Unveiling the Sony ZV-E1: What You Need to Know as a Vlogger or Content Creator

Is the Sony ZV-E1 the amazing camera some people are making it out to be? Or is it the overpriced and under-featured disappointment that others are claiming it to be? In this video we take a look at what this camera does have and what it may be missing from your list of "must-haves" in the hopes of helping you decide whether this the Sony ZV-E1 is the right choice for you.
More info & Purchase Link → geni.us/sonyzve1b
00:00 Introduction
00:33 Included Features
02:22 AI Processor & Autofocus
03:10 New Framing Options
04:28 New Stabilization Mode
05:00 New Microphone & AI
06:00 Build, Size, And New Touch Features
07:10 Weather Sealing
07:30 Webcam Streaming
07:50 Image quality
08:30 What is the ZV-E1 Missing?
10:30 Why the Love/Hate Relationship?
11:51 Who is the Sony ZV-E1 For?
=============================
Follow Me:
▸ Instagram - / dunnadidit
▸ Twitter - / dunnadidit
▸ Vero - vero.co/dunnadidit
▸ Website - www.dunnadidit.com
=============================
My Presets, Luts, and More:
▸ Dunna Did It Store - www.dunnadidit.com/store
=============================
I get my Music, Sound Effects, and Stock Footage from a handful of really awesome online providers. To check them out, or for discounts and trials, click here → www.dunnadidit.com/onlineserv...
=============================
Recommended Channel Tools:
These are invaluable tools that I use to run my KZbin channel. Highly recommended if you're trying to take your channel to the next level.
▸ Rev (captions and subtitles) - bit.ly/dunnarev
▸ Tubebuddy (channel optimization) - www.tubebuddy.com/dunnadidit
▸ Morningfame (better titles and video optimization) - morningfa.me/invite/dunnadidit
=============================
Gear That I Use or Recommend:
Cameras:
▸ Sony A7IV - geni.us/sonya7iv_01
▸ Sony A1 - geni.us/sonyalpha1
▸ Sony FX3 - geni.us/sonyfx3_01
▸ Sony ZV-E10 (aps-c camera) - geni.us/sonyzve10
Full Frame Lenses:
▸ Sigma 24-70 f2.8 (best all around) - geni.us/O8eum
▸ Sony 16-35 f2.8 GMii (best wide angle zoom) - geni.us/aUDS
▸ Tamron 28-75 f2.8 ii (affordable all around) - geni.us/jAFz
▸ Sigma 16-28 f2.8 (affordable wide angle zoom) - geni.us/sigma1628_01
Aps-c Lenses
▸ Sigma 16mm f1.4 (best wide angle) - geni.us/Dunna16mm
▸ Sigma 30mm f1.4 (great mid range) - geni.us/dunna30mm
▸ Sony 18-105 f4 (best all around) - geni.us/Dunna18105
Audio:
▸ Rode Video Mic Go ii (on camera mic) - geni.us/54CjkY2
▸ Rode Wireless Go ii (compact wireless system) - geni.us/rodewgii
▸ Deity D4 Duo (tiny dual on camera mic) - geni.us/deityd4duo
▸ Rode Podmic (voiceover & podcast mic) - geni.us/rodepodmic_01
Lighting:
▸ Aputure Amaran F22c - geni.us/amaranf22c
▸ Aputure 300d ii - geni.us/aputure300dii_01
▸ Aputure 200x - geni.us/am200x
▸ Nanlite Pavotubes - geni.us/pavotube30xii
▸ Aputure MC (pocket sized rgb accent light) - geni.us/c8HAAnq
Other:
▸ Shimoda Explore V2 (main camera backpack) - geni.us/shimodaexplorev2
▸ WANDRD PRVKE 31L (other camera backpack) - geni.us/wandrdprvke31l
▸ Peak Design 45L (travel/camera backpack) - geni.us/peakdesign45L
▸ 3Legged Thing Punks Brian Tripod 2.0 (travel tripod) - geni.us/3ltpunksbrian2
▸ Freewell Magnetic Variable ND Filters - geni.us/freewellmvnd
▸ Peak Design Camera Strap - geni.us/peakdesignslide_01
▸ Peak Deisign Capture Clip - geni.us/peakcaptureclip_01
Complete Gear List:
▸ www.kit.co/dunnadidit
=============================
Disclaimer:
Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase. If you have a different purchase in mind, you can also use these storewide links below.
🛒 Amazon - geni.us/shop_amazon
🛒 B&H Photo - bhpho.to/2KgLwwX
🛒 Moment - geni.us/shop_moment
=============================
Monetarily Supporting The Channel:
If you wish to support the channel monetarily, you can donate via PayPal here: www.paypal.me/dunnadidit
This is appreciated and helps the channel, but please don't feel that it is necessary to enjoy my content.
=============================
Professional & Sponsorship Inquiries:
For professional and sponsorship inquiries, please use the contact form on my website or email [e-mail]

[@BrianLagerstrom]

This video needs alot more than 20,000 views.

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Appreciate the huge amount of work you put into this one, all those screen recordings!! Great video

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks boss!!

[@BeckiandChris]

The auto framing thing is super interesting, I can see that being helpful for some of our videos when Chris and I are on camera together and we want to make it more behind the scenes-y. Great breakdown friend!

[@dunnadidit]

Yeah it’s pretty cool hey! Thanks friend!

[@dna8269]

Props to you for all the work that went into this dude. So many shots. Would be cool to see a video showing your process of planning a video, scripting, shot listing etc. Great review

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks so much! I appreciate it!

[@VicBarry]

I've had mine for 2 weeks now and really impressed. Although that wind muff looks like a wig for a doll. It pair well with the FX3 and to be honest, the fact that it's cheaper and smaller makes it a no brainer when it comes to travel. Nice vid dude!

[@dunnadidit]

Haha yeah I wonder if someone will make a 3rd party wind muff that looks better, I noticed as I went to send it back to Sony that the fuzz got really dirty and gross looking too.

[@CockpitScenes]

​I have had mine for three days, and I will send it back. I have had lots of Sony cameras, and I have loved them all, but this is one of the worst cameras I have owned. It is a fraud. Maybe I got spoiled by my main camera, the A1, but this thing sucks. I bought it for the low light performance, the "great stabilization" and the size. I have spent two full days trying to make the stabilization work, but it is non-existent. I have tried everything - changed the SD cards, changed from 10 bit to 8 bit, I have tried everything. The footage is not close to being usable. I saw all the reviews showing all this "gimbal-like" stabilization - it's all BS. And yes, I know how to use the camera. My GoPro11 has magical stabilization - just unreal. But it doesn't have good low-light capability. Plus, it is 5.3K so you don't lose resolution with the stabilization. I was hoping this camera could solve my low-light problem. I guess not. I am SO disappointed.

[@TuckerPearce]

Love the positive breakdown along with your honesty in what we might not like.

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks Tucker!

[@jamesprecious1035]

Great video Dunna! Nicely edited and really balanced review of this new camera. Loving the Cap forward look, so tired of all the content creators wearing their caps backward LOL. Enjoy the sun this week, going to be a cooker.

[@dunnadidit]

Haha! I wear my cap backwards pretty regularly and tbh its fairly often because of the shadow I get on my face when it's forward during filming.

[@RimauriComposer]

Your video is excellent and hit the essentials of the fantastic ZV E1. With the new firmware I haven't had any overheating issues yet, even though I'm working outdoors in over 34 degrees in the afternoon and in very humid weather. I'm still studying this camera and I still have to "revise" the functions because in the action I forget where they are and I still can't fully exploit the formidable capabilities of the camera in my videos. The photos are very beautiful but I haven't done a specific research yet. I'm using a 1.8 at 20 mm G fixed lens. Thank you for your valuable information and the beautiful images in your video, bye

[@user-os3ly1mj9f]

Great review, thank you! My zv-e1 has been a blast so far! Coming off of the a7siii my biggest challenge is losing the evf. So when it's not on a tripod i am holding it waist high with the flippy screen out facing up. Since the AF is so good i am really just using the screen to frame the shot. For long duration clips at 4k60 I bought a $20 clip on portable mini fan and clip to the tripod. Indoors at 68 degrees that gets me 1 hr 47 minutes recording at 4k60 until the battery dies (no overheating warning). Can't wait for the 4k120!

[@realMysta]

For real, I keep putting the camera up to my face only to be looking at the top of the screen.

[@AnotherBrightIdea]

Certainly one of the better reviews I've seen on this camera! Well rounded!! I'm like others here, considering it as a B Camera for my FX3. Was this your color grading in the video or one of the built in LUTs?

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks for saying that! This was my color grading! The video itself was shot on the FX3.

[@ScottSalvi]

This is a great review Dunna! Incidentally, your image quality seems to have gotten better, and your audio is killer! :) I love my A7IV and my ZVE-10, but I am struggling between this and the FX30 as a "next up"...

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks for the kind words dude! Yeah the FX30 vs ZV-E1 seems to be the tough choice for a lot of people. I personally love the full frame look and capabilities but I understand why people would lean the other way too! Best of luck with making a decision!

[@MythicChannel]

Just noticed your stickers on your DJI mic's with your logo on..... That's an awesome ideal LOVE IT. Are they just a basic sticker you have had printed as may be borrowing this awesome idea for mine. Again another super informative video and very much appreciated. Ta Mate, James

[@dunnadidit]

Actually, funny enough. Another creator named Kyle Watts had them made and gave them to me, they’re stickers from a company called Moo(known for business cards) and they are definitely super handy.

[@sultantxp]

You are a legend, hats off for the effort and Thankyou so much

[@paulg3388]

I think this is an excellent and interesting Camera .. As a Sony A7S iii owner, I can see so many neat functionality in this Camera .. and for the price .. IMPRESSIVE ! Great Vid as always ..

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks so much!

[@feelforest]

What place man and what camera ! 😍 You made a great video, well done :)

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks so much!

[@jostalking]

always love your videos! Thanks Dunna! I love this camera, and am on the fence whether or not to sell my a7IV for this, scared to let go of the a7IV because I use it for real estate, concerned about the overheating, but haven't had any issues yet

[@dunnadidit]

Honestly, if you already have the a7iv, you're already sitting really nicely. This has some new gizmos and gadgets but you wouldn't be gaining TOO much.

[@DavidZhou]

For me, this camera is going to be the ultimate b-cam to compliment my a7S3! I can get perfectly matched shots without spending an extra $1300 AND while some of the features might be gimmicky (*cough* vlog mode *cough*), AI auto reframe and dynamic active steady shot are going to be features I use a TON to speed up my workflow and add more variety to the shots I get for my KZbin videos! As usual, great video! Did I spot some power masking vignettes in the forest a-roll??

[@DavidZhou]

At 4:31 or am I just tripping? 😂

[@dunnadidit]

Totally! Fantastic b cam for those who already have another cam with that sensor! You definitely did catch some, in fact, it’s on almost every single shot to some extent, hopefully that one was the only one that’s suuuper noticeable.

[@IrfanKhokharFilms]

great review!

[@londonztoa6359]

Really useful review. Thx v much.

[@dunnadidit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tietscho]

You did a great job here. Looking to replace my A6500 cause i want a fullframe camera. I think i will buy this one.

[@danhalyburton1537]

Dunna great video. One of the best on this camera I have seen. I think it will be a great pairing with my a74. And replacement for my a73 Great for quick run and gun work. Thanks

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks so much Dan! I appreciate the kind words

[@aenimatt]

Great video. You keep outdoing yourself!

[@dunnadidit]

Thank you!

[@Steeephen28]

Great video Dunna. Just what I needed in helping me finalize my decision in getting the camera. What lens did you used by the way for your talking heads here? They look good! Also what lens would you recommend to be paired with the ZV-E1 for vlogging? I’m looking into the 20mm 1.8 G and the 16-35 f4 but mostly leaning on the 20mm one. What do you think?

[@dunnadidit]

If I remember correctly, the whole video was shot on my fx3 and the 16-35 GM. I highly recommend that 20mm for sure, if it’s not quite wide enough, the 16-35 f4 is a super solid option. Or if you want a bit more versatility, the 20-70 f4 is a great option too!

[@atamedien1235]

Just my two cents: I have the 20mm 1.8 and it's a banger! You can't do wrong with that. Perfect vlogging lens imo

[@Steeephen28]

@@dunnadidit I think I'll go with the 20mm then. I saw by the way your separate video on it and I wanted to know what ND filter and step up ring you used as you mentioned there? Do let me know.

[@bomatravels]

I personally like it. But I am happy with the A7IV (I wish they update the software to have some of the new features the new cam has. I doubt it though 😢)

[@dunnadidit]

Yeah the a7iv is solid. I wouldn't hold my breath for the updates but who knows!

[@svamptrask913]

I really liked this video style. Very creative.

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks so much!!

[@gl2796]

Great video! Has sony released the software update for 4K 120fps?

[@The_Rad_Dad_Chad]

I think it’s a great camera. I would be very happy if I had one I’d probably opt for the A7IV though. Great video!

[@dunnadidit]

A7iv is a solid choice!

[@zeydtc]

Nice video! Thank you!

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks for watching!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Great video, man. Also, you live in a beautiful place. Sheesh.

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks boss!! Haha yes I sure do!

[@edventures9884]

Dunna dun did it again, solid review

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks a ton!

[@bc_views]

Well, if my FX3 breaks (Knock on wood), I know what my next camera will be, lol. I feel like this camera takes all the fun outta learning what you can do with a camera. There's a creative process I feel everyone should go through just to get a grip on the basics. IDK, maybe I'm just being a hater, lol .... but I appreciated those stressful days of understanding ALL my camera functions when I was using my Canon M50. It set me up for bigger and better and now using an FX3. I can see where the marketing strategy was for this for sure. Great video, by the way, Donna!

[@johnliquori]

Dunna, do you know if Sony has or will update the A7RV firmware to include the dynamic active stabilization that they added to the ZV-E1? If so, I am 100% getting it

[@_johnvalentine]

I agree 100%! I’ve been waiting for this camera for a long time! I replaced my ZV-1 and a7C with the ZV-E1 and love it! The small form factor and the new display controls. The only thing I wish it had was a higher quality display… but I say that about all Sony cameras! Lol

[@dunnadidit]

Haha Sony is not necessarily known for its onboard display being super high quality for sure lol.

[@rickfarber4243]

This is a hi-quality review. Thanks.

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheFloodLightShow]

thanks my dude!

[@selkirkrangesasquatch]

Thanks Bro! I use the Sony ZV-1 - this is Definitely my next camera.

[@dunnadidit]

ZV-1 is solid! This would be a happy big sibling!

[@selkirkrangesasquatch]

@@dunnadidit I agree! Thanks!

[@CINENIMUS]

Is it possible to adjusts / turn off the internal noise reduction when shooting log?

[@onnie1968]

when you are in photo mode does the setting of adjusting the focus when there are two ppl in the frame mode work or is it only in the video mode ?

[@nolannatashaTV]

The thing I find the most compelling is the ability to have a camera that is nearly as portable as my zv-1, but that seamlessly matches my other cameras in terms of quality. Having a usable built in mic actually just makes on the go shooting so much easier in scenarios when you want to grab lots of shots, but you can’t primarily focus on video. If I’m out for the day with other people I hate walking around with my camera out all the time and my external mic rigged up. The ability to pull a camera out of your bag and immediately shoot is worth so much to me in those scenarios. That said, I don’t think it’s worth the price of this camera. For now I’m going to stick with my a7iv and zv-1 for those candid shots, but I won’t say I’m not tempted.

[@Kris.galang]

I’ve got an A7IV, looking to downsize. Debating on the ZVE1 or just holding out for the A7C II so I could retain the photography capabilities (although i just need it for socials and not for blowing up too big). What are your thoughts?

[@dunnadidit]

That’s tough, I’m general, I don’t recommend “waiting” for a camera that is merely rumored. But the a7iv is already a super solid camera, and if it’s not imperative that you get something new immediately, you might want to sit and see what Sony does over the next 6 months or so.

[@AJCoReTV]

I just upgraded my photography from A7C to A74… boy do I miss the small form factor. I have A7S3 for video. A7C 2 would be great. But I think they killed off the A7C & S series with the ZV line.

[@Kris.galang]

@@AJCoReTV Oh i bet! Having done more short form these days, i’ve appreciated the thought of downsizing my gear and just overall being more portable! Hoping it comes around cause i want to keep the 10bit capabilities!

[@PaulFeinberg]

I am sticking with my a7siii, that little body is tempting but I don't need to spend the cash. Kyle will probably tempt me with all his tests he will do. Great video overview.

[@dunnadidit]

Haha don't let that guy push you around!

[@PaulFeinberg]

@@dunnadidit 🤣🤣🤣

[@vladimirzunic9152]

6:02 Is this the Rode Wireless Go 2 (that you put in the description) or something else? It sounds sharp. I love it.

[@dunnadidit]

I actually used the DJI mic for this one! I should probably update my description since I’ve been using that one more lately! Here’s the link → geni.us/djimickit

[@ninjaft]

It's great, happy with it

[@UltimateTechHub]

I have the A7iii and it's awesome!

[@mikeseife]

I've got one, works perfect for me, no overheating. 30 min 4k video 50fps not a problem. But the official price in Europe is 2699€.

[@dunnadidit]

Glad you're liking it!

[@georgelucas2526]

Did you shoot this whole video on the ZV-E1?? And if so, did you shoot in slog3? Love the feel/colors of the footage esp the setups at 2:05 and 3:15

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks for the kind words! This one was shot with the FX3. So, same sensor and look as the ZV-E1 if that helps! And yes, all in S-Log3

[@georgelucas2526]

@@dunnadidit Super helpful, thanks!! ZV-E1 has got me real curious!

[@dxcha1993]

Finally someone who said it. ZV-E1 not the best choice for a hybrid camera. Thanks Dunna

[@ItzSi]

I would personally pick up the fx30 ☺️ nice vid Dunna

[@dunnadidit]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@noenken]

Question: Does the ZV-E1 (or A7SIII for that matter) have the fine adjustments for shutter speed to deal with flickering LED light sources? I know the FX30 has it and I was disappointed to see that the FX3 doesn't. I'm trying to find out if that is a decision by Sony or if there is a technical reason for it.

[@dmvfilms]

It has a setting where you focus on a flickering light and with one press you can fix the flicker electronically. I saw this on another review for this camera.

[@Bigboytravel]

Perfect camera for people that got duped into buying the A7-C only to find out it was shakey as hell without a gimbal even when standing still. We are one of those people

[@alienwizardscience8148]

Awesome thx

[@TheBoardGarage]

I prefer the A7S3, mainly because I already have it. Sold my GH5S and M43 lenses to go to a Sony full frame camera, and the A7S3 was an obvious choice for not just the sensor, but the 4k/120fps. This new camera looks nice, and anyone can appreciate the features, but it’s a bit frustrating that there isn’t even an attempt at firmware updates to put even some of the new features into previous cameras that can clearly run them. I don’t find any faults with my A7S3, and won’t sell it for this new camera, but it’s a bit disheartening to accept that I won’t get that new autofocus until at some point, I get the A7S4, if that ever happens.

[@dunnadidit]

Yeah, unfortunately, I think the new autofocus will only come to cameras that have the separate ai processor to do all that extra autofocus work. What other features would you like to see if Sony did an a7siii firmware update?

[@TheBoardGarage]

@@dunnadidit The only one I would personally want, is that auto background blur. I use auto ISO often, getting B roll in a garage shop with varied lighting, or headed outside to get shots of a product, so that’d be useful.

[@gracesmith5021]

What temperature did you shoot? How long does it shoot 4k 60 fps? I think the overheating was only a problem with the pre production unit that was given to creators. We really need to figure out if its the processor or the AI chip thats overheating. The 12 megapixel sensor in A7SIII never overheats, even at 4k 120 all intra, but with the same heat sink cooling system, the 33 megapixel sensor of A7IV overhears at 4k 60. Perhaps its the AI chip thats causing the overheating issue which might have been fixed in software. The AI chip does way more than any sony camera ever, and if you notice there is no video quality difference in dynamic stabe mode and even the 4k and 1080p quality looks the same, so I am sure the AI chip is not working with 12 megapixels but perhaps 48 megapixel. This sensor is actually 48 mp with quartets of pixels being binned down to 12 mp, hence effective 12 mp to make the sensor readout fast. Now that we have a dedicated AI chip, it wont be a burden on the Bionx XR processor to work with 48 mp, perhaps this explains why the 4k 120 fps is delayed. ZVE1 has to record at a long stretch at 4k 60 fps for it to handle the 4k 120 fps upgrade.

[@AJCoReTV]

Great video! USB streaming: $700 ZV-1 (720p) & $2500 A74 (1080) & $2200 ZV-E1 (4K)…But $3500 A7S3? Nope! Nothing. Sony been avoiding us A7S3 & A1 owners since the addition of Scinetone. Can we get at least 1 last FW hurrah Sony?

[@tylercornelison]

“We heard you like gimbals so we put a gimbal in your camera!” That active track is WILD

[@dunnadidit]

haha goodbye balancing gimbals (but not actually lol)

[@SianCKB]

I was thinking of getting the A7S iii / FX3 but they were out of my budget! now I can get the ZV-E1 together with a tamron 20-40 f2.8!

[@dunnadidit]

BAM! You are the target consumer for this camera haha.

[@SianCKB]

@@dunnadidit Yep! 😂 Gonna make some short films with it! It even has a secret timecode hidden in the menu's somewhere. And I don't think overheatinng will be a problem since I only shoot in 4k24 anyway.. and I'll use 4k60/120 in bursts for slow-mo! Longest I recorded is 3min. 🤔

[@dunnadidit]

Yeah you’ll totally be fine!

[@RafalGendarz]

Can it shoot intra codec if it doesn’t have the card input for this?

[@dunnadidit]

It sure can! I don’t know about 120 all infra though since that would require the cfexpress-type a card normally. But it does up to 60(I believe) in all-i

[@POVwithRC]

My relationship with the FX3 continues to be secure. It better be for the money I spent. For the people who want to spend a lot less, and may not know what the body doesn't have, the E1 is perfectly suited.

[@dunnadidit]

Love that!

[@benwonderfulmedia]

thinking about. getting rid of my A7SIII for this, the only draw back for me being the build quality and hdmi port. I wouldn't even consider it over the SIII if Sony showed it any love with some firmware updates.

[@xxcybercrashxx]

What did you mean by "we can also use the HDMI output to get a clean signal without the crop "? How do we do that? What does that look like? Also, what is the best wide lenses for shooting wide angles as I want to record as if I were teaching and moving around a class room.

[@dunnadidit]

So, when using the auto reframe option, the file that’s on your SD card at the end will already be cropped in and moving around following the subject. But you can set it up so that, if you have an external hdmi recorder like the atomos ninja v, you can record a non-cropped version. So it would just be a static, wide tripod shot. For wide lenses, I like to use my 16-35 GM but it’s pricey and big. The 16-35 f4 is another smaller and cheaper option, the 20mm f1.8 is great as well but less versatile and not as wide.

[@freelasenegocioshomeoffice]

@dunnadidit thank you so much for the response! Does that mean that with that HDMI output file using the Atomos HDMI recorder the file will not crop and will not give the AI feel as if we were been recorded by someone else?

[@dunnadidit]

Exactly, it will just be the full wide shot as if you had that function disabled. It is a setting that you can switch on and off that I showed in the video. So it would be something like “hdmi output crop off” or something similar.

[@TommyGunsDunleavy]

I just ordered the A7 IV... Should I send it back and buy the ZZ-E1?

[@DillWeedTurtle]

I had the a7c and it only had 8 bit for color. So I upgraded to the Sony zvE1 for that 10 bit. I film in slog3 and the skin tone is much better 10 bit :) …. Also I like all of the upgrades this camera gives me vs the Sony a7c

[@dunnadidit]

Alright!!!

[@JasonMorrisphotocinema]

It's a camera people LOVE to HATE lol. Great video

[@dunnadidit]

Haha so true!

[@kevincheung2066]

If one looks past the G.A.S., and really think what they need in a camera, the ZV-E1 definitely has its appeals, I know I would love to get one! But I took a step back and really thought what I need. I already own 2x a7iv and it's perfectly capable video shooter in slog3 base800/3200. I just got the FX30 albeit apsc (no hate on apsc here!), it is a VERY capable video shooter, a gateway into the cinema line. I can still use my FF GM lens (mind the 1.6x), but Sony has very affordable and light APS-C lens. The ZV-E1 didn't check off all the boxes for me personally, but I can definitely see how and useful it could be as B-cam, travel vlogger, content creation etc.

[@dunnadidit]

THIS THIS THIS! Good for you for taking a step back and looking at it. Whenever people are like "should I buy this" or "should I switch" I try to always say "do you have problems with your current setup that this fixes?" and most of the time they're like "well... no, but this has new fancy stuff" and I just open my eyes wider and stare at them until they understand where I'm going with my questioning... because I'm sassy like that.

@@dunnadidit exactly the reason why I switch from A7C to this. 10bit and stabe which it lacks. Bells and whistles are nice but these two will give me the next level. Already have a number of E mount lenses, so not much of extra investment. By the way, I just bought a 2nd hand 10-18mm and guess what? I don't see much vignetting on A7C full frame (I made sure it's not apsc mode or auto) Can't wait to get the new cam to test with DAS. I predict this lens will disappear from eBay soon.

[@cristiancorrales9019]

That hoodie and glasses shot was gold 😂. Looked like “hit her right in the p….”dude

[@bryanladdphotography]

What is the 4k60 crop factor with the dynamic active?

[@dunnadidit]

4k60 has no crop itself so it’s just the crop of dynamic active which I believe is 1.3x

[@bryanladdphotography]

@@dunnadidit Ok thanks. I thought the A7S3 had a 4k60 crop so this one would too. I'm worried my 16mm would get too narrow for real estate work. Thanks!

[@dec7952]

If I have the Sony A7 IV, should I just use that for Vlogging or get this in your opinion?

[@dunnadidit]

A7iv is solid. If you’ve already got it, you’re set.

[@dec7952]

@@dunnadidit Thanks for the reply!

[@HDBnB1]

Can it shoot 240p 1080

[@gordon3988]

I admit I actually wanted to seriously dislike it. It uses an existing sensor from a few years ago (but a good one for video), no EVF so not really for,photography and packaged with a few extra tricks for beginners/vloggers (those that remain) and then there is all the cropping (!). Still I find I quite like it for what it is: an entry level full frame that will help beginner or a bit above creators. Now you could argue most would be better off with the Sony ZV E10 or even the recently announced ZV1- MK2 and I would agree. Pretty much the same video quality, or in some cases better (unless you added some expensive glass to the new Sony) “if using only for social media” and at a far less cost. Also, creates a learning pathway to FF if someone was to choose that direction later…they may never need to. Oh, and of course there is the overheating issue, but it seems not that bad or at least not bad at all if somewhere where there is airflow. So sadly, I find myself quite liking it! Now if it plays well with some of the less expensive third party lenses I might find myself seriously considering it. Largely because I’m not that far off the intended market, but I will wait a bit yet and for FF I do have hopes for the rumored and still small A7c II as I would really like more of a hybrid for photography.

[@dunnadidit]

This is potentially the most well thought out and rounded comment left on this video. Well said Gordon!

[@mex5341]

now fuji xs-20 is a beast , yes it's not FF camera but for those features and the price it;s great

[@TheBlackopsbeast360]

I think those features should be on the pro cameras as well. Would make creating personal content so much easier!

[@jwate]

I want that touch function on my s3, but I don’t think they s3 could do it. If i pick up a second camera it would be the fx30 at the moment. Man, so many new products keep getting pushed through. I wonder if that’s because there are so many review channels now that they feel they can push the market? No idea. But Sony and DJI keep demanding my money.

[@dunnadidit]

Haha I assumed that they probably had a bunch of stuff in the bank when the chip shortage hit, then when it started to let off a bit, they all came out swinging with everything they had built up.

[@dericsanchez4081]

Not a bad camera, just way too expensive for my needs. I’m still rocking an a6300 and am happy with it for the most part. The only issues that bother me are the terrible screen (dim in 4K, doesn’t face forward at all) and the low quality slow motion. Mainly the screen situation as I don’t shoot a ton of slow motion so trying to figure out a camera that would fix that for me.

[@dunnadidit]

Yeah it’s definitely gonna be out of reach for lots of budgets

[@dericsanchez4081]

@@dunnadidit just seems like it people were going to spend that amount of money they’d want something a little more pro but what do I know haha

[@dunnadidit]

I hear that for sure!

[@markdjolly]

Not for me. No viewfinder is the dealbreaker. But Dunna in the wild is what I stayed to the end for. Every. Single. Location. Beautiful (and beautifully framed).

[@dunnadidit]

Haha well thanks for sticking around! I’m glad you enjoyed the visuals!

[@markdjolly]

@@dunnadidit Always!

[@DigiDriftZone]

I preordered the A6700 for £1.5k and cancelled it when I found the ZV-E1 for £1.7k - can't wait for it to arrive :) - if you really want to use very large lenses, get a SmallRig cage which adds a fantastic grip. The advantage of this camera is you have an A7S III in the form factor smaller than an APS-C, incredible! - if you ever eeed to film long form in high heat, there is a clip on fan available for around £40 which gives you 5 hours of continuous recording, it looks similar to the Fuji solution. As for the love hate relationship, it's a £3.5k camera that Sony for some reason charge £1.7k for, making it unappealing by being a "Gen Z" product. I don't like that either but don't look a gift horse in the mouth :)

[@WhoIsJonHarris]

I’m patiently standing at my front door awaiting FedEx. Cannot wait start working with it.

[@dunnadidit]

Haha nice! Cmon FEDEX!!!

[@landwaterandthewild]

This camera would be good for people who mix vlogging with their creative videos. Those that vlog parts of their videos. I could see use cases for myself because there have been many times I have just grabbed the GoPro instead of my pro camera and sacrificed some of what I could get from better vlog style cameras

[@dunnadidit]

This is totally it! Great way to put it!

[@bondgabebond4907]

You are a master. I have shot photos since the early 1970s, so you know I did not have access to today's digital hybrid cameras. I feel that if you cannot take a good picture with the cheapest SLR, go back to cooking burgers. Now that I have reentered my hobby of photography, I am loving and learning the ins and outs of these new cameras. Wow, talk about a learning curve. People like you can teach others how to use what they have, what they can afford and still make great videos. I bet you can mix GoPro videos with that of the 'pro camera' and no one can tell the difference.

[@landwaterandthewild]

@@bondgabebond4907 there is a big difference in quality between GoPro and actual pro cameras but a tool is a tool and there is more to it then just image quality. Tech may become better over time but it is still just a tool. Sometimes we need more features and sometimes not so much

[@AllThingsFilm1]

From what I've heard from several actual users of the ZV-E1, it is quite a good camera. When it comes to new cameras, you can almost guarantee that there will be lots of complaining and whining before the camera is even released. Sometimes I've looked at the channels of "complainers" and almost every time they have zero content. So, I wonder if their complaints are coming from their favorite content creators or actual experiences. Yes, the ZV-E1 may seem like a confusing choice. But, it gives you the unique Cinematic Vlog feature, which I think is quite clever. And it gives you an insane sensor from Sony's higher end cameras. Yes, it has only one SD card slot, but, I've been using SanDisk Extreme Pro cards for years that never failed. Sure, there's always a first time. And for pro work, you may want back up recordings. In that case, the ZV-E1 could serve as a quite capable B-cam or back up camera. For me, I'm waiting to hear what the A7Cii camera will bring. If Sony decides to add the FX3 sensor to the A7Cii then I might go for that since chances are it will be cheaper than the ZV-E1

[@dunnadidit]

Love this perspective! The a7C was kind of like that too. Lots of people complained at first, but then a year later there was a group of people who it made sense for that absolutely loved that camera.

[@nagajamir9064]

In 1080 does it over heat

[@llStixxll]

I love this camera because it showed me the Sony E mount are all just consumer electronics to Sony. Helped me realize the a1 is the last camera I’ll buy from Sony since they have no interest in supporting so called flagship models. Makes it easier to sell my Sony gear and not be married to the system anymore knowing I’m not missing anything but being treated like a sucker

[@dunnadidit]

Haha 😂 I guess I would have put your point of view on the hate side but the way you spun it to being a love gave me a chuckle. Thanks for sharing.

[@spdcrzy]

In a multicam setup, this is obviously meant to be a B, C, crash, or even streaming camera that will match the colors of the A7SIII and FX3. For a remote, freelance, or otherwise unsupported photo- or videojournalist, it's even more useful. EVERYTHING uses USB-C nowadays. I really, REALLY want to see someone do an overheating test with no battery (not even a dummy) and just USB-C power. For a streaming or static setup that's always plugged in, there's no use in wearing through a battery by constantly topping it up. There's even less need for a dummy battery that will simply take up space and heat soak anyways as well. Why is nobody testing how long this can last on that alone? I feel like it's a very important piece of the puzzle that's missing.

[@dunnadidit]

Don’t quote me on this but I’m pretty sure you have to have to have a battery in, even while using USBC charging. My experience with the a7iv is that, if im using usbc charging and streaming out via hdmi, I get overheating issues. Running off the battery and streaming via hdmi, no issues. Streaming via USBC (which also powers the camera if you have the right connection) no issues. I know it’s not the same camera but it might help make some inferences… and I already sent this loaner back to Sony so I can’t test now.

[@MeetupvideoUK]

Battery have to be in the camera. Even if it's flat.

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks for the confirmation!

[@spdcrzy]

@@MeetupvideoUK >______< this seems like such a ridiculous limitation in the age of USB-C. Camera and A/V gear makers REALLY need to get with the times. Case in point: the Shogun 7 Connect HAS a USB-C port. But in the manual it literally says "for future expansion" when describing its function. No explanation, nothing.

[@davidxiu8020]

Thats a Ironman's Jarvis features. 😁. awesome

[@dunnadidit]

Haha, I need a Jarvis in my life.

[@vlcthefish]

Cool camera but lets be serious...it is bit pricey. Basically FX30 is a stupid good deal as is the S5II. Side note I have yet to see anyone do a legit good demo on the autoframing 4:00 everytime it's that exaggerated zooming in to show what it does which looks terrible. My guess is the autoframing is useful if you want footage to look handheld if you set it at the most minimal setting but again no one is showing that.

[@dunnadidit]

Yeah I don’t disagree that it’s a bit pricey, but I’m really yet to run into a product that couldn’t be considered pricey haha. Sony seems to have this way of guessing how much a product’s worth, then how much people are willing to pay for it, and then pushing that right to the edge so that it still sells well, but also makes as much money as possible… capitalism 🤷🏻‍♂️ Interesting note about the auto framing, I was using a fairly heavy handed setting for it, but I did also test out the full body version and I thought it did a pretty good job. Really just depends on what you’re looking for from it I guess.

[@jenavlogs11]

Nah, i might still buy a a7 iv and pair it with a 11mm1.8 and that's a great vlogging setup right there

[@vietnamquangvinh2756]

you can test rolling shutter?>

[@dunnadidit]

Unfortunately, I had to send it back already but my understanding is that it is the same as a7siii and FX3 which is excellent for rolling shutter performance.

[@GregTardif]

I think it’s cool. I don’t think it’s for me. If I were just getting into video making this would be an awesome way to easily have fun and make engaging content without having a lot of barriers

[@dunnadidit]

100%

[@chcomes]

Honestly, with most of the features cropping into the 4k resolution- I think that the FX30 is a much better option, if you want to stick to Sony. For beginners, I fail to see this as a good buy.

[@dunnadidit]

I definitely hear you. FX30 is a little beast!

[@uthonias]

I’m stuck between this and A7siii.. mainly gonna be vlogging and recording a bunch of car cinematics

[@dunnadidit]

They're both really good options... which one are you leaning towards?

[@uthonias]

@@dunnadidit leaning towards the ZV-E1 with a GM lens.. but not 100 percent sure yet.. the “overheating” part and less Rec time makes me want the A7siii. The ZV does have some amazing features though

[@dunnadidit]

Great points! Which record time issue are you referring to?

[@uthonias]

@@dunnadidit someone mentioned you can’t record as long on the ZV but I think they only meant for 4k60

[@dunnadidit]

As far as I’m aware, there’s no actual record limit for any mode. You’ll just be limited by battery life, heat, and storage space.

[@workingwiththelight3119]

All fine and dandy but for £2200 I expect my camera to be able to record my kid football game but it can't as it over heats! This problem limits is usability for many content creators. If it cost £1000 you could accept it, but not for the asking price!

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks for sharing. Again, I don’t think overheating is as much of a problem as people think it is. But maybe for long recordings at 60p (which would make sense for your kids football)

[@pixelespepe]

If it was the perfect camera, no more camera business. You can’t have it all, until you grab the next camera, and loop it once again.

[@dunnadidit]

Well said. On top of that, to have all the features, you would need a huge camera to fit all the internals, but then it’s not travel friendly or lightweight… so it just goes back and forth.

@@dunnadidit I'm about to receive mine soon. What phone app did you use to control the ZV E1? Thanks

[@OriginalNightStalker]

Apart from the ability to use interchangeable lenses, I'm still trying to figure out what this will do that my iPhone 14 Pro Max can't do, especially when I run 3rd party video app such as Cinema P3 or Filmic Pro, that gives me control of pretty much everything you showed here. Admittedly I'm not an expert, especially on the video side of things, but I've seen plenty of amazing footage, including from professional videographers, shot on a smartphone. Perhaps the gap between smartphone abilities and camera abilities is getting smaller and smaller?

[@dunnadidit]

The actual image quality and dynamic range that comes out of smartphones is no where near what a full frame camera can produce. That being said, what smartphones have going for them is their ease of use and computing power, they “fix” the image right before your eyes so that people think the camera is doing a fantastic job when really it’s the computer. In the end, I agree that smartphone photography and videography has come a long way and you can do amazing things with it if you prefer to work that way, but I can never get my iPhone 14 to look as good as I can get my full frame Sony cameras when I truly look at them side by side. And I hate working with a smartphone on proper photo/video projects. I find it more annoying than anything. All that said… that’s my personal workflow and experience and I know some people that LOVE using smartphones when they can, even having access to fancier cameras with bigger sensors.

[@OriginalNightStalker]

@@dunnadidit Thanks for the reply - much appreciated. And for an honest reply, too :) Yes, I admit that smartphone videography is still a bit of a niche area, but it's growing rapidly from what I can tell. I have a background of decades with SLR then DSLR cameras and multiple lenses, and still have a lot of the gear. But I've found that I hardly get the stuff out of the cupboard now - I use my 14 Pro Max with Cinema P3, my Hohem iSteady M6 gimbal, and my Rode Wireless Go II mikes. I'm lazy and just grab whatever is easiest nowadays. And as you said making an excellent point - it's more about the content than comparing pixels... :) Great channel - keep 'em coming :)

[@DDHDTV]

cant wait for the a6000 series upgrade, just to get an a6400 cheaper haha

[@RockyColaFizz]

I don’t vlog. Who actually does,anymore? But for traveling this camera is perfect

[@dunnadidit]

Haha I hear you, vlogging is somehow more popular a term than ever and yet it doesn't feel like there's a lot of classic "vlogging" going on. I think vlogging is being melded in with other types of content. For example, you could argue that some of this video was kind of "vloggy" because I was filming myself, out and about, and it's a youtube video. But it was most definitely a camera review first and foremost, So it's mostly the vlog style getting absorbed into other niches. Anyway... as you can tell, I have been thinking about this a lot lately lol

[@TechWandererYT]

I think you’re wrong about the negatives. People hate this camera because they have an A7Siii and Sony gate keeps features that should come to this camera. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Plus, as you say, $2.2k for a vlog camera is equally ridiculous for a “starting” camera.

[@dunnadidit]

I actually think it would be much more difficult to give the a7siii features from a newer camera like this. I've actually chatted with some folks from Sony to ask them why previous cameras cant just get new features as other cameras come out and they made it clear that the firmware upgrade process is actually quite difficult to do and often significantly limited by hardware limitations. They didn't build the hardware in the a7siii to run the software they created for this camera, so some of it just cant. But the biggest part of that I think is that this camera has an entire extra processor in it from the a7siii, so it seems obvious that it wouldn't be able to do as much. I don't think Sony is "gatekeeping" nearly as much as people seem to like to talk about, I think there are limitations and they have to decide where to put their efforts. But thats just my thoughts on that.

[@TechWandererYT]

@@dunnadidit I agree to a certain extend. But there’s no way that none of the features can work on the A7Siii. This pill would be much easier to swallow if they’d publicly say say feature XYZ can’t get there because of the missing processor, but we’re being 123 to the camera at least. Of course they have no interest in updating old cameras, and honestly, that’s quite a bummer.

[@xenoheartvisuals]

Having seen and handled the ZV-E1 in Yodobashi-Akiba, I would love to have this camera (mainly to replace my Sony ZV-1) to compliment either my A7SIII or A7IV. The auto-framing feature definitely would've helped me during vlog sessions for sure. That being said, I may have to wait. There is a lot of empty space in my wallet right now.

[@dunnadidit]

I hear this. I’d love to add this camera to my arsenal too, just for when it would be handy. But I need to wait for a good pay day first haha

[@SamuelJamesVideos]

Man Sony is really pissing me off lately. Just update the damn firmware on the A7siii already! I spent $3,500 on the thing under a year ago and there's already other cameras with more features for less money out? And I know the software/hardware isn't limited so just do it already...

[@malcolmdude]

You may be a bit happier when ZV-E1 has less than 5 min before overheating in 4k/120p. The Sony A7SIII will always be more reliable regarding overheating.

[@dunnadidit]

I hear you dude, that is a tough place to be. A few notes on what you're saying... The a7siii is still to this day, an absolutely fantastic camera so thats great. Unfortunately, even though you only bough it a year ago, it is almost a 3 year old camera now so they might be more focused on a new version soon (I have no inside info, just guessing). As for the software/hardware, I do actually think there are more limitations in the way for updates than most people know. Unfortunately, most of us aren't software engineers or electronics developers who understand how those things work so it seems like it should be easy to do but I think there are a lot more limitations than we know. The ai processor in this camera running half the show now being just one of the limitations we know of for sure. But if you could get some upgrades to your a7siii what would you want?

[@SamuelJamesVideos]

@@dunnadidit I get what you're saying and I don't mean to sound salty, because at the end of the day I'm more than happy with the A7Siii... It's an unbelievable camera. The quality, the build, the images I get from it, the autofocus, the menus, everything about it is just pure workhorse. I started out on the M50 a couple years ago and I already have the a7siii and a monetized youtube channel so I really have no room to complain, it's just frustrating spending that much and not getting proper support only a couple years later. It feels like tech in general is going in this disposable "planned obsolescence" direction that I'm a little more than touchy about. I want us to be able to repair and update the things we have already, not throw them out and buy the next one. I'm sure you understand. Thanks for the great video though and respect✊

[@dunnadidit]

I totally hear you! It would be really interesting to do some kind of a live stream and get peoples thoughts on firmware and software upgrades. It seems like a lot of people feel entitled to them nowadays(myself included sometimes). Whereas, traditionally, with a lot of hardware products, what you buy is what you get and if you want to upgrade it, you have to pay for external additions etc. or you trade in for the next model if you want the new new. That would be a really interesting conversation to have.

[@SamuelJamesVideos]

@@dunnadidit If you ever want to collab and talk about anything tech related I am always up for that. Your channel is WAY bigger than mine but I'd still love to do it. I can talk about tech all day, that's why I started this channel. Firmware updates, right to repair, and how disposable tech has become is a great subject to start a dialog about or at least the subject of a good video. I'm glad I got to talk to you btw man I've learned a lot from your channel.

[@robertconrad6802]

Angry A7SIII owner over here! Hear me roar!! :p

[@dunnadidit]

🦁

[@theunkownmr.562]

It would interesting to see someone take an A7s iii and the ZVE1 and merge the hardware into an A7siii body. 😅

[@SamuelJamesVideos]

They're basically the same camera... what would be the point of that?

[@TechWandererYT]

@@SamuelJamesVideos exactly. The A7Siii is more than capable of getting most features, but Sony holds them back which hurts.

[@dunnadidit]

That would be interesting! I'm sure we'll see them add the extra processor in the next A7s model which will unlock a lot of the new features. The A7siii is almost 3 years old now so I think we're due for an new version soon.

[@theunkownmr.562]

@SamuelJamesVideos only for the firmware features of the ZVE1 that the A7siii should have. That's pretty much it. Sony chose to gimp the A7Siii in order to create separation between the ZVE1 and the A7siii. You'd really only need the chip set of the ZVE1. Everything else would stay the same

[@itsbarman21]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@dunnadidit]

😁

[@reznikvova]

I can’t tell if I am watch Peter Mikinnon or is it not him??

[@dunnadidit]

We’ll never know!