Currently, there are three Sony ZV-1 cameras. The ZV-1, ZV-1 ii, and the ZV-1F.
All three of these cameras are aimed at content creators, but they all have pros and cons.
Most people who are doing vlogging will benefit the most from the ZV-1 ii, but if not, the ZV-1 still seems to be the clear winner.
Comparing the Sony ZV-1, ZV-1 ii and ZV-1F
The main difference between these cameras is the focal length. The Sony ZV-1 and ZV-1 ii are the most similar but the biggest change with the ZV-1 ii is focal length and aperture. The Sony ZV-1 has a focal length of 24mm while the ZV-1 ii has a focal length of 18mm.
That’s huge if you need to vlog, but if not, you probably don’t need all the features of the ZV-1 ii. The problem with the ZV-1 is the variable aperture. It’s not a problem at 18mm, but once you zoom in you’ll lose bokeh and light.
I think the ZV-1F is the oddest of these three. It’s a compact vlog camera that doesn’t have great stabilization. Now this camera is fine if you have a gimbal and you mostly vlog, but it has a poor rolling shutter. It’s my least favorite out of the three unless you have a specific purpose for it.
Below I’ve made a table comparing the three cameras to help you have a better understanding of the basic technical specifications of all these cameras.
| Specification | Sony ZV-1 | Sony ZV-1 ii | Sony ZV-F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Announcement Date | 05/26/2020 | 05/23/2023 | 10/13/2022 | |
| Sensor Type | 1″-Type CMOS | 1″ stacked CMOS sensor | 1″-Type CMOS | |
| Sensor Resolution | 20.1 MP | 20.1 MP | 20.1 MP | |
| Sensor Size | 13.2 x 8.8mm (1″) | 13.2 x 8.8mm (1″) | 13.2 x 8.8mm (1″) | |
| Native ISO Range | 125-12,800 | 125-12,800 | 125-12,800 | |
| Image Processor | Bionz X | Bionz X | Bionz X | |
| Phase Detection Autofocus | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Phase Detection Autofocus Points | 315 AF Points | 315 AF Points | 315 AF Points | |
| Focal Length in 35mm Equiv | 24-70mm | 20mm 1.8 Fixed | 24-200mm | |
| Lens Aperture | f/1.8-f/2.8 | f/1.8-4 | f/1.8 | |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes (enhanced) | Yes | |
| Integrated ND Filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/32000 sec | 1/32000 sec | 1/32000 sec | |
| Startup Time | 2.0 sec | 2.0 sec | 2.0 sec | |
| Product showcase | Yes | Yes | Product Showcase | |
| Auto ISO Min Shutter Speed | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| EVF | No | No | No | |
| Flash Hotshoe with interface shoe | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Built-in Flash | No | No | No | |
| Memory Card Slot | SD UHS-I | SD UHS-I | SD UHS-I | |
| LCD Screen | 3.0″ Flip | 3.0″ Flip | 3.0″ Flip | |
| LCD Touchscreen | Yes | Yes (More advanced | Yes | |
| Video Recording | 4K, up to 30 fps | 4K, up to 30 fps | 4K, up to 30 fps | |
| S-Log/S-Gamut | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Slow Motion Video Duration | 8 sec | 8 sec | 8 sec | |
| Built-in Intervalometer | No | No | No | |
| Built-in WiFi | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Headphone port | No | No | No | |
| Microphone Port | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| USB | 2.0, Charging | USB-C, 2.0, Charging | USB-C, 2.0, Charging | |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 260 shots | 260 shots | 260 shots | |
| Weight | 294g | 300g | 292g | |
| Cinematic vlog mode | No | No | Yes | |
| Price (as of 06/1/2023 | $698 | $898 | $498 | |
Sony ZV-1 Pros and Cons
Pros
- 24-70mm focal length
- 1.8-2.8 aperture
Cons
- Not for vlogging
- Less AI features as Mark ii
Sony ZV-1 ii Pros and Cons
Pros
- Better for vlogging
- AI features
Cons
- Expensive
- Small aperture
Sony ZV-1F
Pros
- Good for vlogging
- Maximum aperture of 1.8
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Fixed focal length (20mm)
- Poor stabilization.
What’s the difference between the ZV-1 and ZV-1F
The ZV-1F is only better because it has a wider focal length of 20mm, so it’s better for vlogging. With that said, the stabilization on the ZV-1F is not great, so I recommend using a smaller gimbal like the Crane M3.
If you’re filming yourself from further away, most content creators prefer a closer lens like 24-35mm. I personally prefer 35mm and only shoot at 20mm for vlogging.
You can still do vlogging with the Sony ZV-1, you just need a longer tripod like the mantispod in the extended mode.
What camera is best for most people
The two best cameras from this list are the Sony ZV-1 and the ZV-1 ii. If you don’t need to vlog and you don’t need the newest features, the Sony ZV-1 is the best camera for most people. It has a closer zoom range, a better minimum aperture to increase bokeh, and it’s much more affordable than ZV-1 ii.
I have a tendency to vlog on my iPhone, so that’s why the ZV-1 still sticks out to me. It’s just a great camera for filmmaking and shooting B-roll.
However, the ZV-1 ii has a stacked sensor and real-time AF which makes it a better photography camera for sports or action. It’s also a better camera if you need a better camera for vlogging and it has a little better image stabilization.
Summary
I hope this helped you have a better idea of what camera will work best for you. If you’re a vlogger, go for the ZV-1 ii. If you don’t need the vlog features, get the ZV-1. And if you love 20mm and don’t need to zoom in, get the ZV-1F.
There are a lot of great features moving to a 1″ sensor, and any of these cameras will do a great job for content creators, but I still personally think the ZV-1 is best for my situation.
