Scenes Seen: Sony ZV-1… The Companion Camera.

I recently spilled a lot of virtual ink about how I finally realized I was looking for a rangefinder as a daily camera solution all along. But that is not the full story.

I am still a bit addicted to autofocus.

Part of what kept me from fully embracing a rangefinder for the longest. But I now have regained a bit of a secret weapon. A cheat code. Literally in my back pocket.

It is my blankey. I do use the rangefinder mostly, but it is there just in case.

Perfect for discrete, quick hip shots, general use pics, and videos. Can the 240 do video? Technically yes. But I would just ignore this if I were you. It was my backup Friday night at the exhibition.

Next up I tested it for video at the Nicolay performance Saturday night and after reviewing the short clips I regret not creating longer ones.

Then I brought it along for before and after pics from the photo walk with Chris Facey.

The last are a couple of quick pics leaving lunch yesterday where I will be sharing the main pics soon.

Is it a “perfect” camera?

No. Of course not. No such a thing exists.

So what is it for?

When you just want the pic.
When there is not time to set the camera up. Choose the closest preset for the situation and go.
When you have to hand it off to someone else.
When you want a quality video clip with no muss or fuss.
When you do not want to be noticed so as not to disturb a candid moment.

A perfect companion camera.

As stated previously in this space a camera that fully embraces good enough image quality in a truly portable package. It does not displace other more “serious” gear. I go into this in greater length in my last post of this camera.

Well done Sony.