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;

More like an iPhone 13S. The generational upgrades for the iPhone 14 are limited to a few subtle changes. At the same time, however, the base price climbs to 800 USD, while the only true innovation happens inside the iPhone 14 Pro series.

excellent OLED display, dust- and waterproof, fast Wi-Fi, wide range of supported frequencies, great camera, very fast performance, good battery life

display limited to 60 Hz, charging rate limited to 20 watts, no macro lens, wide notch

The iPhone 14 is better than its predecessor, but it's also more expensive and doesn't have many significant upgrades.

Even faster, with a better camera and more features.

Charger is optional. Lacks telephoto lens. Price has been increased.

Andy Westlake explores Sony's unique new compact camera that's specifically designed for vloggers

Pocketable body; Good image quality; Fully articulated screen; Clever new vlogging features; Pocketable body; Good image quality; Fully articulated screen; Clever new vlogging features

No viewfinder option; Frustrating controls; Minimal touchscreen functionality; No viewfinder option; Frustrating controls; Minimal touchscreen functionality

Sony ZV-1: A pocket-sized video powerhouse, the Sony Z-V1 is the perfect tool for social content creation

Small and lightweight; Great video quality; Excellent autofocus performance

Limited physical controls; Disappointing battery life; Not quite wide-angle enough with SteadyShot activated

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...

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

It's easy to find little quirks and oddities, and things that you wish that Sony would fix. NTSC/PAL switchover being the most annoying of them in my opinion. If you want to switch from 25fps, to 30fps, you need to switch from PAL to NTSC, and the camera requires a different memory card, or for the...

Defocus / Clear Background works very well; Product focus for video works extremely well; For video; this camera is exceptional (it just works); Compact and lightweight; Fast; reliable focus; Good colour reproduction; Good noise performance; Deadcat included

Tripod socket too close to the battery compartment; Long menu system feels disorganised; PAL/NTSC switch for 30/25fps requires card change/format; Lacks built-in flash; Screen dims and can be difficult to view outdoors; MicroUSB connection

A pocket-sized video powerhouse, the Sony Z-V1 is the perfect tool for social content creation

Small and lightweight; Great video quality; Excellent autofocus performance;

Limited physical controls; Disappointing battery life; Not quite wide-angle enough with SteadyShot activated;

A pocket-sized video powerhouse, the Sony Z-V1 is the perfect tool for social content creation

Small and lightweight; Great video quality; Excellent autofocus performance;

Limited physical controls; Disappointing battery life; Not quite wide-angle enough with SteadyShot activated;

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