In this review, we will compare the Sony ZV-1F and the Sony ZV-1, which are two large-sensor compact cameras. The Sony ZV-1F was released in October 2022, while the Sony ZV-1 was launched in May 2020. This means that there is a 2-year age difference between the two cameras. Let’s explore whether this age difference has a significant impact on their performance and features.
That’s just a brief overview of some of the main differences between the Sony zv1 and zv1f, though. You can dig into the more granular differences in the chart below, where we’ve rounded up all the relevant specs.
| Features | Sony zv1 | Sony zv1f |
| Number of Focus Points | 315 | 425 |
| Battery Life | 260 | 360 |
| Focal Length | 24mm | 20mm |
| Max Aperture | 2.8 | 2.0 |
| Stacked Sensor | Yes | No |
| Wireless Connection | Built-in | Built-in |
| In-built Image Stabilization | Yes | No |
| RAW Support | Yes | No |
| Continuous Shooting | 24.0fps | 16.0fps |
| Focal Length | 70mm | 20mm |
| Optical Zoom | 2.9× | 1.0× |
| Built-in ND Filter | 3.0-stops | No |
| Gyroscopic Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Video Record Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Dedicated Video/Still Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connection | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable LCD Screen | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated |
| External Flash Shoe | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Face Detection Focus | Yes | Yes |
| Max Resolution | 20 MP | 20 MP |
| LCD Screen Resolution | 922k dots | 922k dots |
| Manual Exposure | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Port | Yes | Yes |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes |
| AE Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor Resolution | 20.1 Megapixel | 20.1 Megapixel |
| Selfie/Vlogger Friendly LCD | Yes | Yes |
| UHS Card Support | UHS-I | UHS-I |
| Eye Tracking Focus | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Viewfinder | No | No |
| Environmental Sealing | No | No |
| Frame Rate | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| ISO (MAX) | 25600 | 12800 |
| Native ISO | 100-12800 | 125-6400 |
| Display Type | 3″ LCD display | 3″ LCD display |
| Display Format | 921,600 pixels | 921,600 pixels |
Table of Contents
Reasons to Buy Sony zv1F over zv1
| Number of Focus Points | 425 vs 315 | 110 more focus points |
| Battery Life | 360 shots vs 260 shots | 100 more frames with a single charge |
| Weight | 256 gvs294 g | 38 g lighter |
| Focal Length – Wide | 20mm vs 24mm | 4 mm wider coverage |
| Max Aperture – Tele | 2.00vs2.80 | faster lens at tele |
| USB Version | USB 3.0 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | Faster Data transfer from the camera |
Both the Sony ZV-1F and Sony ZV-1 offer impressive battery life, but there is a slight difference between them. The Sony ZV-1F can capture approximately 360 shots on a single charge, making it a suitable choice for travel photography due to its efficient power usage. On the other hand, the Sony ZV-1 may require you to have one or two additional batteries on hand for longer shooting sessions. While the Sony ZV-1 provides a good battery life, it’s always beneficial to have spare batteries available, especially if you anticipate extended periods of shooting without access to charging facilities.
If weight is a significant factor for you and you should choose a lightweight and compact camera, the Sony ZV-1F would be the preferable option. It weighs only 256g, making it slightly lighter than the Sony ZV-1, which weighs 294g. The reduced weight of the Sony ZV-1F makes it more convenient for carrying during your travels or extended periods of shooting, minimizing any potential burden or fatigue.
In terms of USB Version, the Sony zv1f features USB 3.0 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) from the Sony ZV1. The Faster Data transfer included in the Sony zv1f allows offloading your photos and videos from the camera to your computer or storage device. If you are a videographer or a photographer working on deadline projects, the Sony ZV-1F can be a valuable tool to help you transfer high-quality video files efficiently and enhance your overall productivity.
Reasons to choose Sony ZV-1 over Sony zv1F
| Stacked Sensor | Yes vs No | High sensor read out speed and less rolling shutter |
| Wireless Connection | Built-In vs Built-In | Better connectivity |
| In-built Image Stabilization | Optical vs None | Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds |
| RAW Support | Yes vs No | Better image quality |
| Continuous Shooting | 24.0fps vs 16.0fps | 8 fps faster |
| Focal Length – Tele | 70mm vs2 0mm | 50 mm longer tele reach |
| Optical Zoom | 2.9× vs 1.0x | More flexible focal coverage |
| Max Aperture – Wide | 1.80 vs 2.00 | Faster lens at wide |
| Built-in ND Filter | 3.0-stops vs No | Use larger aperture under strong light |
If you prefer the Sony zv1, there are some differences and advantages to be aware of. The Sony ZV-1 features built-in image stabilization, which effectively reduces the impact of the camera shake. This results in sharper and more stable images and videos, particularly in challenging scenarios like low-light conditions and video shooting. The Sony ZV-1 does not have built-in image stabilization. To achieve stable videos, it is recommended to use an external camera gimbal or other stabilization equipment.
In terms of image formats, there are two main options: JPG and RAW. Many professional photographers prefer capturing images in RAW format because it retain exceptional details, facilitating easier editing during post-processing. The Sony ZV-1 supports RAW format, whereas the Sony ZV-1F does not. If you want to capture images with maximum details and have greater control over the editing process, the Sony ZV-1 would be the preferable choice due to its support for RAW format.
When it comes to continuous shooting, the Sony ZV1 supports 24.0fps vs 16.0fps from the Sony ZV1F. Therefore, the Sony ZV1 could capture a higher number of frames in rapid succession and is well-suited for wildlife and sport photography.
Common Strengths of Sony ZV-1F and Sony ZV-1
| Gyroscopic Stabilization | Yes vs Yes | Stabilize video in post-process |
| Product Showcase Mode | Yes vs Yes | Makes it easy to shoot product reviews |
| Video Record Limit | Unlimited vs Unlimited | Record clips longer than 30 minutes |
| Dedicated Video/Still Switch | Yes vs Yes | Easily switch between Photo and Video Modes |
| Bluetooth Connection | Yes vs Yes | Connect to other devices via Bluetooth |
| Adjustable LCD Screen | Fully Articulated vs Fully Articulated | Flexible shooting positions |
| External Flash Shoe | Yes vs Yes | Better for flash photography |
| Touch Screen | Yes vs Yes | Easy control of camera functions |
| Face Detection Focus | Yes vs Yes | very handy for portraits |
| Max Resolution | 20 MP vs 20 MP | Bigger prints and more details |
| LCD Screen Resolution | 922k dots vs 922k dots | High-resolution screens |
| Manual Exposure | Yes vs Yes | better exposure control |
| Microphone Port | Yes vs Yes | High-quality audio recording option |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes vs Yes | creative shooting |
| Focal Length – Wide | 20mm vs 24mm | Very good wide angle coverage |
| Max Aperture – Tele | 2.00 vs 2.80 | Fast lenses at tele |
| AE Bracketing | Yes vs Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
| Selfie/Vlogger Friendly LCD | Yes vs Yes | Rotate LCD for taking Selfies |
| Smartphone Remote | Yes vs Yes | Remote control your camera with a smartphone |
| Digital video stabilization | Yes vs Yes | Stabilizes your videos in-camera |
| UHS Card Support | UHS-I vs UHS-I | Read/Write in High Speeds |
| Webcam Function | Yes vs Yes | Use your camera as a Webcam |
| Eye Tracking Focus | Yes vs Yes | Autofocus system locks on the eye and tracks the subject |
While there are variations between the cameras, they also share some impressive features. Both the Sony ZV-1 and the Sony ZV-1F boast a touch screen, providing a user-friendly interface for effortless adjustment and monitoring of settings. Both the Sony ZV-1 and the Sony ZV-1F excel in face detection focus, making them excellent choices for portrait photography. Their advanced face detection technology ensures precise and accurate focus on the subject’s face, resulting in sharp and well-focused portraits.
Both the Sony ZV-1 and the Sony ZV-1F feature a selfie/vlogger-friendly LCD screen, designed to meet the needs of content creators and bloggers.
The LCD screens on these cameras can be flipped and rotated to face the front, allowing you to easily frame yourself while capturing selfies or recording vlogs. This feature is especially useful for vloggers who need to monitor their framing and ensure they are in focus while recording. By having a selfie/vlogger-friendly LCD screen, you can confidently capture self-portraits, create engaging video content, and maintain control over your composition.
If you frequently photograph people and animals, having an eye-tracking focus is indeed a crucial feature. Fortunately, both the Sony ZV-1 and the Sony ZV-1F include this functionality, enabling photographers to continuously track their subjects and capture images with exceptional detail and sharpness.
Alternatives
1
Canon M5
Canon
2
Canon M10
Canon
3
Fujifilm X100F
Fujifilm
Read More
4
Sony ZV-1 II
Sony
What types of Photography are Sony ZV-1F and Sony ZV-1 Good for?
Portrait Photography
Sony ZV-1F
Pro Very High-Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Pro External Flash Shoe
Pro Manual Exposure Mode
Pro Fast Autofocus and Eye tracking
Con No Image Stabilization
Con No RAW shooting capability
Sony ZV-1
Pro Very High-Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Pro External Flash Shoe
Pro Manual Exposure Mode
Pro Fast Autofocus and Eye-tracking
Pro Image Stabilization
Pro RAW shooting capability
Con No Built-in Viewfinder
Sports Photography and Wildlife Photography
Sony ZV-1F
Pro External Flash Shoe
Pro External Flash Shoe
Pro Fast Continuous Shooting: 16.0fps
Pro 425 Focus Points
Pro Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Pro Fast Autofocus System
Con No RAW shooting capability
Con No Image Stabilization
Con No Built-in Viewfinder
Sony ZV-1
Pro Image Stabilization
Pro RAW shooting capability
Pro External Flash Shoe
Pro Manual Focus Mode
Pro Fast Continuous Shooting: 24.0fps
Pro Wireless Connection
Con No Built-in Viewfinder
Con Environmental Sealings
Con Poor Battery Life: 260 shots
Landscape Photography
Sony ZV-1F
Pro Very High-Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Pro 20 mm – Good Wide Angle Coverage
Pro Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
Pro Manual Focus Mode
Pro Fast Continuous Shooting: 24.0fps
Pro Wireless Connection
Con No RAW Shooting Capability
Con No Environmental Sealings
Con No Manual Focus Mode
Sony ZV-1
Pro Image Stabilization
Pro RAW shooting capability
Pro External Flash Shoe
Pro Manual Focus Mode
Pro Fast Continuous Shooting: 24.0fps
Pro Wireless Connection
Con No Environmental Sealings
Travel Photography
Sony ZV-1F
Pro Portable and Lightweight
Pro External Flash Shoe
Pro Manual Exposure Mode
Pro Fast Continuous Shooting: 16.0fps
Con No RAW Shooting Capability
Con No Environmental Sealings
Con No Manual Focus Mode
Sony ZV-1
Pro Image Stabilization
Pro RAW shooting capability
Pro External Flash Shoe
Pro Manual Focus Mode
Pro Fast Continuous Shooting: 24.0fps
Pro Wireless Connection
Con No Environmental Sealings
Your Decision
1
Sony ZV-1
Sony
2
Sony ZV-1F
Sony
