Stills Photography on the Sony ZV-1 :: the cheaper RX100 alternative?
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The Sony ZV-1 has many similarities to the RX100 series. I've been asked several times about the capabilities for still photography. This is actually quite interesting because under the hood, its the exact same sensor, processor and functionality as the RX100 VII, but considerably cheaper.
There are some physical differences that will be "make or break" deals for some photographers. Lets break those down.
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Also watch my impressions of the ZV-1 as a vlogging camera • Sony ZV-1 Hands On :: ...
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Ted Forbes
The Art of Photography
2830 S. Hulen, Studio 133
Fort Worth, TX 76109
US of A
This is EXACTLY the video I was looking for I wanted to know about the still capability
Great video. It would be great to see some samples. I hear some people saying that this is essentially RX100V (I guess due to the lens), others compare it to RX100VII (due to VII being the most recent in the lineup). Maybe a comparison side by side with VII in terms of quality, sharpness etc?
@@softestpower its the same sensor with a different lens. For all practical purposes of this compact point and shoot, expect the same image quality. Skin tones may be a bit better because of in camera post processing, but RAW images will be nearly identical to the RX100VII. For a comparison of lens sharpness, just look at sample images taken with the RX100V.
@@holycannoli8562 yeahhh I'd been looking for video that talks about still capability for days!!!
Enough of the talking, get out there for a couple days and show us what she'll do. You can compare same shots taken with your RX.
Me too!
I've watched a boat load of reviews of this camera, I think your 2 videos about this camera about this camera were the most helpful.
I just bought my ZV-1 and I'm really happy about it. thanks for this video because i was missing how to set it for pictures.
Finally, a balanced review on the ZV1 and its comparison to the Sony RX100 M7. I'm glad I haven't gone out and bought the M7 as this has definitely changed my mind leaning towards the video capabilities particularly for a non-techy like me. Thanks!
Thanks for the review! I recommended this camera to a few people over the year. I finally picked up one up today for our family so we don’t always have to carry around our a7III
This is the review I’ve been waiting for. Thank you! 😃
Sony engineer : Sir the a7siii still not ready Sony CEO : UNLEASH THE ZV1!!
Woah. Look at that little camera! I was waiting for your video on this.
Thank you. I have the original RX100, got it as a hardly used second-hand camera and I love its size, weight, and functions. It's a fairly simple camera but does everything I want, I have my ISO on the ring control, the aperture and shutter control is well placed and easy all supported by a programmable function button. I particularly like the original as it does not have functions I do not want or need. Everything in the RX100 I use and they are good value second hand.
I bought a new one at a very good price in 2016. A gem
Great review but i felt that few photo sample with comparison with RX100 x would have been best to figure out the image quality colour out of the box.
+1
Dpreview has some samples up from this camera.
Its the same sensor. An image at the same aperture and focal length is going to be nearly identical with the only difference being in the difference in lenses. The 24-70lens is a proven lens from earlier models. The lenger lens of the mk7 is also a proven lens. Image quality is the same between these two cameras at equal apertures, focal lengths, and ISO settings.
@@holycannoli8562 Sony 'improve' the colour science on their cameras - they won't look the same from the RX to this ZV at the same settings (using jpeg).
I’ve just got this camera and I was very happy to see I could trigger my Canon 600EX-RT at 1/640 sec flash sync speed. At 1/800 sec it was too fast to capture because of the time delay between camera/remote trigger/Canon 600 EX-RT. If you had a hot shoe/pc sync cable adapter to connect directly from the flash mount on the Sony ZV-1 to the Canon 600 EX-RT then I’m sure you will cut down on the time delay and get even higher sync speeds. The other benefit with the Sony ZV-1 when shooting with flash outdoors is the 3 stop ND filter which allows you to shoot with the aperture wide open and get some nice blurred back ground.
Finally my question is answered. Thank you for this video!!!
Just gotta say I love the mauve glow of your background. Nice job with the lighting and color!
Great video! Very useful info and break down of the differences between the two cameras. Think I'm leaning more towards to the ZV-1. Would of maybe been nice to see some stills even if they would of been similar.
Nicely done comparison. Coming from Canon I really disliked the menus and "reduced" touch-screen and buttons. It took some time to get along. I start to use more and more of its automation features and handling is getting better.
Thank you for making this video! I want to purchase this to make KZhead video without the hassle of setting up a lot of things, but mostly for stills when I don’t want to carry around my Fuji X-T2 and lenses around. I can’t wait to get this on my hands!
In terms of battery, I think they can keep the same shape but increase the density. On top of that they can even put in an onboard battery (500mAh or so) so you can even hot swap the battery or use it with just usb power.
This is gud. But we want the Xperia 1ii ful review. When wil it come out???
I really like the rx100 series but ultimately went with the Ricoh gr3 which I love now.
Impresionante la calidad del analisis.Definitivamente elijo la ZV-1 como sucesora de mi antigua RX100 M3. Mil gracias!
I feel like I also have that same photo of the Blue Angels taken on my rx100vii, pretty sweet
Hi, I enjoyed both videos on the Sony ZV1. Im wanting to purchase it, however what camera are you using as you film this video? I like it as well. Thanks
Than you sir! I did ask about stills in your last review. I have and will continue to have a DSLR until I can no longer carry it and since I lost my Canon sx620 I am looking for something to replace it, and since Nikon does not have a very good video recording I saw this Sony as my 1 camera set up for the Camare I will carry when I do not want to carry a camera... you know, when you want more than your cell phone and still you want to put it in your pocket! Thank you!
For flash you can use the QX-20II which is the size of the camera but you can remove the trigger from the flash and leave it on the camera and use the flash as off hand
This is why I love KZhead product reviews. I was set to buy the ZV1 but because of this review I think that I am going to get the RX100
I shoot mostly stills. Looks like good features, but the one deal breaker is no viewfinder for shooting in bright daylight scenes. Perhaps at night it would be okay. How would you compare the stills image quality to that of the Canon G5X Mark ll? I like the fact that the Canon is 24-120mm lens f1.8-2.8. I also like their menu system.
I remember your old run'n'gun set up on the Mk5, with mocked-up rig and the Zoom H2 for recording audio. This is an improvement def.! 😆
Finally a guy who's not bagging for likes , subscription and provides a decent independent review which comes from our daily lifes. For me the breaker is the microphone slot.
The Sony viewfinder is the reason I’m considering other brands. I like utilizing viewfinders and Sony’s flat, small viewfinders are for me unusable.
With 'photography' mentioned so much, I was hoping to see some photography examples from the camera. Anyone point me in the direction of some photos taking with this camera?
I’m looking into purchasing this camera now. Thank you
Thanks for the video. One feature of the zv1 not really mentioned is the grip which to me is way way better than the rx100 vii unless you pay for the extra grip (on a 1k point and shoot!).
Thank you for the review. Didn’t know this little guy has eye focus, I like the faster 24-70 lens also.
Thanks for the review. Do you have any plan to share your thoughts on your audio gears by any chance? Mic, recorder and etc.
Great video. Thanks. I'm getting one. I do have the RX100m7 and love it. I'm keeping both!
Hi just curious how you would use both? I have both and want to sell one but i can’t justify having both.
@@ScottsReviews Well, I'm no pro photographer, but I love the RX100m7 for its longer zoom and I still love having a real viewfinder. I had the m5 and said I was not going to upgrade until a few things happened. And with the 7, I think they did all of those things. One was a viewfinder that didn't pop back in the second I hit it with my glasses. That was a bother. I wanted the mic input and I wanted the longer zoom. I love the ZV1 because of the product showcase feature, the "instant" defocus feature, the better onboard mic, and the built-in ND filter. The hot shoe is a nice bonus as well. There's probably no reason to keep both...so perhaps I'll consider one as my "back-up" camera. Currently I'm making the ZV-1 my KZhead camera and the m7 my basic carry everywhere camera. I do like the built-in flash with the m7. If somehow or other they combine all the best features of the ZV-1 with the m7...into a single camera...I would definitely be looking at that. I know I haven't answered your question but I enjoy using both.
Finally someone is talking about this CAMERA, and not the VIDEO CAMERA.
And just to add, Sony could solidify the top spot in compact "point and shoot" cameras if they just combined the f/1.8 - 2.8 24-70mm lens with the new Real-Time Tracking and Eye AF, and kept the EVF and pop-up flash. There would be very little argument as to the best compact, pocketable camera. And if they wanted to create a LEGEND, they would find a way to copy Canon's f/1.8 - 2.8 24-120mm lens from the G5X MKII, and merge it with the previously mentioned specs.
And as a final comment, instead of waiting and hoping for a combined RX100VII and ZV-1, I'm going to bite the bullet and get this ZV-1. Life is too short to wait for perfection.
@@holycannoli8562 By all means please report back when you get the camera. I'm considering buying one as well.
I love my RX100mk7, I'm finding I use it more than my A7Riii, great video
I like mine too, very well done also I like the ending real touch.
A bit late to the party, but I just traded my previous compact camera and part of my kit for the ZV-1. Despite some of the missing features compared to the RX100 line, the cleaned up exterior actually looks so much better. Also amazing but not mentioned a lot is the rounded, smooth surface: it's such a joy to hold and feels a lot sturdier than the somehow fragile-feeling RX100 line.
Can you let me know what program you are using to edit the RAW photos from the zv1. I'm having issues with Adobe not recognizing the file format.
What about the color science difference? I know the RX100 adds a greenish tint which I really hate, but some videos say the ZV has "better colors" but never seen side by side comparison for stills
What do you think the odds are the Sony FDA-EV1MK Electronic viewfinder would work with the hot shoe on the ZV1? That would make it the RX100 V I always wanted: EVF and fully articulating touch LCD Screen and a sharp reasonable zoom lens.
Hello, it would be great to be able to see a battle of the Sony ZV-1 vs the Sony Xperia 1 II in terms of video recording and sound recording (in particular within an environment with music), image quality etc. Thank you!
Excellent explanation, everyone talks about this equipment in video but nobody properly in photography functions. I am just looking for a compact camera for good photography and occasional video. In this sense, since you have owned the RX100 line, the RX100 V model has an identical lens so to speak and today they are the same price, if it is primarily for photography it is still a better alternative ZV-1 for more up-to-date image processing? Really the subject of the flash and the viewfinder are not of my interest. I await your response, which will be very useful for me to buy a computer (sorry for the long message).
A first class really well considered review 👍
I currently have both and I felt the still photo autofocus is actually a bit faster on the zv1 than on the rx100vii.
I’m late to the party here but I just got the ZV1 for vlogging and capturing family memories like a camcorder. I’m also going to start a simple KZhead channel. Video looks really great. But I didn’t come here to say that. I came to say that the photos shocked me. I’m a Fuji shooter, (XT5 and X100V) and this is my first time with Sony. It shoots really nice stills and most important, fits in my pocket. The best camera is the one you have with you and this is the one that goes everywhere with me.
thanks for sharing. I have fuji X70, Sony a6300 with sigma lenses and also X100F. I love them all but I need a camera like sony RX100 for video. So here I am. Was thinking to buy DJI Osmo Action 4 for casual family vlog, but da m n ZV-I price right know is quite tempting. I am really confused about what camera I need to buy between those two. Uh
A big thank you from Ireland excellent
EXCELLENT video thanks so much
Thanks for an amazing review. Does it have type c or micro usb for charging the battery?
Microusb- slow charging
It will be a good choice over a a5100 with sigma dn lenses? Worth the upgrade? Or it will be a down step? Thanks
I have a sony a6000, but when i dont feel like dragging all my camera equipment around i was thinking of this camera and for video using it in place of a go pro
What I think they need to do is release an EVF Attachment that goes in the hotshoe for those who want to use an EVF (either for video use or stills photography). I'm surprised that Sony doesn't offer this for some of their EVF-less cameras like the RX100 I & II and the ZV1. I'm sure plenty of people woulid buy it. I mean I can understand they would push people to the RX100 III+ if you wanted an EVF but still, an option would have been nice. Canon has one for their M6 line, which doesn't have an EVF built-in but you can buy an optional detachable EVF which I think is a good compromise. You can remove it when you don't want it (of course the RX100 III+ pops up which is better yet, but since there isn't one on the ZV1 it would have to be an add-on attachment).
My old RX 100 M1 continues to take brilliant stills that are no way inferior to my recent ZV-1
This is great for traveling... when we can travel...
Great breakdown. Thanks! Next up budget phone w/ ZV-1 OR Xperia 1 mk II?
if u want a great camera on a phone, you should get the iphone 11 pro or pixel 4
if u value Image quality more, go the budget phone(that allow Gcam) + ZV-1 route.. you have a higher image quality limit with this route... for phone alone, I will think p40, pixel 4, iphone 11 better than that xperia 1 ii.. at least those are proven to be at the top bunch.. please be advised that pixel 4 has bad vid quality due to its relatively small sensor compare to recent flagships. We have not reached the point where we could replicate the computational magic is done on single still to the video.. yet.. so when it comes to video, sensor size does matter still pretty much apply.
It could make a good little street photography camera, plus you have the extra benefit of it being good for videos. At its price point, Sony might just make a good profit out of this series of cameras.
Taking vertical photos low to the ground is something I do often in my photography I find the ZV-1 fully articulating screen essential for that. It was my deal breaker
The footage you're showing at 4:00 is not shot on the ZV1, is it?
Does the ZV1 have a leaf shutter mechanism that allows a higher sync speed for flash photography?
So... Being a user of the RX100M4, never using the viewfinder and seldom using the focus ring, I get with this new camera almost the same (in still photography) with much more video capabilities. Right? So could it be a valid replacement (buy), if my RX100M4 gets broken? Do I get all the still modes (P, A, S and M) and RAW-Files (ARW as Sony calls them)? What about the video files? Only mp4 or S-LOG (or any other "raw" format)? Thank you in advance, if you can answer my questions.
Not sure if you got your answer by now but yes it still has the modes... and they can be toggled with on the back
This helps me a lot! Thx
Seems like the true successor to the RX100 Va and it’s cheaper too. I have RX100iii and rarely use the viewfinder and I forget about the control ring (not sure why). Having the touchscreen for focusing would be a real benefit (I have it on my a7iii).
I have the rx100vi. I got the zv-1 just because of the hotshoe... OCF is a must
Great information Ted Forbes! I still have a question and is this does either SONY ZV or RX100 apertures in Manual Mode stay the same through out the lens or as you start zooming it changes? I ask because I have a Canon Powershot that I use in Manual Mode and once I start zooming in it narrows the F.Stops.
It is variable but only slightly - f/1.8 to f/2.8
It's not a prime lens. Every single zoom lens will have variable aperture. You have to take note of the top end of that at 2.8
@@zakiradi450 every single zoom lens? I have at least five zoom lenses here that disagree with that statement.
There are single aperture zoom lenses.
@@theartofphotography sorry my bad. I should have just said constant aperture. Sorry!
Thanks Ted!
Curious if the ring on the lens of the rx100 can be set to control ISO?
I’m debating getting rid of my A6500 and going for one. I’ve been moving more towards video and I’d like a camera that I never need to leave at home.
Terry Dolan keep your 6500 and get it in addition to. Because I promise you there is something you are going to miss when you get rid of it.
very well explained
Thank you 🙏
Super helpful video, thank you! Would anyone know if we can mount an electronic viewfinder on the hotshoe?
For someone who wants to graduate from an older iPhone to a small but high-quality point and shoot is the Sony ZV-1 a good option? Any other camera models I should seriously consider? Thank you!
Ron Light probably just buy newer phone
Good camera for the vlogs that I used
I have this camera & luv it.
Wish you showed more sample pics
Can you shoot in total manual? Aperture mode etc.. .?
3:40 is that a Ground Control board? nice
I'm still hanging onto my old RX100 M1, as the newer models are firmly into nosebleed territory ($1600 CDN!). Too bad there's no lens collar. How's the build quality compared to the RX100 series?
Thank you very much.
Any chance of an external EVF or OVF?
What microphone are you using?
That was the best review I've seen on this camera. But I still don't get a vlogging camera in 2020. Surely for shooting video for youtube, a decent modern camera phone (or a GoPro) is good enough? Good 4k video with in-built editing software and the ability to upload direct from the device. I suppose if you need an optical zoom this would have the edge, but when vlogging one doesn't tend to zoom. I like the screen and the way it folds away to protect it in the pocket with no need for a case.
The ZV-1 is more than just for vlogging - it's a video-first compact camera. Built-in mic, built-in ND filter, hot-shoe to add a better mic or video light, multiple AF modes are all great for video. Nothing can beat the convenience of a phone, but this is a nice upgrade for those wanting better quality.
RX cameras supersample 5K footage into 4K, coupled with bigger sensor and zoom range.
@@supreet-singh does the av-1 beat top end smart phone cameras? The samsung G series the past 2 years?
Very interesting!!!
Thanks. Helpful...
Does anyone know how this camera performs in low light photography?
What’s the largest memory card capacity I can use in the Sony ZV-1 ?
Does ZV-1 has the step zoom? RX100 can do 24 28 35 50 70 etc
Does this have astrophotography modes like the g7x?
The RX100V-A is about the same price here. I don't know. I lean towards the ZV-1 anyway. I will miss the evf allthough a hotshoe is a nice compensation.
Which camera have good image quality zv1 or RX 100 vii
If they just made something inbetween the two cameras, I'd pay serious money for that. I own a mk5 currently. I never ever used the viewfinder, its just to much hassle to have to extend it and its too small to really use it properly. It also feels awkward on such a small camera. On my fullframe body I use the viewfinder almost exclusively, but on the small cam, I just don't need it. The function ring around the lens is very important. Having only one adjustment dial is just not enough. I also never used the flash, but I can see how it can be handy in certain situations for other people. The ND filter is also very important to me and I too prefer the shorter range lense with the brighter aperture. And then there is the battery. The camera just neeeeds to have a bigger battery. By only adjusting the body size ever so slightely, they could use the NP-FW50 battery, as long as they remove the EVF, because that EVF does take up a loooot of space in the camera.
Love the review. But the video of the people playing volleyball gave me huge serial killer movie vibes
now I’m wondering which to get
some samples would have been very useful though
Yeah but, how good is stills image quality. Ya know; lens quality, dynamic range, etc. Sure did love to listen to your voice though.
Good video overall, one big (?) difference you missed however is the mode dial (P,A,S,M). Didn't you miss it on the ZV-1?
I want a vlogging camera along with a camera I can use to take pictures. Pictures as in random things like date night with my husband, selfies, arrival of our baby, or going on a trip. I’m no professional. I just want something that’ll be better than my iPhone XR and that I can keep in my purse at all times because my camera on my phone sucks. I wanted the camera to be a all in one and something SMALL because eventually I wanted to start with KZhead which is why I wanted it for the vlogging part. What do you think?
an Osmo Pocket would be good
sony zv1 arw support not working on adobe yet. even updated to the newest June update.
I have mark 1 in Fujix100, Sony RX100 and Ricoh Gr. this is same price as Ricoh Gr 3 so will prob upgrade to Gr 3.
I m buying for the Mi Hotshoe
How is this for scenic photography?
In 2022, for still photography, should I buy ZV1 or RX100V ?