Sony’s new ZV-E1 is a compact, full-frame interchangeable lens camera that boasts a 12MP sensor, Sony’s latest BIONZ XR processor and a dedicated AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit.
Designed with video capture as the main focus, the ZV-E1 features a full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS and Sony’s new BIONZ XR processor.
Sony says that the new processor offers up to eight times the processing power of previous versions, and is capable of processing high volumes of data in real-time, even when shooting 4K footage at 120p.
The ZV-E1 can record 4K (QFHD) video with full pixel readout at 10-bit 4:2:2 without the need for pixel binning and with very high speed for minimizing the dreaded rolling shutter effect.
10-bit 4:2:2 video can be recorded internally when using Long GOP or All Intra compression, and internal intra-frame (All-I) recording and XAVC HS format recording using the MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec is also supported.
Note: An upcoming firmware update (scheduled for June 2023) will add the ability to record 4K 120p (up to 5x slow motion) footage.
View Sony ZV-E1 Pricing and Availability at Vistek
In-camera time-lapse creation with the ability to set exposure intervals from 1 to 60 seconds, as well as Interval shooting at intervals greater than 60 seconds is also supported .
Up to 15 stops of dynamic range and a maximum ISO of 409,600 is available, allowing the ZV-E1 to capture footage in challenging lighting conditions without losing highlights or shadow details.
Real-time Recognition AF uses subject form data to accurately recognize movement.
It also utilizes human pose estimation technology to not only recognize a subjects eyes, but also their body and head position making it possible to lock onto and track a subject facing away from the camera.
Subject-detection autofocus and artificial intelligence-driven (AI) video are both powered by a new dedicated AI processing unit.
This new AI processing unit utilizes AI human recognition to add Multiple Face Recognition, Auto Framing, Framing Stabilizer and Auto Microphone directivity capabilities possible.
Sony says that the AI processing unit can also “differentiate between multiple subjects having different postures and recognition of individual faces so that tracking reliability is achieved in challenging situations”.
Bird, insect, car/train and airplane subject recognition has also been added for both stills and video applications.
Multiple Face Recognition (automatically adjusts bokeh and focus on multiple recognized faces) and Breathing Compensation are also available.
The new AI-based Auto Framing feature for video automatically crops and continually adjusts the frame to a users desired level, to make sure that the subject always stays in a prominent position.
The ZV-E1’s 5-axis IBIS allows for up to an addition 5 stops of stabilization when using Sony E-mount lenses that do not have their own stabilization.
A side-opening, vari-angle, 3 inch type 1.07 Million dot touch function LCD Screen allows for easy monitoring, and changing setting.
For audio capture the ZV-E1 uses a high-performance 3-capsule microphone with variable directivity that automatically switches to a direction in line with face recognition to optimize audio recordings.
The camera also includes a Multi Interface (MI) shoe with digital audio interface as well as mic and headphone jacks for expanded audio capabilities and a windscreen to help reduce noise when shooting in windy conditions.
Finally, the ZV-E1 can also function as a 4K (2160p) webcam when connected to a computer or smartphone via USB.