At the end of 2023, Sony ZV-1F was officially introduced in Ukraine, a relatively affordable, compact camcorder that is positioned for beginner bloggers to shoot vlogs, videos on YouTube and other popular platforms. We have already tested the new product from a beginner’s point of view, shot videos and took photos, and now we share our impressions in the review below.
Pluses:
compact size and light weight; ultra-easy to use «handheld»; wide-angle module; automatic exposure and auto subject tracking; camera takes natural and detailed photos and videos; flip-up touch screen; easy to operate via physical buttons; proprietary app and various accessories; can be used as a webcam; adequate battery life; good price/quality/features ratio
Minuses:
fixed lens; occasional problems with autofocus; serious competition from other Sony cameras and smartphones (especially)
Content
Technical specifications of Sony ZV-1F
| Matrix type | CMOS Exmor RS |
| Matrix size | 1” (13.2×8.8 mm) |
| Number of megapixels | 20,1 Mpix |
| Processor type | BIONZ X |
| Lightpower | f/2.0 |
| Light sensitivity (ISO) | 125 — 12800 |
| Maximum image size | 5472×3648 |
| Maximum video resolution | 4K (3840×2160) |
| Video recording frame rate | 120, 24, 30, 60 fps |
| Continuous shooting | 16 frames per second |
| Optical magnification | No |
| Image stabilization | Electronic |
| HDR video | No |
| Display | 3.0”, TFT, 640×480 pixels |
| Wireless interfaces | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Connectors and ports | Micro HDMI, USB Type-C, 3.5 jack for connecting an external microphone |
| Types of memory cards | SD, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Micro, Memory Stick Micro (Mark2), Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, SDHC, SDXC |
| Power supply | Removable battery NP-BX1 |
| Focus type | Autofocus |
| Minimum focusing distance | 7.6 mm |
| Design features | Rotary display, Touch screen display |
| Video file format | XAVC S |
| File format | JPEG |
| Proprietary technologies | Bravia Syn, Clear Image Zoom |
| Lens included | Built-in |
| Body material | Metal, Plastic |
| Dimensions | 60×105.5×46.4 mm |
| Weight | 226 grams |
Packaging and equipment
The Sony ZV-1F comes in a small white box.
Inside we can see the camera itself with a lens cap, a windscreen, documentation and manual, a removable NP-BX1 battery and a USB-C charging cable.
Design and ergonomics
The Sony ZV-1F is a super-compact (60×105.5×46.4 mm) and lightweight (226 grams) camcorder with an austere design, straight lines and beveled corners. Its appearance is practical and does not attract attention. The model is made of matte plastic, and its lens is fixed.
The lens occupies the lion’s share of the front panel. On the right, in the corner, we see the Sony inscription. On the left is an LED that lights up red when shooting starts. Next to it, we see the zoom lever and a rounded protrusion that makes it easy to hold the camera.
Most of the rear panel is occupied by a movable touchscreen. To the right of it are four control buttons and a wheel.
The lower part of the camcorder has a cover that hides a microSD card slot with an adapter and a removable battery. There is also a place to install a tripod or holder.
On the top, we see several round buttons responsible for taking photos and videos, etc. There’s also a built-in microphone and mounting slots for various additional tools. For example, a windshield is attached here.
The following connectors are located on the left side, under the plugs: USB Type-C, micro HDMI and mini jack. There is also a place for attaching a wrist strap for carrying the camera on your wrist.
Display, controls and sound
Sony ZV-1F is equipped with a 3-inch touchscreen. The matrix here is TFT, and the resolution is 640×480 pixels. Of course, this is not enough for comfortable viewing of content, but it is more than enough to control and check the footage or photos.
The menu is relatively simple. There are seven main items, and each has a different number of sub-items. Everything is clearly written, named, and labeled. Compared to more serious and expensive camcorders, it’s clearer, but compared to the «Camera» app on a smartphone, you still have to figure it out a bit. You can control the camera using physical buttons on the side or by touching it. It’s up to you how you prefer it.
Sony ZV-1F records video using the built-in microphone. You can listen to the quality of recording on the street without a windscreen in several videos below.
You can also connect various external microphones via mini jack or wireless interfaces.
Sony ZV-1F camera
The Sony ZV-1F is equipped with a 1-inch 20.1 MP Exmor RS sensor. The wide-angle module is capable of shooting 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and 1080p at 60 frames per second. There is a fourfold zoom and image stabilization. The manufacturer also claims high-precision focusing and autofocus on human and animal eyes. This allows you to keep the camera locked on the face without switching to other subjects, which is very convenient for vlogging or other types of filming.
You can also click on the desired object on the camera screen and the camera will focus on it. Let me also remind you of the available wide-angle module. It allows you to easily shoot «handheld» not only yourself, but also people nearby.
The camera has a Creative Look function. This is a set of filters with different settings and moods. There are ten of them in total, all available in the menu. We also introduced the S&Q mode. This is a slow motion movie with an increased frame rate, as well as standard shooting at 60 frames per second.
Although the Sony ZV-1F is primarily a camcorder, it takes more than adequate photos. Videos and photos are captured with natural colors. However, there were occasional instances of defocusing during video recording.
The detail is good, there are no oversaturated colors, but the contrast is too high. All in all, it produces natural-looking photos and videos that are as natural as possible.
Features, accessories, and app
The Sony ZV-1F can do more than just work as a basic camera for video blogging. It can also be used as a webcam without any problems by simply connecting to a PC via the proprietary Imaging Edge Mobile Plus application. The camera can also be connected to smartphones via the same app, but for Android and iOS.
The app allows you to transfer photos and videos to your smartphone, publish them to social networks, edit them, process them, and more.
Unfortunately, I was unable to connect the camera to the app. I seemed to be doing everything right, following the instructions and so on, but for some reason the program did not see the camera. Since I’m a newbie here, I think the problem is in me, and there’s nothing wrong with the camera and the app.
In any case, transferring the captured content to the computer is done as quickly as possible without this. It is enough to pull out the memory card (by the way, it is not included in the package, and you cannot record anything without it) and insert it into the card reader.
The manufacturer also recommends paying attention to the proprietary Sony GP-VPT2BT holder with a wireless remote control. It can also be used as a mini-tripod, which is convenient in the same role as a webcam. You can walk the streets with it and shoot content, but I will say that even just shooting «handheld» is also convenient. The camera is small, lightweight, and thanks to the protrusion on the body, it’s easy to hold and it doesn’t even think about slipping out.
Autonomy
The Sony ZV-1F can take photos for 360 minutes on a single charge. But this is without using the screen. With it, the operating time is reduced to 180 minutes. In standard shooting mode, the battery life is reduced to 60 minutes. In continuous shooting mode, it increases to 90 minutes. The battery charges in an hour and a half.
Despite the relatively short battery life, I must say that this is more or less adequate for such compact models. It’s enough to record a vlog or several, and if you have something very long, you usually buy 1-2 batteries for such cameras. They are removable and can be changed in a minute. So, in general, one should be enough, but if anything, you should stock up on batteries.
Experience of using Sony ZV-1F
For an entry-level camcorder, I liked the Sony ZV-1F. Of course, you need to get to grips with it, in my case, first of all with the app, but in general, it’s ready to work right away on automatic settings and without anything.
I liked its ultra-compact size and spartan design. At the same time, it looks stylish and modern. We have adequate basic voice recording on the street. Of course, it’s better to put on a windbreaker or connect an external microphone, but even right out of the box, we have everything we need to start filming right here and now.
The screen is small, but it’s easy to use. The buttons are too. Additional accessories cost a lot, but no one is stopping you from buying something not from Sony. The same gadgets from Boya will fit here without any problems and save a lot of money.
The Sony ZV-1F is a camera that aims to replace your smartphone for vlogging, recording videos on social media, and more. Of course, this is not easy, but it is possible. This model is more compact than a smartphone, it has more features and tools for filming, has a wide range of settings, etc.
Many people already have a smartphone, and you can start filming with it right away. But that is if it is of the right level. For the price of this camera, you can’t buy a phone that will shoot as well. Of course, the camera here is only entry-level, but this level is more serious than a smartphone for about 20 thousand hryvnias. Judging by the feedback from many bloggers, most of them shoot content on camera. And only a minority do it with fancy iPhones.
Price and competitors
Sony ZV-1F is sold at a price of UAH 18,890. However, in large networks such as MOYO its price is UAH 23,999. However, the model does not have many competitors, and they are also from Sony.
Pay attention to the first model in this series Sony ZV-1. It is still relevant and has a slightly better sensor. Sony ZV-1 II, but it is significantly pricier, and therefore better in quality. Noteworthy Sony ZV-E10. It’s a cross between the first and second options, and it also has a variable focal length. This gives you more options for filming.