Sony’s BEST Budget Vlogging Camera?! SONY ZV-E10 II Hands-On Preview

Introduction

The Sony ZV-E10 II is the latest addition to Sony's lineup, succeeding the original ZV-1. This newly designed camera is positioned as a baby brother to the FX30 and A6700. Featuring new components and improved functionality, the ZV-E10 II is designed with vloggers in mind.

Design and Build

The ZV-E10 II maintains a similar body to its predecessor but includes significant refinements, such as a larger grip that accommodates the new Z battery. This battery, used in higher-end models like the A1, offers enhanced power capacity, making it a great addition to the camera. The menus have also been updated to a touch-friendly tile system, which is an improvement over the earlier non-touch screen version.

Importantly, the camera includes a vertical info display, which is useful for vertical shooting on platforms like TikTok. The addition of Cinematic Vlog settings allows users to easily create a professional look with black bars, a feature popularized by content creators like Peter McKinnon.

Performance

During a practical test at the Philadelphia Phillies game, I utilized various lenses, including Sony’s 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master and a new 16-50mm kit lens. Capturing in both 4K 24p and 4K 60p, the camera performed impressively with its 26-megapixel BSI APS-C sensor and fast readout speed, minimizing rolling shutter.

The ZV-E10 II boasts a native ISO range from 100 to 32,000, featuring dual base ISO at 800 and 2500 in SL log3 mode, which further enhances its performance in low light. However, it lacks an AI-powered Auto framing system, present in newer models with dedicated processors.

Display and Viewfinder

A limitation of the ZV-E10 II is its absence of an electronic viewfinder. This absence means reliance on the rear LCD screen, which, unfortunately, is just a 3-inch display with a relatively low resolution of 1.03 million dots. While it functions adequately in controlled environments, it can be challenging to use in bright daylight, as visibility of icons, countdown clocks, and recording statuses can be diminished.

Audio Features

Another noteworthy aspect of the ZV-E10 II is its audio performance, featuring a directional three-capsule microphone. This microphone captures high-quality audio, and the inclusion of a digital hot shoe allows for seamless integration of external microphones.

Overheating Concerns

The camera does not include a built-in fan, which raises concerns about overheating during extended shooting times. However, in a hot and humid environment, the ZV-E10 II managed to record for over two hours before experiencing any overheating issues.

Stabilization and Lenses

There is no optical stabilization built into the camera, which means using active mode can result in a slight crop and some jittery footage. For handheld shooting, utilizing a tripod, gimbal, or monopod will help achieve smoother results.

The new 16-50mm version 2 kit lens is an approachable option for beginner users, though seasoned videographers may prefer investing in higher-quality glass for superior results.

Pricing

The ZV-E10 II is priced at $ 999, a $ 300 increase from the original ZV-1 but still considered an excellent option in the budget category for vloggers, especially for those starting out or needing a solid video camera for studio work.

Ultimately, while it has its limitations, the ZV-E10 II holds a lot of potential for creating great content and offers notable enhancements over its predecessor.

Keyword

• Sony ZV-E10 II
• Budget vlogging camera
• 4K resolution
• BSI APS-C sensor
• Vertical shooting
• Touch menus
• Overheating
• Kit lens
• Audio features
• ISO range

FAQ

Q1: Does the Sony ZV-E10 II have an electronic viewfinder?
A1: No, the ZV-E10 II does not feature an electronic viewfinder; users must rely on the LCD screen for framing and composing shots.

Q2: What is the native ISO range of the ZV-E10 II?
A2: The camera has a native ISO range of 100 to 32,000, with dual base settings at 800 and 2500.

Q3: Can you shoot in 4K with the ZV-E10 II?
A3: Yes, the camera can shoot in 4K at both 24p and 60p, with a 10-bit 422 option oversampled from 5.6K.

Q4: How does the audio quality perform on the ZV-E10 II?
A4: The ZV-E10 II includes a three-capsule directional microphone and a digital hot shoe for connecting external microphones, providing high-quality audio capture.

Q5: Is there any stabilization in the ZV-E10 II?
A5: The camera lacks optical stabilization, but it does offer an active mode that crops in slightly, which can help reduce jitters.