First test
MORE OF THE SAME Sony hasn’t torn up the rulebook with the ZV-1 II, sticking to the same sensor and broadly similar dimensions – but including an improved interface
select 4:3, 16:9 or 1:1 instead. Users can record Raw files separately or alongside JPEGs, or opt for least- compressed, extra-fine-quality JPEGs. In terms of image quality, while it’s no surprise results didn’t wow us as much as either a DSLR or a mirrorless, with their larger APS-C or full-frame sensors, we did find well- saturated colours and plenty of detail from the Sony. To nit-pick, we did spot instances of purple pixel fringing in contrasty scenarios, like the silhouetted branches of a tree hitting a featureless sky, though admittedly we were actively looking for it. In practical
terms, the limited zoom range also forced us to get fairly close to our subjects – not an issue if our main desire is to shoot selfies, of course. A special mention here for the bright f/1.8 maximum aperture provided by the Sony’s lens. This affords shallow depth-of-field effects, rendering subjects sharp and backgrounds creamily defocused – thus making our intended points of focus all the more prominent. Like with most things on this camera, aperture can be adjusted via the touchscreen. The flexibility of the on-board microphone has been boosted for this model. We’re now able to bias audio recording towards whatever’s in front of the camera, to the rear, or in all directions. A dead-cat style windshield provided for our review sample slips quickly onto the ZV-1 II’s vacant hotshoe, or is removed just as easily. Alternatively, an accessory ECM-B10 shotgun microphone is available for those wanting to boost already more than adequate sound quality further. In use, we were pleased to find the on-board microphone doesn’t noticeably pick up mechanical noise as the zoom adjusts. The zoom’s action is also commendably smooth as it travels through its modest
range, with no distracting jerkiness. Videographers who want their clips to stand out from the crowd are directed to the addition of a series of Cinematic Vlog settings, inherited from Sony’s ZV-E1 camera, while Creative Look colour profiles are also carried over from the ZV-E10. Think of these smartphone-like filters as mood enhancers. As we’ve touched on alternative models in Sony’s vlogging camera series, it’s worth briefly outlining that these include the entry-level ZV-1F, the physically larger 24-megapixel APS-C sensor incorporating ZV-E10 and the full-frame sensor ZV-E1, released in April this year. For this model, however, we were less impressed that neither a mains charger or the necessary USB-cable required to charge the ZV-1 II’s battery are included. When asked why, Sony responded this was down to sustainability rather than penny pinching, reasoning that most of us have USB-equipped mains cables for our phones already knocking about the house. We’re not sure we buy that. Still, on a more positive note, we managed to get more use out of the battery than the quoted 45 minutes – a specification again unchanged from its predecessor.
Verdict This is a pocket-sized hybrid device for vlogging types, capturing high-quality video and stills on the go. The new ultra-wide lens setting makes it better suited to group portraits or cramming more into frame the second time around, though its zoom range is modest. Stills and video resolution plus frame rate haven’t altered from the original ZV-1. Overall, this is more evolution than revolution, and capable and well built though it is, it’s pricier than the ZV-1. PROS Touchscreen now more intuitive, new ultra- wide 18mm zoom setting, in-camera Cinematic Vlog options offers more looks CONS No IBIS or headphone jack, USB-C cable and mains adapter not supplied
Unfortunately for those who like filming themselves walking and talking, the camera still doesn’t feature IBIS, just a digital version in Sony’s active stabilisation mode. This essentially performs a crop so the image appears less wobbly. Though its maker creatively insists the wider angle of view on the new model also helps to make any visible shake less pronounced, better to spend an extra £170 on a GP-VPT2BT wireless grip. We’d also recommend if the adjusted zoom range of the ZV-1 II doesn’t make a lot of difference to you, and the subtle operational tweaks don’t swing it, it might be sensible to seek a good deal on the existing, cheaper ZV-1 before it’s phased out. PN VIDEO FIRST We get a flexible LCD screen rather than an EVF for composing our wide angle selfies, plus the same 4K/30p video as its forebear
“A SPECIAL MENTION GOES TO THE BRIGHT F/1.8 MAXIMUM APERTURE
PROVIDED BY THE LENS, AFFORDING SHALLOW DEPTH- OF-FIELD EFFECTS”
Issue 109 | Photography News 37
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