Sony ZV-1 II review

The ZV-1 II is the pocket option for creators who want a zoom lens without changing glass. Sony's help guide lists a 1.0 type sensor behind an 18 to 50 mm equivalent lens with an F1.8 to F4.0 aperture, so the wide end fits you and the background at arm's length and the long end works for detail shots. It records XAVC S 4K at 30p and HD at 60p, and the Background Defocus button toggles between a blurred and a clear background with one press. A 3.0 type touchscreen, stereo microphone and 3.5 mm mic input cover the basics, all in a 292 g body measuring 105.5 x 60.0 x 46.7 mm. The weak point is the small NP-BX1 battery: Sony rates about 45 minutes of actual movie shooting, so carry spares or use USB power. Sony's US store blocked our checks, so the price is pending.

Who it is for

creators who want a pocket camera with a wide zoom lens built in

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• 1.0 type (13.2 x 8.8 mm) CMOS sensor
• 18 to 50 mm equivalent zoom, F1.8 to F4.0
• XAVC S 4K at 30p, HD at 60p
• Background Defocus button switches between blurred and clear backgrounds
• 3.0 type touch-panel LCD, 292 g with battery and card

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 18 mm equivalent wide end fits you and the scene at arm's length
• Strength: One-button background blur
• Strength: Pocket size at 105.5 x 60.0 x 46.7 mm
• Weakness: Sony rates about 45 minutes of actual movie shooting per NP-BX1 battery
• Weakness: 4K limited to 30p
• Weakness: Fixed lens, no interchangeable options

Key facts

• Sensor: 1.0 type CMOS
• Lens: 18 to 50 mm equiv., F1.8 to F4.0
• Max video: 4K 30p
• Weight: 292 g with battery and card
• Battery: Approx. 45 min actual movie shooting

Where it ranks

Sony ZV-1 II is No. 8 in our Best Vlogging Cameras verdict.