Gizmologi – Sony has released an update to its vlogging camera series, the Sony ZV-1 II. The first version was launched almost three years ago. Still having an affordable price tag, there are a number of improvements brought in both hardware and software, adding to the ease of use.
Although there are many top-of-the-line smartphones with 1-inch sensors, pocket cameras like the Sony ZV-1 II are still popular among vloggers. Sony has introduced multiple mirrorless series, including the pricey and highly capable Sony ZV-E1.
The Xperia 1 V is a new smartphone that has a camera sensor and AI-based computational photography. It takes better photos, especially at night.But of course, hardware-wise, cameras like the Sony ZV-1 II are still superior. Then what are the differences compared to the previous generation?
Also read: Sony Xperia 1 V Brings the World’s First Exmor T Camera Sensor, Still Has a Headphone Jack
Sony ZV-1 II Lens Wider Up To 18mm
In terms of exterior appearance, there is not much difference between the Sony ZV-1 II and the first generation. Both of them have a grip bulge on the front right side of the body, and black and white color options. If the lens design looks a little different, that’s normal, because the sensors are not the same.
Still carrying a 1-inch Exmor RS 20.1MP sensor with BIONZ X image processing engine and WEISS Vario-Sonnar T*, this new generation has a wider lens. The range is now 18-50 mm with f/1.8-f/4. Unlike before, which had a range of 2-70 mmm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8.
This wide lens allows the Sony ZV-1 II camera to capture more objects in one frame, making it easier for users to vlog while directing their faces at the camera without having to stretch their hands too far, or taking selfies with more people. Sony has also embedded special technology so that it can automatically adjust focus according to the number of faces, so that everything is clearly visible.
For improvements in the audio sector, the microphone capsule on the body of the Sony ZV-1 II can be customized in the recording direction. In auto mode, it automatically captures sound from all areas. Meanwhile, if you want to focus more towards the front or back, you can select it via manual mode.
Then for video recording, the Sony ZV-1 II also has Cinematic Vlog settings, with one touch you can change the frame to 2.35:1 at 24fps, plus several color preset effects to choose from.
Use New Port, More Touch Friendly UI
Another change presented by the Sony ZV-1 II is the use of a USB-C port, leaving micro-USB for a more practical and universal connection. The interface has also been updated, following the newly launched Sony ZV series. Where there are more buttons that can be touched on the screen, including a clearer video record indicator.
The rest is still the same as the previous generation. The camera has great features such as 4K recording at 30fps and Active Stabilization that can absorb shocks. However, the stabilization crops the frame slightly. There is also a Product Showcase feature that automatically focuses on the closest object and a Bokeh Switch for creating maximum background blur.
The price for the Sony ZV-1 II itself is priced at USD 900, or around IDR 13 million. It will be available starting next June globally, but there is no official date regarding its availability in Indonesia. With the difference in lenses, which is more suitable for Gizmo friends, first or second generation?
The Indonesian version of this article can be read in Gizmologi.ID
