Hey everyone,

If you’ve ever shot underwater with a Sony camera, you know the drill. Most lenses require a manual zoom ring and a Zoom or focus gear inside the housing to change focal length. It works great, but it’s not always the smoothest or fastest way when you’re holding a rig, fighting currents, or trying to capture a moving subject.

That’s where Sony’s Power Zoom (PZ) lenses come in. These lenses have a built-in motor, so you can control zoom electronically - directly from the camera body - without physical zoom gear. And thanks to recent Sony firmware updates, this feature is now available on far more Sony cameras than before.

At Salted Line we’ve been using this setup for years on specific camera housings (like our FX3/30 series that come with a dedicated zoom lever). But now the same electronic zoom control works on many recent Sony cameras - as long as you have the right lens and the right firmware.

Here’s everything you need to know to set it up and get the most out of it.

Which Sony Lenses Support Power Zoom?

Only lenses marked PZ (Power Zoom) have the internal motor that lets the camera control zoom electronically. Here’s the current list of compatible lenses that work perfectly inside Salted Line waterproof camera housings:

APS-C lenses

• Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G
• Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
• Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II
• Sony E 18-105mm f/4 G OSS
  

Full-frame FE lenses

• Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 G PZ OSS
  

If your lens is not on this list, you’ll still need a traditional zoom gear. Power Zoom control simply won’t work.

 

Which Sony Cameras Support Electronic Zoom Control?

Previously this feature was limited to just a handful of bodies (mainly the ZV series and FX3/FX30). Now, after Sony’s firmware updates, you can assign zoom control to almost any button you like on these models:

 

• A7 IV
  
• A7 V
• A7R V
• A7S III
• A1
• A6700
• FX3
• FX30

 

Important note about firmware 

Sony added full Power Zoom button assignment starting with these versions (check your camera’s menu → Setup → Version to confirm):

• A7 IV → firmware 3.00 or newer
  
• A7 V → all current firmwares
• A7R V → firmware 2.00 or newer
  
• A7S III → firmware 3.00 or newer
• A1 → firmware 2.00 or newer
• A6700 → all current firmwares
• FX3 → all current firmwares
• FX30 → all current firmwares

 

 

If your camera is on an older version, simply update it via Sony’s Imaging Edge Desktop software before you head into the water.

How to Set It Up (Step-by-Step)

The video we posted recently shows one popular configuration, but you can actually assign zoom in/out to any button you prefer - the custom button on the front, the AF-ON button, the C1/C2 buttons, or even the shutter half-press if you want. Here’s how it works:

1. Go to Menu → Setup → Operation Customize → Custom Key (the exact menu name varies slightly by body).

 

 

2. Choose the button you want to use.

 

 

3. Scroll down and select Power Zoom (it may appear as “Zoom” or “Power Zoom Function”).

 

 

4. Assign Zoom In to one direction and Zoom Out to the other (or assign both to the same button if you prefer a toggle style).

 

 

 

 

5. Save and exit.

 

 

That’s it. Once set, pressing the assigned button will smoothly drive the lens motor - exactly the same way the zoom lever works on ZV and our FX camera housings.

You can still use the physical zoom ring (if available) on the lens if you prefer manual control, or switch between electronic and manual at any time.

How to set it up step-by-step guide, check out our video on YouTube

Why This Matters Underwater

• Faster, smoother zooms while holding your camera housing with both hands
• No need to reach for a zoom knob when you’re in a tight spot or shooting video
  

We’ve been testing this setup extensively with the A6700, A7IV, A7S III, A1, and the A7R V and A7V inside our latest housings, and the results are excellent. 

 

 

If you already own a Salted Line underwater camera housing and one of the PZ lenses listed above, take five minutes to update your firmware and assign the buttons - you’ll immediately feel the difference.

Have questions about your specific Salted Line model or accessory compatibility? Feel free to email us at support@saltedline.com or message us on social media. We’re always happy to help.

Stay safe, stay dry, and happy shooting!

- The Salted Line Team

---

Follow us for more tips, gear reviews, and epic underwater shots:

Instagram @saltedline & @saltedlineeurope

Facebook Salted Line & Salted Line Europe

YouTube Salted Line Waterproof Housings & Salted Line Europe