Tag: vlogging

Sony launches their new ZV-1 II vlogging camera

Sony has launched the all-new second generation camera to the ZV-1 in the vlog camera ZV series, the ZV-1 II which includes highly requested and popular market-leading features.  With a wider angle than ZV-1, the ZV-1 II helps vloggers make more engaging storytelling with attractive photogenic image quality.

With the 1.0-type Exmor RS image sensor (approximately 20.1 effective megapixels), BIONZ X image processing engine, and ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T 18-50mm F1.8-4i lens, the ZV-1 II allows for creators of many skill levels to enjoy sophisticated capabilities. From the 18-50mmii wide angle lens which can frame everything from group selfies to narrow interiors or dynamic recordings of everyday scenes to the Multiple Face Recognitioniii ,which recognises multiple faces and automatically adjusts to keeps all faces sharp and clear when taking selfie shots that include two or three people, the ZV-1 II is the advanced vlogging camera packed into a travel-size.

“The ZV-1 II is an exciting chapter for content creators and will be the go-to camera for many, including vloggers, social media influencers and short form video creators. With the newest vlog camera in the ZV series, we have taken requests from various users and included features that matter most to vloggers,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Head of Imaging Products & Solutions Marketing, Sony Europe. “We are striving to take feedback from our community to continue to expand and elevate our ZV series and the ZV-1 II does just that.”

Comprehensive Features for Vloggers & Video Content Creators

The ZV-1 II has a number of new and popular features that will empower creators to capture better content. Ultra-wide angle and Zoom – 18mmii wide angle of view makes it easy to capture attractive photogenic image with the entire scene – especially when shooting selfies at arm’s length. The 18-50mm optical zoom and the Clear Image Zoom smoothly enlarges images while minimising loss of image quality to create a variety in videos by changing the angle of view.

  • 1.0 type sensor with Bokeh Switch which gives beautiful bokeh by defocusing the background with a single touch.
  • Intelligent 3-capsule microphone – In Auto mode, the camera recognises human faces or objects and automaticallyiv switches the direction of the built-in microphone ([Front] or [All Directions]). In Manual mode, you can select [Front] for selfies, [Rear] when shooting with narration or [All Directions]. The supplied windscreen ensures a clear recording of the speaker when outdoors. Easy to use cableless attachment to Multi Interface Shoev  and a 3.5 mm microphone jack makes it easy to connect external microphones.
  • Cinematic Vlog Setting function responds to the demands to easily take ambient images using a vlog camera. It enables impressive imagery at a touch. Simply tap the on-screen function icon and the camera will automatically set a CinemaScope size (2.35:1) vi and a frame rate of 24 fpsvii , the same as for a cinema movie. Then finish off the work with the on-screen buttons to select from five LOOKs and four MOODs
  • Creative Look which supports 10 preset looksviii to suit your creative preferences and pro-level imaging features.
  • Face Priority AE and Soft Skin Effect automatically and immediately detects faces and adjusts the exposure to optimise facial brightness, no matter the lighting. Soft skin effect smooths skin and facial features when filming.
  • Fast Hybrid AF System – Even in high-definition 4K where precise focusing is required, the camera will keep the images sharp with the same Fast Hybrid AF system seen in α series cameras. The camera is equipped with AF Transition Speed to select the focusing speed during video recording, and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity to control the focus in line with the subject’s movement and environment. In addition, the Real-time Eye AF can accurately keep focus on human or animals for both stills and movies.
  • Product Showcase Setting – which delivers convenient shooting of product review videos with smooth focus transitions from your face to the item you are highlighting.
  • S&Q shoot modevix which allows a selection up to 5x slow or up to 60x quick motion to add impact to everyday scenes. The combination of shooting and recording frame rates can now be set on a single screen.
  • ISO sensitivity spanning from 125 to 12800– allows the camera to record sharp images with less noise, even in low lighting.
  • Active Mode electronic image stabilisation – content can be captured while walking or in motion and is especially useful for handheld shootingx. Useful for handheld Movie and Slow & Quick motion shooting.
  • Built in ND filter – to reduce exposure by three stops and allow for beautiful background bokeh even in the brightest situation.

Compact and Lightweight for Easy Portability, Operability, Connectivity

The ZV-1 II is perfect for on the go; its compact and lightweight design can be easily carried in a pocket or small bag, even with its’ optical wide zoom lens. The ZV-1 II supports different filming styles with the vari-angle screen suitable for selfies, easy to hold body grip (or with an optional GP-VPT2BT grip), user-friendly key and control layoutxi and the recording indicator on the front face of the body. The monitor display has been redesigned with a bold, clearly visible red frame that makes it obvious when recording is in progress. Power charge easily via a USB Type-C® connector.

Creators can connect and share content easily with Sony’s Creators’ Cloud platform and easy smartphone connection. The Creators’ App can be used to control the ZV-1 II from a smartphone, monitor camera battery and media status, edit date and camera names and easily transfer stills and videos shot, even in the background. The Creators’ Appxii also provides a convenient way to update camera software.

For easy high-quality live streaming, simply connect the ZV-1 II to a PC or smartphone xiii with a commercially available USB cable (not included) to use it as a webcam. Make your video more attractive in online meetings and live streaming by using Creative Look to improve the skin’s appearance and adjust the hue. Faces will appear clearer and brighter (Face Priority AE) and the eyes will be kept in focus (Real-time Eye AF).

Environmentally Friendly and Accessible Design

In addition to Sony’s commitment to a sustainable future with global initiatives like Road to Zero and the 2030 renewable energy goal, the ZV-1 II has been specifically developed with sustainability in mind. Recycled materials, including SORPLASTMxiv, are actively used for the camera body, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. Sony’s unique recycled paper “Original Blend Material”, which does not use plastic and is easy to recycle, is used for individual packaging. Using materials such as bamboo, sugar cane fiber, and recycled paper collected from the market, it is both environmentally friendly and high quality.

The ZV-1 II includes accessibility features that facilitate operation in several ways, including screen reader functionality for people with visual impairments. Accessibility features allow anyone to enjoy shooting and playback.  When the screen reader functionxv is activated, text on the menu screens is read aloud. The screen reader function can be activated by turning the [Screen Reader] function in the [Setup] tab ON. Screen reader volume can be adjusted via the [Sound Options] settings. In addition to the above, the ZV-1 II includes a number of functions that assist in achieving pinpoint focus on a variety of subjects. The Real-time Eye AF can automatically recognise and focus on [Human] or [Animal], or the Real-time Tracking function. Focus Magnification, and Peaking functions make it easier to focus manually, and features like Touch Focus, Touch Tracking, and Touch Shutter let the user focus, track, and shoot simply by touching the subject on the monitor screen. ZV-1 II accessibility features (items listed in the specifications): Screen Reader, Touch AE, Focus Magnifier, Peaking Display, Real-time Eye AF, Real-time Tracking, Touch Focus, Touch Tracking, Touch Shutter, Vari-angle LCD screen and Custom function.

Pricing and Availability

The new ZV-1 II will be available in June 2023 at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers, for an estimated retail price of £870 / €1000.

With Sony’s promotion – Welcome to Vlog. UK & Ireland customers who buy any ZV camera (ZV-1F, ZV-1, ZV-E10, ZV-E10L, ZV-E1, ZV-1 II) can register to receive up to £100 / €100 off their next lens or accessory purchases.

Sony announces the ZV-E10 interchangeable-lens vlog camera

Sony today announced the first Alpha series interchangeable lens vlog camera, the new ZV-E10. Designed from the ground up for vlogging and vloggers, the new camera combines Sony’s advanced imaging technology with extensive usability and a custom-built feature set that is optimised for video creators.

At its core, the ZV-E10 features a 24.2-megapixel (approx. effective) APS-C Exmor™ CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine to produce high-quality imagery with high-sensitivity, detailed texture depiction and beautiful natural bokeh. Additionally, the ZV-E10 includes the acclaimed vlogging-specific features favored in the popular ZV-1 digital camera including “Background Defocus that can smoothly switch between a blurred (bokeh) and sharp background, as well as the “Product Showcase Setting”mode that allows the camera to automatically shift focus from the subject’s face to an object being highlighted.

 

“With the introduction of Sony’s first interchangeable lens vlog camera, the ZV-E10, we are excited to meet the growing needs of today’s creators,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “The new ZV-E10 pairs the versatility and excellent image quality of a large-sensor interchangeable lens camera with user-friendly features that are specifically designed for vlogging, making it an ideal tool for video creators looking to transition to a more advanced set up.”

The ZV-E10 features a video-first design in a lightweight form factor (approx. 12 oz. / 343g and includes the popular side-opening Vari-angle LCD Screen that allows creators to connect external mics on top of the camera. This simplifies setup while still allowing users to see the screen in selfie shooting mode and from high and low angles.

 

In addition to the screen, the ZV-E10 includes several other easy-to-use functions that are specifically designed for vlogging, including a new mode button located on the top of the camera that allows creators to easily change between Still/Movie/Slow and Quick modes with just one touch.

The new camera also includes advanced video features such as 4K (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) video shooting and Slow Motion with high picture quality (FHD 120p) Electronic image stabilisation with Active Mode is also available and delivers stable video recording even while walking and shooting hand-held. Further, the ZV-E10’s advanced AF (autofocus) technology provides fast, precise AF with excellent tracking performance, as well as high quality audio for clear sound recording.

 Sony Vlog Challenge Contest

Together with this announcement, Sony will host their second Sony Vlog Challenge Contest that encourages entrants to create a vlog that highlights something that they are the most passionate and enthusiastic about. The entry period is July 27 – September 27, 2021 and is open to video creators in Europe. See contest official rules here

Creative Versatility

An Interchangeable Lens Camera for Expanded Creative Expression

The ZV-E10 allows the user to expand their creative expression by utilising the ideal lens for each individual scene they want to shoot. The wide variety of compatible lenses in Sony’s E-mount lens lineup lets the user choose the perfect lens based on their creative vision.

Advanced Autofocus

Sony’s industry-leading AF technology enables the user to leave focusing to the camera so that they can concentrate on composing their shot. The ZV-E10 includes Fast Hybrid AF and Real-time Eye AF for video[vi] with Real-time Tracking[vii] that allows the camera to keep track of the subject’s face and eyes for fast and precise autofocusing even while recording on-the-go and in challenging environments. The user can also customise the camera’s AF settings, such as AF Transition Speed and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity, to choose the rate at which the camera shifts from one point to another according to their creative preferences.

Additionally, the ZV-E10’s Touch Focus function allows the user to intuitively set the focus position by simply touching the screen. With one tap, the user can instantly shift the focus position from one subject to another – almost anywhere in the frame. This is available in both still and video modes.

 High Quality Audio

Sony’s leading technology, thanks to its internal Directional 3-Capsule Mic, enables the ZV-E10 to capture crystal clear sound recordings that accurately capture the speaker’s voice and the supplied wind screen to greatly reduce wind noise. For expanded audio options, the ZV-E10 includes a Digital audio interface via Multi Interface (MI) Shoe and a mic jack to connect an external mic. The inclusion of a headphone jack allows the user to connect headphones to accurately monitor sound recordings. Audio output timing can also be set for Live or Lip Sync.

 Putting the Subject First

When shooting in different settings with dramatic changes in light, the user can rest assured that the ZV-E10 will automatically correct the exposure, using an original Face Priority AE (autoexposure) algorithm capable of rapid AE transitions, so that the subject’s face is not over or under exposed. This allows the camera to detect the subject’s face and adjusts the exposure to ensure that the face is depicted at optimal brightness, even when selfie-shooting in scenes with extreme changes in lighting, and even if the subject’s face turns away momentarily from the camera. In addition, the camera features the same advanced colour science from the popular ZV-1 to optimise skin tones for any subject in both still and video modes.

Cutting-Edge Video Features:

  • Internal 4K movie recording through full pixel readout without pixel binning
  • High bit rate XAVC S™ codec at 100Mbps when recording 4K
  • Slow & Quick Motion
  • High-speed full HD recording at 120 fps
  • Interval Shooting for stunning time-lapse videos
  • Hybrid Log-Gamma (HDR) / S-Gamut3.Cine / S-Log3, S-Gamut3 / S-Log3

 

Designed for Video Creators

Users can comfortably operate the new ZV-E10 thanks to its easy-to-hold body grip and large MOVIE button that is conveniently located on top of the camera.  When paired with the optional Shooting Grip with Wireless Remote Commander (GP-VPT2BT, sold separately), one-handed shooting is simplified with easy to access zoom, record and a customisable button. A recording lamp (tally light) is also provided on the front face of the body for an at-a-glance indication of recording status.

The ZV-E10 features long battery performance with enough power to capture up to 125 minutes or 440 images on a full charge so the user can record for long periods without worry.  When shooting indoors, AC power supplies like the optional AC-PW20AM can supply power, so the user can continue to record without worrying about battery consumption.  Power can also be supplied through a USB Type-C® connector, allowing external batteries to power the camera for extended battery life when shooting on the go. ​To conserve the camera’s battery, the ZV-E10’s Vari-angle LCD Screen allows the user to put the camera into Power save mode by closing it and instantly turn the camera on by opening the panel. 

Stay Connected

Livestreaming

The ZV-E10 can also be used as a high-quality webcam or live streaming camera by simply connecting it to a PC or smartphone for increased mobility while streaming with no additional software needed. The feature allows the user to take advantage of the ZV-E10’s outstanding image quality and crystal-clear audio as well Face Priority AE and Soft Skin Effect while livestreaming or on video calls. The ZV-E10 supports standards used for USB cameras like UVC (USB Video Class) / UAC (USB Audio Class). The ZV-E10 also allows users to connect to a power supply via USB cable while livestreaming for longer usage. For added convenience, the user can assign this function to a custom button to start streaming instantly. 

Easy File Data and Transfers

Using Sony’s Imaging Edge Mobile app, users can transfer selected images and video files to a mobile device via Wi-Fi. This also allows the user to transfer RAW image files. After the camera has been paired to the Imaging Edge Mobile app, the files’ location data can be acquired from the mobile device and recorded. Users can transfer files from an SD card in the camera to a smartphone (mobile device) via Bluetooth even if the camera is powered OFF.

Pricing and Availability

The new ZV-E10 will be available later in August 2021 at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers, for an estimated retail price of £680/€750

A new kit featuring the ZV-E10 camera and E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS power zoom lens will also be available later in August 2021 and will be sold for an estimated retail price of £770/€850 at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers throughout Europe.

For detailed product information on the ZV-E10 can be found here.

More information on the Sony Vlog Challenge Contest can be found here.

JOBY’s new Beamo LED light series provide creators with pro-grade lighting, improving the quality of videos and vlogs. #JOBY #Beamo

JOBY, creator of award-winning mounts, stands and grips  designed to elevate the world of vlogging is now widening its scope to a vital product for content creators: LED light. With Beamo™, JOBY now provides a complete ecosystem  of products for run-and-gun content creators,  further solidifying itself as a leader in smartphone accessories.

JOBY is proud to announce their first high quality LED light, Beamo. If you’re a mobile content creator, light management is just what you need to take your videos to the next level. Available in 2 models, the Beamo and the Beamo Mini empowers you to have pro- grade lighting in any condition. Its pocket-sized design makes it great for vlogging adventures. An aluminum shell renders this LED extremely durable and robust, plus it is waterproof up to 100 feet (30m). Rain or shine, night or day, underwater or on a summit – with Beamo™ your videos will be LIT!

A diffuser is included with Beamo to soften the light and give you flawless skin tones. So, whether you’re vlogging on a cloudy day or in a poorly lit room, you’ll have a perfect spotlight that makes you look incredible. Plus, each Beamo™ contains five modes of brightness – allowing you to find your perfect degree of lighting. To top it off, a unique cold shoe mount permits you to quickly slide the Beamo™ on to phones, clamps or cameras… or even attach up to four Beamo at once for extra brightness.

Beamo is the most powerful between the two models, with 1,500 lumens of brightness. Choose to use it at full power to illuminate super dark conditions or dim it to half for softer lighting effect. Use the diffuser to get that flawless skin tone everyone craves (it’s a must when recording videos!). Beamo also has wireless charging capability and can last up to 100+ minutes at 50% power*. This means more time creating and less time worrying about your gear.

Beamo Mini – With 1,000 lumens of brightness, Beamo Mini is super compact and the ideal LED light for mobile vlogging. A magnetic backing permits you to be even more creative and explore new angles and perspectives. Attach it to a fence, pole or any magnetic surface to get your perfect illumination. The Beamo Mini is the slimmest between the two models at just 1.5in (3.9cm) – it’s travel-friendly and ready to make you look good on any adventure!

Beamo series is equipped with Bluetooth and can be connected to the dedicated myJOBY app, making it convenient for you to adjust without losing that perfect position while in front of the camera. MyJOBY app gives you complete control of brightness and management of multiple Beamo at once. The app also saves exact light settings, allowing you to focus more on creating and less on setup.

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