Sony ZV-1 -How Far Does One Inch Reach?

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

Phew, I was hoping someone on the planet was using a ZV-1 for photography. Thanks for making this Matti!

[@jensz9360]

Same, everyone sems to think vlogging is the only reason to get a camera. Its annoying as hell. This guy explains it well and knows the cameras strengths and limitations and explains it in a non-biased way. Helped me to make a decision whether to buy it or not. Great overview of the camera and its specs.

[@gruntaxeman3740]

Had to add list of amazing things what this camera can do: 1. You can shoot short 5.5k 24fps without sound using continous shoot when you got fast memory card. Full sensor without cropping, all frames separately so there is very little of compression. 2. Camera has feature to shoot 5 frames fast with small delay. Stacking and blending those manually, in static scene with optical image stabilization it is possible to make superresolution photo. Even without tripod. 3. 8-bit recording does not prevent this camera for making shots to post process color grade, with high dynamic range. Trick is to shoot using HLG with Rec709 matrix. 4K video can actually soften a bit and possible downscale and making color calculations 16-bit/per channel, that footage can be graded very nicely. 4. ZV-1 can be used on VFX. If I recall it can shoot video 24, 25, 30, 50, 60, 100, 120, 200, 240, 400, 480, 800, 960 frames per second. There is plenty of choice for miniatures. And when making slowmo, frame interpolation in postprocess but having shutter angle to match higher framerate works well to opimize slow motion shot fidelity. Also 1" sensor noise level and 8-bit colors does not matter in CGI as path tracing is more noisy anyways in low light/indoor shots and also ready CGI assets are anyways sRGB, and noise level from CGI can match noise level from camera. So less contrast between CGI/camera footage. 5. When shooting stills, 1" sensor bokeh can be enhanced using post process. There is enough shallow depth of field that this is possible. Just shooting keeping target sharp, and increase bokeh later if required. 6. When shooting movie, 4K and active stabilization crops image. That can be used to get bokeh by shooting lower focal length to get equal FOV. 7. 35mm equivalent focal length can be used in macro photography. 8. Autofocus is so good that this is first camera ever that can be used without focus ring. Also using touch screen to change focus point can used to make perfect focus pulls. 9. 4K footage is enough to make digital zooms in post process. 10. Light weight makes it easy to stabilize with one hand gimbal. With optical stabilization and active stabilization it is possible to make smooth push and pulls with gimbal. So shortly, I've never seen before camera that is more versatile. It can handle almost everything while not having best fidelity, so little sacrificing from fidelity ZV-1 + small gimbal + post processing software makes this to very good value, content creation gear. Sadly ZV-1 II seems to be downgrade for this and Sony doesn't realize that it is the versatility what is the value of this camera.

[@jensz9360]

I know the video is a year old, but you really went over the specs on this camera in depth and highlighted strengths and weaknesses without any bias. Your video was really helpful in me deciding whether to get the camera or not. Thanks

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! Your comment made my day. So happy to hear my video was useful.

[@matthewroth1]

The only thing I dislike on the ZV-1 that made me go with the RX100 models was the autofocus and control dial on the lens ring. RX100 has better autofocus and being able to swap quickly between settings using the lens ring makes it much better for street photography for me. To achieve the same swapping between settings like aperture or EVF on the ZV-1, you’ll need to go into the menus which wastes time. If photos are your concern and you can afford an RX100, definitely go with that.

[@petergrumann5826]

I use it with the dedicated smallrig cage with a nice wooden grip. This adds much better stabilisation and handling. Very nice pictures! Thank you.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for the tip.

[@notunderlabel3527]

Melaka is my place 🥰 thanks coming here 😊

[@SuchanBajracharya]

I have a Sony RX100 V and RX0 II, both 1 inch little monster. 90% of the time, when I share and compare the footage coming out of it and my fullframe setup, the viewers pick the look of these 1-inch cameras. I think these pocket cameras have serious potential in hassle free run and gun style videography. The dynamic range is surprisingly good, too!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing that interesting information.

[@chanhappy9559]

Thanks for the power of Zeiss lens🎉

[@marcomarcon5802]

I own it, and the ratio size/quality/price/flexibility is unparalleled. It's a superb, possibly the best, second camera on the market, especially as it excels at both stills and video. If I have it with me, I much prefer it to my flagship smartphone, although the latter has an ultrawide angle lens and is better when absolute stealth is required. But being so tiny is never a problem to carry it in my bag.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@furbage]

Nice breakdown, thanks! Regarding your frustrations with the zoom (both power-on default and stepless issues), I found that when you save a memory recall (MR) mode, it does also save the currently-set focal length setting. So you can get quick-ish, reliable switching to a specific focal length that way.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. Yeah, that MR feature is the only way to do it.

[@nikko2434]

This is my very first camera and this vlog convinced me to buy zv 1 vs. Rx100 mark V. I love it. Til I am polluted suddenly by fuji x100vi. I wanna buy, watched tons of review, but everytime I watch this vlog, this reminds me to be faithful to what I bought and hone my photography skills instead. Thank you.❤ watched this tons of times.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. Those X100VI reviews are awful😀

[@feklee]

I have the same cam, shooting it in raw, and editing with ACR. I'm very happy with the IQ. Lately I have been using it for photogrammetry (3D scans). For that, I set it to f = 9.4mm, f/5.6, 1/125 s, manual focus. I got some excellent results.

[@leomannisto]

ZV-1 on kyllä aivan uskomaton videokamerana. Näköjään myös valokuviin. Laajakulmalisäkkeen ja pienen dronen kanssa on kyllä mahtava paketti tehdä videoita ja kuvia joka ei riko selkää eikä lompakkoa. Ainoa mitä kaipaan, olisi yksi kustomoitava nappi lisää.

[@gruntaxeman3740]

Best feature of the camera is the design: It is swiss army knife. It can be used almost every situation but in compact form and moving the work to post process.

[@akyerit]

From my experience it’s easily better than a phone camera. Especially in lower lit conditions. Wayyyy better lol. I was honestly quite surprised at how well this tiny guy was able to handle lowlight situations. I could shoot around NYC streets at night reasonably easy. I currently own the iPhone 13pro and all of its photos turn to mush at night/in the dark. I also used to own the rx100 mkV and wonder to this day if I liked the picture quality a little better out of that camera. Not sure why. Definitely preferred the size and feel of an all metal and smaller body better than the zv-1. And the pop up viewfinder was nice to have as well. And the thing I missed the most was the flash actually. Was able to take a lot of dope shots with that little pop up flash. 🤔

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@user-hp6lg3tm7d]

Very nice review. I am saving up for a ZV-1 myself. I am glad to see Sony putting Research and Development into compact cameras like the ZV-1 series. It appears that the ZV-1 camera line is one of Sony's best selling and most successful camera lines.

[@mattisulanto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pianopotato]

I use this as a B-cam to my Sony A7IV also!

[@mattisulanto]

Excellent choice!

[@gordon3988]

It will be a great B cam! And you showed some great photos …more about you than the camera! I own the RX1007 which is a bit more expensive, but even a better travel (hiking) camera for us with its up to 200 mm zoom. Add in a GoPro (or DJI Action) and you can cover just about anything and so light and easy to use! Almost bought the ZV1 as well…but it was hard to justify…still I Love small cameras!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. I have shot many videos on the ZV-1 and it's very good for video.

[@jeffslade1892]

Thank you. I always find small 'compact' cameras interesting.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. Compacts have their charm.

[@sharkylal]

I like those 800 iso shots. Always fun

[@chanhappy9559]

I own both GR and Zr1 GR is for artist and creative experiences, while ZR is for the juicy Zeiss lens with faster focusing. It’s better to own both❤

[@yftan2873]

I think the zoom memory is set to the widest perhaps because most blogger would wants to shoot at wide. Sometimes they might have set the lens memories accidentally.

[@ControlTouchMaster]

I use my ZV-1 for street photography. It perfect for my needs.

[@MTPtostife]

Really? I’m looking to buy one but I’m confused since there’s two different cameras There’s the $750 one ZV-1 Then there’s the $500 ZV-1F could you tell me the difference please!

[@ControlTouchMaster]

@@MTPtostife The ZV-1F has a fixed focal length lens and only does contrast autofocus, whereas the ZV-1 and ZV-1 Mark II have zoom lenses and and better phase detection autofocus systems. The ZV-1F has a wider angle lens than the ZV-1 at its widest but not wider than the lens on the ZV-1 Mark II at its widest.

[@belvederea]

Thank you for your video. The Canon G5x Mark II has a ring around the lens. In auto mode, the ring can be used to set the focal length really fast. It does exactly what you would like the ZV-1 to do. Starts at 24mm but by rotating the ring it jumps to 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 120mm. The aperture is the same as the ZV-1 f1.8 to f2.8. The dimensions are also very similar the G5x Mark II is only a few millimeters bigger. The auto-focus of the G5x Mark II is not bad at all but probably not as good as the ZV-1.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. That ring is really nice and some Sony models have it too, but the ZV-1 does not.

[@chanhappy9559]

THis camera shares similar Zeiss lens with the legendary Contax TVs digital, that’s the reason I bought one

[@rokph1067]

nvery good review. I have ZV1 just for still. I bought it since last year

[@xan-ellis]

I bought the ZV-1 when it first came out for video and HATED it. I sent it back within a week. The colors looked awful to me then two years went by and I saw some old photos I'd taken with it and realized it wasn't the camera that sucked it was my use of it. I bought my 2nd ZV-1 last year and it now goes with me daily alongside my GH5M2 and I've taken some of my favorite photos on it.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for that amusing backstory. Sometimes it takes a while to understand a camera and get the best out of it😀

[@RonScibilia]

I have one also and find it a nice complement to my GR III.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks.

[@videobyredjade]

Thank you

[@looptimelapse]

Very informative review. Thankz

[@mattisulanto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@IamNutzo]

I’m here for the Title and Thumbnail of the video 😂😂😂 (IYKYK)

[@JiiV3e]

Can you live stream with it? When this and the ZV-1F was released I right away thought it would be perfect for that. The quality is much better than webcams, but its not overkill like using a Sony a6xx series cameras for livestreaming.

[@Minsetti]

Yeah, it's very simple to set it up as a streaming camera. I use it for Teams calls all the time.

[@JohnKrill]

Thanks!

[@mattisulanto]

Thank You!

[@johnyutzey6504]

I bought the Canon G5x ii on a lark. 1" Sony sensor, fast lens with decent range (1.8-2.8, 24-120 FF=), and an EVF. Although I try to shoot at the lowest ISO I can get away with, I was surprised at how far I could push the ISO and still get acceptable results (1600 for me). I certainly think the 1" sensor cameras have a place. I use mine as a backup for walkabout shooting and travel. Sometimes, it's the only camera I take.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing.

[@RoderickJMacdonald]

Are you happy with portraits on the G5xII? The specs seem perfect for a still photo shooter.

[@johnyutzey6504]

@@RoderickJMacdonald I haven't used it for portraits per se, but have been very happy with it for general photography including street shooting.

[@RoderickJMacdonald]

@@johnyutzey6504 Thank you!

[@michael.j.mueller]

When my ZV-1 is in MR mode it saves and recalls the last zoom setting. I can also save the zoom setting to the memory.

[@mattisulanto]

Yes, you can do that and it works for many.

[@MaxMayfield74]

What a nice video! Did you use any picture profile on those great photos?

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! I shot RAW and processed in Lightroom, but my processing is quite basic and minimal. Here is a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXmxlqWYe9mtoZI

[@sweeperdave1]

The ZV-1 is truly aimed for vloggers with video as its strength. Yes, folks use it for still photography and, as you have shown, it's a decent travel camera. Still, for the same or even less money, the Canon G7X Mkiii or even the Mkii for less money seems to be the better value. All have one-inch sensors. All render sharp images. None, of course, still approach the performance in low light of bigger sensor cams but bigger sensor cams aren't as small and convenient to carry. It's good of you to encourage still photography for folks who have bought the ZV-1 for video but if stills are a primary goal, there are better value one-inch sensor cameras. Frankly, I hope Sony continues with the RX100 series. I also am the only person who also wants to see an RX10 MkV. I really think the one-inch sensor has a lot of potential.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@yellowzen1]

I have both the Canon MKII and the Sony ZV1 and the ZV1 is superior in both stills and video.

[@kckudasai995]

Ayo welcome to Malaysia !

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you.

[@Weider63]

Waiting for your review of the Panasonic Lumix S5 II

[@mattisulanto]

I'd love to try the S5II, but I don't how I could get one for a review. Panasonic is not going to send one to me.

[@albertoromani2244]

Hello Matte! Nice video like always, my favorites compact cameras are still the lumix lx100 and tz100, when I decide to travel light are my best mix, fixed lens, very light! I tried for a while Sony with a7 II and 5100 but i prefer lumix! But of course is just an opinion ! Thanks again for your videos ! Ciao from Italy !

[@bastian.michel]

I use nearly the same. Panasonic GX800 with 20mm prime. And im letting my Sony a7c at home.

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you.

[@diuran1919]

I really miss the slim point and shot digital camera with CCD sensor not Cmos. I really wish Sony or other company make slim camera 5x max zoom, max video recording 1440p/60, fullhd 120/60/24 fps with very good bitrate, RAW mode no need to be superfast but still fast enough to catch something in move. Right now I'm still using Canon Ixus 100 IS, that is super slim for photos and Panasonic DMC-SZ9 also for photos but also Video recording. I wish Canon Resurrected Small SLIM IXUS models because all the soo call point and shot new cameras are too big even to put inside your pocket, no way to call them point and shot no way.

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you.

[@m47d48xt]

If it's the same as the RX100M4, you can save the focal length eg 35mm as part of a custom setting

[@mattisulanto]

Yes, and it's better than nothing, but it's not the same as if the camera would remember the last used focal length.

[@m47d48xt]

@@mattisulanto Or at least default to a setting in the middle of the zoom range instead of right down at the bottom end! Having said that, I did notice that immediately after you said that 24mm was not your favourite, the first three pictures you showed after that were all taken at 24mm!! The M4 lets you put step zoom function on the ring around the lens but it looks like the ZV1 doesn't have that ring?

[@mattisulanto]

@@m47d48xt The ZV-1 does not have the ring. I shot a lot on 24mm because the zoom likes to go there😀

[@luispacheco9683]

Excellent revision. Congratulations.

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you very much!

[@mamamia601]

Hope you could share the LUTS you used for this video. Thanks. I also have a sample video from this camera on my KZbin page. Very capable camera.

[@mattisulanto]

It's a simple LUT that I made with Pixelmator Pro app and I don't think it's special enough to be shared. Just something I can use to make my own videos look decent🙂

[@trevorbrooks813]

1" sensor compacts have a lot to offer. My RX100vi is a touch smaller than the ZV-1 and has no grip at all making it (for me) a poor handling device. I added a grip, now it's bigger than it needs to be but at least handles much better. I like the zoom range (24-200) the pop up viewfinder and the auto focus. I also have a Canon G5Xii, a touch larger than these two Sony cams but so much better for it with a wonderful grip, I so much more prefer to use this cam. It has a zoom range between the two Sony cams (24-120) and stays bright at f1.8-2.8. It also has a pop up viewfinder and a step zoom so it remembers your favourite focal length on power up and you're ready to shoot. The auto focus is very good though not quite up to Sony performance. I choose the Sony if I know I'll need the long zoom, otherwise I always pick up the Canon.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for your insights.

[@MTPtostife]

Matti!! Great video I have a question tho!! I’m looking to buy one but I’m confused since there’s two different cameras There’s the $750 one ZV-1 Then there’s the $500 ZV-1F could you tell me the difference please! P.s id be using it for street photography so plz allow me to know which one to get out of the two!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. Those two cameras are different indeed but I have no first hand experience with the ZV-1F. I think it's better if you google the differences because I'd have to google them as well. Or search KZbin for videos about both cameras.

[@พุฒธพงศ์ศุภพันธุ์ภิญโญ-ษ5ฃ]

Thank you for the great video review.I have a slight problem with this camera as it cannot set the minimum shutter speed. Do you have the same problem as well? P.s. I would like to add that the camera is actually capable of storing the lens' focusing distance in memory when saved in the memory recall mode. Some more steps to drive in but hope it can help you.😅

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. If you use shutter priority (S) you can set any specific shutter speed.

[@rafamorenoc]

Hi, one of my cameras is a Nikon 1 J5, also 1", it's a great one, I recommend you to try it.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. I have tried many Nikon 1 cameras when they were new.

[@BobDiaz123]

It's really a shame that Camera Manufacturers push higher MP numbers, rather than sensor size. Assuming that there's a quality lens and processing power, the larger sensor is always better than the smaller sensor. My son has a Nikon J3 with a 1 inch sensor and when pixel peeking, I'm impressed with the results.

[@yellowzen1]

How would you compare the jpegs to Ricoh GRIII? Similar leagues or does the Ricoh blow it out of the water?

[@mattisulanto]

I have never compared the jpegs😀

[@yellowzen1]

@@mattisulanto Fair enough. I keep trying to find excuses to not buy the Ricoh...I want it though, I am just so concerned about the apparently big dust issue.

[@mattisulanto]

@@yellowzen1 Here's my take on the dust issue: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWmvmamOgtGIp5Y

[@outtathyme5679]

It’s a fun camera to carry around. Low light shots meh tho

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks.

[@gainde1137]

Can you load the battery within the camera using an USB-C cable like a smartphone or is there a separate loading station/adapter needed?

[@rochester212]

Good review.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!

[@tarvinder91]

I want a camera which is cheaper and takes better pics than phone. But this one has v less zoom

[@schoeferfilm]

I really love my small ZV1 😍 Although I have a professional bigger Fx6 🎥 😅

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks.

[@miso56]

yes, similar photocentric usage like the pana gf line with 12-32. sony probably kill/ already killed the a66xx line of cameras and it is clear why. small zv and rx cameras are for casual travel photo/ videography sufficient.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. For casual use very sufficient.

[@petergrumann5826]

I use it with the dedicated smallrig cage with a nice wooden grip. This adds much better stabilisation and handling. Very nice pictures! Thank you.

[@NinPossible]

The GR’s photos look much better than the ZV-1. But yeah it’s not fair to compare an 1” to an APS-C. I want the GR but I’m not sure if it’s reliable or not. In my country, if the Sony one broke down, I wouldn’t have to worry about it. Hmm…

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. I don't think the GR is any more unreliable than other cameras, but of course every camera can brake down.

[@NinPossible]

@@mattisulanto Thank you for your insight! 🙏

[@karachotvbywikinger]

There is absolutely no need for focal steps. The image is important, not a defined focal length. So not a downside at all.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for your opinion.

[@TSTB]

Welcome to Malacca

[@sodiumlights]

Guess it was no good for shooting a submarine with;)

[@bosamuelsson3052]

So vhat about sony RX 100-III

[@mattisulanto]

What about that? This video is about the ZV-1.

[@RobertLeeAtYT]

Wow, that bus interior is very Austin Powers groovy. It seems this camera is lacking in usability. For me, an accordion zoom on a compact like this is fine. However, manually deployed is much preferable. The muscle memory builds quickly for the amount of rotation to get to intended field of view. In particular, I really don't like the "hold a button for just long enough" operations model.

[@mattisulanto]

The ZV-1 does not lack usability in my opinion, but it's not perfect.

[@scotboy1297]

You made me nervous when you were waving your hands with camera, might go over balcony.

[@mattisulanto]

Tell me about it. I made myself nervous when reviewing the video clips😀

[@yongxin4017]

Is it able to take a good moon shot? Ps noob in cameras so curious on the extent it able to take

[@mattisulanto]

It depends what kind of a moon shot you want. However, I don't think it's really optimal for moon photos.

[@yongxin4017]

Oh, what about taking pic under bright sun environment? Haha sorry for keep asking cos really scare regret after buying😂

[@mattisulanto]

@@yongxin4017 I think my video answers that question.

[@ruuddirks5565]

So it is going to replace your GR III's ?

[@mattisulanto]

No!😀 But it's a nice little compact for occasional zoom photography.

[@JeffBourke]

It's actually TOO small. It does not feel good in the hands even with a cage. My ZV-1 decked out with a dummy battery connected to external power bank which becomes the "grip" if you will. I also made a custom aluminium base/back plate which 100% STOPS all overheating!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. It is quite a small camera, but I'm wondering if your all rigged up ZV is actually bigger than some more capable cameras with larger sensor. Your setup sounds interesting nonetheless. Overheating is never a problem in photo mode, but in video it is a minor problem.

[@adliberate]

the worst thing is no viewfinder

[@z352kdaf8324]

1" type. About .62". 😂

[@kevinsim1514]

Hi Matti, I've been a fan of your KZbin channel for some time. The "zoom lens memory" is embedded in the Memory Recall function. There are 3 memory slots onboard the camera, and 4 memory slots on SD card. My personal settings are: M1 - for low light scenarios. Use Highlight Metering and set shutter speeds between s1/8 to s1/15. Set Auto ISO between 80-1600. Set Auto Exposure between -0.3 to -1.0 M2 - this is my 35mm setting in Manual Mode at s1/200 for sharp images and f/5. Choose an aperture somewhere in the middle so it's easy to adjust exposure. Note that the crop factor on the ZV-1 is 2.7 M3 is my 50mm setting in Manual Mode at s1/200 and f/5. Given that the ZV-1 opens up the zoom lens at 24mm equivalent, and max at 70 mm equivalent, I only need to save focal lengths in Memory Recall at 35mm and 50mm. Pro-tip: if you are using AF-C focus mode, marry with Focus Area - Tracking Expand Flexible-Spot

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for your tips. I don't like those custom memory settings because they always return everything to the same pre specified settings. But they seem to work for you and that's good. I'd prefer a simple zoom memory for the last used setting.

[@Nicky9215]

Super useful comment ❤

[@kevinsim1514]

@@Nicky9215 thank you 🙏🏼

[@aviatorman8]

Me too my friend, I much prefer a dedicated camera to a phone one. I have the RX100M5A and it’s such a pleasure to use for the reasons you mentioned. I hope Sony and Panasonic release new 1” camera. Or better a new LX100 😃

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. Sony may come up with a new one inch camera, but not sure of Panasonic.

[@aviatorman8]

@@mattisulanto I hope so. It’s been a while. Panasonic has the 1” ZS200 (Leica C-Lux 7). I think you’re right Panasonic and Leica seem to have given up on 1”. But I hope they release a new LX100.

[@bevinmore]

Which camera were you using to film this a7iv or ricoh

[@mattisulanto]

At the and of the video you can see what gear I used.