Sony Announces The ZV-E1, Full-frame Camera For Content Creators

ZV-E1
View Post

Sony released a full frame mirrorless camera, the Sony ZV-E1, aimed at the video making folks.

Sony ZV-E1 at a glance:

  • Designed for Content Creators
  • 12MP Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS Sensor
  • UHD 4K 120p / FHD 240p / 10-Bit 4:2:2
  • 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • 15+ Stops Dynamic Range, AI Auto-Framing
  • Multi-Face Recognition, Time-Lapse
  • Product Showcase Setting
  • S-Log3, S-Gamut3, S-Cinetone, User LUTs
  • Extended ISO 80-409,600
  • Internal Mic + Inputs, USB Streaming

Sony press release:

Sony Electronics Announces the ZV-E1, a New Full-Frame, Interchangeable Lens Camera for Video Creators

A Compact Lightweight Body Designed to Give Creators the Ultimate Video and Content Creation Tool

SAN DIEGO, March 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Electronics announced today the new ZV-E1, an interchangeable lens camera with a high performance 35mm full-frame image sensor for the ultimate video creation experience. Newly positioned in Sony’s ZV vlog camera line-up, the ZV-E1 boasts a 12MP full-frame image sensor, Sony’s latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, a dedicated AI (artificial intelligence) processing unit, compatibility with over 70 Sony E-mounti lenses, and other advanced technologies for capturing cinematic imagery with rich colors, low noise and high precision. The world’s most compact, lightweight full frame interchangeable lens cameraii , the ZV-E1 offers outstanding mobility, with refined operation to give video creators maximum creative freedom and versatility.

“The ZV-E1 has been designed to deliver a premium content creation tool for video creators who want to elevate their content,” says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We are constantly listening to feedback from our customers, pushing to innovate to meet their demands. We have taken all the information into mind with our development of this new camera – with more sophisticated video features, a streamlined user experience and an extremely compact design, the ZV-E1 offers a whole new way for today’s creators to create top level video content.”

Expressive imagery that emphasizes the subject
The ZV-E1 is a dedicated content creation camera that features a 35mm full-frame back-illuminated CMOS Exmor R™ sensor, with approximately 12.1 effective megapixels, delivering high sensitivity, low noise and gorgeous bokeh.

With up to eight timesiii more processing power than previous Sony processors, the new BIONZ XR™ image processing engine markedly boosts high-sensitivity performance, gradation rendering, color reproduction, low-noise performance, and more. The high volume of data generated by the image sensor can be processed in real time, even when shooting 4K (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) footage at 120piv. The BIONZ XR processor also contributes significantly to improved AF speed and precision.

High-quality 4K (QFHD) video can be recorded with full pixel readout at 10-bit 4:2:2, without the need for pixel binning and with very high speed to minimize rolling shutter. This makes the expressive advantages of the full-frame format available for video recording while delivering high-resolution 4K footage. Users can upgrade from 4K 60p to 4K 120pv through the Creators’ Cloud for extraordinarily smooth 5x (max.) slow-motion imageryvi. Direct playback for video in slow or quick motion in the S&Q modevii boasts outstanding image quality.

With 15+ stop latitudeviii, it’s possible to capture natural looking images in a wide variety of lighting to capture natural looking images even in extraordinarily low light situations without losing highlight or shadow detail. The standard ISO range extends from 80 to 102400 for both stills and movies. The expanded range for stills is 40 to 409600, and the expanded range for movies is 80 to 409600.

Click here to open the rest of the article

The Sony a7R V “Feels Like A Milestone” in Sony’s History, DPReview

Sony A7r V
View Post

The new Sony a7R V is a very capable camera, and according to the review we are featuring “results can be spectacular”. Read on to learn more.

At a glance:

  • 61MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
  • BIONZ XR & AI Processing Unit
  • AI-Based Real-Time Tracking AF System
  • 8K 24p, 4K 60p, FHD 120p 10-Bit Video
  • 4K 16-Bit Raw Output; S-Log3/S-Cinetone
  • 9.44m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
  • 3.2″ 4-Axis Multi-Angle Touchscreen LCD
  • 10 fps Shooting with AF/AE Tracking
  • 8-Stop 5-Axis Image Stabilization
  • Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots

Photographic authority DPReview reviewed the Sony a7R V. All in all a very positive review, with a “Gold Award” and a 92/100 score. Not bad. From their conclusion:

[the a7R V] builds on a camera that was already good, and still improves almost every detail (stills/video switch, menus, video capabilities, screen, faster card slots) to end up being a significantly more complete camera. In that regard it feels like something of a milestone in Sony’s camera history […]

If your photography benefits from high levels of detail capture, the a7R V is a camera that will do all it can to help you get the results you want, and those results can be spectacular.

[…]

The Sony a7R V is a high resolution mirrorless camera, combining an excellent sensor with a powerful autofocus system in a body refined over multiple generations of improvement. It lends itself to a wide range of photography, from portraiture and landscape work to wedding and events. Its cropped, slow readout 8K video is the only real weakspot in an otherwise hugely capable camera.

Read the review at DPReview

The Sony a7R V sells at $3,898, and can be ordered at B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

Click here to open the rest of the article

Sony Moves 90% Of Camera Production Away From China

Sony A7 IV Vs Canon EOS R6
View Post

Hope this doesn’t mean another geopolitical shakeup is behind the corner. Sony moves most of their camera production away from China, to Thailand.

Nikkei reports:

[Sony] has transferred the production of cameras sold in Japan, the US and Europe from China to a factory in Thailand. In principle, factories in China only make products for China. The risk of China becoming the core of the global supply chain is increasing due to the intensification of the US-China conflict and the lockdown accompanying the “zero corona” policy. Companies are gearing up to avoid supply chain malfunctions.

Almost all of the cameras sold outside of China, such as Japan, the US, and Europe, will be produced at the Thai factory.

And, yes, it appears that the decision has to do with the political tensions and trade challenges between China and the US/EU. Summing it up:

  • The Sony Group has transferred the production of cameras sold in Japan, the US and Europe from China to a factory in Thailand. In principle, factories in China only make products for China.
  • In response to the conflict between the United States and China, the transfer to the United States was carried out first, and the transfer to Japan and Europe was also completed by the end of 2022.
  • The risk of China becoming the core of the global supply chain is increasing due to the intensification of the US-China conflict and the lockdown accompanying the “zero corona” policy. Companies are gearing up to avoid supply chain malfunctions.
  • In 2022, Sony sold about 2.11 million cameras worldwide. Of these, 150,000 units are destined for China, with more than 90% being destined for Japan, the United States, and Europe. Most of the production has been transferred to Thailand.
  • For camera lenses, the company plans to continue supplying products made in China outside of the country.

Previously, Canon too moved their production to domestic factories.

[via Digicame-Info]

Canon EOS R7 vs Sony A6600 Review: 10 Main Differences, And A Full Comparison

Canon EOS R7 Vs Sony A6600
View Post

How do the Canon EOS R7 vs Sony a6600 compare? What are the main differences? Read on to find out.

Canon EOS R7 at a glance:

  • 32.5MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • RF mount
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
  • 4K60 10-Bit Video, HDR-PQ & C-Log 3
  • 30 fps E. Shutter, 15 fps Mech. Shutter
  • 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF
  • 1.6m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
  • Sensor-Shift 5-Axis Image Stabilization
  • Dual UHS-II Memory Card Slots
  • Multi-Function Shoe, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Sony A6600 at a glance:

  • 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
  • BIONZ X Image Processor
  • UHD 4K30p Video with HLG & S-Log3 Gammas
  • XGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF
  • 3.0″ 921.6k-Dot 180° Tilting Touchscreen
  • 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
  • Up to 11-fps Shooting, ISO 100-32000
  • 4D FOCUS with 425 Phase-Detect Points
  • Real Time Eye AF for Stills and Video
  • Headphone & Mic Ports, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

Mirrorless Comparison posted their exhaustive Canon EOS R7 vs Sony a6600 review. You’ll find anything needed to compare both cameras. From their conclusion:

We list the 10 main differences and suggest you visit Mirrorless Comparison to get the entire picture. They cover anything from ergonomics to image quality and ISO performance, not to mention the many sample pictures. You might also watch the video-review at the end of the post.

The 10 Main Differences in a Nutshell

  1. Design: the A6600 is smaller and lighter, but the R7 has a more comfortable grip and a better button layout (except for the hybrid dial/joystick solution that I personally don’t like).
  2. Viewfinder / LCD: similar specs, but different position for the EVFs. The LCD monitor on the Canon offers better resolution and more touch capabilities. That of the Sony tilts up 180˚ but is not multi-angle.
  3. Cards and Battery: two slots for the R7 (UHS-II), one for the A6600 (UHS-I). Battery life is similar, but the Sony can last for a little longer.
  4. Image Quality: more resolution on the R7 sensor, but also more noise at high ISO, and when opening the shadows in post. I prefer the colours on the Canon for the most part.
  5. Autofocus: the R7 is more advanced and can recognise a larger variety of subjects. Eye AF for humans is more reliable and works for video on the Canon. That said, the A6600 does well when given a challenge (birds in flight).
  6. Drive Speed: The R7 has a superior continuous shooting speed of 30fps, but it comes with severe rolling shutter. With the mechanical mode, you can work at 15fps. The Sony maxes out at 11fps. Neither excels in terms of their buffer capabilities.
  7. Image Stabilisation: you can push the R7 further when it comes to hand-held still photos, and it also delivers smoother results for movie recording.
  8. Video: both cameras offer great quality in 4K up to 30p. The R7 goes up to 60p, but with a choice of reduced sharpness, or a heavy 1.8x sensor crop. The Canon can record 10-bit 4:2:2 internally, whereas the Sony has more advanced settings to fine-tune the image.
  9. Extra Features: The R7 packs a few more functionalities, like focus bracketing and focus stacking, as well as the Pre-Shooting mode.
  10. Price and Lenses: The A6600 is less expensive, but not by much, unless you find a special offer. The Sony E-mount system is vaster and more complete (if we look at native lenses).

And here is Mirrorless Comparison’s video review: