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Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder With Lavalier Microphone
Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder With Lavalier Microphone
Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder With Lavalier Microphone
Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder With Lavalier Microphone
Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder With Lavalier Microphone
Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder With Lavalier Microphone
Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder With Lavalier Microphone
Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder With Lavalier Microphone
Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder With Lavalier Microphone
Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder With Lavalier Microphone

Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder With Lavalier Microphone

Sound & Story The F1 Field Recorder + Lavalier Mic completes your video’s story by providing outstanding audio no matter where your production takes you. Capture Every Nuance The F1-LP comes with Zoom’s newly engineered LMF-1 lavalier mic, designed for capturing every nuance. Combined with the F1, you can record high-resolution audio up to 24 bit/96 kHz, perfect for interviews, wedding vows, and more. Low Profile Design With its minimal profile, the F1 attaches neatly on belts, waistbands, or slipped into a pocket so the recorder can be easily concealed. Worry-Free Recording The LMF-1 Lavalier mic connects directly to the F1 and records to a micro SD card. By recording directly to the F1, interference or noise commonly experienced when using a wireless beltpack system is eliminated. One-Touch Controls, Easy-To-Read Display The F1’s one-touch buttons gives you easy access to record levels, limiter control, lo-cut filter and volume output. It’s newly designed monochromatic LCD display ensures visibility even in bright sunlight.

Sound & Story The F1 Field Recorder + Lavalier Mic completes your video’s story by providing outstanding audio no matter where your production takes you. Capture Every Nuance The F1-LP comes with Zoom’s newly engineered LMF-1 lavalier mic, designed for capturing every nuance. Combined with the F1, you can record high-resolution audio up to 24 bit/96 kHz, perfect for interviews, wedding vows, and more. Low Profile Design With its minimal profile, the F1 attaches neatly on belts, waistbands, or slipped into a pocket so the recorder can be easily concealed. Worry-Free Recording The LMF-1 Lavalier mic connects directly to the F1 and records to a micro SD card. By recording directly to the F1, interference or noise commonly experienced when using a wireless beltpack system is eliminated. One-Touch Controls, Easy-To-Read Display The F1’s one-touch buttons gives you easy access to record levels, limiter control, lo-cut filter and volume output. It’s newly designed monochromatic LCD display ensures visibility even in bright sunlight.

Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder With Lavalier Microphone

Sound & Story The F1 Field Recorder + Lavalier Mic completes your video’s story by providing outstanding audio no matter where your production takes you. Capture Every Nuance The F1-LP comes with Zoom’s newly engineered LMF-1 lavalier mic, designed for capturing every nuance. Combined with the F1, you can record high-resolution audio up to 24 bit/96 kHz, perfect for interviews, wedding vows, and more. Low Profile Design With its minimal profile, the F1 attaches neatly on belts, waistbands, or slipped into a pocket so the recorder can be easily concealed. Worry-Free Recording The LMF-1 Lavalier mic connects directly to the F1 and records to a micro SD card. By recording directly to the F1, interference or noise commonly experienced when using a wireless beltpack system is eliminated. One-Touch Controls, Easy-To-Read Display The F1’s one-touch buttons gives you easy access to record levels, limiter control, lo-cut filter and volume output. It’s newly designed monochromatic LCD display ensures visibility even in bright sunlight.

Sound & Story The F1 Field Recorder + Lavalier Mic completes your video’s story by providing outstanding audio no matter where your production takes you. Capture Every Nuance The F1-LP comes with Zoom’s newly engineered LMF-1 lavalier mic, designed for capturing every nuance. Combined with the F1, you can record high-resolution audio up to 24 bit/96 kHz, perfect for interviews, wedding vows, and more. Low Profile Design With its minimal profile, the F1 attaches neatly on belts, waistbands, or slipped into a pocket so the recorder can be easily concealed. Worry-Free Recording The LMF-1 Lavalier mic connects directly to the F1 and records to a micro SD card. By recording directly to the F1, interference or noise commonly experienced when using a wireless beltpack system is eliminated. One-Touch Controls, Easy-To-Read Display The F1’s one-touch buttons gives you easy access to record levels, limiter control, lo-cut filter and volume output. It’s newly designed monochromatic LCD display ensures visibility even in bright sunlight.

Price comparison

Price data powered by pricesAPI.io

Last updated at 08/14/2026 05:54:18

Amazon.com.au

$149.00

Zoom F1-LP Recorder and Lavalier Mic Pack

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

eBay.com.au

$93.23

Zoom F1-LP Portable Field Recorder

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

eBay.com.au

$158.72

Zoom F1-lp Portable Field Recorder

Delivery $33.84

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

eBay.com.au

$223.30

Near Zoom F1-lp Field Recorder Lavalier Microphone

Free delivery

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

eBay.com.au

$234.10

F1-lp Recorder And Lavalier Mic Pack

Free delivery

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

eBay.com.au

$264.77

Zoom F1-lp Field Recorder & Lavalier Microphone

Free delivery

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

eBay.com.au

$527.41

F1-lp Recorder And Lavalier Mic Pack

Free delivery

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

Bashs Music

$199.00

Zoom F1-LP F1 Field Recorder + Lavalier Microphone Pack

Delivery between 19–26 Aug $18.81

Angkor Music

$203.27

Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder and Lavalier Microphone Bundle F1-LP

Delivery between 18–24 Aug $9.70

Angkor Music

$249.08

Zoom F1-LP Field Recorder and Lavalier Microphone Bundle F1-LP

Delivery between 18–24 Aug $9.70

Price history

Price history

Reviews

Battery Door Failure - NOT FOR PROFESSIONALS
22 June 2020Jason

originally posted on bhphotovideo.com

I personally own 5 of the F1 recorders. I started purchasing in 2018 and added a couple to our setup along the way. At first, they are great. Awesome quality, great build, super versatile....except for the battery door. After using these products on a few shoots and replacing batteries a few times, the door began to weaken. Now, with brand new batteries or slightly used batteries (couple hours at max), if you touch the battery door, the device will go from on and showing full battery status to completely powered off. HORRIBLE design with the battery door on the side, making it impossible to remove from a belt without touching. If the device powers off without saving the recording, it will corrupt the file...and obviously anything after that shutdown won't even be ... MoreI personally own 5 of the F1 recorders. I started purchasing in 2018 and added a couple to our setup along the way. At first, they are great. Awesome quality, great build, super versatile....except for the battery door. After using these products on a few shoots and replacing batteries a few times, the door began to weaken. Now, with brand new batteries or slightly used batteries (couple hours at max), if you touch the battery door, the device will go from on and showing full battery status to completely powered off. HORRIBLE design with the battery door on the side, making it impossible to remove from a belt without touching. If the device powers off without saving the recording, it will corrupt the file...and obviously anything after that shutdown won't even be recorded. We've lost wedding vows, live keynote audio, interviews and more because of this problem (thank goodness for redundant audio sources!).I contacted Zoom almost a year ago to see what they could do. Their customer service was awesome and replaced the devices right away. All 5 replacements did the same thing. I reached out a second time months later and they told me that they were developing a fix. Reached out again even later and they told me they were shipping the improved versions out...keep in mind this is now my 3rd round of these devices....to no surprise, they are failing as well. Zoom today told me it's continuing to be a known problem that they are working on, but they do not have a solution.THIS SITUATION DOES NOT WORK FOR PROFESSIONALS. I cannot tell my clients sorry guys, might not have audio for you today and we can't find a workaround. Instead, I asked Zoom for a refund of my nearly $1,000 invested into this product that they themselves identify does not work.THIS IS ABOUT THE F1, NOT ZOOM AS A COMPANY. Their F6 and H5 recorders are top notch. Their customer service is very responsive, quick to replace products and has been nothing but a joy to work with. The Zoom F1 is just simply a failed product that cannot be trusted by a professional who needs to provide consistent, trust worthy and reliable results to their clients.If you work in an environment where you have more control over your talent, can repeat moments and constantly keep an eye on this device, it may be better suited for you...but for the wedding professional, someone on set needing to hand the recorder to the client and forget about it till after the shoot or a run-and-gun filmmaker, look into either full wireless with Sennheiser to the Zoom F6 or go the cheaper route and pick up the Tascam DR-10L.

Beware
3 May 2022Michael

originally posted on bhphotovideo.com

I have been using this product for around two years now. Up to this point, I have been satisfied. Before the recent proliferation of affordable wireless systems the Zoom F1 was a clever solution and a bargain. I was never entirely comfortable with not being able to monitor the audio, but as a one-man-band, you don't always have the bandwidth to monitor the audio anyway. But forget all that... the last time I tried to use this thing the tiny, plastic clip that holds the battery door shut broke. Now the battery door will not stay closed. I am incredibly relieved that this happened when I was prepping gear and not in the middle of a shoot. I would not recommend that anyone rely on this product for professional use. Please believe that the only reason I am writing this ... MoreI have been using this product for around two years now. Up to this point, I have been satisfied. Before the recent proliferation of affordable wireless systems the Zoom F1 was a clever solution and a bargain. I was never entirely comfortable with not being able to monitor the audio, but as a one-man-band, you don't always have the bandwidth to monitor the audio anyway. But forget all that... the last time I tried to use this thing the tiny, plastic clip that holds the battery door shut broke. Now the battery door will not stay closed. I am incredibly relieved that this happened when I was prepping gear and not in the middle of a shoot. I would not recommend that anyone rely on this product for professional use. Please believe that the only reason I am writing this review right now is the hope that I can save some poor schmuck's career. Zoom would do well to seriously consider the damage such a product could do to their reputation and offer some sort of complimentary battery door replacement program.

Good recorder.... however
18 April 2020Robert

originally posted on bestbuy.com

Okay, I'll be honest here, I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 5 because of one simple fact. They don't provide you with a USB cable that works with the unit, they don't provide one at all. After searching around in my available USB cables for one that would work, and multiple trips to the Zoom F1 website searching for information or to order a the non existent USB cable, I finally found one that I had for my Galaxy Tab A tablet that worked.Many of my cables fit the USB slot and some actually powered the Zoom F1 but the computer would not recognize it. To sum up, how much would it cost them to include a USB cable with the unit so the customer doesn't run around chasing their tails trying to figure out if the unit is bad, or the cable is wrong and not compatible. Now, ... MoreOkay, I'll be honest here, I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 5 because of one simple fact. They don't provide you with a USB cable that works with the unit, they don't provide one at all. After searching around in my available USB cables for one that would work, and multiple trips to the Zoom F1 website searching for information or to order a the non existent USB cable, I finally found one that I had for my Galaxy Tab A tablet that worked.Many of my cables fit the USB slot and some actually powered the Zoom F1 but the computer would not recognize it. To sum up, how much would it cost them to include a USB cable with the unit so the customer doesn't run around chasing their tails trying to figure out if the unit is bad, or the cable is wrong and not compatible. Now, as far as the unit goes, it seems well made and it records good and has great features for what I want. AND... after I found a USB cable that worked it downloaded and worked great. Just a suggestion to the manufacturer: INCLUDE the darn USB CABLE.

Specification

Display1.25", LCD monochrome

Price comparison

Updated 2 days ago
Amazon.com.au

$149.00

Zoom F1-LP Recorder and Lavalier Mic Pack

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

eBay.com.au

$93.23

Zoom F1-LP Portable Field Recorder

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

eBay.com.au

$158.72

Zoom F1-lp Portable Field Recorder

Delivery $33.84

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

eBay.com.au

$223.30

Near Zoom F1-lp Field Recorder Lavalier Microphone

Free delivery

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

eBay.com.au

$234.10

F1-lp Recorder And Lavalier Mic Pack

Free delivery

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!

Price history

Price history

Reviews

Battery Door Failure - NOT FOR PROFESSIONALS
22 June 2020

I personally own 5 of the F1 recorders. I started purchasing in 2018 and added a couple to our setup along the way. At first, they are great. Awesome quality, great build, super versatile....except for the battery door. After using these products on a few shoots and replacing batteries a few times, the door began to weaken. Now, with brand new batteries or slightly used batteries (couple hours at max), if you touch the battery door, the device will go from on and showing full battery status to completely powered off. HORRIBLE design with the battery door on the side, making it impossible to remove from a belt without touching. If the device powers off without saving the recording, it will corrupt the file...and obviously anything after that shutdown won't even be ... MoreI personally own 5 of the F1 recorders. I started purchasing in 2018 and added a couple to our setup along the way. At first, they are great. Awesome quality, great build, super versatile....except for the battery door. After using these products on a few shoots and replacing batteries a few times, the door began to weaken. Now, with brand new batteries or slightly used batteries (couple hours at max), if you touch the battery door, the device will go from on and showing full battery status to completely powered off. HORRIBLE design with the battery door on the side, making it impossible to remove from a belt without touching. If the device powers off without saving the recording, it will corrupt the file...and obviously anything after that shutdown won't even be recorded. We've lost wedding vows, live keynote audio, interviews and more because of this problem (thank goodness for redundant audio sources!).I contacted Zoom almost a year ago to see what they could do. Their customer service was awesome and replaced the devices right away. All 5 replacements did the same thing. I reached out a second time months later and they told me that they were developing a fix. Reached out again even later and they told me they were shipping the improved versions out...keep in mind this is now my 3rd round of these devices....to no surprise, they are failing as well. Zoom today told me it's continuing to be a known problem that they are working on, but they do not have a solution.THIS SITUATION DOES NOT WORK FOR PROFESSIONALS. I cannot tell my clients sorry guys, might not have audio for you today and we can't find a workaround. Instead, I asked Zoom for a refund of my nearly $1,000 invested into this product that they themselves identify does not work.THIS IS ABOUT THE F1, NOT ZOOM AS A COMPANY. Their F6 and H5 recorders are top notch. Their customer service is very responsive, quick to replace products and has been nothing but a joy to work with. The Zoom F1 is just simply a failed product that cannot be trusted by a professional who needs to provide consistent, trust worthy and reliable results to their clients.If you work in an environment where you have more control over your talent, can repeat moments and constantly keep an eye on this device, it may be better suited for you...but for the wedding professional, someone on set needing to hand the recorder to the client and forget about it till after the shoot or a run-and-gun filmmaker, look into either full wireless with Sennheiser to the Zoom F6 or go the cheaper route and pick up the Tascam DR-10L.

Jason originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Beware
3 May 2022

I have been using this product for around two years now. Up to this point, I have been satisfied. Before the recent proliferation of affordable wireless systems the Zoom F1 was a clever solution and a bargain. I was never entirely comfortable with not being able to monitor the audio, but as a one-man-band, you don't always have the bandwidth to monitor the audio anyway. But forget all that... the last time I tried to use this thing the tiny, plastic clip that holds the battery door shut broke. Now the battery door will not stay closed. I am incredibly relieved that this happened when I was prepping gear and not in the middle of a shoot. I would not recommend that anyone rely on this product for professional use. Please believe that the only reason I am writing this ... MoreI have been using this product for around two years now. Up to this point, I have been satisfied. Before the recent proliferation of affordable wireless systems the Zoom F1 was a clever solution and a bargain. I was never entirely comfortable with not being able to monitor the audio, but as a one-man-band, you don't always have the bandwidth to monitor the audio anyway. But forget all that... the last time I tried to use this thing the tiny, plastic clip that holds the battery door shut broke. Now the battery door will not stay closed. I am incredibly relieved that this happened when I was prepping gear and not in the middle of a shoot. I would not recommend that anyone rely on this product for professional use. Please believe that the only reason I am writing this review right now is the hope that I can save some poor schmuck's career. Zoom would do well to seriously consider the damage such a product could do to their reputation and offer some sort of complimentary battery door replacement program.

Michael originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Good recorder.... however
18 April 2020

Okay, I'll be honest here, I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 5 because of one simple fact. They don't provide you with a USB cable that works with the unit, they don't provide one at all. After searching around in my available USB cables for one that would work, and multiple trips to the Zoom F1 website searching for information or to order a the non existent USB cable, I finally found one that I had for my Galaxy Tab A tablet that worked.Many of my cables fit the USB slot and some actually powered the Zoom F1 but the computer would not recognize it. To sum up, how much would it cost them to include a USB cable with the unit so the customer doesn't run around chasing their tails trying to figure out if the unit is bad, or the cable is wrong and not compatible. Now, ... MoreOkay, I'll be honest here, I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 5 because of one simple fact. They don't provide you with a USB cable that works with the unit, they don't provide one at all. After searching around in my available USB cables for one that would work, and multiple trips to the Zoom F1 website searching for information or to order a the non existent USB cable, I finally found one that I had for my Galaxy Tab A tablet that worked.Many of my cables fit the USB slot and some actually powered the Zoom F1 but the computer would not recognize it. To sum up, how much would it cost them to include a USB cable with the unit so the customer doesn't run around chasing their tails trying to figure out if the unit is bad, or the cable is wrong and not compatible. Now, as far as the unit goes, it seems well made and it records good and has great features for what I want. AND... after I found a USB cable that worked it downloaded and worked great. Just a suggestion to the manufacturer: INCLUDE the darn USB CABLE.

Robert originally posted on bestbuy.com
Great until the battery latch snaps
7 February 2020

This has been my ace in the hole for ultra portable situations for almost 2 years, it's a very solid recorder. Sure the screw-on belt clip can never get tight, but easy to work around that. However, I guess the compact nature was too good to be true (nothing else comes close to this size in its class) since I finally found the weak point: the tiny 4mm plastic catch that secured the battery door, it snapped. You'd think that'd be an easy replace, like most battery doors. But because the battery door is actually 'wired in', Zoom tells me the part cannot be replaced, and warranty for full repair had lapsed after a year. Yikes. I don't appreciate when such a solid build in every other way is undone by a razor thin plastic tab. Any DIY patchup to this would compromise ... MoreThis has been my ace in the hole for ultra portable situations for almost 2 years, it's a very solid recorder. Sure the screw-on belt clip can never get tight, but easy to work around that. However, I guess the compact nature was too good to be true (nothing else comes close to this size in its class) since I finally found the weak point: the tiny 4mm plastic catch that secured the battery door, it snapped. You'd think that'd be an easy replace, like most battery doors. But because the battery door is actually 'wired in', Zoom tells me the part cannot be replaced, and warranty for full repair had lapsed after a year. Yikes. I don't appreciate when such a solid build in every other way is undone by a razor thin plastic tab. Any DIY patchup to this would compromise the advantage of it's overall portability. I really want to keep trusting Zoom, but this design flaw is a strike against :/

John originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
It works well, but it could be better
16 July 2018

Before this product, I used a Zoom H1 for this purpose. The H1 is light and relatively small, but the X/Y mics are unnecessary, and you have to know which lavalier will work, etc. The Zoom F1 is purpose-built, and it's about time they made this.The recording is solid. The functionality is stripped down to just the things you need on a small device like this, which makes it easy to use. The user-interface is well designed and intuitive. The build quality is excellent, and the LCD is very readable.Physically, it is unnecessarily bulky and heavy. Cast metal is heavy, and it doesn't really make it that much more durable. I don't even know what those bars are useful for, since it comes with a separate belt clip. The capsule connector and its cover also add bulk. I'd ... MoreBefore this product, I used a Zoom H1 for this purpose. The H1 is light and relatively small, but the X/Y mics are unnecessary, and you have to know which lavalier will work, etc. The Zoom F1 is purpose-built, and it's about time they made this.The recording is solid. The functionality is stripped down to just the things you need on a small device like this, which makes it easy to use. The user-interface is well designed and intuitive. The build quality is excellent, and the LCD is very readable.Physically, it is unnecessarily bulky and heavy. Cast metal is heavy, and it doesn't really make it that much more durable. I don't even know what those bars are useful for, since it comes with a separate belt clip. The capsule connector and its cover also add bulk. I'd be happy to leave off all of those things for a smaller device.The battery cover is a little frustrating, but once you get it closed, it seems to stay closed.The device seems to use the same microphones as my Sennheiser G3 wireless transmitters, so I was able to use both my Sennheiser ME 2 and Sanken COS-11D microphones. The included LMF-1 microphone is kind of dismal, although it does seem to produce a hotter signal.The buttons on the front are easy to accidentally bump. I've learned the hard way to always use the hold switch on the side. Twice I have stopped or paused the recording, just by bumping the the front of the unit with my arm, which caused me to lose half of my recording. There's also a red light that shows through clothing, so you might need to put some tape over that.The headphone jack makes quite a bit of hiss. I guess that is not a problem for headphones as long as you expect it, but this same connection is also advertised as a phone out, such as to a camera, which would be adversely affected.The Zoom F1 does not have the ability to record a safety track.

Michael originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Needs to be babied or you'll have problems.
23 June 2022

First things first, this product WORKS... sort of. I purchased two Zoom F1's at the exact same time roughly two years ago and put them to work doing interviews. The receiver itself records beautifully with pretty easy to understand menus and controls. (I originally had a zoom H4 that I used for capturing audio, but needed something smaller hence why I went with the F1) The microphones that were provided also capture sound very well, I really enjoyed using the lavs for interviews. That's about where it ends for the good. The first thing that went wrong on BOTH F1s were the screw on belt clips located on the back of the receiver. The screws barely tightened down and I had to constantly do upkeep to make sure the clips would hold. They failed after a few short months. ... MoreFirst things first, this product WORKS... sort of. I purchased two Zoom F1's at the exact same time roughly two years ago and put them to work doing interviews. The receiver itself records beautifully with pretty easy to understand menus and controls. (I originally had a zoom H4 that I used for capturing audio, but needed something smaller hence why I went with the F1) The microphones that were provided also capture sound very well, I really enjoyed using the lavs for interviews. That's about where it ends for the good. The first thing that went wrong on BOTH F1s were the screw on belt clips located on the back of the receiver. The screws barely tightened down and I had to constantly do upkeep to make sure the clips would hold. They failed after a few short months. Next, one receiver was bumped off a couch onto the floor which was a hard surface. From first looks, the receiver appeared fine until I noticed I couldn't close the battery door. a tiny- and I mean TINY flimsy plastic clip holding the door shut snapped from the fall. The receiver still works to this day but I need to gaff tape the door shut and pray the connectors don't wiggle loose. I babied the second receiver for a year after that until the day of writing this review. once again, the receiver fell but from roughly 5 inches off the ground onto asphalt. The clip holding the battery door shut snapped again from the force of the fall. I find it amazing that the build quality of the f1's feel so rugged and durable, and yet an overlooked weak point is the battery door. If you're concerned about dropping the receiver STAY AWAY FROM THIS PRODUCT. If you're going to baby these and keep them safe at all times this may be right for you.

Jameson originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Pretty good
28 August 2018

I bought two of these because they're significantly less expensive than a good pair of wireless lavaliers. I think they will work out fine, but the inability to monitor the audio will be an ongoing concern. Regardless, I am happy with the sound quality I have gotten from them. I have also used them with the Zoom XLR capsule and a Rode NTG2 shotgun, and the F1 performed very well in that capacity.My two biggest concerns are the battery and memory card doors. They are somewhat difficult to open and close. I worry especially about the security of the battery door. I foresee a nightmare scenario where I mic someone up and stick the recorder in their pocket, and then later they put their hand in their pocket and accidentally open the battery door and cut power to the ... MoreI bought two of these because they're significantly less expensive than a good pair of wireless lavaliers. I think they will work out fine, but the inability to monitor the audio will be an ongoing concern. Regardless, I am happy with the sound quality I have gotten from them. I have also used them with the Zoom XLR capsule and a Rode NTG2 shotgun, and the F1 performed very well in that capacity.My two biggest concerns are the battery and memory card doors. They are somewhat difficult to open and close. I worry especially about the security of the battery door. I foresee a nightmare scenario where I mic someone up and stick the recorder in their pocket, and then later they put their hand in their pocket and accidentally open the battery door and cut power to the recorder. I would have no way of knowing until it was too late. Moreover, this might even corrupt other data on the memory card.The memory card door/slot is not such a big concern. The design is a little awkward, but I can work with it. I wish it was a regular SD card instead of a micoSD, but I can live with it.The lavalier seems like a good quality microphone, and the whole product seems well constructed. Most importantly, the recordings sound good. I'm not an audiophile, but I've got a decent ear and fairly high standards.All in all, I've used these things on a couple shoots and I have no complaints so far. They are an affordable and versatile solution to my audio recording needs. I'll just keep my fingers crossed that the battery door does not ruin my life someday.

Michael originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Problems after 2 years of light use
29 September 2020

I purchased this unit in August of 2018. In August of this year (2020) I have started to experience random 1 second clipping issues in the audio files.When the problem first appeared, the clipping would happen once or twice in a 10 minute take, but has since become progressively worse with each new recording. Currently I will have random clipping happening sometimes every 15-30 seconds, but sometimes I will get a minute or two of clear audio.After reaching out to Zoom and troubleshooting via email, their answer was that I could purchase a new unit at a reduced cost because it was out of the 1 year warranty they provide. This is a bit disappointing because I have treated this unit with care and only used it a few times a month in a studio setting.The bottom ... MoreI purchased this unit in August of 2018. In August of this year (2020) I have started to experience random 1 second clipping issues in the audio files.When the problem first appeared, the clipping would happen once or twice in a 10 minute take, but has since become progressively worse with each new recording. Currently I will have random clipping happening sometimes every 15-30 seconds, but sometimes I will get a minute or two of clear audio.After reaching out to Zoom and troubleshooting via email, their answer was that I could purchase a new unit at a reduced cost because it was out of the 1 year warranty they provide. This is a bit disappointing because I have treated this unit with care and only used it a few times a month in a studio setting.The bottom line is this was a bad investment for my business, and since I am forced to purchase another field recorder I went with a different brand and no longer trust Zoom products.I really liked this unit when it worked- the design was just what I needed, especially the locking lapel cord, and the recording quality was great until the issues started. I wish it lasted longer than 2 years.

Chris originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
This unit WILL fail you, the question is when
24 October 2019

This unit should get a lot of good reviews from people who have not put it through its full paces. This unit treated me so good for a while and the only downside was its bulk. Then the weirdest thing happened. I pulled the mic off of a groom after the ceremony and noticed the unit was powered off. I'm thinking to myself, hmm I know I triple verify settings to make sure this doesn't happen to me. Power on, check record settings, hit record, activate hold. So I attempt to power the unit back on and NOTHING. Batteries are brand new but I change them again anyway, NOTHING. I take a closer look and notice that the battery door is not closing correctly and that the flimsy latch has failed. Let me tell you this, no matter how much you baby this thing, if you are using it ... MoreThis unit should get a lot of good reviews from people who have not put it through its full paces. This unit treated me so good for a while and the only downside was its bulk. Then the weirdest thing happened. I pulled the mic off of a groom after the ceremony and noticed the unit was powered off. I'm thinking to myself, hmm I know I triple verify settings to make sure this doesn't happen to me. Power on, check record settings, hit record, activate hold. So I attempt to power the unit back on and NOTHING. Batteries are brand new but I change them again anyway, NOTHING. I take a closer look and notice that the battery door is not closing correctly and that the flimsy latch has failed. Let me tell you this, no matter how much you baby this thing, if you are using it on a regular basis IT WILL FAIL YOU. I have two of these units and they both have failed in the same way twice. Everything else about the unit it fantastic but this part is mission-critical.

Mike originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Works great, battery door not so much
12 April 2022

It's a great little recorder. It does everything it needs to and consistently delivers good sound.I own four of these, and I have four with broken battery doors. I have not mistreated the recorders at all. There is a little plastic slider which holds the door in place. The batteries are on springs, so there is tension against the door. I've resorted to using gaff tape to hold it shut.

James originally posted on bhphotovideo.com

Specification

Display1.25", LCD monochrome