(SINGAPORE, 26 May 2020) – Sony today has announced the new pocket-sized digital camera ZV-1 (hereafter referred as “ZV-1”) – a lightweight, compact “all-in-one” style solution perfect for casual video shooters who are currently using their smartphone to shoot casual videos and share on social networks or chat applications for communication. Designed from the ground up for casual video shooting, the ZV-1 combines easy-to-use features with uncompromising imaging technology, making this the perfect tool for users to shoot and share casual daily videos.

“Sony’s new ZV-1 was purpose-built to meet the needs and demands of today’s casual video shooters,” said Ryo Ochi, General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “We are always listening to our customers, and this camera is the result of direct feedback from our extended community. Featuring an innovative design plus many new technologies, settings and modes, it will allow beginners to shoot casual videos in ways they have never been able to before. The ZV-1 aims to let the subject shine in any environment. Every single feature is optimised for casual video shooting.”

The ZV-1 features a 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS® CMOS image sensor with DRAM chip and 24-70mm[1] F1.8-2.8 ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* large-aperture lens creating beautiful background bokeh (background blur), allowing the subject to stand out from the background. The camera locks on and track subjects with high accuracy and speed using Sony’s leading-edge autofocus system. The ZV-1 also includes the latest-generation BIONZ X™ image processor with front-end LSI delivering high resolution as well as low noise for superior image quality. It also combines this exceptional imaging technology with high-quality and versatile audio options. The ZV-1 is Sony’s first compact camera with a side-opening Vari-angle LCD screen, making it easier to compose your shots in mobile phone-friendly view while connecting external audio accessories. To meet any video need, the ZV-1 contains advanced video features including 4K movie recording[2] and in-body image stabilisation.

Meeting the Needs of Today’s Casual Video Shooters

Quickly Switch Between two modes of Background Bokeh

The ZV-1 offers a simple solution to easily switch between two levels of background bokeh while recording. Using the new Bokeh Switch function, rapidly adjust the optical aperture between more and less background defocusing blur without losing focus on the subject. Located on top of the camera, this Bokeh button is easily accessible and makes aperture control a breeze.

Focus on the Subject You Want

The ZV-1 makes it easier than ever to quickly shift focus onto the objects that users want to show off. Gone are the days of placing a hand behind an object to prompt the camera to bring it into focus thanks to a new Product Showcase Setting, which allows for quick and smooth focus transitions between the subject’s face and the object placed in front of the lens.

Building on the leading-edge technology developed for α™ (Alpha™) and RX series cameras, this new compact camera includes advanced autofocus (AF) allowing it to lock on and track subjects with high accuracy and speed while recording. For maintaining focus on the intended subject or subjects in busy environments, Real-time Eye AF[3] and Real-time Tracking for video allows the ZV-1 to seamlessly switch focus between multiple subjects while controlling the AF speed and tracking sensitivity.

Prioritise Your Face

Extreme changes in lighting, like walking outside on a sunny day and suddenly move from a bright location into shade, are no problem for the ZV-1 thanks to the new Face Priority autoexposure (AE) function. It detects and prioritises the subject’s face and adjusts the exposure to ensure the face is depicted at an ideal brightness in any environment.  This AE technology also suppresses an abrupt change in exposure if the subject quickly turns away from the frame to eliminate unexpected blown-out or extremely dark shots.

ZV-1 with VCT-SGR1

Natural Colour

The ZV-1 features advanced colour science re-engineered to optimise skin tones. To enhance emphasis on the subject’s face – especially when shooting in selfie mode – the ZV-1 creates a smooth and natural complexion, while also maintaining sharp images of the mouth and eyes in both videos and stills.

Crystal Clear Audio

High quality content requires clear, excellent audio quality, and the ZV-1 is well-equipped to produce just that with reliable and versatile audio options. The ZV-1’s onboard mic features Sony’s latest Directional 3-capsule Mic which was designed for forward-directional audio capture, allowing for clear capture of the subject’s voice while minimising background noise. For added flexibility, the ZV-1 also features a standard 3.5mm mic jack (3.5mm) and Multi Interface Shoe™ (MI shoe) making it easy to connect a wide range of external microphones. The ZV-1 is also supplied with a wind screen[4] accessory that fits on the MI shoe to minimise wind interference.

ZV-1 with VCT-SGR1

Design and Functionality Optimised for Creative Expression Through Video

The ZV-1 was designed with casual video shooters in mind. This compact, lightweight (approx. 294g / 105.5mm x 60.0mm x 43.5mm) camera is the first Sony compact camera with a side-opening Vari-angle LCD Screen, allowing casual video shooters to simplify their setup by utilising the MI shoe for optional external mics without the need of an additional mounting bracket.

Comfortably operate the ZV-1 with one hand thanks to the easy-to-hold comfortable built-in body grip and a large movie REC button located on the top of the camera for quick access to video recording, as well as a recording lamp on the front of the camera that indicates if the camera is actively recording.

The ZV-1 also includes advances in image stabilisation, ensuring steady video even when shooting hand-held while walking. When recording in HD (Active mode), optical and electronic stabilisation methods are combined to reduce shaking up to 11 times[5] that of standard SteadyShot™. When shooting 4K video using Optical SteadyShot (Active mode), there is improvement in stabilisation effect of up to 8 times[6] that of standard SteadyShot. The ZV-1 is also compatible with the VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip offering additional stability, convenient access to video recording button and zoom control.

Class-Leading Video Features

Despite the small form factor there are a multitude of pro-level movie making capabilities, including:

• 4K movie recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning in high bit rate XAVC S™ codec.[7]
• Industry standard 3.5mm microphone input
• Hybrid Log-Gamma (HDR)[8] / S-Gamut3.Cine / S-Log3, S-Gamut3 / S-Log3
• Interval Shooting[9] for stunning time-lapse videos[10]
• Super Slow Motion[11] recording at up to 960fps[12]
• Compatibility with ‘Movie Edit add-on[13]’ from the “Imaging Edge™” mobile application for image stabilisation while editing[14] Highlight ability to edit aspect ratios for IG etc.

Availability

The ZV-1 will be available at selected Sony Stores, Sony Centres, Sony’s flagship store on Lazada and selected authorised dealers from June 2020.

To find out more on the new ZV-1, click here.

For full product details, please visit: https://www.sony.com.sg/electronics/cyber-shot-compact-cameras/zv-1

###

About Sony Electronics (Singapore)

Sony Electronics (Singapore) is responsible for the marketing and sales of consumer products, as well as professional products and solutions in Singapore. It also handles export business for Sony products from Singapore to various parts of Asia. Since establishing our presence in Singapore in 1973, we have grown steadily over the years to become a leader in the consumer electronics and broadcast markets. For more information on Sony’s products and services in Singapore, please visit http://www.sony.com.sg/

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a creative entertainment company with a solid foundation of technology. From game and network services to music, pictures, electronics, semiconductors and financial services – Sony’s purpose is to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology. For more information, visit: http://www.sony.net/

For media enquiries, please contact:

[1] Angle of view (35mm format equivalent)

[2] 4K (QFHD: 3840×2160)

[3] Real-time Eye AF for animals is not available movie shooting

[4] Audio input itself is via the camera’s internal mic but attaching the wind screen to the mic suppresses wind noise

[5] Image stabilisation angle at the wide-angle end of the zoom range, Active Mode

[6] Image stabilisation angle at the wide-angle end of the zoom range, Active Mode

[7] A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required to record movies in the XAVC S format. UHS-I (U3) SDHC/SDXC card is required for 100Mbps

[8] Connect this product to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable to display HDR (HLG) movies

[9] Wi-Fi is not operational during interval shooting

[10] Time-lapse movie creation is possible on a PC

[11] Audio recording is not available. A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required

[12] In NTSC mode. Menu allows switching between NTSC and PAL modes

[13] Please use the latest version

[14] The Imaging Edge Mobile application is required