Sony ZV-1F Review
We've aggregated 12 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.
Our editorial take on the Sony ZV-1F
The Sony ZV-1F is a purpose-built vlogging camera that strips away unnecessary features to deliver exactly what solo creators need: a compact, affordable package centered around a genuinely wide 20mm equivalent lens and solid 4K/30p video. With a flip-out touchscreen, directional three-capsule mic, and vlog-specific touches like Product Showcase Mode and a bokeh switch, it's clearly designed for talking-head content and on-the-go shooting. Reviewers consistently praise its portability, image quality for the price, and beginner-friendly operation. The one-inch sensor and S-Log profiles give you more dynamic range than a smartphone, while features like USB webcam mode and included wind screen add versatility.
The tradeoffs are real, though. There's no optical zoom (the lens is fixed at 20mm), no viewfinder, and battery life is modest at around 60 minutes of actual shooting. Some reviewers note the lack of in-body stabilization means you'll rely on electronic Active Mode, which can introduce a crop. The 1.0-inch sensor won't match larger formats in low light, and continuous autofocus, while serviceable, isn't always as sticky as pricier Sony models. Still, for vloggers who prioritize ultra-wide framing and don't need interchangeable lenses, the ZV-1F hits a sweet spot.
- Ultra-wide 20mm equivalent lens ideal for arm's-length vlogging
- Compact, pocketable body at 256g with battery and card
- Vlog-specific features like Product Showcase Mode, bokeh switch, and directional mic
- 4K/30p with S-Log2 and S-Log3 for expanded grading options
- USB webcam mode and included wind screen add practical versatility
- No optical zoom, fixed 20mm focal length limits framing flexibility
- Modest battery life (approx. 60 min actual shooting)
- Electronic stabilization only, no in-body image stabilization
- One-inch sensor falls behind larger formats in low light
Synthesized by Geared editors from aggregated expert reviews.
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Editorial reviews
The ZV-1F is a camera aimed at vloggers and others who want to film themselves. It features vlog-friendly features such as a wide, 20mm equivalent lens.
The Sony ZV-1F's wide lens, digitally stabilized 4K, and quality audio should appeal to vloggers, but distracting, fluttering autofocus make it difficult to ...
This is a no-frills vlogging camera that will give you just what you need, a 4K video that is ready for social media, all contained in a tiny compact package, ...
The Sony ZV-1F is a great vlogging camera that's portable and doesn't break the bank. It shoots lovely 4K/30P footage, can shoot in S-Log 3 to capture a wider ...
The Sony ZV-1F is an excellent choice. Offering a better image quality than the latest phones, excellent auto-exposure, and a freeing articulating screen.
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Specs
- Usb
- USB Type-C (USB 2.0)
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz), Bluetooth 4.1
- Card Slot
- Single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
- Mic Input
- 3.5 mm stereo mini jack
- Battery
- NP-BX1 (3.6 VDC, 1240 mAh)
- Battery Life
- Approx. 360 shots (still images), Approx. 60 min (actual movie shooting), Approx. 90 min (continuous movie shooting)
- Weight Grams
- 229 g (body only), 256 g (with battery and memory card)
- Dimensions Mm
- 105.5 x 60.0 x 46.4 mm
- Optical Zoom
- None
- Aperture Range
- f/2 to f/8
- Focal Length Equiv
- 20 mm
- Min Focus Distance
- 5 cm (approx. 0.17 ft)
- Log Profiles
- S-Log2, S-Log3
- Max Frame Rate 4k
- 30p (NTSC), 25p (PAL)
- Max Frame Rate Hd
- 120p (NTSC), 100p (PAL)
- Max Video Bitrate
- 100 Mbps
- Max Video Resolution
- 4K (3840 x 2160)
- Eye Af
- Human (still and movie), Animal (still)
- Af Points
- 425 (contrast detection)
- Lens Type
- ZEISS Tessar T*
- Shot Mark
- Yes (15, 30, or 60 sec clips)
- Microphone
- Directional 3-capsule
- Color Space
- sRGB, Adobe RGB
- Hdmi Output
- Micro HDMI
- Wind Screen
- Included
- Bokeh Switch
- Yes
- Angle Of View
- 94 degrees
- Vertical Video
- Yes
- Creative Styles
- 10 presets
- Filter Diameter
- 40.5 mm
- Image Processor
- BIONZ X
- Proxy Recording
- 1280 x 720 (approx. 9 Mbps)
- Face Priority Ae
- Yes
- Picture Profiles
- PP1-PP10
- Soft Skin Effect
- Yes
- Lens Construction
- 6 elements in 6 groups
- Streaming Support
- Yes (USB webcam mode)
- Background Defocus
- Yes
- Continuous Shooting
- 16 fps (speed priority), 3.5 fps (continuous)
- Focal Length Actual
- 7.6 mm
- Shutter Speed Range
- 1/4 to 1/32000 s (electronic)
- Operating Temperature
- 0 to 40 degrees C (32 to 104 degrees F)
- Product Showcase Mode
- Yes
- Sensor Size
- 1.0-type (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
- Sensor Type
- 1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS
- Effective Megapixels
- 20.1 MP
- Rear Screen
- 3.0-inch (7.5 cm), 921,600 dots, articulating, TFT LCD
- Touchscreen
- Yes
- Front Screen
- None
- Launch Price Usd
- $599.99
- Stabilization
- Electronic (Active Mode)
Where to buy
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- B&H Photonew● In stock$598Buy
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