to me how this release has unfolded on youtube. FX30 is cheaper and better in nearly every way if you arent a vlogger

[@Ranger7Studios]

The Zv-1 also has the active hot shoe. So does the ZV-E10. I conducted and interview at NAB last years with the Sony rep using the ecmb mic. So it's not new to the ZV line.

[@markofadljevic1975]

finally a realistic review 👏

[@ricardocarvalho1184]

Yess

[@keithwcaselman]

How does it do on low light photography?

[@saintwolfcrypto]

When you start the USB streaming and plug it in there is a BLACK info box that covers the lower half the screen - how do you get this to go away without turning off the streaming?

[@dimasvideomaker8811]

E gravacao em 4k 30 frames? Nao preciso de 4k 60 a cerimonia inteira. Obrigado pelo review

[@AlexKim-po5lx]

Hi! Please tell me, do I have a Canon 5 d m3? I want to change it to mirrorless. Initially R6m2 or Sony a 7m4. Or should I buy R5 right away? Sony a7mr5.

[@Nikolas____]

i like the special effect in 05:45....:)

[@IdentiWilliamT]

I thought I was the only one to hear it 😅

[@GunslingerMediaCo]

Funny thing about the microphone. The A7iv has the same internal mic as the ZV1, and when I use it it sounds much cleaner and better balanced and fuller than the audio samples I’ve heard from people using the ZVE1.

[@matthias9154]

It is soo nice and Community orientated that you spoilered infos early in the video

[@TheFPSChannel]

Nice cameo in Becki & Chris’s 85mm video!

[@jorgruthschilling]

Thanks for this great review! BTW, the ZV-E10 also has an active hot-shoe.

[@sebentree5729]

Hi matt, does it overheat in 1080p?

[@MuhammadMundir]

in 2023 I have bought a canon 80D for shooting weddings. is this good for me?

[@XTGALLARDO]

Can you use the ai auto tracking in vertical mode?

[@ZamoraChristian]

Your voice sounds so crisp with that mic. What mike is that? I even re check if it was you talking 😂

[@PassportAction]

Every thing this camera offers seem perfect for me. Most importantly the sensor. I am an inspiring travel vlogger. The thing is, I keep hearing about the over heating. It definetly doesn't sound like it's for vloggers at all. As a Travel vlogger you are going to be out in all different temperatures exceeding 80 and 90 degrees f. and use majority of the time outside. For the camera to only Last 5 minutes outside lol is definitely not acceptable. Besides for that it has the small size I want in a camera because I'm traveling and most the time will have in a small cross body bag. I don't ever use the evf on my Sony a7iii. It has the dynamic stabilization that I want because even though I travel with my gimbal I would rather just use my phone or gopro or osmo pocket then pulling the gimbal and a7iii out. This camera definitely had the potential to change that for me but the over heating will most likely stop me from making the purchase. I rather just use my a7iii, gopro and the samsung 23 ultra 😆 🤣. I could understand 1 hr and overheat in extreme conditions but 5 minutes 😂😅😢

[@ThisIsLeeBird]

Does it have the ability to jam sync Timecode? Nobody can seem to answer this.

[@erg1450]

I got this for a week and is going back to the vendor, it got hot just while I was using the menus to configure it, a lot of banding on stills and flickering in artificial light, lack of viewfinder is also a problem for me, I thought I could live without it, for me to use this I would have to get an external monitor, that increases the weight, the Active Dynamic stabilization is not as good as I was hopping for. The S-Cinema was not something that impressed me (I think I can get better results from my iPjhone 14) . This camera is probably targeted to most experience bloggers that are used to micro displays and how to deal with these challenges, looks like it would be a huge learning curve for me. Surprisingly enough, the stills were better than I expected, compared with my A7IV , I could not see a huge difference (as long as there is no need to crop that is)...

[@MickySarge]

Hey man, I know this shouldn't really matter, but I very much dig your new slightly adjusted look. The hair cut and trimmed beard have me on board finally.

[@MichalOlender]

What's the sound at 5:45?!

[@TheVisualVanguard]

2:23 Did he say the dual iso is 640 and 12,800? Was that a mistake? I was under the impression that dual ISOs are generally 2 stops apart.

[@mistoquente8077]

what if using a dummy battery and the atomos ninja would reach lower internal temperatures?

[@caraquefilma]

For record externally someone need to make a recorder without screen to, it's a possible for BKP image

[@ricardocarvalho1184]

Thanks man

[@norgerichard]

I want that camera.

[@user-nv4zb8dw8k]

is oveheading and in hd?

[@theunkownmr.562]

Someone will modify the camera and add a bit of passive cooling and you’ll get better heat dissipation.

[@checkeredflagfilms]

If Sony made an electronic viewfinder to fit in the hot shoe, like they did with earlier models, I'd buy this camera hands down as a backup. As you know, the LCD screen is useless for critical focus, framing and exposure in bright sunny days! Why Sony doesn't offer this, albeit expensive, accessory for the FX3/30 and this new E1 is unbelievable.

[@SkyProStudio]

I was about to buy the fx3, but seeing this camera changed my mind about the company. I need to go back to the canon

[@stevewhitehead7318]

For weddings in my opinion this is a no go. Overheating is one thing but no dual card slot either. B Roll shots etc sounds awesome but for anyone who has ever filmed a wedding and the cameras overheat symbol pops up that is a scary scary thing

[@wakeywarrior]

I am concerned about overheating in this camera, particularly as I use my camera a lot for travel in very hot climates.

[@Switchkyng]

I want to see a video where people record these instances. Not just anecdotal

[@AllThingsFilm1]

For me, as a filmmaker, I don't shoot lengthy shots. With that, I wouldn't foresee overheating being an issue in the long run. I know this video is geared towards documentary and wedding filmmakers. But, I thought I'd chime in as a fellow subscriber. And I am definitely interested in the ZV-E1. Nice haircut and beard trim, by the way.

[@danoc51]

I'm not a wedding photographer and mostly take short shots outside. My biggest issue with this camera is the lack of a viewfinder. It looks like an otherwise great camera for me.

[@SianCKB]

The A7s3 is just out of my budget so I'll instead buy this one with a great lens.. and I also never shoot RAW 12bit anyway, I just use the Ninja V as a monitor so I can expose properly :D Currently use an a6400 so this will be a huge upgrade!

[@Pontcher]

I currently use the a6500, and I think that I'll be a huge upgrade for me too

[@powdermuaythai]

i want one for my second shooter to my fx3 sOoOoOo badly

[@tanmaytambe2630]

CAN anyone tell me which camera bags are the using??????

Think Tank retrospective 7

[@AurelianIrimia]

Great video! Overheating is something normal for Sony cameras. If anyone wants a camera without this issue, the only solution is Panasonic. For this reason in particular I changed from Sony to Lumix

[@allenspionvideography1619]

Maybe you should've just tried A7Siii or FX3. No overheating there.

[@365ayear]

Yeah idk what you are on about.

[@THEBESTPROD.]

Great 👍

[@paulgero]

What!!!!???? you didn’t bring that background light/sculpture from home in your checked luggage????

[@RJMPictures]

Looks like i'll be getting another FX30 after all...

[@harryvuemedia5106]

ZV-E1 should never be use for client works, film making and run-n-gun events. E1 is design to be a vlogging camera so use it like a vlogging camera. People keep thinking that you can use the E1 like an a7Siii or FX3 which you cannot do. You're better off with the FX30 if you want to record events and do run-n-gun situations. You should never leave the a7Siii, FX3 and FX30 for the E1 because they are cameras in different categories. Sony specifically said the E1 is a vlogging camera for vloggers but somehow people still miss this major point. I am getting the E1 as a vlogging camera because it fits my needs. As for overheating, the E1 will overheat on its highest setting. Recording in 4K resolution, 140m 10-bit colors, 60 fps and XAVC-S will easily build up heat. I would love for anyone to test the E1's overheating setting like a vlogger would use. Settings like 4K resolution, 60m 8-bit colors, 30 fps and XAVC-S with a V90 SD card to see how long they can normally record for before it overheats and shutdown.

[@aarontyreeproductions]

when is your next wedding film review? i'm editing a wedding just for your review

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

HI MATT

[@gn1282]

Great review, Matt!!! The issue is that we can only recommend this camera for scenarios where it's amazing features are not needed, indoors with AC, for interviews you don't need 4k 60 or higher, you can also add light so you don't need that extreme ISO performance, essentially, we can recommend this camera for scenarios where most of the cameras are good. So, good for sony to bring all those amazing features and bad for Sony for making it not reliable where they would make a difference

[@ItsMe_Philippines]

This won’t work for me living in the Philippines. To risky for me, sadly.

[@quarterpasteleven]

Somehow this cam reminds me of the latest Gopro's just like in a high end version. Even the overheat issues are similar, but you can handle that pretty well when you keep your shots not too long. For me as a Gopro owner, the ZV-E1 is a cam I was looking for since a long time. High quality, easy to use, compact and cinematic.

[@ImagineAkira]

Give it to me straight Matt……is it better than the A7SIII? (Without regard for vlogging)

[@sarrieeldin]

Nope

[@whoismatt]

If you have the budget, I would get the a7siii