Rather than updating the already excellent RX100 series, Sony’s vlogging compact makes a lot of sense. You get a one-inch sensor, a fully-articulating screen and a range of very video-friendly features.

Small; lightweight and compact; Fully articulating screen; Video-friendly specs; Cheaper than RX100 series

Image stabilisation could be better; Can’t use the touchscreen for everything

At Rs 69,990, the Sony ZV-1 is just what a lot of content creators have been waiting for. Read on to know more about it....

When we 1st started TGSB’s blog/YouTube channel, we only had a Canon PowerShot point-and-shoot camera. And haven’t really used one ever since. A few weeks back, we got the opportunity to review Sony’s latest point-and-shoot camera targeted to vloggers & content creators: the ZV-1.

Sony has added a lot of features to the ZV-1 camera. The entire autofocus and its feature pack stand out, the image and video quality is worth the praise and the design and convenience of the shooting grip can't be ignored.

The Sony ZV-1’s articulating screen really does set it apart from its main rival, the Canon G7 X Mk III. It feels robust, and the fact opening the screen out powers the camera from cold is a neat little time-saving party trick. Footage captured on the vlog-star also looks exactly how we want it to in middling to good light. The included ND filter is a saving grace in sunlight, and the only out-of-bounds environment for video capture is low-low-light. Naturally, with the same guts as the excellent RX-100, the ZV-1 is a stills-star as well as a filmstar, with its images looking rich, and in-focus thanks to its smart eye-tracking. You won’t get the shallow depth of field a DSLR delivers, but for a compact, the ZV-1 is still exceptional. A great camera at a stomachable price, given everything it does.

Great stills, video, and audio; ND filter; No record time limit;

Touch screen limitations; Battery/card inaccessible if mounted; Narrow field-of-view;

The Sony ZV-1 is a huge leap forward in merging the accessibility of a smartphone and the proficiency of a dedicated camera into one device. It's not perfect, and we hope to see its overheating issues and convoluted menus resolved in its eventual successor, but as a first attempt, Sony has created the all-in-one device that vloggers have been waiting for.

Unbelievable mic quality; Top-tier autofocus; Instant bokeh mode;

Can overheat indoors; Convoluted menus that are a pain to use; Micro-USB rather than USB-C;

The ZV-1 is a solid option for vloggers and photographers looking for a compact camera with a fast lens and great video and still image quality. Its novel microphone and video-friendly ergonomics are big plusses, but we want to see Sony introduce a more modern touch interface and update their menus to appeal to a wider audience. Overall, whether you're a dedicated video maker or just want an easy-to-use camera for good quality clips, the ZV-1 is worth a look.

Vlogging and video capture, travel photo and video, family photography.;

Users that need a longer zoom range and users that have no need for video or the video-focused features of this camera;

Sony's latest camera is nimble, lightweight and powerful. With its advanced processing capabilities, fast auto focus and real-time tracking combined with the impressively clear audio capture and the useful flip-out screen, it really is a great option for vloggers.

180-degree flip-out screen; Video processing is impressive; Fast autofocus and real-time tracking; Great sound recording potential;

Battery life could be better; No viewfinder; Battery/SD card door is inconvenient for tripod use; Short zoom range;

The Sony ZV-1 ($799.99) is the company's first compact camera built just for vloggers. It shares a lot of its tech with the RX100 family, including the lens from the RX100 VA and the imaging engine from the RX100 VII. Those models are stills-first, though, while with the ZV-1 you get a more video-friendly design, with a flip-forward LCD and a best-in-class internal microphone. It's a good camera for vloggers, but not a home run—the lens is a little tight for walk-and-talk footage, and the battery life is underwhelming.Small Enough for Pockets The ZV-1 is a small camera, just 2.4 by 4.2 by 1.7 inches (HWD) and 10.4 ounces. Its lens doesn't completely retract into the body—it juts out a little bit—but it's compact enough for most pockets. Sony has opted for a composite material for the body, a departure from the metal exterior used by the RX100 series. It's a fine change if you ask me—the body feels solid and the finish is likely to hold up better over time. There's still a bit of m...

The Sony ZV-1 is a pocketable camera with strong still image quality and features geared specifically toward vloggers.

Compact form factor; Flip-out touch screen; Bright, sharp zoom lens; Excellent in-camera audio; External mic and flash support; 4K video capture

A wider-angle lens would be welcome; Limited touch features; Face detection struggles when wearing protective mask; Underwhelming battery life; No in-camera flash

The Sony ZV-1 should win the hearts of many vloggers thanks to its blend of compelling video features, very good quality footage and ease of use. The Sony ZV-1 is an excellent investment for vloggers who are just starting out in the field, or even those who have been at it for a while but who aren’t...

Powerful yet easy-to-use features, Relatively inexpensive, Very good quality video and stills, Excellent AF, Very good quality audio, Can be used as a webcam

May not be versatile enough for advanced vloggers, Image stabilization could be better, Streaming and webcam features not available on macOS Big Sur