Sony is adding a new model to its growing line of vlog-first cameras. The ZV-1F follows the first entry, the ZV-1 from 2020, and last year's changeable lens ZV-E10. But where previous entries had come in at higher prices and chased more advanced users, Sony has pared down some features with the ZV-1F to meet a more starter-friendly $500 price point.
Gen-Z Embraces Video
Vlog cameras exist, in part, because Gen-Z has latched onto the medium. More creators are starting with video today than have in years past, a shift seen as Instagram stills give way to video, in order to compete with the juggernaut that is TikTok.
While many online videomakers reach for a smartphone, Sony tells us that a full third of YouTubers are using dedicated camera equipment. For many that's a stills-first camera with strong video features, but those hybrid models typically put a photo foot forward, at the expense of video.
The ZV-1F, like other vlog cameras, does things a little differently. It doesn't include an eye-level EVF, for one, instead relying on a swing-out touch screen as a monitor. Many vloggers work without a film crew, and do double duty as camera operator and on-screen talent, so the articulating display is a must-have.
Audio is also a priority, so instead of a tinny, in-camera mic, the camera has the same 3-capsule stereo mic that's used in the ZV-1, one that's proven to deliver quality sound in practice. A 3.5mm jack is included if you want to use a shotgun or wireless lavalier instead, though we'll note the camera lacks a headphone jack and doesn't support Sony digital mics.
The pocket-friendly form adds some appeal for travel vloggers and handheld work. At around 9.0 ounces (256g) the ZV-1F isn't much heavier than a smartphone. The camera itself is pocketable, though we expect many creators to add the GP-VPT2BT tripod-grip ($150), a useful accessory for handheld video, with the option to fold out into a tripod for static shots.
As for video, the camera tops out at 4K30, and also offers 24fps recording. There's no 4K60 option, however you can record 1080p60 with sound, and leverage S&Q slow-motion for up to 5x slow-down effect, also at 1080p. Hyperlapse is a new video feature; it speeds up footage by 60x, but is also 1080p.
Creators have the option of applying a basic in-camera look to moving footage, or swap to S-Log2 or S-Log3 for a flat look that's suitable for color correction. Advanced users may be turned off by the 8-bit video format, though, as it does not offer that much room for editing. An in-camera HDR HLG profile is available too, for delivery to HDR televisions, but is also 8-bit.
Wide, Prime Lens Among Upgrades
There are some sundry differences between the ZV-1 and ZV-1F, but the most obvious change is the lens. When we reviewed the ZV-1 a couple years ago we called out the camera's 24-70mm zoom as a weak point for vlogging, stating in our wrap-up that "If I have a wish list for a ZV-2, it starts with an 18 or 20mm wide-angle lens."
Sony came through with a wider lens for the ZF-1F, but it's not a zoom. Instead of 24mm, the angle on many smartphone rear and selfie cameras, the ZV-1F offers up a significantly wider 20mm angle, while using the same type of oversized Type 1 sensor as the the ZV-1 and RX100 series cameras.
The wide lens is also bright, with an f/2.0 maximum aperture, so you can use the ZV-1F comfortably in dim light and record video with a soft, defocused background. Sony adds some ease-of-use features on the ZV series, including a single button to swap between a defocused background (f/2.0) and a frame that's sharply in focus (f/5.6). You don't need to know your f-stops to use this camera.
The lens isn't optically stabilized, nor does the tiny ZV body support sensor shift stabilization. Rather, the ZV-1F uses Sony's Active Steady Shot digital stabilization to smooth out handheld footage. We'll have to see how the feature works in practice—we know it introduces a slight crop, but typically speaking wider lenses work well with digital stabilization. GoPro and DJI put their own versions in wide-angle action cameras and they're as effective as gimbals. We'll need to test the ZV-1F to see how it compares.
Many video-oriented features continue from the ZV-1. We've touched on the single-press background defocus, but the camera also supports face and eye detection for focus and exposure, so it can keep you sharp and properly lit even if the camera moves or lighting changes. The Product Showcase focus mode, which gives prioritizes focus for foreground objects is also included. It's a good fit for product reviewers and other vloggers who want to show off an object to the audience.
As for improvements, Sony is touting an easier touch interface, so vloggers can tap the front-facing screen to make settings changes, apply a digital zoom, or use swipe gestures to access on-screen menus. It remedies a complaint we made about the ZV-1, which really required you to get behind the camera to change settings and navigate its UI.
It's also added some features to speed up editing and wireless transfers. You'll be able to mark highlights in your clips, which the ZV-1F leverages to trim and transfer truncated versions to your smartphone for editing and sharing. You can opt for 15, 30, or 60 second segments.
Live streaming is available via USB-C. The camera sends 1080p60 video and audio over the connection, and works with OBS and other apps that support USB webcams. If you're looking for a camera that can make you look and sound better on Zoom, the ZV-1F promises to do the trick. Streaming over Wi-Fi isn't an option, though. If you have a compatible Sony Xperia Pro phone you can use it as a streaming go-between via a USB connection, but few people actually bought that phone.
The battery pack is the same NP-BX1 that drives the ZV-1. With the 1F it's rated for up to 360 photos per charge, or about 90 minutes of total recording time. Sony couches that estimate and tells us that it expects about an hour of actual recording time per charge. 4K clips are limited to about five minutes, as is the case with the ZV-1. If you're interested in long-form 4K, the ZV-1F isn't a likely match.
Some Question Marks
Even with these upgrades, there are some limitations in the entry-level ZV-1F that we didn't expect to see. The autofocus system relies entirely on contrast detection, a method that's typically slower and not quite as smooth as the hybrid phase-contrast detection focus you get with the ZV-1 and ZV-E10. We'll have to see how it works in practice; a Sony rep tells us that the wide angle lens mitigates the need for phase detection.
There's also no headphone jack, so you'll have to rely on the camera's speaker, on-screen audio monitors, or offload media to check audio quality. It's a shame Sony doesn't offer support for USB-C or Bluetooth headphones. Likewise, the accessory shoe is a cold mount only, so you can't take advantage of the all-digital audio Sony puts in some of its on-camera mics. The ZV-1 and ZV-E10 include hot shoes that support digital mics.
And for stills creators, the ZV-1F drops support for Raw capture. It can snap JPG photos at up to 16fps, but you won't have much leeway when it comes to edits. There are 10 in-camera creative looks available, so you can give images a filtered look, but you'll need to settle on a look before you click the shutter.
Pricing and Availability
The Sony ZV-1F is available for order today for $499.99 for US customers and is priced at $649.99 CAD in Canada. It's set to start shipping to customers later this month.