Sony ZV-1 II
Announced June 1, 2023
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
Sony ZV-1 II is a compact, vlogging-focused camera that improves upon its predecessor with a wider 18-50mm lens, refined touchscreen interface, and better tripod mount placement. While it offers excellent autofocus and portability for content creators, it lacks optical image stabilization and suffers from short battery life.
Weighted from 26 reviewer scores
Pros
- Reliable and fast autofocus with subject tracking
- Versatile 18-50mm wide-angle zoom lens
- Compact, lightweight, and portable design
- Improved touchscreen interface and menu system
- Useful built-in ND filter
Cons
- Lack of optical image stabilization
- Limited 8-bit video recording
- Short battery life
- Active stabilization causes image cropping
- No headphone jack for audio monitoring
- Launch price $899.99 (USD)
- Sensor 20.1MP 1-inch Stacked BSI CMOS
- Video 4K 30p
- Stabilization None
What the Reviewers Say
All 26 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
- PetaPixel 7/10
Should you buy it? It depends on your focal length preference, but at a fairly affordable price, the Sony ZV-1 Mark II gives you a wider lens for vlogging and maintains everything that made the ZV-1 popular with the addition of a few new bells and whistles to make vlogging a little more creative.
- DPReview 83/100
The video-centric Sony ZV-1 Mark II has excellent rolling shutter, industry-leading autofocus and a very nice selfie-friendly zoom lens, but runs into issues with short battery life and flat out-of-camera audio.
-
At the end of the day, this is Sony's best option in the ZV-1 line and it really does seem like they listened to feedback on the ZV-1 to improve this camera.
-
[T]here’s plenty to like about the ZV-1 Mark II, but some question marks too.
-
The new Sony ZV-1 II is very compact, has a reasonably wide lens and is a capable vlogging camera straight out of the box. Refinements can be investigated as the user becomes more familiar with the options available.
-
The ZV-1 II’s portability, screen, audio quality and autofocus setup are all mightily impressive, but it lets itself down with feeble image stabilisation and slightly limited video options.
-
The ZV-1 II is more of an alternative model to the ZV-1 than an outright upgrade.
-
The Sony ZV-1M2 impresses as a vlogging camera thanks to its versatile 18-50mm zoom lens, 4K recording options, and clear stereo mic, but battery life could be better.
-
Ultimately, this sequel product feels more refinement than revolution, with Sony very much taking the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach.
-
I think I think this is they've reached a point where this is the perfect compact vlogging camera.
-
The Sony ZV-1 II is a nice light package with the ultra wide lens built in if you can justify the full cost.
-
[...] I’d recommend the ZV-1 II to anyone getting started with content creation. It’s simple enough to use, though the Sony menu system takes a bit of getting used to.
-
If you're looking for a video powerhouse that can slip into your pocket, we think the ZV-1 II is one of the best options around. It's a shame that so many compromises are involved, but for the most part, it's a better experience, and it's still easy to recommend.
- SlashGear 8/10
Absolutely: if you're an on-camera content creator seeking a compact, affordable kit that won't strain your arms or back, this camera should top your comparison list. Even current ZV-1 owners should consider upgrading.
-
[...] I think Sony gave a massive upgrade to the camera that was already very famous between content creators, so in the range of under a thousand dollars this is definitely the best camera for bloggers.
-
[I] think if you are perhaps new to vlogging, new to filming things, this could be a really good pick for you just because it has that fixed lens, everything's here.
-
Now, on paper, the Sony ZV-1 II does not sound like a tremendous upgrade over the mark one, but I would say that the wider lens alone would make enough of a difference in the way you use this camera.
-
Sony ZV-1 II, I will be buying with my own money. It is going to be an incredible camera just to have in my bag.
-
This is probably the best quality photos and videos that you can get in a camera this small, so I definitely think the Sony ZV-1 II is the best compact camera that you can get right now.
-
[T]his one ticks all the boxes that I needed for my everyday carry when it comes to vlogging and all my trips.
-
I think that this camera makes a lot of sense again for people shooting just video and wanting to capture themselves, but if you want to do anything else, these two may still be a better option as I've stated through the course of this full review.
-
This camera just provides such a great starting point for someone like that.
-
I'll be the first to admit that out of the tiny 1-inch sensor camera lineup that Sony has released, this is by far the best camera.
-
The ZV-1 was already a great product, the Mark II is next level, perfected and even more comfortable to use.
-
[I]t's really the ideal camera for video content creators.
-
I really, really like this camera.
