UPDATE: The first images of Sony's new camera, the Sony ZV-E1 have leaked, along with confirmation of the March 29 announcement date.
The Sony ZV-E1 information comes courtesy of Andrea Pizzini of Mirrorless Rumors (opens in new tab). The image, while not the clearest, shows a different layout on the top of the ZV-E1 from previous cameras in the ZV lineup such as the Sony ZV-1 (opens in new tab) or Sony ZV-1F (opens in new tab).
The new switch on top of the camera shows that Sony might intend this camera to be used for photos more than previous ZV cameras, with a sliding switch that can flick between dedicated photo, video, and S&Q settings. Previous ZV cameras were capable photo compacts, but were specifically aimed at videographers. So maybe Sony is keener to show off the full range of its full-frame sensor – confirmed to be the same as that in the Sony A7S III (opens in new tab).
The image also shows a camera with a plastic-y body, similar to the previous ZV models, demonstrating where Sony might have made some cost savings to bring this camera more in line with a content creator's budget.
You can check out the photo and hear Andrea's take on the new images below.
UPDATE (14 Mar 2023): After reporting yesterday on early rumors that Sony's brand new full-frame ZV vlogging camera would be coming in the next two weeks, we have even more leaks suggesting that the date of March 29 has been confirmed!
The camera also allegedly has a final name – the Sony ZV-E1. Sony Alpha Rumors has got what it believes to be the latest and most accurate specs for the ZV-E1, including the sensor direct from the Sony A7S III (opens in new tab), offering 12MP stills, 4K60p and 4K120p video with no crop or pixel binning, up to ISO409,000, and the autofocus system from the Sony A7 IV (opens in new tab). Check out the site's full report (opens in new tab) for more information.
As we reported yesterday, this camera is very similar to the A7S III internally, while the body will be similar to the Sony A7C (opens in new tab), which has a smaller rangefinder-style body. The price will be a lot closer to the A7C too, with the camera being aimed at vloggers and internet filmmakers.
ORIGINAL STORY (13 Mar 2023): Sony's next camera is due to be released before the end of the month, according to a new report.
Sony's ZV lineup started out as an affordable way to step up your vlogging from recording video on a smartphone, led by APS-C models like the Sony ZV-1 (opens in new tab). But rumors have been swirling for a while that we are about to see a much more powerful, full-frame ZV camera for serious video makers. And now this new model has an unconfirmed release date of March 29.
• These are the best cameras for vlogging (opens in new tab) available right now
The new camera – rumored to be named the Sony ZV-E100 (opens in new tab) – will be a full-frame interchangeable lens camera, and will sit somewhere in between the ZV-1 and Sony A7C cameras in terms of form and function – with a full-frame sensor like the A7C but a set of features aimed at vloggers and internet filmmakers.
A few unverified specs for the ZV-E100 include a 12MP sensor for stills photography as well as 4K 60p / 4K 120p video capabilities, which would make this camera a content creation powerhouse.
According to the report (opens in new tab) by Sony Alpha Rumors, the new camera could be released on 29 March – which will kick off a busy period for Sony, with the rumored new A6000 series camera (opens in new tab) reportedly following soon after.
While just speculation at this time, early indications suggest that a ZV-E100 camera could be based on the Sony A7S III or the Sony FX3 (opens in new tab), which are Sony's current premium video hybrid and smallest cinema camera respectively. Both also come at a premium price, the A7S III currently costing around $3,500 / £3,800 / AU$4,500.
Although being in the ZV range, we can expect a ZV-E100 to come in at a much lower price point that is more affordable to the target audience of pro vloggers and internet videographers. It will be interesting to see what compromises Sony has made to reduce the price; the new camera most likely has no EVF, which would fit with other ZV cameras like the Sony ZV-1F (opens in new tab) that have a vlogging-first build, and make the camera more affordable.
If the rumors are true, with just over two weeks until launch, then we can expect to get our hands on the new Sony ZV-E100 imminently…
You can read more about the latest from Sony with our Sony rumors hub (opens in new tab). You can also check out our guides for the best Sony cameras (opens in new tab) and the best Sony lenses (opens in new tab).
