In 2019, Digital Trends rated the Sony RX100 VII one of the best compact digicam. Traditionally, Sony releases an up to date RX100 mannequin each 12 months — however an RX100 VIII is just not what we bought this yr. Instead, Sony gave us the ZV-1, a digicam that may be very very similar to an RX100, however constructed particularly for vloggers and influencers.
Purists could not heat to the thought of a digicam straying away from “real” images and video manufacturing to enchantment to such a creator. But in the present day, the sport has modified. YouTube, with over 2 billion viewers, is the most well-liked video supplier on this planet. Sony’s cameras have been already favorites amongst YouTubers, and the ZV-1 additional narrows in on this area of interest.
Both cameras have specs that can enchantment to photographers and videographers — the truth is, they’re extra comparable than they’re completely different. But the ZV-1 actually exhibits that video is its precedence. That doesn’t imply both digicam is just suited to at least one self-discipline. Both meet the wants of nonetheless photographers and videographers. Which is the suitable digicam for you is extra about the way you wish to use it, quite than what it will probably do.
At a look:
Sony RX100 VII
20MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
24-200 mm f2.8-4.5 zoom lens
UHD 4K/30p
2.36 million-dot EVF
20 fps steady taking pictures
ISO 125 – 12800
Sony ZV-1
20MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
24-70 mm f1.8-2.8 zoom lens
UHD 4K/30p
24 fps steady taking pictures
ISO 125 – 12800
Video
Sony ZV-1 with non-obligatory tripod grip.Let’s deal with essentially the most important speaking level first — video.
From specs alone, it’s clear that the RX100 VII and the ZV-1 present the identical efficiency. However, whereas they each arrive on the similar vacation spot, their routes are completely different.
The ZV-1 targets a selected kind of creator, those that like to make movies however don’t need the trouble of a extra advanced system. Easy-to-use settings like Background Defocus, Product Showcase, and Face Priority Autoexposure (options lacking from the RX100 VII) permit for extra management over creativity, with out having to be an professional in f-stops and autofocus modes.
Essentially, the ZV-1 is for many who desire a high-quality video digicam that works straight out of the field, with out spending hours determining tips on how to use it. But for many who do know their manner round a digicam, full guide controls are current.
Both cameras shoot 4K/30p and provide slow-motion body charges as much as 960 frames per second at decreased resolutions. Sony’s Optical Steady Shot and digital stabilization can be found in 4K, serving to to scale back digicam shake when not utilizing a tripod.
For the extra skilled videographer, options like Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) and S-Log profiles are current in each cameras, as are tremendous gradual movement and intervalometer (time-lapse) modes.
Both cameras additionally characteristic exterior microphone inputs, though neither affords a headphone jack. The ZV-1 has the higher built-in microphone, which makes use of three capsules for improved audio high quality. Again, for customers after a easy out-of-the-box resolution who don’t wish to plug in an exterior microphone, the ZV-1 is smart — however an exterior mic will seemingly nonetheless present one of the best audio high quality.
Sensor and lens
Both cameras have the identical 20MP 1-inch-type sensor that makes use of Sony’s newest “stacked” design for improved velocity. It’s one of the best picture high quality you’ll discover on a digicam this measurement. However, whereas massive for a point-and-shoot, a 1-inch sensor nonetheless pales compared to most mirrorless cameras and DSLRs relating to low mild sensitivity.
Sony RX100 VIIThis is the place the ZV-1 has an actual picture high quality benefit. Because it makes use of the shorter 24-70mm (full-frame equal) lens, it advantages from a brighter f/1.8-2.8 aperture. The RX100 boasts way more zoom — 24-200mm — however at the price of over a cease of sunshine at each the vast and telephoto ends. That means the ZV-1 can let in a bit greater than twice as a lot mild because the RX100, which is able to assist indoors or in different low-light settings.
That wider aperture additionally makes it potential to attain a shallower depth of subject, blurring out the background to assist concentrate on the topic. While you may also obtain a shallow depth of subject just by zooming all the way in which to 200mm on the RX100 VII, that isn’t actually an possibility for vloggers — they are going to be working at or close to the wide-angle finish of the zoom vary.
The RX100 VII’s lens is ideal for journey images, the place chances are you’ll want the additional attain and are seemingly outdoor in respectable mild. Its f/2.8-4.5 aperture is ok in these conditions, however chances are you’ll discover it missing when you come inside.
Design
Both cameras are clearly associated, however there are some key design variations and sure options missing in a single which are obtainable within the different.
Sony RX100 VIIThe greatest speaking level is the viewfinder. The RX100 VII comes with a 2.36 million-dot pop-up digital viewfinder. The ZV-1 is totally void of a viewfinder, leaving the 3-inch articulating LCD display as the only strategy to body your pictures. For photographers, the viewfinder is an enormous deal, particularly in shiny mild when the LCD could also be washed out.
As for the LCDs, each can flip 180 levels into selfie place. The RX100 VII’s flips up excessive of the digicam, whereas the ZV-1’s flips out to the facet, which retains it within the clear if in case you have a microphone or mild connected to the highest of the digicam.
You’ll discover that received’t matter a lot on the RX100 VII, although, since there’s not a built-in mounting level on prime of the digicam. The ZV-1 is the one one with a scorching shoe, which can be utilized to connect a video mild, flash, or microphone. The RX100 VII requires a grip accent to connect any of these items, and isn’t suitable with exterior flashes in any respect. It does have a small pop-up flash, nevertheless, one thing the ZV-1 lacks.
Size and weight are vital elements when selecting a digicam, however you received’t discover a lot of a distinction between these two. The RX100 VII is available in heavier at 10.7 ounces, whereas the ZV-1 is just fractionally lighter at 10.4 ounces. Both can slot in a pocket when turned off.
Which must you purchase?
Because each techniques excel at what they do, however merely do it in numerous methods, it’s unfair to say which is total the higher digicam. That doesn’t imply one isn’t the higher alternative for you.
If you’re a brand new or skilled vlogger who doesn’t wish to get misplaced in advanced options and images, the ZV-1 is the way in which to go. It’s simple to make use of however doesn’t sacrifice any of the guide management. It’s additionally $350 cheaper than the RX100 VII and affords the identical video efficiency and high quality.
If you veer extra towards images, want extra attain out of your lens, and nonetheless desire a high-performing video digicam, then the RX100 VII is the way in which to go for those who can afford it. However, the ZV-1 does have a few benefits right here, as effectively. It’s higher in low mild and affords exterior flash compatibility.
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