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Sony ZV-1F Vlogging Digital Camera, Black {20.1MP}
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$380.00
Sony ZV-1F: 20mm f/2 fixed lens built for vloggers.
The ZV-1F pairs a 20.1MP, 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with a fixed 20mm f/2 lens, a combination that makes group selfies, tight indoor spaces, and walking shots genuinely workable than an afterthought. The wide field of view means you stay in frame at arm's length, and with digital stabilization engaged the effective angle tightens only to roughly 25mm equivalent, which is still generous for self-facing work. 4K video shoots at up to 59.94 fps using the full sensor width, and 1080p extends to 119.88 fps for slow-motion sequences. ISO runs from 125 to 12,800 natively, and the 425-point contrast-detection AF system covers a wide area of the frame with Eye AF for both humans and animals.
The feature set is clearly built around solo creators. Product Display mode shifts focus from your face to whatever you hold up in front of the lens, no gesture, no mode dial, just point the object at the camera. Background Defocus gives you optical separation from the 1-inch sensor and f/2 aperture with a single button press. The 3.5mm mic input lets you bypass the built-in stereo microphone when audio quality matters, and the cold shoe adds an accessory mount without adding bulk. At 256g with battery, it fits in a jacket pocket and charges over USB-C.
Who It's For
Solo travel documentarians get a camera that stays wide even in cramped guesthouses and narrow streets, with Eye AF keeping faces locked while walking. Product reviewers and unboxing creators benefit directly from the Product Display AF mode, which automatically shifts focus priority to objects held toward the lens without any manual intervention. Webcam users and streamers can connect via USB-C and feed clean 1080p video without a capture card. Photographers already in the Sony ecosystem who want a dedicated, pocketable companion for casual or behind-the-scenes video will find the NP-BX1 battery and familiar PASM controls a comfortable fit.
Key Features
- 20.1MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with BIONZ X processor
- Fixed 20mm f/2 lens, 6 elements in 6 groups
- UHD 4K video at 59.94 fps, 1080p up to 119.88 fps
- 425-point contrast-detection AF with Eye AF tracking
- Product Showcase mode auto-shifts focus from face to object
- 3.5mm stereo microphone input for external audio
- Articulating 3-inch touchscreen LCD, 921,600 dots
- Digital image stabilization with 1.23x crop in active mode
- 256g total weight with battery, USB-C charging
- Cold shoe mount, no built-in or external flash
FAQ
- Can you shoot RAW files with the ZV-1F?
- No. The ZV-1F shoots JPEG stills and XAVC video only - there's no RAW option. This is a deliberate choice by Sony to keep the camera focused on video work for creators rather than photographers.
- What's the maximum frame rate for video, and does it slow down in 4K?
- 4K tops out at 59.94 fps using the full sensor width. Full HD extends to 119.88 fps for proper slow-motion. You also get proxy recording at 1280×720 if you need to offload storage quickly on set.
- How does the 20mm fixed lens work for framing if I need different angles?
- The ZV-1F offers step zoom at 1.0x, 1.5x, 2.0x, and 4.0x - accessed via touchscreen or the front rocker. In 4K, the 1.5x zoom is the practical limit before upscaling kicks in. For your main shots, compose wider and accept that this lens is intentionally wide for self-facing work.
- Does Product Showcase mode require a gesture or button press?
- Just point the object at the camera. Once Product Showcase is enabled, the 425-point AF system shifts priority to whatever's held closest to the lens - no gesture needed. It switches back to face priority when you lower the object.
- What's the battery life for actual vlogging - not the CIPA rating?
- Roughly 60 minutes of real video shooting per charge. That's continuous recording with the monitor on. CIPA claims 90 minutes continuous, but account for touchscreen use and AF work cutting into that. Carry a second NP-BX1 battery or a USB power bank.
- Can I use this as a webcam over USB?
- Yes, up to 1080/60p. Connect via USB-C to a computer, and the ZV-1F functions as a live camera input. Audio comes through the built-in or external microphone.
- Is there a headphone output for monitoring audio while recording?
- No headphone port. You get an audio level display on the touchscreen and an audio meter to watch for clipping, but no real-time headphone monitoring. Attach an external mic to the 3.5mm input if you need confidence audio.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1" (13.2 x 8.6 mm) CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.1 MP (5,472 x 3,648) |
| AF Points | 425 |
| ISO Range | 125–12,800 (Extended: 80–12,800) |
| Burst Rate | 16 |
| Shutter Speed | Electronic: 1/32,000 to 1/4 sec (all exposure modes) |
| Video | UHD 4K |
| Stabilization | Digital (Electronic) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi / Bluetooth (2.4GHz) |
| Battery | NP-BX1 (3.6V, 1,240 mAh, included) |
| Filter Size | 40.5mm |
| Focal Length Equivalent | 20mm |
| Optical Design | 6 Elements in 6 Groups |
| Focus Range | 2" to Infinity / 5 cm to Infinity |
| Focus Mode | Single-shot AF |
| Focusing Type | Contrast-detection AF |
| Eye AF | Human (Right/Left Eye Select) / Animal |
| Object Tracking | Yes |
| Digital Zoom | 4x Maximum |
| Metering Sensitivity | EV 0 to 20 (at ISO100 equivalent) |
| Video Modes | UHD 4K (3840x2160) at 24/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [60–100 MB/s]; Full HD (1920x1080) at 24/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/119.88 fps [16–100 MB/s] |
| Proxy Recording | Yes (1280x720, approx. 9 Mbps) |
| Slow Motion | No |
| Display Type | Articulating 3" Touchscreen LCD |
| Display Resolution | 921,600 dots |
| Flash Built | No |
| Flash External | No |
| Shoe Mount | Cold Shoe |
| Microphone | Stereo (Built-In) |
| Microphone Input | 1x 1/8" / 3.5mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input |
| Headphone Port | No |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Audio Level Display | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes: Android & iOS |
| GPS | No |
| HDMI Output | 1x Micro-HDMI (Type D) |
| USB | 1x USB-C (USB 2.0) - Data Output / Power Input (shared) |
| Internal Storage | No |
| Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (128 GB Maximum) |
| Battery Life Cipa | Approx. 360 shots (still); Approx. 90 min continuous video / 60 min actual video |
| Weight Body Only | 229 g (8.1 oz) |
| Weight With Battery | 256 g (9.1 oz) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 40°C / 32 to 104°F |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to 55°C / -4 to 131°F |
| Background Defocus | Yes |
| Face Detection | Yes |
| Face Registration | Yes |
| Product Showcase Setting | Yes |
| Image Ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Uncompressed RAW | No |
| Digital Level Gauge | Yes |
| Creative Look | Yes |
| Colour Space | Yes |
| Dimensions | 105.5 x 60 x 43.5 mm (4.2 x 2.4 x 1.7") |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Sony |
|---|