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I also testcheap camerasfor those on tight budgets.

And I’ve found the perfect budget-friendly camera for you and it’s a Sony.

A black Sony ZV-1F compact vlogging camera

(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Tom’s Guide)

If you’re familiar with Sony cameras, you’ll know that many of them arequiteexpensive.

TheA1 II, for instance, costs an eye-watering $6,499, but it’s meant for the pros.

So what about amateur photographers and videographers?

Sony ZV-1F

(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Tom’s Guide)

Well, theZV-1Fmight be right up your alley as it costs just$499/549.

The Sony ZV-1F is a great vlogging camera thats portable and doesnt break the bank.

Stills taken are good too as is the built-in mic.

A black Sony ZV-1F compact vlogging camera

Combine them with its 4K/30P and S-Log 3 video capabilities and you’ve got yourself an absolute winner.

Let me show you why.

Focus up!

Sony ZV 1F — Product Showcase - YouTube

You’ll see a little person with a box printed next to the Delete button.

Pressing this when shooting toggles the Product Showcase mode which is made specifically for vloggers.

I love how quick the ZV-1F is to focus on the Agatha Harkness bobblehead and my dog-themed mug.

A black Sony ZV-1F compact vlogging camera

For amateur vloggers, it can work wonders as it takes the guesswork out of the equation.

Take anywhere-able

The Sony ZV-1F is one of the most compact cameras I’ve tested.

That’s smaller than my Google Pixel 7 Pro andvery slightlyheavier.

A black Sony ZV-1F compact vlogging camera

The 3-inch articulating touchscreen is highly responsive and simplifies changing tweaks on the fly.

I live in the rainy British isles and am no stranger to sporadic-but-heavy showers.

The ZV-1F is not weather-sealed, so it’s susceptible to damage from water and dust.

A photo of two women smiling taken on a Sony ZV-1F vlogging camera

(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Tom’s Guide)

10 moods?

Don’t be afraid to get really creative!

The ZV-1F is a fantastic tool of vlogging with a three-way capsule mic that records clear and crisp audio.

A photo of two swans in a river taken on a Sony ZV-1F vlogging camera

(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Tom’s Guide)

Want to hear what it sounds like?

Have a look at the mini vlog I made above.

It’s cheap and cheerful and is packed with all the features you need this is vlogging extremely simplified.

A photo of a bridge taken on a Sony ZV-1F vlogging camera

(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Tom’s Guide)

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