Building the Ultimate Vlogging Kit with the Sony ZV-E1

Is the Sony ZV-E1 the ultimate vlogging camera? It makes a very strong case with a full-frame sensor—the same one used in the a7S III and FX3 – matched up with an impressive set of video-centric features and creator-focused tools.

The ZV-series body also provides an ultra-compact and lightweight package for users to just get out and start shooting.

It’s a good pitch, but to actually get the ultimate vlogging kit you’ll want to pick up a few accessories to augment your camera. For that, there is ProAV TV who put together a modest and effective vlogging rig with the ZV-E1 at its heart.

The camera itself is going to deliver what you need in terms of video quality. How about we get the other pieces for a compact, easy-to-use, and helpful kit to make it easier to film your next vlog.

Image Credit: Sony

In the early sample footage you can see the rig working very well. He is picking it up, moving around, staying in focus, looking good, etc. How did he do it?

A small footprint is absolutely essential here. For that, your regular tripods aren’t going to be the best solution. That’s why the iFootage Cobra 3 Monopod was selected.

It’s sturdy and has some feet so that it can stay upright without needing to be constantly held. It still is a bit less secure than a tripod, but it is much more compact.

iFootage Cobra 3 Aluminum Monopod

Image Credit: iFootage

On top of the monopod is the iFootage Komodo K5S Fluid Head and on top of that is the HV-01 Conversion Plate that let’s you quickly change from horizontal to vertical shooting.

Atomos Shinobi Recording Monitor

Image Credit: Atomos

Just below the camera you’ll find that’s where the team placed an Atomos Shinobi monitor.

This is going to give you a much brighter and clearer picture than the ZV-E1’s screen and this placement will keep your eyes in a better location than the flipped-out location.

It is attached using the MA5-6 Spider Crab Magic Arm to make it quick to switch between horizontal and vertical.

A longer telescoping support arm is then being used to place an Aputure MT Pro RGB LED Tube Light above the camera to illuminate the subject.

Aputure MT Pro RGB LED Tube Light

Image Credit: Aputure

As for audio they are using the 2.4GHz Hollyland LARK M1 DUO which is a very simple system that can even be expanded to two subjects when you need it.

Overall this is a quite affordable kit (minus the camera itself) and a great place to start if you are getting serious about vlogging.

What do you think about how the kit looks and works? Would you do anything different? Honestly, some of the smaller accessories look appealing for other types of rigs as well.

[source: ProAV TV]

Order Links:

  • Sony ZV-E1 Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
  • iFootage Cobra 3 Aluminum Monopod (B&H)
  • iFootage Komodo K5S Fluid Head (B&H, Amazon)
  • iFootage MA5-6 Spider Crab Magic Arm (B&H, Amazon)
  • iFootage HV-01 Conversion Plate (B&H, Amazon)
  • iFootage SA-32 Telescoping Support Rod (B&H, Amazon)
  • Atomos Shinobi 5” 4K HDMI Monitor (B&H, Amazon)
  • Aputure MT Pro RGB LED Tube Light (B&H, Amazon)
  • Hollyland LARK M1 DUO 2-Person Wireless Mic System (B&H, Amazon)

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.

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