Sony ZV-1F – compact vlogging camera

Today Sony launched theZV-1F – sister camera to the modelZV-1 launched in 2020 with more basic features and an extremely low price tag aimed at those who need a basic but effective vlogging camera.

between theZV-1F ל-ZV-1

At the height of the first wave of the Corona, Sony launched the model E–ZV-1 arrived just in time to fill the need for a simple and relatively cheap compact camera for videographers with reasonable stills capabilities for streaming, videos and more.

A little more than two years have passed and today the company is launching a more basic model designed less for video (and much less for stills) but mainly for vlogging photographers and those looking for a quality streaming camera that can be easily connected to a computer and work with it without additional accessories and can also be taken on the road if you need to record.

So what changed between the–ZV-1 for the modelThe new ZV-1F? On the face of it, the two cameras look quite similar, but there are quite a few differences between them:

• The new model has a 20 mm prime lens with f/2 aperture (the previous model has a 35 mm equivalent zoom lens for 24-70 mm f/1.8-f/2.8).
• The new model has focus based on contrast only (the previous model has hybrid focus – contrast and phase).
• The new model has eye focus only (the previous model has improved real-time eye tracking AF focus).
• The new model has the option of shooting a sequence up to 16 frames per second in stills in JPEG mode only (the previous model has the option of shooting up to 24 frames per second including RAW with a larger buffer).
• The new model has the option of shooting 4K video up to 24 frames per second and 1080p up to 120 frames per second (the previous model has more slow motion shooting options although at lower resolutions).
• The new model does not have electrical contacts on the hot shoe and does not allow the connection of accessories such as Sony microphones (the previous model has electrical contacts).
• The new model does not have a built-in ND but there is an option to screw in a front filter (the previous model has a built-in variable ND).
• The new model has Sony’s new menus (the old model has the company’s older style menus).
• The new model is almost 50 grams lighter.

Sony’s official video about theZV-1F

Sony ZV-1F spec

is the main features of theSony ZV-1F:

• Sensor: 1 inch CMOS.
• Lens: 20mm f/2 built-in.
• Sensitivity: 125-12,800 ISO.
• Focus: 425 focus points (contrast only).
• Video: 4K up to 25 frames per second (in 8 bit 4:2:0) or 1080p up to 120 frames per second.
• Stabilizer: video only (active mode with crop).
• Still photography: JPEG only up to 16 frames per second (buffer 120 frames).
• Memory: SD UHS I single card.
• Battery: NP-BX1 (260 photos between charges).
• Weight: 255 grams.

The SONY ZV-1F front view with the flip screen

Sony ZV-1F prices and availability

God-ZV-1F will go on sale next month for about $500 (about $200 less than the previous model).

Sony ZV-1F First reviews from the web

Several reviews of the new camera have already been published online and here they are:

Chris from DPR with theSony’s ZV-1F

Gerald Enden and a friend test the new model in front of two advanced cell phone cameras

Australian photographer Jason Morris examines theZV-1F

Sony ZV-1F – UK PROAV review

Ido Gnot

Ido Gnot is the editor and founder of the Megapixel photography website. He has been covering technology news since the late 1990s and has written and edited for a number of leading international magazines. He has been involved in the field of photography since 2009. Ido is also a co-founder of the production company Shooteat.co.il which is engaged in creating visual content for commercial companies.