Which compact flashes work best with Sony ZV-1 cameras?

Question

So I picked up a ZV-1 recently for this big trip to Tokyo next month. Ive been shooting for like ten years mostly on my old A7iii and some Canon bodies so I thought I knew what I was doing but this little camera is actually stressing me out. I need a flash for some night street shots but the ZV-1 is so tiny that everything I own looks insane on it.

I tried putting my Godox V860II on there and it literally looks like a brick sitting on a toothpick and I’m terrified the hot shoe is gonna just snap off if I bump into someone in a crowded alley. I need something way more low profile that actually works with the Sony TTL system because I dont have time to fiddle with manual power while I’m traveling. I checked out the Sony HVL-F20M but some reviews say it feels flimsy and I’m worried about the recycle time. My budget is around 150 bucks and I really need it to not block the flip screen since I’ll be using that for framing.

Need TTL support

Light enough to not damage the mount

Small enough for travel

Does anyone have a specific recommendation for a compact flash that wont make the camera top-heavy but still gives decent coverage? Are there any weird compatibility issues with the ZV-1 hot shoe I should know about before I buy another one or am I just overthinking this?

Mezhdunaro_ccpn · Accepted Answer

TLDR: Go with the Godox TT350S Mini Thinklite TTL Flash but be warned it still feels a bit chunky on that tiny body. Honestly, the flash situation for the ZV-1 is pretty disappointing. I tried the Sony HVL-F20M External Flash and it was a total waste of money imo. The recycle time is painfully slow, so you're gonna miss half your street shots while it struggles to power back up. It feels like a cheap piece of plastic too. The Godox TT350S Mini Thinklite TTL Flash is better for TTL and actual reliability, but unfortunately, it still makes the camera feel top-heavy. Its way smaller than your V860II tho. Just watch out because the ZV-1 hot shoe is notoriously fragile since its not reinforced like your A7iii. If you bump it, it might actually crack the camera housing.

Godox TT350S is the best bet

Avoid the Sony F20M for speed

Watch the plastic mount stress

ecopies.ru · Answer

> I need a flash for some night street shots but the ZV-1 is so tiny that everything I own looks insane on it. ^ This. Also, totally feel you on the brick-on-a-toothpick vibe lol. If you want something that actually fits the scale of the ZV-1, I’ve been really satisfied with the Meike MK-320S TTL Speedlite for Sony. It’s way more low profile than the Godox 350 and supports TTL no problem. It even has a built-in LED for video if you need a tiny bit of fill. Another solid choice is the Nissin i40 Compact Flash for Sony. It’s a bit pricier but the build quality is great and it’s surprisingly powerful for its size. Both of these have a tilting head so you aren’t just blasting people in the face with direct light. Neither of them should mess with your flip screen either. Tokyo night streets are gonna look awesome with these, have a blast!

tank_ruOi · Answer

Nice, didn't know that