In this era of social media platforms and technological advancements, people are developing a different lifestyle altogether – especially those in lockdown. While webcams are helping connect family and friends, it is during this time that the Sony ZV-1 is proving to be a growing success for people at home. This is all thanks to the superior image quality and ability to live stream in combination with a microphone, lighting and a tripod.
Overcoming Lockdown with Creativity and Technology
The period of lockdown has brought several challenges upon everyone, but the silver lining to this situation is that you can invest this time in creating something unique. Learning an art form through which you can channel your thoughts is one way to achieve self-actualisation. It encourages a healthy life and a sound mind.
Once you kickstart the artistic instincts within you, the creativity flows without much effort. It helps you combine your interests, knowledge, and the perks of a social media platform to give voice to your opinions.
Amongst several options, creating a YouTube channel is the most economical and practical stage for content development. You can either choose to upload regular videos or benefit from the live streaming facility.
The process of creating a video or live streaming content is quite straightforward. The setup entirely depends upon the type of videos you wish to shoot. You can transform a part of your home into a beautiful set or redecorate your office table to suit the theme of your videos.
We recommend a video and audio source to record your content. You can shoot videos using your smartphone or any camera for basic-level content. However, if you wish to have sophisticated image quality, you require a proper camera or a decent kit.
Lucky for you, Sony has designed a specific camera model for vlogging. The Sony ZV-1 comes with all the specialised features and a small size that allows it to fit into your pocket easily.
In this article, we will explain why this camera is an ideal fit for live streaming plus explore some of the best accessories.
The Perfect Camera For Live Streaming: Sony ZV-1
The Sony ZV-1 is a delight to all vloggers and livestreamers. It is a purpose-built camera with 20.1 Megapixel and an Exmor RS CMOS sensor for the ultimate image quality. The sensitivity of the sensor ranges from ISO 100-12800 meaning you can shoot in the lowest of light conditions. The sensor has 315 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast detection points for accuracy regardless of your live streaming environment.
To livestream, all you need to do is connect the ZV-1 to a PC via USB. Upon doing so you can then see a real-time view when using the compatible PC software supplied by Sony. This is also the case for some other Sony models as well. The advantage of using a ‘proper’ camera over a webcam is the quality of picture and audio.
The camera’s in-built processor is an updated version of BIONZ X and front-end LSI, which delivers incredible image quality. Advanced features of the processor and an improved sensor allow functions such as Single Burst Shooting and UHD 4K Video.
Main Features: Exmor RS CMOS sensor, Upgraded BIONZ X and front-end LSI processor, 315 phase-detection points, and UHD 4K video up to 24 fps.
Specifications:
- Pixels: 20.1 Megapixel
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
- Sensor Type: CMOS
- Sensor Size: 1″
- Image Stabilisation: Digital, Optical
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8 to 2.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/11
- Optical Design: 10 Elements in 9 Groups
- Exposure Compensation: -3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
- Continuous Shooting: Up to 24 fps at 20.1 MP
Sony ZV-1: Stand Out Live Streaming Features in a Small Camera
The installed ZEISS lens is a 24-70mm equivalent, offering versatility in framing and composition while shooting. The zoom lens ensures wide coverage of the scene in action as well as an option of getting closer if required. The aperture of the lens ranges from f/1.8-2.8.
The optical construction of the lens comprises unique glass elements to avoid distortions and aberrations. The lens elements come with a ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating for an extra reduction in flares and other unwanted reflections. The coating also enhances the contrast in the image and improves colour reproduction so you will look your best!
The camera integrates a top-notch optical and digital Image Stabilisation System. Improved performance of the image stabiliser minimises any shake while shooting. Based on these features alone the Sony ZV-1 is an excellent choice for videos, as it offers fantastic image clarity and accurate tracking by the auto focus system.
Depending on your use case you can shoot videos in multiple formats, as it produces UHD 4K 30p video in both HLG & S-Log3 Gammas. The camera also comes with three inches, 921.6k-dot, flip-out touchscreen LCD which is a handy feature to help visually compose any content for vlogging or live streaming.
Adjacent to the LCD, there is a directional 3-capsule mic installed. The microphone picks the sound in a forward direction, avoiding the background noise. A windscreen is also incorporated for crisp sound quality. However to get the best audio for live streaming we recommend a shotgun microphone.
The compact design of the camera and the Active Steady Shot Image Stabilisation Mode is a perfect combination for handheld shooting. The Soft Skin Effect in the camera helps in dissolving blemishes for a smooth look making it an ideal feature for beauty/makeup vloggers.
Pair the Sennheiser MKE 400 Microphone with the Sony ZV-1 for Perfect Audio Quality
Audio is a significant way of creating an impact on the audience. It is the channel that connects the viewer with the visual content. Thereby, to develop an uninterrupted flow with your viewers, the sound quality of your video should be uncompromised.
A crisp sound output enhances the overall quality of your work. Flawless speech and reduced background noise will help you create serious content. The mic also allows for better influence and ensures a good learning experience for the audience.
Sennheiser MKE 400 is an on-camera shotgun microphone, ideal for journalism, vlogging, live streaming, interviews and more. The microphone is engineered with a super-cardioid or lobar polar pattern that ensures noise reduction. It is designed to pick sounds from the forward direction, thus enhancing the clarity of speech.
The microphone comes with a sensitive condenser that enables better audio quality compared to the in-built mic of the camera. The MKE 400 mic has a coiled attachment cable for prompt operations, which reduces the unnecessary hassles of handling multiple cords.
The mic uses a single AAA battery as its power source and lasts for about 300 hours. It comes with an LED light that indicates its battery levels. The microphone can run up to 50 hours after the low-battery warning signal.
The MKE 400 also features a low-cut filter that helps in diminishing bass frequencies. This add-on facilitates clear sound in the mid-high frequency range.
In addition to the low-cut filter and unidirectional design, the microphone includes a foam windscreen. The screen acts as a layer of protection against wind or ambient noise. Besides so many features adding to its quality, the internal shock mount revokes noise for further clarity. You can also attach the microphone on a tripod with the 1/4″ thread given at the bottom of the shock mount.
The MKE 400 integrates two options to adjust the sensitivity of the microphone. The Normal Mode is for midrange to loud audio signals whereas the High sensitive Mode is used to pick up low audio volumes.
Light The Room with the Godox VL150 LED Video Light
Godox is a reliable manufacturer of photography lighting equipment. Over the years, the company has invested a lot of its resources in the research and development of lighting equipment, making equipment accessible at affordable prices. Godox integrates technology and design in producing a fine collection of filmmaking tools.
There is an array of models by Godox, such as continuous LED lights, speed lights, RGB lights, flashlights, and more. The brand has consistently delivered high-quality equipment and actively employed the latest technology to encourage artistic expression and experimentation.
Godox VL Series: The Perfect Live Streaming LED to Accompany the Sony ZV-1
Godox has launched its VL series in three variations: VL150, 200, and 300. All these lights differ from one another in terms of their power output. The VL series is a monolith-style, continuous light source with lightweight and compact characteristics. It weighs 1.97kg.
The VL150 from Godox bulb has a default colour temperature at 5600K. The LED’s Colour Rendering Index is rated at 96%, and it has a TLCI rating of 95. The high index of CRI and TLCI attests accuracy in colour renditions and natural tones.
The VL150 LED runs off a V-mount lithium battery and DC power supply, to provide comfort in all kinds of locations. The light comes with a Bowens reflector mount, which lets the user attach a plethora of modifiers. This acts as an advantage, thus allowing the user to expand the light shaping methods.
The maximum intensity of the light with a reflector is 61000 lux and 6400 lux on a bare bulb. It also gives you the option of dimming the brightness from 100% to 0%. The controller box at the rear panel of the light consists of an LCD screen, V-mount plate for battery attachment, and adjustment dials.
The light construction offers you the freedom to make adjustments via a remote controller or Bluetooth device. Godox Photo application (available for Android and iOS) enables wireless adjustments via Bluetooth.
While creating content for a YouTube channel, both images and videos are required. The LED light acts as a diffused and soft light source, which maintains a natural look without compromising on exposure values.
The Godox VL150 LED Video Light is a fantastic choice for capturing both stills and videos. It is a purposeful light for portraits, still life, food, and more.
Keep Things Stable: Use the Manfrotto PIXI EVO Mini Tripod
The PIXI EVO Mini Tripod is a handy tool that can support up to 2.5 kgs of weight. The tabletop tripod only weighs an impressive 267g making it an ideal carry around tripod.
A tabletop tripod helps you mount your camera on any surface for a complete view without disturbing the setup. The mini tripod is a portable stand, ideal as a travel accessory or for shoots in outdoor locations.
The tripod has two legs that can be extend in five simple steps. The maximum height of the tripod is 7.7 inches whereas the foldable length is 2.4 inches. Though the tripod is small in design, it ensures flexibility and a wide scope of variation in the view angle of the frame. Since the ball head enables a 90° shift, you can easily switch the camera to a portrait aspect ratio.
Final Thoughts on the Sony ZV-1
Live streaming on Instagram or through a YouTube channel is a popular way of putting forward your creativity on a social media platform. It is not only used as a marketing tool but also for generating revenue. For impactful content, you require an effective kit of equipment.
Sony’s ZV-1 is a specialised camera, installed with a variety of modes and features for enhanced video performance. The hardware of the camera is designed for portable and pocket-friendly use. Plus the flip screen is another live streaming / vlogging advantage that allows you to shoot without needing assistance.
To complement the video of ZV-1, we recommend the Sennheiser MKE 400 on-camera shotgun microphone. It records crystal clear speech. The audio and video are given equal importance, and thus, the mic ensures better output compared to the camera’s in-built microphone.
Lighting is another imperative concept to focus on. Be sure to get the Godox VL150 LED light as it offers a continuous source of light for photos as well as videos. To complete the best live streaming kit for lock down we also recommend a PIXI EVO Mini Tripod from Manfrotto. Eliminating any handheld movement is always recommended for live streaming.
For more information about any of these products we recommend you chat with our team who can assist you with your live streaming and vlogging questions.
