Sony ZV-E1 BODY

Introducing the Sony ZV-E1, with a unique set of features designed for cinematic content creation and demanding video shooters looking for the best shooting experience. This compact interchangeable-lens camera has a 12.1 MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor, a BIONZ XR image processor, a dedicated AI processor and an E-mount, and its light body suits vlogging and filming on the go.

Full frame for vlogging that handles the dark

Expanded sensitivity runs from 40 to 409,600 for stills. The BIONZ XR processor is up to eight times more powerful than the ZV-E10’s and delivers 4K/60p from the full sensor width.

FULL FRAMEUP TO ISO 409,6004K/60P 10BIT 4:2:2CINEMASCOPE 2.35:1

The screen turns to face you

The vari-angle monitor shows the framing while you film yourself. On a full-frame camera carried one-handed, that is a requirement rather than an extra.

Connections and card on the side

Audio in and out, HDMI and the card slot sit on the side, so you can reach them with the camera on a tripod or in a cage.

Up to five times slow motion in 4K

After installing the Creators’ Cloud upgrade the camera shoots 4K/120p with a ten per cent crop, giving up to five times slow motion. Speeding up or slowing down playback happens in camera, in S&Q mode, without audio.

Full sensor width in 4K/60p

No crop, and a very fast readout that keeps rolling shutter skew down.

Cinematic Vlog Settings

Choose the picture profile and focus transition speed for a filmic look, including 24 frames per second.

2.35:1 aspect ratio

The wide cinemascope format straight from the camera, with no cropping in post.

BIONZ XR

A processor eight times more powerful than the ZV-E10’s: cleaner colour, less noise and faster focus.

35mm 12MP Exmor R CMOS sensor
The full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor boasts high sensitivity and low noise. With a dynamic range of 15+ EV and an ISO range of 80–102,400 (in extended mode : 40–409,600 for still images and 80–409,600 for video), it can handle virtually any scene—including very low-light conditions—while preserving detail in both the brightest and darkest areas of the image. Compared to the previous generation of processors (ZV-E10), the new BIONZ XR is up to eight times more powerful and ensures perfect color gradation, low noise, fast and accurate autofocus, and real-time processing up to 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution at a frame rate of 120p (requires installation of a free firmware update, available starting June 2023).

High-quality 4Kp60 (QFHD) video can be recorded across the entire sensor area with 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling and ultra-fast sensor readout to minimize the rolling shutter effect. After installing the upgrade from Creators’ Cloud, you can also use 4Kp120 mode (with a 10% crop of the sensor area) for up to 5x slow-motion footage (fast-forward or slow-motion playback/preview can be performed directly in the camera, in S&Q mode, without audio).

Cinematic Look
Thanks to the Cinematic Vlog Settings mode, which allows you to select an image profile or AF speed, you can shoot footage with a “cinematic look.” Of course, it also features a 24 fps frame rate and the “Cinemascope” 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio (recording is done in 16:9 mode, with black bars added to the image). The camera also offers S-Cinetone mode for natural, cinematic color reproduction; other creative tools include Creative Look and My Image Style for adjusting color, depth of field, and more.

Artificial Intelligence
A dedicated AI processor makes photography and videography easier, especially when the camera is operated by a single person. New modes include Multiple Face Recognition, Auto Framing, Framing Stabilizer, and Auto Microphone Directivity. The Real-time Recognition AF system features algorithms for recognizing human figures, faces, poses, and movements, ensuring seamless tracking of subjects even when they are facing away from the camera, in shadow, or backlit. In addition to people and animals, it also detects birds, insects, cars, trains, and airplanes.

Multiple Face Recognition technology automatically adjusts focus and depth of field in scenes with multiple detected faces, and thanks to the Real-time Tracking function, the subject is tracked continuously; the Breathing Compensation function compensates for “breathing” (slight changes in the angle of view during focusing). Another new feature is the Auto Framing tool, which keeps the target subject in a prominent position within the frame by cropping, making it much easier to film interviews, musical performances, and the like. Of course, it features a five-axis stabilization unit and gyroscopic sensors, along with optimized stabilization algorithms (approximately 30% more effective, a new Dynamic Active Mode Stabilization, and a new Framing Stabilizer function) for reliable vibration compensation, even when the lens being used does not have stabilization features.

It also features a Bokeh Switch for effortless adjustment of depth of field, as well as Product Showcase mode (a specialty of the Sony ZV series) for shooting product reviews with the ability to smoothly refocus from the presenter’s face to the product and back.

Control Time
The built-in time-lapse video feature allows you to set a capture interval from 1 to 60 seconds (max. exposure interval of 6 seconds when shooting in 4K), enabling you to create breathtaking time-lapse shots of clouds, cities, people, and more. When capturing still images in time-lapse mode, you can also select an interval longer than 60 seconds.

Great Sound
The ZV-E1 is equipped with a microphone consisting of three elements, offering adjustable directionality. You can set the sensitivity for the front and rear hemispheres or for omnidirectional mode, and you can now also activate an automatic directionality mode that utilizes face detection algorithms. The Auto setting: [Front] or [All Directions] allows you to automatically adjust the directionality based on the subject within specified limits. The device is equipped with a Multi Interface (MI) socket—featuring a digital audio interface and connectors for a microphone and headphones to connect additional audio equipment—as well as a removable windscreen to reduce noise in adverse weather conditions.

Video Recording
The ZV-E1 is capable of internal video recording (10-bit sampling, 4:2:2) using Long GOP or All Intra compression in the XAVC HS format (MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec) for highly efficient compression. The ZV-E1 also records metadata (stabilization, camera rotation, etc.) that can be used, for example, during editing in the free Catalyst Browse app or the paid Catalyst Prepare app. The camera also offers a Flexible ISO mode (AUTO/manual in the range of 640–102,400 or 160–409,600 in extended mode). Of course, you can also assign your own LUT profile.

Design Innovations
The camera features an adjustable 3-inch 1.07MP LCD display for comfortable video preview and touch control, long battery life, and a USB PD (Power Delivery) interface with support for fast charging (and support for USB-C UVC/UAC streaming up to 3840 x 2160 at 30 fps) and enhanced protection against dust and moisture.

Creators' Cloud
Content sharing is made easier by the new Creator’s Cloud platform; the Creator’s App can be used to remotely control the device and transfer media via a smartphone, and it also allows you to monitor battery and recording status, edit the camera name and time settings, update firmware, and more.

• Compact, lightweight DSLM camera with Sony E-mount
• 12.1MP Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS sensor
• Powerful BIONZ XR image processor
• Dedicated AI processor
• Intelligent directional microphone with three elements for adjustable directionality
• ISO: still images ISO 80–102, 400(extended mode ISO 40–409,600), AUTO (ISO 80–12, 800, adjustable upper and lower limits); video ISO 80–102,400 (extended mode ISO 40–409,600), AUTO
• (ISO 80–12, 800, adjustable upper and lower limits)
• Dimensions approx. 121 x 71.9 x 54.3 mm, weight approx. 399 g (body only)