First Look at Zoom’s Compact F1 Field Recorder

Zoom recently introduced a new compact field recorder called F1 meant for on the go shooters for use with Lav mics or Zooms own microphone capsules.

At NAMM 2018 Zoom introduced a new inexpensive field recorder. The F1 can be ideal for interviews or weddings (to put on your talent) or using a Zoom shotgun mic capsule to be used on your camera (or next to your talent).

B&H Aaron Belinfanti talks to Zoom about the F1

YouTube player

Here are some of the specs for the new Zoom F1 Field Recorder:

  • Channels: Two-channel audio recorder.
  • Mics: Compatible with Zoom microphone capsules.
  • Recording: up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio.
  • LCD: 1.25” monochrome
  • Connectivity: Stereo ⅛” Mic/Line in mini phone jack with Plug-in power (2.5V) and Stereo ⅛” Phone/Line output jack (with a dedicated volume control).
  • Limiter” Built-in limiter and auto level control to avoid clipping
  • Pre-Record function
  • Tone generator and Sound marker for syncing audio between the F1 and a camera.
  • Media: Records to micro SD and SDHC cards up to 32 GB. Can be used  audio interface with computer or iOS device (using Micro USB port)
  • Power: 2 AAA batteries (Up to 10 hours of operation), or AC adapter (AD-17).
  • Weight: 4.8 ounces/136 grams.
  • Price: $200 with Lavalier.

If you are into sound recording for video productions check out this link which covers both equipment and techniques here on LensVid.

Iddo Genuth
Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.

1 comment

  1. This recorder would be a great alternative to a wireless system. The only caveat being you can’t monitor the audio so if your device quit working you wouldn’t know immediately and if a solution is possible you couldn’t perform it. But during the middle of a wedding ceremony, it’s not like you can do anything about it either way.

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