Sony ZV-1 II Review: The Best Vlogging Camera Gets Better, With A Price To Match – SlashGear

Optically, the Sony ZV-1 II doesn’t revolutionize the path blazed by its predecessor. In fact, it employs the same 1-inch, 20-megapixel Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor (with an integrated 3-stop neutral density filter for counteracting bright conditions) and BIONZ X processor as the original. However, this isn’t necessarily a drawback.

The camera delivers razor-sharp 4K recording at either 24 or 30 fps, and 1080p up to 120 fps for slow-motion recording. The ensuing quality far exceeds the standards of most social media platforms, including YouTube. 

The microphone array easily amplifies and isolates your voice, even in loud ambient environments and windy conditions (as a bonus, there’s a detachable windscreen included in the box). The camera can also automatically determine the correct polar pickup pattern to use based on what it sees, taking even more effort out of preproduction duties.

Granted, it doesn’t offer 4:2:2 10-bit recording like the ZV-E1, but it also doesn’t bear that camera’s hefty price tag. The files carry sufficient data for vibrant color and high dynamic range, making them suitable for nearly everything short of Hollywood productions, especially when grading SLOG-3 footage. There’s no need to dive that deep with most ordinary vlogging scenarios.

The camera’s low-light performance is commendable, particularly between f/1.8 and f/2.8, with tolerable noise levels up to 6,400 ISO (12,800 maximum). Regrettably, the maximum aperture at the 50mm end now decreases to f/4.0, depriving you of approximately one stop of light compared to the original ZV-1 when fully zoomed.

Hybrid autofocus (combining contrast detection with phase detection) reappears and continues to acquire targets with outstanding speed and precision in most regular shooting situations, although you may experience focus breathing in extreme low-light conditions. With ideal lighting, real-time Eye AF reliably keeps you sharp without worrying about focus zones.