Sony has added a new mirrorless camera to its lineup in the ZV-E10, which focuses on vloggers looking for a more compact model to take in the field.
This follows in the footsteps of the ZV-1, a similar camera with the same focus, though Sony also designed it with the A6000 series in mind. The result is a camera that offers something for anyone looking to shoot video and still photos—with the ability to switch lenses whenever necessary.
Changes and similarities in the ZV-E10
Sony put a larger 24-megapixel APS-C sensor in the ZV-E10 that also makes it compatible with the company’s E-mount lenses. That’s dozens of lenses with different focal lengths that would now fit. The interchangeable mirrorless mount means you can do more that way compared to the ZV-1, which has a fixed lens build.
The sensor isn’t new, mind you, as Sony says it’s the same one used in the A6100, but it is serviceable. Part of the reason is because the ZV-E10 is smaller than A6000 series cameras, though weighs about the same as the ZV-1. That’s with the included lens kit, so if you attach a larger lens, it naturally changes the weight, too.
There’s no electronic viewfinder, but there is a 3-inch display in the back you can flip and articulate to face in any direction. For vloggers, that’s a must, and it helps frame photos and video. Autofocus phase-detection should help track subjects and maintain focus when shooting. Sony includes its face, head and eye detection features in the camera to keep focus sharp when you need it.
Like the ZV-1, the “product showcase” setting can switch focus between a person and an object when placed in front of the camera. For vloggers talking about products, that’s a surefire way to avoid blurry shots. The bokeh features also let you set it so that the camera selects the lowest aperture (f-stop) possible for lighting conditions to keep the background blurry. That way, a vlogger or object stands out even more. Touch-based focus also means you can touch the screen to stay locked onto a subject.
Design and usability
The ZV-E10 can capture video in 4K at up to 30fps or 1080p HD up to 120fps. A bold red frame on the screen lets you know when the camera is recording. Electronic image stabilization should do a good job keeping everything stable when shooting while walking or panning. If you want to shoot in portrait mode for social media, you can tilt the camera and see yourself onscreen for easy framing.
Slow and Quick Motion mode can record video slower or faster—great if you want timelapse or slow-motion shots without having to edit them later. Directional microphones may be good at picking up voices, though you’re probably better off getting a proper boom mic to augment that. If you plan on livestreaming as well, that’s another good reason to upgrade the audio part of the ZV-E10.
Not only can you connect it to your computer, you can also pair it with your smartphone. Transfer images over to edit or share them on the fly, or use the phone as a remote control. A Movie Edit add-on from Sony’s Imaging Edge app lets you also do the same with video clips. There are a fair number of features to try here, most of which already exist on other Sony models, though vloggers are clearly the intended users.
Coming soon
The Sony ZV-E10 is available for pre-order now, whether you want it with the 16-50mm kit lens or just prefer the body only. It also comes in black or white and will be ready to go on August 24.
