Who should buy the ZV-E1?

Video creators who want full-frame low-light quality in a compact body Vloggers stepping up from APS-C who prioritise image quality over resolution Filmmakers who want S-Log3 and cinematic colour in a run-and-gun package A7S III users who want the same sensor in a smaller, lighter body

What is the ZV-E1 best used for?

Documentary, Filmmaking, Vlogging & Video.

How much does the ZV-E1 cost in the UK?

The ZV-E1 starts from £1779 in the UK, available across 6 retailers. Prices are tracked live on GearFrame.

Sony

Sony ZV-E1

Name: ZV-E1
Brand: Sony
Availability: InStock

The Sony ZV-E1 is a full-frame vlogging camera — the world's first. It puts Sony's 12MP full-frame sensor (from the A7S III) inside a compact ZV-style body with a fully articulating screen, AI-powered cinematography modes, and excellent low-light video performance. For video creators who want full-frame quality without a traditional camera.

GearFrame's Take

Full-frame video quality in a vlogging body — exceptional low-light performance and a genuinely compact form factor.

Starting from

£1779 new

Used from £1090 (eBay)

Average price across retailers: ~£2149

Available at 6 retailers

Check price at Wex Photo Video

✓ Available at 6 retailers 🔒 No signup needed 📦 UK stock only

RetailerPrice

Wex Photo Video

£1779

Check on Wex Photo Video →

Clifton Cameras

£2179

Check on Clifton Cameras →

eBay used

Lowest Buy It Now · marketplace

£1090

Search eBay →

Wex Photo Video used

£1619

Check on Wex Photo Video →

eBay

Lowest Buy It Now · marketplace

£1490

Search eBay →

Amazon

—

Check on Amazon →

Prices are synced live from UK retailers. Not every product will be stocked by every retailer; older models may only be available second hand.

Core

Released

2023

Sensor

12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Exmor R

Resolution

12.1 MP

Mount

Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount)

Dimensions

121.4 × 71.6 × 54.3mm

Weight

483g (with battery and card)

Weather Sealed

Yes

Performance

Autofocus

Real-time Tracking AF with subject recognition

Stabilisation

IBIS — Active Mode for video

Burst Rate

10fps

Battery Life

~570 shots (CIPA) / ~105 min video

Features

Video

4K/60p (S-Cinetone, S-Log3), 4K/120p, 1080p/240p

Viewfinder

None — screen only

Screen

3.0" fully articulating touchscreen

Memory Cards

Single SD UHS-II slot

Connectivity

USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, Multi-Interface Shoe

Detailed Specs

Sensor Format

Full frame

Viewfinder Type

None

Screen Type

Fully articulating

Touchscreen

Yes

Card Slots

Battery Life (CIPA)

570 shots

USB Power

Charges and runs off USB

Dimensions

121 × 72 × 54mm

Weight (Grams)

483g

Autofocus Type

On-sensor phase detect (hybrid)

Subject Detection

Face, Eye, Animal, Bird, Vehicle, Insect

Max Burst Rate

10.0fps

In-Body Stabilisation

Yes

Maximum Native ISO

102400

Max Electronic Shutter

1/8000

Max Video Resolution

Max 4K Frame Rate

120fps

10-Bit Video

Yes

Log Profile

Yes

Built-in Microphone Input

Yes

Headphone Jack

Yes

HDMI Port Type

Micro

Select up to 2 cameras to compare against the ZV-E1. It's always pinned as the baseline.

Select 1–3 cameras to compare

Who should buy this

Video creators who want full-frame low-light quality in a compact body
Vloggers stepping up from APS-C who prioritise image quality over resolution
Filmmakers who want S-Log3 and cinematic colour in a run-and-gun package
A7S III users who want the same sensor in a smaller, lighter body

GearScore™ — Suitability by Genre

Base score — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. Camera Match adjusts it for your skill level and priorities.

Portrait

7.0

Street

6.9

Travel

6.9

Wedding & Events

6.4

Vlogging & Video

7.2

Filmmaking

8.0

Documentary

8.2

Sports & Action

6.4

Landscape

5.7

Wildlife

7.1

Casual

5.9

Food

7.1

Macro

6.7

Architecture

5.4

Astrophotography

7.2

✅ Great For

🎥

Documentary 8.2 Strong on autofocus, video capability and image quality / low light.

🎬

Filmmaking 8.0 Strong on image quality / low light, video capability and audio.

📱

Vlogging & Video 7.2 Strong on creator features, autofocus and video capability. Purpose-built — articulating screen, full-frame low-light, and AI cinematography tools.

⚠️ Not Ideal For

🏛️

Architecture 5.4 Held back by resolution and pixel-shift high-res mode.

📝 How suitability scores are calculated GearScore™ genre scores are calculated from this camera's verified specifications — autofocus, sensor, weight, weather sealing and more — weighted by what matters for each type of photography. Where a spec sheet misses something (e.g. a manual-focus rangefinder for street), we apply a documented editorial adjustment. Scores are not based on customer reviews. See our full methodology →