ZV-1 Overcomes Multiple Issues That Content Creators Face While Shooting With A Smartphone - Mukesh Srivastava, Head Of Digital Imaging Business At Sony India

With RX100 Series already being a popular vlogging camera from Sony What was the reason for launching ZV-1?

The video market is an ever-evolving industry and we aim to tap the market with a product that specifically caters to the vlogging segment with a new-concept camera for content creators.

Sony’s new ZV-1 is purpose-built to meet the needs and demands of today’s video creators. We are always listening to our customers and this camera is the result of direct feedback from our extended community. Featuring an innovative design along with many new technologies, settings and modes, it allows creators to make content in a way they have never experienced before.

Even though the RX100 series is already a popular vlogging camera, the main target of the RX series is still image users.

Being "vlogging" focus, what is the key thing about the ZV1 that according to you will attract vloggers to switch to ZV1?

ZV-1 is a compact, lightweight camera for vlogging and is equipped with the latest technology, designed especially for content creators. Some of the key features include

· Vari-angle LCD

· Steady Shot, Active mode for advanced image stabilization even when shooting handheld while walking

· Clear voice recording with reliable and versatile in-built audio options along with wind screen.

· Real-time Eye AF for Video & Stills & Real Time Tracking

· Beautiful and natural skin tone

· Quickly switch between two modes of background bokeh with one push Bokeh button.

· Focus on the subject you want with product showcase setting

· Auto exposure maintains the brightness even with extreme changes in lighting

· Industry standard 3.5mm microphone input

· Interval shooting for stunning time-lapse videos

· Super slow-motion recording

· Industry-leading audio-video (AV) features

Everyone cannot have multiple cameras for multiple situations, apart from vlogging. How does ZV1 stack up on other areas like still photography?

While ZV-1 is optimised for vlogging, with 20MP, it can shoot amazing still images. The ZV-1 is equipped with a large 1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS sensor for high-quality images even in dim or challenging lighting conditions. In addition, the large sensor delivers professional-looking images with a blurred background bokeh, along with high-speed data readout. It also has EYE-AF for still images along with videos. It can go up to a continuous shooting speed of 24FPS.

Sony Digital camera's have great hardware, Software, UI not so much and there is a learning curve and over not so intuitive, since ZV1 is targeted at vloggers, some of whom are just starting and might buy ZV1 as their only camera, any changes in UI in terms of ease of use.

Sony ZV-1 has been designed keeping in mind the specific needs of content creators. This compact and vlogging friendly camera consists of unique features such as product showcasing function, soft skin effect, one-push bokeh, in-built image stabilization and amazing audio functions which makes it perfect for this job. The User Interface of Sony cameras is perfectly balanced keeping user point-of-view in mind.

The ZV1 looks super compact, how is overheating address?

ZV-1 has no limits in terms of continuous recording, however, the recording time may vary with the environment temperature, shooting settings, and usage conditions.

 "The Best Camera is the one you have with you" - How are you going to address the challenge from Go-pro and Smartphones in the vlogging segment.

ZV1 is aimed at users who are content creators or those about to kick-start their content creation journey on social media platforms such as YouTube. As a matter of fact, our target audience also includes such creators who are step-up users from smartphones. ZV-1 overcomes multiple issues that a content creator faces while shooting with a smartphone, such as poor quality in low light situation, audio issues, poor background bokeh effect and most importantly poor video quality. ZV-1 allows hassle-free creation of high-quality and attractive videos.

With COVID lockdown and restrictions on people movement, WFH, LFH have become the norm, LIVE streaming has also taken off, Can the ZV1 used for live streaming natively without (Capture cards) as a webcam for live streaming?

Yes, live streaming can be done using ZV 1. Detailed workflow is explained in our Alpha community article.

Pricing and packaging, and special schemes at launch?

ZV-1 will be launched in India as a vlogging kit with a price tag of Rs 77,990. The kit includes ZV-1 Vlog Camera, Sony Bluetooth wireless shooting grip, an additional battery, and a memory card. It will be an Amazon exclusive Prime day launch.

Expectations from vlogging segment

Given the growing numbers of young people aspiring to be professional youtubers and video content creators, we sensed an opportunity for a camera that caters specifically to the demands of the vlogging segment. During the lockdown situation, we saw a sudden rise in the vlogging trend as many content creators utilised their time at home to generate video content that helps them stay connected and engaged with their audience.