Recording Features

Overview: The Sony Alpha ZV-1M2 (ZV-1 II) is a compact, portable vlog camera with a 18-50mm (equivalent) wide-angled zoom lens and a 1" image sensor. You can capture group shots, sprawling cityscapes, and beautiful portraits. The ZV-1M2 comes with a rechargeable battery and microphone windscreen.

LCD Screen: The ZV-1M2 uses a 3" LCD touchscreen monitor with 921,600 dots. The touch panel can swing open approximately 176° and rotate 270° so you can view it from any angle. The bright LCD monitor features a touch-sensitive panel with convenient Touch Shutter, Touch Focus, and Touch Tracking functions. The brightness of the LCD monitor can be adjusted in 5 steps from -2 to +2, plus a Sunny Weather mode. The camera does not include a viewfinder.

Display Options: The Display Setting (DISP) button lets you choose how much information appears in the LCD monitor. During shooting using the LCD monitor, the options are Display All Info, No Display Info, Histogram, and Digital Level Gauge. During playback, you can cycle between: Display Info, Histogram, and No Display Info.

Live View: The ZV-1M2's Live View lets you choose to show images altered with the chosen exposure settings. When the Live View display is set to "Setting Effect On", the LCD will provide an accurate preview of your photo, including the white balance, exposure compensation, or Creative Look. With the "Setting Effect Off", you can check the image composition without the effects of the exposure settings.

Lens: The camera features a fixed 6.9mm - 17.6mm ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* (T-star) zoom lens with an angle of view of 100° - 47°, which is equivalent to an 18mm - 50mm lens in 35mm photography. It has an aperture range of f/1.8 - f/9 at wide angle (18mm) and f/4 - f/11 at telephoto (50mm). The lens has a built-in ND (Neutral Density) filter which controls light exposure by three stops. Images shot in bright light have greater expressiveness, and remain sharp throughout the zoom range.

Image Sensor: The ZV-1M2 features a 1" Exmor RS CMOS image sensor (13.2mm x 8.8mm) with approximately 21 megapixels (total) and an aspect ratio of 3:2. It has approximately 20.1 megapixels for still images and 16.8 megapixels for movies.

Still Image Recording Formats: The ZV-1M2 can shoot JPEG and RAW still images, or JPEG+RAW when two images are created at the same time. JPEG images are recorded in Extra Fine, Fine, and Standard compression rates, and three sizes (L, M, S). RAW images are always recorded in Large size, and must be transferred to a computer for processing, editing, and printing using the downloadable Imaging Edge software. You can choose from 3:2, 16:9, 4:3, or 1:1 aspect ratios. You can select the following image sizes:

Movie Recording Formats: The ZV-1M2 offers 4K movie recording at 30 fps and 24 fps, and Full HD movies at 60p, 30p, 24p, and 120p (5x slow motion). Audio is recorded in LPCM 2ch (48kHz, 16-bit). Movie formats include:

• XAVC S 4K: Records in 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), Long GOP compression:

• XAVC S HD: Records in Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080), Long GOP compression:

Cinematic Vlog Setting: You can create scenes that look like feature movies with the Cinematic Vlog Setting. By choosing a Look, Mood, and AF transition speed, along with a frame rate of 24 fps and a widescreen Cinemascope aspect ratio (2.35:1), you can create movie-like footage that matches your desired scene and intent. "Look" options include S-Cinetone, Clean, Chic, Fresh, and Mono. "Mood" options are Gold, Ocean, Forest, and Auto. You can choose from Hi, Mid, or Low AF transition speed. The Cinemascope aspect ratio records black bars at the top and bottom of the screen for effect, however, the recorded image remains 16:9.

Compatible Media: The ZV-1M2 accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC Memory Cards (UHS-I and UHS-II compatible), and microSD/SDHC/SDXC cards (with adapter). It can also use Memory Stick PRO Duo, PRO-HG Duo, and Memory Stick Micro (with adapter). The required card types and speeds vary with the recording format you use:

Fast Hybrid Focusing: The ZV-1M2's new Fast Hybrid AF system features a combination phase-detection and contrast-detection auto focusing system. It has 315 phase-detection points for lightning fast auto focusing of still images, and 273 phase-detection points for movies.

Real-time Tracking: The camera's Real-time Tracking feature uses artificial intelligence to track moving subjects when shooting still images and movies. The camera maintains accurate focus while the shutter button is pressed halfway until you take the shot. Touch Tracking lets you select your subject by touching it on the touch-screen monitor. If the subject is a person, the AI detects and tracks the subject's eye and face in real time for sharp portraits. You can select the left or right eye in the menu. There's even an Eye AF Animal mode to track the eye of your pet.

Focus Modes: You can choose from the following Focus Modes:

• AF-S (Single-shot AF): The camera focuses and the focus is locked when you press the shutter button halfway down. Recommended for use with motionless subjects.
• AF-A (Automatic AF): Single-shot and Continuous AF are switched according to the movement of the subject. If the subject is motionless, the camera locks the focus. If the subject is in motion, the camera continues to focus.
• AF-C (Continuous AF): The camera continues to focus when you press and hold the shutter button halfway down. Recommended for use when the subject is in motion.
• DMF: After focusing automatically, you can make fine focusing adjustments manually (Direct Manual Focusing).
• Manual Focus: When it is difficult to get the proper focus in auto focus mode, you can adjust the focus manually. This mode allows you to set the distance of a subject by rotating the focusing ring to achieve a sharp focus.

Face Detection: The camera can detect human faces, and adjusts the focus, exposure, performs image processing and adjusts flash settings for best results. Faces can be registered, and priority given to those faces over others in the frame. Up to eight faces can be detected and/or registered.

Drive Modes: The camera offers the following shooting modes:

• Single Shooting: Default setting for standard picture taking.
• Continuous Shooting: You can take photos continuously while the shutter button is held down. In Hi Continuous Shooting mode, images are shot continuously at the maximum speed (at approximately 24 fps) while you press and hold down the shutter button. The Mid speed is set at approximately 10 fps, while the low speed is about 3 images per second. The number of recordable frames during continuous shooting are: JPEG Extra Fine L: 170 frames, JPGE Fine L: 188 frames, JPEG Standard L: 189 frames, RAW: 80 frames, RAW+JPEG: 78 frames.
• Self-Timer: You can set the camera to four different self-timers. You can shoot single images after a delay of 10, 5, or 2 seconds. Self-timer (Continuous) lets you shoot 3 or 5 images continuously after a pre-selected delay of 10, 5, or 2 seconds. You can choose the best shot from the shots taken.
• Bracket Shooting: The camera is capable of shooting multiple images, each with a different setting. You can choose from the following Bracket options:
  • Continuous Bracket: Shoot 3 or 5 images, each with different degrees of exposure (shifted by plus or minus 0.3 EV). The images are taken as you press and hold the shutter button.
  • Single Bracket: Same as Continuous Bracket above, except that the shutter button is pressed for each image.
  • WB Bracket: The camera records three images, each with different color tones, according to the selected settings of white balance, color temperature, and color filter. You can select Low (small changes in white balance) or High (large changes in white balance).
  • DRO Bracket: The camera records three images, each with different degree of D-Range Optimizer. You can select Low (small changes in DRO) or High (large changes in DRO).

Interval Shooting: You can automatically shoot a series of still images and create a time-lapse movie using the downloadable Imaging Edge Desktop software. After selecting Interval Shooting, you can set a start time (from when you press the shutter button) of between 1 second and 99 minutes 59 seconds. The interval between shots can be set between 1 and 60 seconds, and the number of shots set at 1 to 9,999 shots.

Shooting Modes: In the Shooting Mode menu, you can select from the following shooting modes:

• Intelligent Auto: This mode allows easy shooting with settings adjusted automatically.
• Program Auto: For shooting with the exposure adjusted automatically (both the shutter speed and the aperture value), while allowing you to adjust other settings manually.
• Aperture Priority: This mode allows you to shoot after adjusting the aperture value manually, letting the camera set the appropriate shutter speed. This mode gives you greater control over the depth of field.
• Shutter Priority: This mode allows you to shoot after adjusting the shutter speed manually, letting the camera set the appropriate aperture. With a high shutter speed, the moving subject appears as if it is frozen on the image. With a slow shutter speed, the moving subject appears as if it were flowing.
• Manual Exposure: This mode allows you to shoot after adjusting the exposure (shutter speed and aperture) manually.
• Memory Recall: You can register often-used camera settings (including Shooting Mode, Aperture, Shutter speed) in one of three memory positions for easy recall.
• Scene Selection: The Scene Selection function lets the camera automatically recognize shooting conditions and set the appropriate settings. Recognizable scenes include: Portrait, Sports Action, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, and Night Portrait.
• Movies: You can record movies in 4K or Full HD in 16:9 aspect ratio. When selected, you can choose the desired movie settings, including Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual Exposure.

Product Showcase Setting: The camera offers an ideal setting for shooting product review videos. The Product Showcase Setting function shoots with optimal settings for product reviews and the camera will smoothly switch focus from your face to a product held in front of the lens, then back to your face when the product is moved away.

Exposure Compensation: Exposure compensation is used to alter the camera's standard exposure setting. You can make the image look lighter (increased exposure) or darker (decreased exposure). The exposure compensation amount can be set up to +/-3.0 EV in 1/3-step increments while shooting still images. When shooting movies, the exposure can be adjusted in a range of +/-2.0 EV.

Metering Mode: A 120-zone evaluative sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy in a wide range of lighting conditions. You can select the method for measuring the brightness of a subject from the following five methods: Multi, Center, Spot, Entire Screen Average, and Highlight.

White Balance: You can adjust the color tones according to the lighting conditions. You can choose from the following WB options: Auto WB, Auto: Ambience, Auto: White, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (Warm White), Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Flash, Underwater Auto, Color Temperature, Color Filter, and Custom (1, 2, 3).

Color Temperature/Color Filter: You can adjust the white balance further by selecting Color Temperature or Color Filter in the Custom White Balance option. With Color Temperature, the higher the number, the more reddish the image, and the lower the number, the more bluish the image. Color Filter achieves the effect of Color Compensation filters for photography. Based on the set color temperature as the standard, the color can be compensated to Green (G) or Magenta (M).

ISO Settings: ISO is a unit of measurement of sensitivity to light. The larger the number, the higher the sensitivity. The camera's ISO can be set automatically between ISO 125 and 12,800 with selectable lower and upper limits. Manually, it can be set between 125 and 12,800, depending upon the exposure mode. When the Expanded ISO range is turned on, sensitivity can be set as low as ISO 80. For Movies, the sensitivity is set between ISO 125 and 12,800.

Multi-Interface Shoe: The ZV-1M2 does not have a built-in flash, but is equipped with the Multi-Interface Shoe, allowing you to use an external flash, such as the HVL-F20M, HVL-F28RM, HVL-F46RM, or HVL-60RM2. The ECM-G1 Vlogger Shotgun Microphone and ECM-GZ1M zoom microphone are also compatible. The M-I Shoe's digital audio interface lets you capture exceptionally high sound quality.

Flash Features: When an optional external flash is attached, the camera offers several Flash Modes: Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync, and Rear Sync. You can adjust the amount of flash light in a range of -3.0 EV to +3.0 EV with the Flash Compensation feature.

Wi-Fi / Bluetooth

Wireless Overview: The Sony ZV-1M2 lets you connect wirelessly with your mobile phone, tablet, or computer via Bluetooth (ver. 4.2) or Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4GHz) through the Creators' App (mobile) and Imaging Edge Desktop app.

USB Streaming: You can connect the camera to a computer or smartphone via USB for livestreaming or web-conferencing services. The format of the streaming data is as follows: Format: MJPEG, Resolution: HD720 (1280 x 720), Frame Rate: 30 fps (25 fps PAL), and Audio Format: LPCM 2CH, 48kHz/16-bit.

Playback Functions

Playback Screen: You can view your photos back as a single image on the LCD monitor, as an Index or as a Slide Show. During Image Index mode, you can view 9 (3 x 3) or 25 (5 x 5) images at once.

Auto Review: After an image is recorded, you can have the camera automatically display it on the LCD monitor for two, five or 10 seconds. You can also turn off auto review.

Image Rotation: Vertical shots can be rotated automatically so that they are displayed upright during playback. This can be done manually or automatically.

Slide Show: You can automatically play back still images continuously in a slide show. You can set the interval to 1, 3, 5, 10, or 30 seconds.

View Mode: There are three View Modes to choose from for playing back images and movies: Date View, Folder View (Still), and Movie View.

Control for HDMI: When connecting the camera to a TV via HDMI, you can control the camera with the TV's remote control.

Protect Images: You can protect all images on your memory card or select only certain images to be protected from accidental erasure.

Connections

Microphone Jack: The 3.5mm microphone jack lets you connect an external microphone. If the external microphone has plug-in power, the power for the microphone is supplied by the camera through this jack. When an external mic is connected, the built-in microphone is turned off automatically.

Micro HDMI: The camera has a Micro HDMI (Type D) jack for connecting the camera to an HDMI-equipped TV or video recorder. HDMI resolution options include 2160p/1080p, 1080p, 1080i, and Auto.

USB-C: The ZV-1M2 is equipped with a USB 2.0 high-speed USB-C port.

Multi Interface Shoe: The top-mounted Multi Interface Shoe is a single-point connection for multiple Sony accessories, such as flash units, video lights, and microphones.

Battery Information

Battery: The ZV-1M2 is powered by the supplied NP-BX1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (3.6V, 1240mAh, 4.5Wh). The battery life specs are as follows:

• Shooting Still Images: approximately 290 images
• Shooting Movies:
  • Typical Movie Shooting: approximately 45 minutes
  • Continuous Movie Shooting: approximately 75 minutes

Charging: The NP-BX1 battery requires approximately 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes) to reach a full charge in the camera, using an AC adapter with a USB output of 5V / 1.5A, and a USB-C cable (not included).

Power Save: You can set different time intervals for the camera to switch to Power Save mode. You can set the interval to 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, or 30 minutes. Once the camera goes into Power Save mode, you can return to the shooting mode by pressing the shutter button halfway.

Software

Downloadable Software: The ZV-1M2 does not include software in the box. Instead, Sony offers software for Windows- and Mac-compatible computers for importing still images and movies recorded with the camera to your computer:

• Imaging Edge Desktop (Remote / Viewer / Edit): Imaging Edge desktop software lets you remotely operate the camera from your computer, either tethered with a USB cable or wirelessly via Wi-Fi. The software lets you make precise adjustments to the focus and composition, using the grid, guide, and overlay functions, and view images live on the large computer screen. You can also perform confirmation, selection, image-quality adjustment, and RAW development on your computer. It also supports Pixel Shift Multi Shooting to generate images with a higher resolution than is possible with regular shooting by combining four RAW images on your PC. The software is compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is also compatible with Mac computers with macOS 11, macOS 12, or macOS 13.
• Catalyst Browse: Catalyst Browse is a free, simple viewing and logging tool that is available for both Windows and Mac OS. You can preview XAVC S and XAVC HS clips, view and edit media metadata, apply image stabilization using metadata, apply color calibration, and copy to the local hard drive. Catalyst Prepare paid software adds functions to Catalyst Browse for organizing clips using bins, performing basic timeline editing with storyboards, and more. Catalyst Browse is available for Windows 10 or Windows 11, and macOS 11 (Big Sur), 12 (Monterey), or 13 (Ventura).

Mobile Software: Sony's Creators' App is an application for iOS and Android that lets you control your camera from your smartphone. You can shoot remotely from your connected smartphone, and transfer the recorded images from the camera. Creators' App gives you access to Creators' Cloud for convenient storage and editing, and other apps. Creators' App is compatible with Apple iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 15.7 or later, as well as Android devices using Android version 9 and up.