Is the ZV-E1 the end all, be all, content creator camera of 2023? Let's take a look.
The Idea
So by now it should be no surprise that Sony is the consumer/prosumer/professional source for all things video. In 2021, they released the FX3 and ZV-E10, only to turn around a year later and release the FX30. They seem to know, more than Canon and Nikon, that video is the future of content creation. In May 2023, we are going to get the best all-around video camera to date, the ZV-E1.
Sony's vision for the ZV-E1 is simple; a full-frame, compact, vlogging style camera that takes the best from their cinema line and vlog line of cameras. At a glance, we get the innards of the FX3, the body of the ZV-E10 and the AI brain of the A7R V for the price of a A7 IV. A truly interesting combination of features that will make any content creator rejoice.
The Execution
Despite the ZV-E1's small size, it is packed with features. Let's take a look at some of the most notable ones:
Full Frame, 12MP Exmor R CMOS sensor - This is the same sensor that Sony packs in its professional cinema camera, the FX3. In my opinion, full frame is the way to go for all things photography and videography. The better depth of field, bokeh and low light performance, are all benefits over APS-C. Up until now, Sony's vlog style cameras were only available in APS-C (ZV-E10) and 1" (ZV-1/ZV-1f). So, it is nice to see that they have expanded and are now offering a full frame option.
10-Bit 4:2:2 Internal Recording - Coming from someone who has to use a Atomos Ninja to record in 10-bit (cough - looking at you Nikon Z6II), having the ability to record 10-Bit internally is amazing. 10-Bit recording gives you more control over the look of your video in post-production. It allows for the use of more advanced grading techniques and LUTs. Sure, you don't need to record in 10-Bit and many vloggers get by fine with 8-Bit. But having the option is great and there may be times when doing so is important in getting the shot right.
AI Processing Unit - What's better than having ChatGPT do your homework? Having it operate your camera for you! OK, so ChatGPT hasn't made it's way into Sony cameras just yet, but AI is now helping content creators with a variety of tasks. One of the coolest is the Auto Framing feature. Through the use of subject tracking, the ZV-E1 will automatically crop in on whatever subject it is tracking. This allows for the ZV-E1 to be mounted stationary on a tripod, and yet create the illusion of the camera moving to track a subject. This is great for solo content creators and vloggers, who want to add movement to their footage and may not have someone to assist in doing so. The ZV-E1 also has Multiple Face Recognition, which can track multiple subjects in a frame. It applies framing stabilization to ensure that each tracked subject stays in frame. Finally, the Product Showcase feature provides an AF tracking switch between product and subject to maintain the same bokeh on different subjects.
The Drawbacks
No camera is 100% perfect, and the ZV-E1 is no exception. Although, I will say this camera is near perfect in its ability to deliver a high quality, full frame video experience. Here are some features, or lack there of, to be aware of.
One Card Slot - The dreaded one card slot. The bane of all photographers and videographers. This one feature separates consumer and professional level cameras. Depending on your tolerance for risk, this may or may not be a deal breaker. You do loose redundancy and feeling of security with two card slots. However, I will argue that most modern, high quality SD cards, are more reliable than older, cheaper SD cards. So, do your due diligence when deciding on what SD card to buy for the ZV-E1.
Heat Management - Recording in 4K and at high frame rates generate a lot of heat. The Sony FX3 and FX30 have built in fans and exhaust ports to help dissipate heat out and away from the camera. The ZV-E1 does not have these features. Recording in hot conditions or for long periods of time in 4K may cause the camera to shut down during recording.
Lacking in Photography Features - So yes, this camera is geared towards content creators who primarily focus on video. However, it does have some photo features and if you are looking to have this camera fill a hybrid, photo-video role, you may be disappointed. It does not have an EVF and instead relies on the back LCD for framing and focusing. There is also no mechanical shutter. The electronic shutter works fine, but rolling shutter is something to be aware of when using the camera for photography.
Conclusion
The Sony ZV-E1 appears to be a highly anticipated and exciting product for content creators in 2023. Its combination of features such as full-frame sensor, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, 5-axis image stabilization, and AI processing unit, make it a versatile and capable camera for various types of video creation. However, the lack of dual card slots and heat management may be a downside for some users. Nevertheless, with its impressive features and its potential for producing high-quality video content, the Sony ZV-E1 could very well be a top contender as the content creator camera of 2023.
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