The Sony camera to help you focus on being a YouTube star
AS camera sales dwindle away to nothing, Sony thinks it can reignite interest by creating an “idiot-proof” model for make-up and product-review YouTubers.
Its new €799 ZV-1 is a compact camera aimed at vloggers, lifestyle diarists and YouTubers rather than photography or tech specialists.
Launching the camera, Sony cited surveys suggesting a new wave of younger consumers now rank “YouTube star” as the “dream career choice”.
The ZV-1 camera is light (294g), fits in a pocket and has a full flip-out screen that can be used as a framing reference by users.
It shoots both 4K and ‘full HD’ videos with no time limit on recording, unlike many mirrorless cameras and DSLRs currently used for making YouTube videos.
It has a large record button on the top of the camera and can autofocus quickly. It also has special settings for YouTubers, including a ‘bokeh’ button setting for creating blurry backgrounds and a
‘product showcase’ setting which instantly flips the camera’s focus onto whatever you hold up in your hand.
The ZV-1 has added new skin-smoothing effects, which separate features such as eyes and nose for sharpness while softening skin textures.
Sony claims the ZV-1’s new stabilisation technology is 11 times better than “standard” stabilisation technology, allowing it to be used for filming hand-held without much shake or judder.
However, using this will create a very slight crop on the frame, the company added under questioning from the Irish Independent.
Technically, the ZV-1 camera uses much of the technology from Sony’s compact RX100 series, including its 20-megapixel sensor.
However, it is priced several hundred euro below the latest RX100 Mark 7 compact model.
It can shoot at up to 24 frames per second and also do slow-motion video at up to 1,000 frames per second (at a lower resolution).
It uses a similar f1.8-f2.8, 24-70mm lens to that found on the RX100 series, meaning it can shoot effectively in low light situations. It has 315 autofocus points.
It comes with its own three-channel microphone, although it also has a separate microphone port and a hotshoe, which allows for more experienced users to connect professional accessories.
Battery life is rated at 45 minutes per full charge, although it uses the same BX1 battery found in other cameras, which are fairly affordable to buy. Sony also says you can use it while attached to a USB powerbank.
The ZV-1 is expected to hit Irish shops in June at a price of around €800.