Sony ZV-1 II Review
The Sony ZV-1 II is the ultimate pocket vlog camera. With a 1-inch sensor (same size as premium compacts), ultra-wide 18mm lens, and flip-up screen, it's designed specifically for solo content creators who need professional quality in a device small enough for everyday carry.
The Verdict
The ZV-1 II improves on the original ZV-1 with a dramatically wider 18-28mm lens (vs the original's 24-70mm). For vlogging, this makes framing yourself much easier without an extended selfie stick. The 1-inch sensor delivers excellent low-light performance and background blur impossible from phone cameras.
At $898, it's expensive for a fixed-lens compact, but delivers features tailored for content creators: Product Showcase mode (autofocus switches from face to product instantly), background defocus button, directional microphone, and wind screen included. For travel vloggers who can't carry mirrorless gear everywhere, this is perfection.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1" 20.1MP Exmor RS CMOS |
| Processor | BIONZ X |
| Lens | 18-50mm f/1.8-4.0 (equiv.) |
| ISO Range | 125-12,800 |
| Video | |
| Max Resolution | 4K30 / 1080p120 (slow-mo) |
| Internal Rec | XAVC S 4:2:0 8-bit |
| Profiles | S-Log3, HLG, Creative Look |
| Streaming | USB UVC/UAC (direct to PC/Mac) |
| Autofocus | |
| AF System | 315-point contrast + phase detect |
| Eye AF | Real-time Eye AF (human) |
| Product Showcase | Instant AF switch: face → product |
| Build | |
| Screen | 3" vari-angle touchscreen |
| Microphone | Directional 3-capsule built-in |
| ND Filter | Built-in (3-stop) |
| Battery | NP-BX1 (~45 min video) |
| Weight | 292g (body + lens) |
What We Like
- Ultra-wide 18mm lens ideal for selfie vlogging
- 1-inch sensor delivers real background blur and good low-light
- Product Showcase mode is genuinely useful for creators
- Truly pocketable at 292g (fits in a jacket pocket)
- Built-in 3-stop ND filter for outdoor video
Trade-offs
- Fixed lens—no interchangeable optics
- 4K30 max (no 4K60)
- 8-bit recording only (no 10-bit)
- Small NP-BX1 battery (~45 min video)
- Expensive for what's technically a point-and-shoot
Performance Breakdown
Image & Video Quality
The 1-inch sensor is the same class found in Sony's RX100 series—proven and capable. Dynamic range is excellent for a compact, handling tricky backlighting situations that phone cameras struggle with. 4K30 footage is clean and detailed, though the lack of 4K60 is a notable omission at this price.
S-Log3 provides about 12 stops of dynamic range for grading in post. The Creative Look profiles (especially S-Cinetone-inspired looks) deliver cinematic output straight from the camera. High ISO performance is acceptable up to ISO 3200; beyond that, noise becomes visible but manageable for social media content.
Autofocus & Product Showcase
The 315-point hybrid autofocus system is fast and reliable for vlogging. Real-time Eye AF locks on and tracks your face smoothly, even when you turn away and back. Low-light AF works well down to moderate dimness, though extreme darkness can cause hunting.
Product Showcase mode is the ZV-1 II's marquee feature. Hold up a product in front of the camera and it instantly refocuses from your face to the object. Lower it and focus snaps back. For unboxing videos, recipe channels, and product reviews, this saves significant time compared to manual focus pulls.
Audio & Vlogging Features
The built-in directional 3-capsule microphone is surprisingly good. It picks up your voice clearly while reducing ambient noise from behind the camera. The included wind screen (fur deadcat) handles moderate outdoor wind effectively. There's also a 3.5mm mic jack for external microphones.
The background defocus button adds cinematic bokeh with one press—great for transitions or emphasis. The built-in 3-stop ND filter is invaluable for outdoor video, maintaining proper exposure and motion blur without external filters. Direct USB streaming to PC/Mac makes it a quality webcam for Zoom and live streams.
Size, Battery & Limitations
At 292g, the ZV-1 II genuinely fits in a jacket pocket. This isn't marketing speak—it's a camera you'll actually carry daily. The flip-up screen works well for selfie framing, though it can be hard to see in direct sunlight.
Battery life is the biggest weakness. The NP-BX1 battery provides ~45 minutes of continuous video recording. Carry 2-3 spare batteries for a day of vlogging. USB-C charging helps but doesn't solve the problem for extended shooting. The lack of 4K60 and 10-bit recording means serious videographers will still prefer the ZV-E10 II.
How It Compares
| Spec | Sony ZV-1 II ★ | Sony ZV-1 | DJI Osmo Pocket 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $898 | $698 | $519 |
| Sensor | 1" 20MP | 1" 20MP | 1" 9.4MP |
| Video | 4K30 | 4K30 | 4K120 |
| AF Points | 315 points | 315 points | PDAF |
| Burst | — | 24 fps | — |
Recommended Accessories
Essential gear to maximize your Sony ZV-1 II experience:
SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB SD
Compact card for 4K30 vlogging.
Sony NP-BX1 (2-Pack)
Small batteries drain quickly—carry backups.
Sony GP-VPT2BT Grip
Bluetooth shooting grip with tilt adjustment.
Variable ND Filter 52mm
Essential for outdoor video with proper exposure.
Sony ZV-1 II FAQ
The ZV-1 II is for portability—it fits in a pocket, no lens to carry. The ZV-E10 II offers better specs (4K60, 10-bit, interchangeable lenses) but is larger. Choose the ZV-1 II if "always having a camera on you" is the priority. Choose the ZV-E10 II if video quality and flexibility matter more.
For vlogging, yes. The 1-inch sensor captures real optical bokeh (not computational), handles low-light better, and the directional microphone dramatically improves audio. The ultra-wide lens, built-in ND filter, and Product Showcase mode are features no phone offers. For casual photos, your phone is likely fine.
Yes—plug in via USB-C and it works as a UVC/UAC device (video + audio). No software needed. The 1-inch sensor and autofocus make it significantly better than any built-in laptop webcam. The 18mm wide angle captures you and your background for a professional look.
Daily vloggers who value portability above all else. Travel content creators who want one small camera for everything. Podcasters and streamers who need a premium webcam. Food and lifestyle creators who benefit from Product Showcase mode. Anyone who wants better-than-phone quality in a genuinely pocketable form factor.
Final Recommendation
The Sony ZV-1 II is the best compact vlog camera in 2026. The ultra-wide lens, 1-inch sensor, and vlog-specific features make it perfect for content creators who prioritize portability without sacrificing quality. If you can only carry one camera everywhere, this is it.
Buy it if: You vlog daily, travel light, need instant Product Showcase mode, or want pro quality in a pocket-sized package.
Skip it if: You need interchangeable lenses (get Sony ZV-E10 II), want 4K60 (it's 4K30 only), or are on a tight budget.
