Upgrade Guide
Sony FX3→Sony ZV-1 II
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Strong upgrade
The ZV-1 II improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most FX3 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the ZV-1 II
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Resolution20MP vs 12MP (+8MP)
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Burst rate15fps vs 10fps mechanical, 10fps electronic
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Generation2 years newer (2023 vs 2021)
Unchanged or similar
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Weather sealingNot present in new body
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StabilisationIBIS not present in new body
Suitability by genre
| Genre | FX3 | ZV-1 II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | — | ||
| Portrait | -3.0 | ||
| Low Light | — | ||
| Street | +3.0 | ||
| Wedding | — | ||
| Travel | +5.0 | ||
| Family & Everyday | — | ||
| Landscape | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | FX3 | ZV-1 II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £3,799 | £649 | |
| Released | 2021 | 2023 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS (same as A7S III) | 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS | |
| Resolution | 12MP | 20MP | ↑ |
| Video | 4K/120p, 4K/60p 10-bit, 12-bit RAW output, S-Log3, S-Cinetone | 4K/30p, 1080p/120p | |
| Autofocus | Real-time tracking with subject recognition (human, animal) | Phase-detect + contrast, 315 points, Real-time Eye AF | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS — 5 stops | Optical SteadyShot (OIS) | |
| Burst Rate | 10fps mechanical, 10fps electronic | 15fps | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~640 shots (CIPA) | ~260 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 715g body only (with XLR handle) | 292g | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No | ↓ |
| Viewfinder | None — monitor/external EVF use only | None | |
| Screen | 3.0" touchscreen, fully articulating | 3.0" fully tilting touchscreen | |
| Mount | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) | Fixed zoom — 18–50mm f/1.8–4.0 equiv | |
| Memory Cards | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II slots | Single SD UHS-I slot |
Compare side-by-side
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