Key Features
May 27 2020
Announced
20 megapixels
Resolution
Brand | Sony |
Sensor Type | 1″ |
Sensor | BSI-CMOS |
Weight | 294g |
MSRP | $800USD |
Other similar cameras

Sony ZV-1F
Released Oct 13 2022 | 20MP resolution

Sony ZV-E10
Released Jul 30 2021 | 24MP resolution

Sony Alpha a6400
Released Jan 15 2019 | 24MP resolution
Overview of the ZV-1
If you're looking for a camera that can help take your content creation to the next level, the Sony ZV-1 is definitely worth considering. This compact camera boasts some impressive features that make it perfect for online content creation. Whether you're a seasoned YouTuber or just starting out, this camera has a lot to offer. In this post, we'll take a closer look at what makes the Sony ZV-1 such a great choice for content creators, and how it can help you take your videos and photos to the next level.
The Sony Alpha Series Lineup

Sony ZV-1
Released May 27 2020 | 20MP resolution

Sony ZV-1F
Released Oct 13 2022 | 20MP resolution

Sony ZV-E10
Released Jul 30 2021 | 24MP resolution
Sony ZV-1 Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sony ZV-1 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!
Pros
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Sony ZV-1
Weather sealed | |
Dimensions | 105 x 60 x 44mm |
Weight | 294g |
Thickness | 44mm |
Weather Sealing
The Sony ZV-1 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.
Design and Handling
Main design features
View Finder | None |
Screen Type | Fully Articulated |
Screen Resolution | 922k dots |
Body type | Large sensor compact |
Suitable for:
Photography | Above Avg. |
Videography | Above Avg. |
Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 922k dots. This makes the Sony ZV-1 very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.
Viewfinder
Sony ZV-1 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the ZV-1 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Sony ZV-1 has a 20MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 20 pixels. Sony ZV-1 has a native ISO range of 125 - 12800 which can be boosted to 80 - 25600. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Features
May 27 2020
Announced
125 - 12800
ISO Range
Sensor | 1″ |
Extended ISO | 80 - 25600 |
Max resolution | 5472 x 3648 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
not tested
Color Depth
not tested
Dynamic Range
not tested
Low Light ISO
not tested
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sony ZV-1 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the ZV-1 is excellent
Crop Factor
Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.
Size comparison
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: 1″
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
Storage | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Battery Life | 260 shots |
Battery Model | NP-BX1 |
HDMI | |
USD | |
Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Sony ZV-1 supports SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.
Battery
The Sony ZV-1 uses the NP-BX1 model of battery pack. This is rated for 260 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.
Photography Features
Flash
The Sony ZV-1 does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.
Shutter
The Sony ZV-1 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.
With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.
Autofocus
The Sony ZV-1 includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 315 number of focus points.
While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.
Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.
On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.
FAQ
The Sony ZV-1 features a BSI-CMOS sensor
No the ZV-1 does not have weather sealing.
The Sony ZV-1 was announced on May 27 2020
Yes the ZV-1 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The ZV-1 has a native ISO range of 125-12800, which can be expanded to ISO 80-25600 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
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