The ZV-1F has a fixed wider 20mm lens than the ZV-1’s variable 24mm-70mm lens. The ZV-1F only has digital image stabilization meanwhile the ZV-1 has optical image stabilization so it’s noticeably more stable when you’re walking and vlogging on the street.
While the ZV-1 has a built-in ND Filter, the ZV-1F has a filter thread in front of the lens so you can attach your own 40.5mm ND Filter. The advantage of this is that you have full control over your highlights when you're out vlogging. It can be frustrating when the sun is too bright outside and the only way to bring down the highlights is to increase your shutter speed. However, that reduces the smooth, natural motion blur you get at 1/50th. Using your own ND filter with the ZV-1F is a much better solution than being limited by the built-in ND filter of the ZV-1.
The ZV-1 has a hot shoe mount, where you can wireless connect an accessory like the ECM-G1 Ultracompact Camera-Mount Vlogger Shotgun Microphone while the ZV-1F has a cold shoe mount. You would need to use a cable for your mic, which is fine because most people would like their mic to be universally compatible so it’s not really a deal breaker. It’s just one of those things that’s nice to have. Check out our shotgun mics here.
Another good thing to know is that both cameras have an LCD Touchscreen Display making it more intuitive to dial in your settings. Both also feature a flip screen so it's much easier to take selfies. It also has a longer battery life than the ZV-1.
The ZV-1F is astonishingly cheaper at $499 compared to the ZV-1 at $748. So which one should you get?
If you’re someone that would like to dial in each setting, consider getting the ZV-1F. The lack of built-in solutions on the ZV-1F isn’t really a deal breaker. And depending on how you look at it, might even be a better deal. You get more flexibility on the ND Filters, it’s cheaper so that means you get to spend more on external mic, a better tripod, etc.