Sony ZV1 II vs ZV1: The Best Vlogging Camera?

I guess you are probably searching for a vlogging camera, and you come across the Sony ZV1 and its younger brother, the Sony ZV1 Mark 2. They both are top choices in the vlogging camera market. The content creators who want an affordable and powerful camera, they love it. But on which one should you spend your money?

Today I am going to highlight the differences between these two Sony cameras. And hopefully, it will help you make a decision about which one you should invest in.

Portable, compact design, and ready for action.

Both Sony ZV1 mark 2 and the Sony ZV1, are built for bloggers. They are small and lightweight. Perfect for content creators who are on the run. Both of them look nearly identical, which somehow can be frustrating for some vloggers. It makes you think that you get the same camera, with a newer label.

One thing to appreciate is that the buttons are quite intuitive. But one thing that I hate is that none of them has a viewfinder. It is not a dealbreaker, but it might take you a while to get used to it.

If you upgrade from a camera that has a viewfinder, dedicate some time to practice with it. The articulated screen is bright, but it might be frustrating in direct sunlight. 

Does the Sony ZV1 Mark 2 take it to a higher level?

The video quality on the Sony ZV 1 is already set to a high standard. And now the ZV 1 Mark 2 sets its own, with the 20.1MP 1″ sensor and 4K video feature. Both cameras have clear and crisp 4K footage at up to 30fps. The vibrant colours and the high level of detail are impressive for a compact camera. 

Where we start to see the difference is that the Sony ZV1 Mark 2 has a wider focal length. This is a well appreciated improvement from its predecessor. It is perfect if you are shooting indoors or you just want an immersive view. The Sony ZV1 has a 24mm minimum focal length, while the newer model starts at 18mm. With the ZV1 Mark II, you won’t have to stretch your arms anymore to take a great shot.

The low light performance.

A camera that performs well in low light is essential for vloggers. Both cameras have decent performance in low light conditions, thanks to their f/1.8-2.8 lenses. Also because of the 1″ sensor. Most cheap vlogging cameras don’t offer such a large sensor.

The Sony ZV1 Mark 2 seems to handle the low light better, but the difference is not huge.

For low light environments, if possible, use external lighting. Even a small LED light can reduce the noise in your footage.

The Sony ZV1 Mark 2 has faster autofocus?

Sony is well known for its fast autofocus, and the ZV series makes no exception. In both models, the autofocus locks on your eyes, making it perfect for vlogging. If you move around a lot, the Sony ZV1 Mark 2 autofocus seems to be a little faster. If you prioritise a smooth look, this can turn out to be a significant difference.

To keep the focus where you want it, don’t forget to enable the face and eye tracking in the settings.

Shaky or smooth footage?

Good stabilisation is crucial for vloggers who are walking through the city streets. Both cameras offer digital stabilisation, but neither of them offers in body stabilisation (IBIS).

The digital stabilization works fine when stationary, but whenever there are intense movements, it is not good. Both Sony ZV1 and ZV1 Mark 2 rely on Sony’s Active SteadyShot, which is not a replacement for IBIS.

To avoid shaky footage, buy a gimbal. It is a small investment that gives you significant improvements.

Does the built-in microphone have good audio quality?

High quality audio is crucial for any vlogger. The directional 3-capsule microphone incorporated in the Sony ZV 1 and ZV 1 Mark II is quite impressive for a compact camera. It comes with a windscreen for reducing the noise.

Both cameras include a microphone jack, so if you want to create high quality content, you should consider buying an external mic. It will make your voice sound clearer.

Is the Sony ZV1 Mark 2 battery life sufficient for one day?

Battery life has always been a concern for vloggers. Both Sony cameras lack battery performance. One charge lasts around 260 shots or 1 hour of 4K recording. Carrying extra batteries is a must.

Both cameras allow USB charging. As an alternative to batteries, you can use a power bank (which is more convenient).

Which camera wins?

Both cameras are a great choice for vloggers. They offer high quality 4K video, fast autofocus, and compact design.

If you don’t need a wider focal length and you are looking for a budget friendly option that gives great video quality, go for the Sony ZV1.

Choose the Sony ZV1 Mark 2 if you want better low light performance and a wide angle lens. It might be worth the extra investment.

If you are interested about a camera with a better video quality, please see our other post about the Sony-ZV E10.

For more useful information about the Sony ZV1 or ZV1 II specifications, please visit the official Sony website.