Sony ZV-1
Compact vlogging and all-round camera with a 1" sensor and a fast ZEISS zoom – easy to use, ideal for talking-head videos, interviews and quick clips.
Overview
The Sony ZV-1 is the easy-to-use all-round camera in our media lending pool. It is small, light and built for video – made for anyone who wants good footage quickly and without a long learning curve.
Its 1” sensor is much larger than a smartphone’s and therefore delivers a clearly better image in low light and nicer background blur. The vari-angle screen flips to the front, so you can see yourself while filming – ideal for talking-head videos, interviews, tutorials and short clips. A directional microphone with a clip-on windscreen is built in.
Unlike the Blackmagic Pocket 6K, the ZV-1 is deliberately kept simple: a fixed zoom lens (no lens changing), reliable automatic modes, ready to shoot instantly. For demanding film productions the Pocket is the better choice – for fast, good results, the ZV-1.
Technical data
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1.0-type (1”) Exmor RS CMOS, 20.1 megapixels |
| Lens | ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T*, 24–70 mm (equiv.), fixed |
| Aperture | f/1.8 (wide) – f/2.8 (tele) |
| Zoom | 2.7× optical (+ Clear Image / digital zoom) |
| Video | 4K (3840×2160) up to 30p · Full HD up to 120p |
| Slow motion | up to 960 fps (HFR, reduced resolution) |
| Display | 3.0” vari-angle touchscreen (flips to the front) |
| Audio | built-in directional mic + 3.5 mm microphone input |
| Image stabilization | Optical SteadyShot (Active mode for video) |
| Storage | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I), Memory Stick |
| Battery | Sony NP-BX1 (charged via USB) |
| Weight | approx. 294 g |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Micro-USB, Micro-HDMI |
Connecting a microphone
The ZV-1 has a built-in directional microphone that captures sound from the front – enough for most shots. For better or cleaner sound you can connect an external microphone via the 3.5 mm jack.
- For outdoor shots, attach the supplied windscreen to the built-in microphone – it noticeably reduces wind noise.
- Plug an external microphone (clip-on or wireless mic with a 3.5 mm jack) into the microphone input on the left-hand side of the camera.
- The camera switches to the external microphone automatically.
- Check the audio level on the recording display: when speaking, the bars should move clearly but not stay pinned at the maximum.
Note: The ZV-1 has no XLR input and no phantom power – it only accepts microphones with a 3.5 mm jack. For XLR/studio microphones, use the Blackmagic Pocket 6K.
Power supply
NP-BX1 battery
The battery is charged inside the camera via USB. For longer shoots, bring a charged spare; battery life per charge is limited when recording video.
Continuous power via USB
For stationary shots (e.g. a fixed interview setup) the camera can be powered continuously via USB from a mains adapter or a power bank.
Storage media
SD card
The ZV-1 records to SD / SDHC / SDXC cards. Use a fast card (UHS-I) for 4K video, and back up and delete your own footage before returning the camera.
Accessories
Windscreen
Clips onto the built-in microphone and suppresses wind noise during outdoor shooting – always take it along when filming outside.