The Sony ZV-1F is a point-and-shoot camera designed to entice younger video content creators and vloggers away from using their smartphones and “step-up” to create higher quality video content for sites like TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, etc. using a camera.
The camera features a large 1-inch, Type-1 Exmor RS 20.1-megapixel sensor paired with a wide angle 20mm f/2 lens and because it is aimed primarily at younger creators, it is packed with features to help make creating content as simple as possible.
Based roughly on Sony’s RX100 series cameras, the ZV-1F is compact enough to fit in a pocket or small bag making it extremely portable and lightweight.
4K video can be captured at either 24 or 30 fps (60 fps recording is not supported) and up to 4x (digital) selectable zoom is also available for close up shots.
View Sony ZV-1F Pricing and Availability at Vistek
20.1-megapixel still images can also be captured and there are 10 available creative style presets that can be used with both stills capture and video recording.
It also boasts, Eye-AF and autofocus tracking with a one button Background Defocus function (bokeh), Face Priority AE (autoexposure) and a Product Showcase setting that transitions focus from a face to an object.
Slow motion (up to 5x slower) and Hyperlapse (up to 60x faster) speed footage can also be captured by pressing the S&Q (slow and quick) button to activate and then toggle between the modes.
There is also a vertical recording mode making it easy to create videos for social sites that require video in a vertical format.
Active Mode Image stabilization is also available; however, it comes with a slight crop and is not available when the recording frame rate is 120p for normal movies and 120fps in S&Q mode.
The flip-out, vari-angle touchscreen interface is both large and easy to use allowing users to set focus points, and adjust settings as needed.
The touchscreen also makes it easy to monitor what is being recorded when shooting “selfie” style footage and a red recording lamp located on the front of the camera illuminates when footage is being recorded.
When recording video, the built-in Directional 3-Capsule Mic collects sound from in front of the camera and is protected from wind noise by the included wind screen.
An external microphone such as the ECM-G1 vlogging microphone can also be attached to the camera via the multifunction hotshoe on the top of the camera.
There is also a self-timer for movie mode that allows creators to press the record button and then have time to get in to position before recording starts.
For creators looking for even more options, the (sold separately) GP-VPT2BT shooting grip can be attached to the camera. The grip also doubles as a tripod and features various control buttons on the grip.
The ZV-1F is also able to transfer footage directly to a smartphone when using the Imaging Edge Mobile App which allows the phone to be used as a remote control for the camera.
Of course, footage can also be recorded internally to a removable SD or SDXC media card.
The camera is powered by battery and can be charged via the USB Type-C port which can be connected to an external power source, such as a battery pack or wall power.
