Zoom F1 recorder

I

IronFilm

Veteran

Key Features:
  • Two-channel audio recorder
  • Includes LMF-1 omnidirectional lavalier microphone
  • Lightweight and low-profile design—attaches to belts and waistbands, or fits inside pockets without being seen
  • Compatible with all Zoom microphone capsules
  • Supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio
  • Broadcast WAV format (BWF)—files are automatically time-stamped
  • 1.25" monochromatic LCD display can be read under bright light
  • Stereo 1/8" mic/line input jack with plug-in power (2.5V)
  • Stereo 1/8" phone/line output jack with dedicated volume control
  • Built-in limiter and auto level control to avoid clipping
  • Low-cut filter
  • Pre-Record function
  • Tone generator for calibrating audio levels between the F1 and a camera
  • Sound marker function outputs quick tone for syncing audio and video
  • Micro-USB port for data exchange to and from computer
  • Use as an audio interface to record directly to your computer or iOS device
  • Runs on two standard AAA alkaline, Lithium, or NiMH rechargeable batteries, or AD-17 AC adapter (available separately)
  • Up to 10 hours of operation with alkaline batteries (when using lavalier)
  • Includes windscreen, belt clip, mic clip


Available for US$199:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1385361-REG/zoom_zf1lp_zoom_f1_field_recorder.html

Or for US$249 with shotgun module:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1385362-REG/zoom_zf1sp_f1_field_recorder_with.html

Manual and Quick Guide:

https://www.zoom.co.jp/sites/default/files/products/downloads/pdfs/E_F1.pdf
https://www.zoom.co.jp/sites/default/files/products/downloads/pdfs/E_F1_QuickGuide.pdf
 
The F1 is already quite bulky! Imagine how bad it would be with 2x AA and a SD slot :-/

The Tascam DR10L goes with a single AA however, which is what perhaps Zoom could have done instead.

I feel MicroSD makes sense on bodypack recorders, which should be as tiny as possible. So I don't mind this.
 
I have a Tascam DR-10L and really like it for what it is. I can't see what this would offer me that the Tascam doesn't and quality-wise, I will always take Tascam over Zoom. The whole shotgun part wouldn't be useful for me, just need the lavaliere portion.
 
Hey puredrifting: like you I own a Tascam recorder (the DR-10CS model), that would need to be pried from my cold dead hands before I would give it up...its very useful and really small.

But I'm interested in the new Zoom F1, because I also own several of the Zoom microphones that I plug into my Zoom H6 for various situations...but the Zoom H6 is fairly bulky and I can see times that the Zoom F1's small size would make it less obtrusive to use. Having said that, I'm disappointed that the F1 does not appear to offer a safety track recording option with the lav, ...as if it did then I think it would compare well to the Tascam DR-10, as well as offer the ability to get super sound from the range of plug-in microphones from Zoom.
 
In the market for one of these but then i saw it doesn't have that safety track feature which the tascam does, so will be going with the tascam. Although I do like the display on this.
 
I thought it was all metal but it has a frame in metal, and the body it self is plastic, or looks like by the pictures!
 
One alternative for a safety track is to use a stereo lav with separate wires and mic capsules then clip one about 6 inches lower than the other. I like this solution better because if I get rubbing noises with one mic, it may not affect the other. Also you can split the mics if you need to record two sound sources. Works great for interviewing two people or even a panel of speakers.
 
Despite of not being as small as the Tascam, is still small enough for a body pack seem stronger and has nicer controls.
on the other side the Tascam has dual track, to tell you the truth I have a tremendous doubt about which one to buy!
 
Wait for the sale on the DR10L, then the choice is easy!

What kind of work do you deal with?

Sometimes I deal with very tricky costumes indeed, any size savings is greatly appreciated.

But perhaps for your work then double the weight and few extra cubic cenimeters doesn't matter.
 
In fact many types of work, people related from training, corporate, advertising, documental, with one common factor
if the the recorder falls to the floor I have to pay regard less of blame.
But I'm not convinced if those metal pieces from the F1 really add any protection.
Good you will have soon the Tascam, would be appreciated your first hand opinion.
 
Yeah bodypacks and lavs can experience a fair amount of abuse from talent.

But I wouldn't be too worried about this, sure it will be fine.

However, if you're doing regular paid work you absolutely should splurge for a couple of wireless instead. Such as Sony UWP-D11 is my recommendation.
 
I'm in use with Tascam portable recorders like dr07, dr05 that are really big for the purpose, so No problem with that.
Now adding a couple of new body packs, are Tascam and Zoom F1, A couple of one of the 2.
UHF Wireless is getting problematic with the spectrum not only in USA but also here so the option is WIFI Technology, and Rode looks bulky and delicate
Senheisser, Don't like the build in battery as well as Audio Technica.
To send gear from here to USA to replace a battery is to a very high cost.
No representatives here.
 
I wouldn't be too fearful of UHF, as they'll give you better performance and value for money.
And not monitoring your wireless.... is just nuts! On any sort of pro shoot (which is what you're doing).


At least have a couple of UHF sets, you're certain to have recouped your investment even if they're banned a few years down the road.
 
Please let know your opinion once you get it about the Tascam, body packs are my choice have never have problems, thank you for your advice.
Body pack + Boompole is how I go
 
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