Sony Fixed-Focal Vlogging Camera

2022.10.13

Today Sony announced a follow up to their original fixed-lens vlogging camera launched slightly over two years ago. This was the first dedicated vlogging digital camera on the market and comes with a fixed lens equivalent to a 24-70mm on Full-Frame yet backed by a 20 megapixels 1" CMOS sensor.

The new Sony ZV-1F is built around the same sensor and combines it with a fixed prime lens, equivalent to a 20mm Full-Frame lens. This captures an ultra-wide 94° angle-of-view with no possibility of zooming for photos. It can zoom inward while capturing 4K video since only 12 MP are required, providing it with a small amount of leeway not normally afforded by fixed-focal cameras. The central feature of the ZV-series is its usable interface for operating the camera from in front. The ZV-1F maintains virtually the same design and controls.

Sony is taking on a very niche market with this new digital camera. Normally new camera launches emphasize new capabilities and features but there is nothing this model can do that others cannot do better. Instead, the Sony ZV-1F is better defined by the simplicity and compactness obtained by features it left out. The essence of this new model is to be the minimalist vlogging digital camera.

One gets basic photo features with a minimal set of full manual-controls. It captures 20 MP images in JPEG only with a 3:2 aspect-ratio. The CMOS sensor inside the XV-1F has a ISO 125-12800 sensitivity range and has an electronic-only shutter that ranges from 1/32000-15s. Common PASM exposure modes are provides with a set of five metering models plus very precise white-balance fine-tuning. Continus shooting is possible up to 16 FPS for an unspecified duration.

Video features are fairly standard with 4K Ultra-HD capture at 30 FPS. The frame-rate quadruples to 120 FPS at 1080p. Recording can only be done using the Sony XAVC S codec. There is a builtin 3-capsule microphone to record sound directly on-camera. It also supports an external stereo input via a standard 3.5mm mini-jack. The hot-shoe at its top doubles as wind-filter attachment. A rotating 3" touchscreen LCD functions as the only framing device on the Sony ZV-1F.

It is important to understand what the ZV-1F gives up to achieve its incredibly light 256g weight and 47mm depth. The most significant restriction is the fixed 20mm-equivalent prime lens that always gives a set perspective. This fixed framing and is rather wide which works for staying in the frame while hand-holding the camera but will be certainly limiting. More compactness was obtained by omitting any form of image-stabilization, a mechanical-shutter (that would be unused for video) and a viewfinder. There are also a number of common features that did not make it into the Sony ZV-1F, probably for simplicity and cost reasons. These include HDR, RAW, Bracketing and Bulb exposures, among the most popular ones. There is an interval timer and builtin time-lapse plus a self-timer but that rounds off drives modes of this camera. For a small camera like this one, it is normal to only feature a single control-dial.

Sony is really trying to make a product that appeals to certain vloggers with a uniquely compact product that is powerful enough to stand out yet remains quite affordable. It is essentially aimed right between the original Sony ZV-1 and a cellphone. The fixed angle-of-view will be familiar to cellphone users yet the larger sensor will surely capture much better quality videos and images than any cellphone.

The Sony ZV-1F comes this month for $500 USD or $650 CAD. Our reputable affiliates are already ready to accept pre-orders while allowing buyers to support this site: Adorama and B&H Photo.

• Digital Camera