Sony expands its range of solutions for vloggers with the new ZV-1 vlog camera and the compact 4K Handycam FDR-AX43.
The vlog camera Sony ZV-1 is a new concept product, developed expressly for the needs of content creators. The 4K AX43 Handycam combines advanced image stabilization technologies in a compact body. Vlog camera ZV-1Sony today announced the launch of a pocket-sized camera that will revolutionize the world of vlogging: the new ZV-1, a lightweight and compact “all-in-one” solution.
Designed specifically for vloggers and content creators, the Sony ZV-1 combines extreme ease of use with uncompromising imaging technology, positioning itself as the perfect tool for anyone engaged in content creation, regardless of their skills.
The new ZV-1 camera has video in its DNA and is the result of direct feedback from the large community of creatives who are not content with using hybrid products: starting from their feedback, Sony has created an unprecedented product, dedicated to those who prioritize content creation. The innovative design is accompanied by unprecedented technologies, settings, and modes, which allow you to create content like never before.
The goal of the ZV-1 is to highlight the subject in any environment, and every single function is optimized to be used by those who have made vlogging a daily activity, at any level.
The ZV-1 is equipped with a 1” type stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with DRAM chip and a Vario-Sonnar T 24-70 mm[i] F1.8-2.8 ZEISS lens with a wide enough aperture to create wonderful out-of-focus effects (bokeh), which make the subject stand out against the background. The subject is tracked and anchored with extreme speed and precision by Sony’s cutting-edge autofocus system.
The new ZV-1 also features a BIONZ X image processor with LSI acquisition chip, synonymous with high resolution and minimal noise levels for superior quality images, accompanied by equally versatile and high-performance audio options. The ZV-1 is Sony’s first compact camera with a side-opening, tilting LCD touchscreen, which simplifies shot composition in selfie mode when external audio accessories are connected. To meet all shooting requirements, furthermore, the ZV-1 offers advanced video functions such as 4K recording and in-body image stabilization.
Instant switch between two modes bokeh
To choose between two levels of background blur (bokeh) while shooting, the ZV-1 vlog camera uses a very simple solution: the new Bokeh Switch function, which instantly adjusts the optical aperture to make the background sharper or less sharp without compromising focus on the subject. The button is located on the top of the camera and is therefore accessible even when you are filming yourself.
ZV-1
Subject focus
Speaking of simplification, the ZV-1 also thought about those who produce reviews of products and similar video content. From now on, you no longer need to place a hand behind the object to focus on it correctly: the Product Showcase setting does it for you, and in just a few moments it can shift focus from the subject’s face to the object in front of the lens, with maximum fluidity.
Drawing on high-end technology developed for the RX and α™ (Alpha™) series, the new camera features advanced autofocus (AF) that tracks the subjects of the footage with unsurpassed precision and speed, without ever losing sight of them. To keep the subject or subjects perfectly sharp even in the middle of a crowd, Real-time Eye AF[iii] and Real-time Tracking for videos functions keep the focus fixed on the correct eye or face, or shift it between multiple subjects, appropriately controlling AF speed and tracking sensitivity.
Maximum face priority
If lighting conditions change suddenly, such as when walking outdoors on a sunny day and suddenly moving into a shaded area, the new Face Priority automatic exposure (AE) function kicks in, which prioritizes detecting the subject’s face and captures it in ideal light by adjusting exposure. This AE technology also neutralizes abrupt exposure changes, for example, if the subject suddenly turns their back to the frame, to avoid obtaining dark or overexposed shots.
Natural Colors
In the ZV-1, color science has been fine-tuned to optimize skin tones. The subject’s face, especially in selfie mode, is enhanced with smooth, natural-looking skin, while mouth and eyes are always perfectly defined in both movies and still images.
Crystal Clear Audio
High-quality content is also recognizable by the excellence and clarity of its sound, which the ZV-1 guarantees thanks to reliable and versatile audio options. First and foremost is Sony’s brand-new built-in three-capsule directional microphone: optimized for capturing sounds from the front, it clearly records the subject’s voice while suppressing background noise, especially when filming yourself. And, for maximum flexibility, the ZV-1 also includes a standard 3.5mm microphone jack and a Multi Interface Shoe (MI Shoe) for connecting external microphones or the supplied windscreen [iv], which is useful for reducing wind interference.
Vlog-Ready Design and Functionality
The ZV-1 is made for content creators and vloggers. Extremely lightweight and compact (approx. 294 g / 105.5mm x 60.0mm x 43.5 mm), it is Sony’s first compact camera to feature a side-opening vari-angle LCD screen, which simplifies setup when using the MI Shoe with optional external microphones, without the need for extra mounting brackets.
The ZV-1 can be easily held with one hand, thanks to its comfortable grip and the large REC button on the top of the camera body for easy recording start. The red light on the front indicates when recording is in progress.
Sony engineers have also improved image stabilization for steady videos, even when shooting handheld and on the move. When recording in HD (Active mode), the combined optical and electronic stabilization reduces shake up to 11 times more [v] than standard SteadyShot™, or up to 8 times more [vi] when shooting in 4K with Optical SteadyShot (Active mode). The ZV-1 is also compatible with the wireless remote grip GP-VPT2BT, for those who prefer the convenience of a wireless connection without sacrificing comfort and stability.
Class-Leading AV Features
Despite its compact format, the new ZV-1 offers numerous professional shooting options, including:
- 4K video recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning in high-bitrate XAVC S™ format [vii]
- 3.5mm microphone input (industry standard)
- Hybrid Log-Gamma (HDR) [viii] / S-Gamut3.Cine / S-Log3, S-Gamut3/S-Log3
- Interval shooting [ix] for captivating time-lapse videos [x]
- Super slow motion recording [xi] up to 1000 fps [xii]
- Compatibility with the “Video Edit” add-on [xiii] from the Imaging Edge™ mobile app for image stabilization [xiv] and Highlight editing options to adapt aspect ratios for Instagram and other social media.
Live streaming with ZV-1
When needed, ZV-1 can be turned into a webcam by connecting it to a PC[xv] via USB, allowing seamless real-time interaction with followers while leveraging the camera’s advanced imaging technology and unique features. Sony’s new PC software will be available in July 2020.
Availability
The vlog camera ZV-1 will be available in Europe from June.
For full details on the ZV-1, please visit: www.sony.it
To watch the product video dedicated to the ZV-1, visit:
FDR-AX43
Sony today announced the launch of a new 4K[xvi] Handycam featuring a highly praised internal gimbal mechanism and balanced Optical SteadyShot™ for smooth, natural, and high-quality video footage. The FDR-AX43 has been developed for content creators and vloggers who desire excellent quality for their videos.
The FDR-AX43 is the ideal partner for those who want to capture their travels or family memories, but it is also an extremely efficient and versatile tool for content creators as part of their studio setup and for product reviews.
The FDR-AX43 integrates some of Sony’s most advanced imaging technologies, including:
- Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ with exclusive internal gimbal mechanism for smooth footage even while walking, running, or at full zoom
- ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens with a wide-angle of 26.8 mm
- 20x optical zoom and 30x Clear Image Zoom for 4K/40x for HD
- 1/2.5-type Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor and BIONZ X image processor combine to deliver unparalleled image quality, even in low light conditions
- High bit rate recording (100 Mbps for XAVC S 4K, 50 Mbps for XAVC S HD)
- Fast Intelligent AF to capture subjects quickly and precisely
- 3-capsule microphone structure for superior audio quality
- Flip-out screen for selfies
- Long battery life (up to 235 minutes of continuous recording with the supplied battery) and AC adapter power
- New Highlight Movie Maker to create short videos[xxii] in 4K or HD directly from the camcorder, without the need for post-production editing. Easy sharing of MP4 videos to smartphones via social media.

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