Sony ZV-1 II<\/a> is a follow-up to the company\u2019s ZV-1, a compact camera based on the RX-100 series that uses a 1-inch sensor. It does that job well thanks to a lightweight body, built-in high-quality microphone, flip-out display, 4K 30p video, best-in-class autofocus and excellent image quality. The 18-50mm f\/1.8-4.0 lens is sharp and wider than on the ZV-1, so it\u2019s better for vlogging. One very nice feature is the built-in neutral density filter, but it does lack optical image stabilization and a headphone port.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat to consider before choosing a camera<\/h2>\n
Smartphones might get better for video and photos every year, full cameras still have an edge in many ways. The larger sensors in mirrorless cameras let more light in, and you have a wide choice of lenses with far superior optics. Dedicated cameras are also faster for shooting things like sports or wildlife, offer superior video for content creators and create more professional results.<\/p>\n
Sensor size<\/h3>\n
There are a few key things to consider to get the most out of a camera. The first is sensor size: in general, the larger the sensor, the better (and usually more expensive) the camera.<\/p>\n
Full frame is the largest sensor size for mainstream cameras, and it\u2019s available on models like the new Panasonic S9, the Nikon Z III and Canon EOS R5 II. At a size equivalent to 35mm film (36 x 24mm), it offers the best performance in terms of image quality, low-light capability and depth of field. But it\u2019s also very expensive and finicky. While bokeh looks incredible at an aperture of f\/1.4, the depth of field is so razor thin that your subject’s eyebrow might be in focus but not their eye. This can also make shooting video difficult.<\/p>\n
The next size category is APS-C (around 23.5 x 15.6mm for most models and 22.2 x 14.8mm for Canon), offered on Fujifilm’s X Series lineup, the Canon R10, the Sony ZV-E10 II and the Nikon Z50. It’s cheaper than full frame, both for the camera body and lenses, but still brings most of the advantages like decent bokeh, high ISOs for low-light shooting and relatively high resolution. With a sensor size the same as movie cameras, it’s ideal for shooting video, and it\u2019s easier to hold focus than with full-frame cameras.<\/p>\n
Micro Four Thirds (17.3 x 13mm), a format shared by Panasonic and Olympus, is the next step down in sensor size. It offers less bokeh and light-gathering capability than APS-C and full frame, but allows for smaller and lighter cameras and lenses. For video, you can still get reasonably tight depth of field with good prime lenses, but focus is easier to control.<\/p>\n
The other common sensor size is Type 1 (1 inch), which is actually smaller than one inch at 12.7 x 9.5mm. That’s used mostly by compact models like Sony\u2019s ZV-1 vlogging camera. Finally, action cameras like the GoPro Hero 11 and DJI\u2019s Osmo 3 have even smaller sensors (1\/1.9 and 1\/1.7 inches, respectively).<\/p>\n
Autofocus<\/h3>\n
For photographers, another key factor is autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy. Most modern mirrorless cameras have hybrid phase-detect AF systems that allow for rapid focus and fast burst speeds. The majority also offer AI features like eye-detect AF for people and animals, which locks in on the subject\u2019s eyes, face or body to keep them in focus. However, some models are faster and more reactive than others.<\/p>\n
Displays<\/h3>\n
The electronic viewfinder (EVF) and rear display are also crucial. The best models have the sharpest and brightest EVFs that help you judge a shot before taking it. For things like street photography, it\u2019s best to have as bright and sharp a rear display as possible, so it\u2019s easy to see your subject and check focus in all manner of lighting conditions. You may also want a screen that flips out rather than just tilting, too.<\/p>\n
Lenses<\/h3>\n
DSLRs and mirrorless cameras let you change lenses, but you’re stuck with what’s built into a compact camera. While that’s great for portability, a single lens means you’re going to sacrifice something<\/em> along the way. The Fujifilm X100V, for instance, has a fast but fixed 35mm-equivalent f\/2.0 lens and no zoom. The Sony RX100 V has a 24-70mm zoom, but it’s slower at the telephoto end (f\/2.8) and less sharp than a fixed focal (prime) lens.<\/p>\nWhen choosing a lens for a mirrorless camera, you\u2019ll need to consider the focal or zoom length, along with the minimum aperture. Smaller numbers like f\/1.4 for a prime lens or f\/2.8 for a zoom are best, as they let you work in darker environments and maximize background blur to isolate your subject. However, those lenses are more complex and thus more expensive.<\/p>\n
Video recording<\/h3>\n
When it comes to video, there are other factors to consider. Some cameras combine or skip over pixels (line skipping or pixel binning) for video recording, which is not ideal because it can reduce sharpness. Better cameras tend to read out the entire sensor and then \u201cdownsample\u201d to improve video sharpness (camera manufacturers don\u2019t often say if video is pixel binned, but will say if it\u2019s downsampled). Another important factor is sensor speed, as slower sensors tend to have more rolling shutter that can create a \u201cjello\u201d effect that skews video.<\/p>\n
In addition, how\u2019s the battery life? How do you like the handling and feel? How long can you shoot before the camera heats up or stops? Does it support 10-bit HDR video? Is there a microphone and\/or a headphone jack? (If you record a lot of interviews, it’s preferable to have both.) How’s the video autofocus? All of these things play a part in your decision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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