Product Reviews

I have always wanted to start vlogging and read great reviews about this camera and it does not disappoint!

I bought this camera for my podcast and am really happy with it. Great quality, easy to use, and excellent accessories to go with it. I do worry about dropping it so I wish it had a wrist strap. I'll also be buying a screen protector and case for it. Otherwise, it does what is says and as a prior Sony snapshot camera owner, this one does not disappoint.

I have never vlogged in my life so this camera was always going to be interesting to test. Also my history with cameras in the past has pretty much been point and shoot still pictures. Opening the box I was immediately struck by how compact the camera was but still pack in so much technology despite its size. The camera comes with a short charging lead which also doubles as a method of transferring pictures( however the blue tooth transfer is so good you wont need it for this) . It also has a wind screen which attaches to the accessory shoe. This seems to reduce wind noise very well when recording video but does look a little strange. The monitor/touch panel is extremely clear and can be turned/rotated to any angle you need which is great when using it in bright sunlight. The power button is found on top of the camera as is the function button to change from still to video, also here can be found the background defocus button. You will also find the two separate shoot buttons for video/still photography. This is a great help compared to a smart phone camera. On the rear of the camera next to the screen are the menu button which when pressed brings up the main menu on the monitor screen. You can then use the touch screen to navigate through everything at this point. The touchscreen is very responsive and very clear. As an amateur I made the mistake of trying to learn how to use the camera as I went along rather than reading the manual first. This is a mistake as you need to have a basic understanding of how to use the different functions before you start as I found out to my cost when trying to use it in very cold weather. My first attempts were in Oregon over the Christmas period in temperatures of up to minus 15 degrees Celsius. Since then I have used the camera back in the England with much easier conditions . In both conditions the camera has performed excellently with great results. At first I had trouble using the buttons on both the top of the camera and on the back as they are quite small and I have quite stubby fingers. However once you get used to where they are it becomes a lot easier. The camera automatically defaults to video mode so you need to manually adjust the shooting mode if you want to take still photos. I know the camera is aimed primarily at Vloggers but it would be nice if you could choose for the default setting to be still if you know this is the method you are going to use. The zoom is operated via the monitor and is quick at working although the focus does seem to take a few moments to readjust so you need to be aware of this. I particularly like the creative look which allows you to capture in soft tone, subdued tones, black and white and sepia and a few other options as well. If you take the same still shot using each filter you can see a substantial difference. I have uploaded a couple of the same video to You tube on standard definition and with the vivid effect on. The colour difference is noticeable although the standard shot looks more natural The speed of uploads of video and photographs via blue tooth is very quick and the camera picks up other devices to link to easily. Battery life seems very good as I have only had to charge it 3 times and this was using the camera for play back as well. I have never owned such a good quality camera and the question I ask is will I use this instead of my camera on my phone? The answer is definitely yes now that I understand all the aspects of the camera. I will especially use it for holidays and special occasions as the quality of the images will help me remember these events

As an entry level vlog camera, it ticks all the basic boxes you’d expect from a camera like this. The added mic included is a plus, as well as the compact nature, not being too heavy. It’s a simple camera with up to date functionality with pairing it with your phone and WiFi. I wish there were more options in the quality of video being shot, though this is an entry level camera. A mount is also there to self shoot if you need it. Fundamentally, as I started off, it’s small enough to put anywhere, rugged enough to take a few knocks here and there. However, I feel Sony made the wrong decision in terms of trying to compete in this entry level market. As people know, the first of this set of these vlog cameras introduced was the ZV-1. When consumers buy a Sony product they already know the quality of product is there as shown with the ZV-1. They were willing to pay that price of a few hundred more pounds, even as their first camera. So, in terms of this an entry level camera this is great, an sd card included would have been nice as well even if it’s 16gb. But ultimately it’s a shame as the market was an expecting the upgrade camera from the ZV-1 which is an exceptionally great vlog camera for its price.

As a complete novice to vlogging this was the perfect camera for me. Out of the box, insert the memory card, remove the lens cap, press record and off we go! The menus are easy to follow, you can create your own custom menu too for quicker shortcuts. The rear viewfinder screen is also touch enabled which is a great help when you are recording! It’s a sleek lightweight design that can fit in my bag easily and not too bulky or cumbersome. Not really designed for still images as no built-in flash, however, does take decent pictures of good quality. Comes with a removeable wind protector too, which is a nice touch.

Compact, size, good battery life. Fixed 20mm F2/0 wide angle lens, 40k 30p and a comparitvely large sensor. Although this camera is Sony's entry level model, it packs some pretty decent features. Sharp 20mm F2/0 fixed lens 20MP "Type 1" sensor - larger that typical phone camera sensors 4K up to 30p 1080 up to 120p Touchscreen controls Sony's new 'Product Showcase' AF Flip Screen Eye AF Face Auto exposure This camera is aimed squarely at the Vlogging market. Most of the features above really come into their own recording video, especially features such as the Product Showcase AF - where focus will move from you to an object you hold in front of you automatically. Face Auto exposure also does a really good job of keeping a good exposure of your face, even in quite challenging conditions. Overall video quality is very very good - its a step above your typical phone camera quality video. It does take stills, and they are actually of a pretty decent quality. However, you are limited to JPEG only - there is no raw capability with this camera. That being said, the JPEGs produced are nice and sharp with good vibrants colours. Perfectly suitable for social media use. Overall this is a great little camera for Vloggers, especially for those that are not doing a lot of fast action. Its easy to use, with a decent battery life and produces some very good quality videos, with great sound too! All this at a pretty low price point make this a great choice for those on a budget or new to the Vlogging game. Definitely recommended.

So I have just opened the box on the new Sony ZV-1F vlogging camera and I am impressed with the build quality and how compact it is. I have used a Sony A6000 series camera for the last 6 years so I was right at home when I saw the controls on the ZV-1F as everything looked very familiar. When I turned the camera on I noticed how clear the rear LCD is and the footage that it captures is of a very good quality. I also like how you can take pictures with this camera too so it is not just for vlogging. You can change easily between video and photo by using the button at the top of the camera, plus there is another function called S&Q which stands for slow and quick so that you can create slow motion or time lapses which is a great feature and easily accessible. I like how you have a fully articulating screen at the rear of the camera that flips out to the side so that you can see your screen whilst vlogging or if you need to take pictures at awkward angles you can rotate your screen to see everything in view. The other bonus for me was that this camera uses the same Sony imaging app to transfer your photo’s and videos onto your phone or tablet. Once you get used to it it is very easy to use. Overall I am very happy with this camera and so is my daughter as she has now borrowed this off me so that she can use it to record content for her YouTube channel!

This Sony ZV-1F compact and lightweight vlogging camera, clearly aimed at the vlogging community, includes features such as a good microphone, articulated 3" touch screen, wide angled lens with autofocus and zoom which are perfect for both video and stills. There is no built in flash nor is there a hot shoe but this hasn't bothered me thus far. Likes - good for vlogging, videos and social media. Dislikes - fidely control dial if you have fat fingers like me

My ZV-1F arrived November 22 and went to theBATH CITY XMAS FAIR ,I Vloged a talented trumpet busker in the street and later the BATH ABBEY lit with XMAS lighting ,what startling excellent results in spite if the cold (+2C) which the lithium battery and camera kept up the HD PERFORMANCE. I also Vloged my granddaughter indoors and was impressed with the quality and definition of the video!

This is my first V-log camera, it’s small, compact and absolutely loaded with features and customisations. Once unboxed I added a memory card to get up and running. I’m working my way through all the uses, but it is good to go right from the box. Lots of auto settings which took some excellent videos and pictures. The zoom is limited, but this camera isn’t about those longer range shots, it’s v-logging, short range, close ups as you talk and walk or have it on a fixed stand I guess. I’m away on holiday soon, so I plan to do a test v-log to get started. The screen is the display and it can be rotated and moved around 180°, while it’s also touch screen which is really handy. There’s an app which you can download from Sony called Imaging Plus+ which can let you connect via WiFi or phone data, allowing you to use it as a second display, still trying it all out. For me as a newcomer to V-logging, I think this will be a good starting place.

The box contains the Vlogging camera, usb charging lead and windshield together with the basic instructions to download an app for easy setup. The setup through the app once connected to my Sony Xperia 1 iii that I tested it with (as opposed to my standard day phone) made connection and setup very simple. Whilst its early days I do link the fold out, swivel touch screen very useful to get to many of the settings. The camera automatically turns on when you open the screen so you could do this wearing gloves and only need to press the record button to get going. A SD card is required as internal memory like most cameras these days is very small. My initial use gave excellent stable results video wise and remained in focus and tracked my face to enable perfect video. Stills camera shots were very good and Im sure with time I could master the many available controls on the camera. For anyone doing a regular blog this is an ideal niche market Digital video and stills camera and with the product setting. Resolution is very good and linked to my Bravia TV produces excellent resolutions without the blurriness of some images.

When I unpackaged the camera I was surprised how light the camera is ideal to carry in your pocket, the only downside that the camera doesn't come with a memory card, once I got one and got to know the camera it was quite easy to use. It is quicker to get the camera out of your pocket and use than the camera on your phone, I have used it for video and photos, the Video quality is very good the photos were good and acceptable quality. I would use it for family and friends on certain platforms. I found it very easy to transfer video and photos to my phone via the app once it is set up, for vlogging it is fantastic I recommend it for all those vloggers out there a nice bit of kit. Looking forward to capturing some great family moments with this camera very impressed with it.