SONY, THE NEXT GENERATION

The electronics giant is boldly going where it has gone before – with a sequel to its ZV-1 ‘vlogging’ camera from 2020. Sony claims it’s big on sustainability so the new Sony ZV-1 II recycles most of the features from it not providing a mains charger or, oddly, a USB-C cable with the device. If you can find one of your own, the cable allows its removable battery, again giving the same 45 minutes’ worth of recording time as its predecessor, to be charged in camera. While much here is familiar, the popular original, including its one-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor providing 20 megapixel stills or 4K-resolution video at up to 30fps. The manufacturer’s drive to be eco friendly also extends to including near identical dimensions and weight, one point of difference is that the focal range has been tweaked. The built-in f/1.8 maximum aperture zoom lens now starts out at a wider 18mm equivalent, as opposed to its forebear’s 24mm, and runs up to 50mm at the telephoto end, instead of 70mm. The basic touch screen of the ZV-1 has been overhauled to allow greater intuitiveness and access to a wider range of settings, making the adoption of this second generation model easier for existing smartphone users, while the built-in microphone offers more creative flexibility. It’s able to bias audio recording to what’s happening at the front of the camera, at the rear, or in all directions. A ‘dead cat’ style windshield slips into the vacant hotshoe to avoid a breezy day affecting the sound, and there’s the option to invest in an accessory shotgun microphone in the ECM-B10. There’s no headphone jack, however. It’s also compatible with the Sony Creator app, which allows for future software updates. With availability promised from mid June, the ZV-1 II is also more expensive than the original at £870 SRP. As there is no in-body stabilisation system, merely an electronic version in Sony’s ‘Active’ Stabilization mode, an optional Bluetooth enabled wireless battery grip, ideal when recording pieces to camera while walking, or simply taking selfies, is available for an extra £170. Money saving promotions are being planned for around the camera’s release for customers wanting to invest in such accessories. www.sony.co.uk