Upgrade Guide

Sony ZV-E1→Sony A9

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Sony

ZV-E1

£1999

2023

→

Upgrade to

Sony

£1999 (+£0)

2017

✅

Strong upgrade

The A9 improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most ZV-E1 owners will notice the difference.

What's new in the A9

↑

Resolution

24MP vs 12MP (+12MP)
↑

Weather sealing

Added — fully sealed body
↑

Burst rate

20fps (blackout-free, silent electronic shutter with full AF/AE) vs 10fps

Suitability by genre

Full spec comparison

Spec	ZV-E1	A9
Price	£1,999	£1,999
Released	2023	2017	↓
Sensor	12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Exmor R	24.2MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Exmor RS
Resolution	12MP	24MP	↑
Video	4K/60p (S-Cinetone, S-Log3), 4K/120p, 1080p/240p	4K/30p, 1080p/120p
Autofocus	Real-time Tracking AF with subject recognition	693 phase-detect + 25 contrast-detect, real-time eye/body tracking
Stabilisation	IBIS — Active Mode for video	IBIS — 5-axis, up to 5 stops
Burst Rate	10fps	20fps (blackout-free, silent electronic shutter with full AF/AE)	↑
Battery Life	~570 shots (CIPA) / ~105 min video	~650 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	483g (with battery)	673g (with battery and card)	↓
Weather Sealed	No	Yes	↑
Viewfinder	None — screen only	EVF, OLED 3.69M dots, 0.78× magnification, 60fps refresh (blackout-free)
Screen	3.0" fully articulating touchscreen	3.0" tilting touchscreen
Mount	Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount)	Sony FE (full-frame E-mount)
Memory Cards	Single CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II	Dual SD UHS-II slots

Compare side-by-side

See ZV-E1 and A9 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

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