Sony ZV-E1 Review: A Nearly Perfect Vlogging Camera

Review of the Sony ZV-E1. Discussing the new stabilization, autofocus, and subject detection functions, with comparisons to the FX3 and a7S III.

Review of the Sony ZV-E1. Discussing the new stabilization, autofocus, and subject detection functions, with comparisons to the FX3 and a7S III.

=============================
Table of Contents:
=============================
0:00 - Intro & Disclosure
0:33 - Sensor Performance
1:16 - Videocentric Features
1:50 - Build & Handling
3:11 - Overheating & Record Modes
6:07 - Audio & Microphone
6:41 - AI Autofocus
7:23 - Improved Clear Image Zoom
8:34 - Stabilization
9:38 - Vlog Test
11:36 - Auto Framing Features
13:04 - Cinematic Vlog Mode
13:49 - Auto Depth of Field
14:15 - An Undone Rant
16:30 - Value & Final Thoughts

=============================
Gear Used to Make This Video:
=============================

=============================
Music:
=============================

=============================
Follow Me:
=============================

=============================
Affiliate Links:
=============================
Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase. If you have a different purchase in mind, you can also use these storewide links below.

=============================
#sonyalpha #zve1 #camerareview

[veritasium]

Cinematic vlog mode is surprisingly cinematic!

[SethGeib]

Agreed. The lack of firmware support from Sony is extremely frustrating. Especially since the a1 has had nearly 0 support.

[DatMink]

I couldn't agree more about Sony's less than stellar firmware improvements. I bought the A7s3 because it was THE upgrade we had been waiting for. When the FX3 got announced I wasn't too bothered because it was just the same thing slightly more focused for video. Having said that, had I known the FX3 was coming I would have bought the FX3, NOT the A7s3. I began to be worried when the FX3 received the LUT/ISO update. I have wanted internal LUTs on my cameras forever, and was extremely frustrated when this feature was nowhere to be seen on the A7s3 despite having zero reasons it can't. This camera makes me extremely excited for the next flagship (FX4 or whatever) but at the same time, based on this review its clear a great many of these features could be added to my current A7s3. It makes me worried about buying anything at launch.

[stevewelsh__]

Your undone rant hit the nail on the head. I'm extremely happy to see Sony have not only included almost all the A7Siii/FX3 features, and hugely improved them in this awesome new body, but so extremely disappointed at the sheer lack of firmware support for 'higher tier' models.
After spending thousands of dollars on high end equipment for both work and youtube videos, with one lazy firmware update after 2 years, this new addition feels bittersweet.
That said, it's early days and one can only hope Sony have something in store for us FX3/A7Siii users, but I won't hold my breath. Thanks for your work again Gerald, you are truly great.

[angelamaloney]

Thank you for speaking up (again!) about the Sony firmware situation. I’ve been a Sony lover since I switched to the system. I’m a Sony pro support member. I’m heavily invested with 16 e-Mount lenses, three bodies, Sony’s own microphones, and so on. I’ve recommended Sony to others. I’ve successfully talked people into switching. But now I’m not willing to buy any Sony body and I find it difficult to recommend Sony bodies to anyone. The lack of support is a serious problem. Maybe buying from the bottom of the line makes some sense. But the value just isn’t there when Sony won’t support their higher end cameras. I’m just waiting for the Z6 II to go on sale again and it will be my next camera body. Whether this is me buying a single body for the narrow purpose of using it to do focus stacking in macro photography or the beginning of a return to Nikon is up to Sony. My business is Sony’s to lose. And they are certainly making it more and more likely they will lose it.

[CKramburglar]

Sony's lack of firmware support creates an interesting situation. One would assume they do it so everyone will keep buying new cameras to get the new features, but it kind of incentivises the opposite, at least for people who have to consider a budget. If the features included when you buy are all you'll ever have you'll want to hold off buying anything new for as long as you possibly can

[M.R._Saar]

As an A7Siii user, I appreciate you hammering back about the firmware. Would love some nice updates to the camera. Good review on this!

[koo]

Wow the auto depth of field is something I've been waiting for a decade. I can't wait for it to trickle down as a photography feature too on the upcoming models. It would make it so much easier to perfectly focus group shots.

[DSLRguide]

when all of y’all post a review at the same time, I know which one I’m watching first

[luisg]

This puts everyone in a tough position, I have 2 FX-3s and 1 A7IV, as somebody that needs to have multiple angles when I'm shooting for corporate gigs and people speaking for long periods, the ZVE-1 for sure would over heat and be unreliable in a professional setting it's definitely a vlogging camera, i think the FX-3 is still the better option, but I am upset that Sony doesn't give all the new features in a firmware update to the owners with more expensive camera bodies

[PiecesofVinyl]

Clear image zoom with auto focus is pretty huge! it also seems like a simple firmware update for the FX3!

[Shawns_snapshots]

I love my A1, and I’m still pretty sure it will be my last Sony body.

The lack of software support for a $8500 device is a complete joke.

Thanks for speaking up about this issue again, Gerald!

[MarcTaraz]

Absolutely amazing review Gerald. I actually filmed an entire video this week on your exact same thoughts on how Sony’s refusal to update their slightly older more expensive cameras, but your thoughts just summarized it perfectly. You’re not the only one getting annoyed that Sony isn’t listening to their loyal customers anymore. Thanks for keeping it real as always.

[zgrzr]

You are the only reviewer who knows that overheating is one of the major issues for many videographers and making real-life tests, this is why I mostly just watch your review.

I am using Fujifilm XH2 for conference shootings. Plugging a USB-C charger, shooting 8K and using auto-reframe in Davinci to make it look like the camera is following the speaker works like a magic for me and even in 8K I have never had an overheating issue and I am yet to use the external fan.

[tylaroverturf]

I agree with the firmware support. I have the A7IV and would love to see some of the features from the A7RV brought to it. Like focus stacking and BULB timer.

[Gabbybit]

i hope they fix the overheating in 4k since i want to stream 4k 60 fps for at least 2 hours without worrying about overheating. I was looking foward to that camera for the AI features and better prince than A7S III but the overheat is a no go for me.

[intheblues]

Another great video, Gerald. Thanks for all of your work. 📸

[MaxRovensky]

9:14 honestly since Sony started supporting gyro stabilization in post, I don't think these features are super necessary unless you need to deliver straight out of camera
I also don't remember last time I used a gimbal with my A7SIII 🤔

[aidanleenstra]

Another great review.

I like that you're happy to speak your mind in reviews, even if that is only tangentially related. It really is unacceptable for the more expensive Alpha cameras to not get these software features in firmware updates. It's incredible how many features the A1, in particular, is missing given it's market as the best Sont has to offer.

[alexanderfaba-spicer]

bro your channel is so good. love all your work.