Introduction
The Sony ZV-1F, a smaller version of the ZV-1 in 2020, is an affordable option. Both cameras are compact vlogging cameras designed for creators.
The ZV1F is aimed at smartphone owners looking for a better video camera with less cost. It has a few key differences that make it more affordable.
First, the new model’s 20mm fixed focal length lens is longer than the ZV-1F’s 24-70mm F/1.8-2.8 zoom lens. It offers a broader field of view, making it more useful for selfies and vlogging. However, it has a different versatility than zoom.
The cameras have a 20-megapixel resolution due to their large 1-inch (13.2 mm 8.8 mm sensors), but the ZV-1F only supports contrast detection auto-focusing (425 point), and not the hybrid phase/contrast detector AF system found on the ZV-1F.
The ZV-1F has a few features missing from the ZV-1F, including no optical stabilization, no RAW file support for stills (just JPEGs), and no built-in ND filters.
The cameras look very similar. They share the exact compact dimensions, a microphone socket on the top, and a flip-out screen.
The ZV-1F can be purchased in black and costs approximately PS550 / 500, considerably less than the PS700/$750 ZV-1 model. It is manufactured in China.
It’s easy to use
When you are looking at it, it is essential to know who the Sony ZV-1F is intended for. Sony created the ZV-1F camera to appeal to creators in a world that embraces Instagram Stories, YouTube, and TikTok.
The ZV-1F is almost identical to the RX100 camera but looks a little more bloated. It is also a millimeter or so larger in all dimensions which emphasizes the camera’s rounded edges.
The ZV-1F is a major upgrade from the RX100’s all-metal design.
This was done again to keep the price of the camera low, but the body feels solid enough. The components fit together perfectly, there are no creaks, joints that look weak, and everything is well-designed and assembled.
Although the ZV-1F doesn’t have a zoom lens it hasn’t stopped Sony’s incorporation of a touch-controlled step Zoom for stills and videos.
You can choose from 1.0x/1.5x/2.0x/4.0x options by touching the ZOOM icon on your LCD panel. This combination of digital zoom and Clear Image Zoom from Sony allows you to change your angle of view quickly.
The camera’s rear is nearly identical to the RX100 and ZV-1 models. A central selection button controls the camera’s directional control dial. Four buttons can be accessed frequently used features around this button.
The video recording button has been moved. The button used to be small and difficult to press. It is now much more significant and occupies a prominent place on the ZV-1F’s top plate.
This allows the ZV-1F a larger and more welcome rubberized thumb grip on its rear. It makes it easier one-handed to operate at arm’s reach.
The 921,000 dot LCD screen, measuring 3 inches, is located at the rear. The screen is hinged to one side of the camera. It can be folded in half to expose the screen to the sides for self-portraits or vlogging. You can also fold it in half to protect the body if you don’t want to keep the camera in a bag.
External video recording is possible via HDMI-out. However, attaching an external device to the camera would be a good use of space for a small vlogging camera. It is still a good option, even if you only want to playback images or video directly from the camera.
The USB Type C (USB 2.0 socket) allows the power supply to the ZV-1F with a battery or for charging the battery when it is not being used. This is a significant upgrade to the ZV-1’s Micro USB port.
It is faster than the XV-1F and allows headphones to be used with the camera. This is similar to what Fujifilm did with the XT3 and XT4 cameras.