Sony just introduced the latest update to their vlogging focused lineup of cameras with the ZV-E10 II. I got to spend about two weeks testing and shooting with it and came away with some great first impressions.
The ZV-E10 II is the newest APS-C member of Sony's vlogging and content creation-focused ZV cameras. Borrowing from its bigger cousins, the a6700 and FX-30, the ZV-E10 II gives us powerful features like oversampled 4K video, S-Log 3 and S-Cinetone color profiles, the bigger NP-FZ100 battery, and 10-bit 4:2:2 color.
It's equipped with the latest and greatest software features found in higher-end Alpha cameras, but with an incredibly lightweight and travel-friendly form factor.
One of the first things that I noticed when I unboxed the ZV-E10 II was how amazingly lightweight it was. Its compact form factor made it an effortless BTS camera to take along with me to an MLS soccer game that I was covering with the Seattle Sounders last month. It was mounted on my monopod, making it super convenient to quickly get compelling shots without needing a heavy tripod.
Notable Features: ZV-E10 II
Let's take a look at some of the new features that ZV-E10 II introduces. There are some things that we've seen in previous Alpha and ZV cameras, but there are also some revolutionary new features that we've never seen before.
- Vertically rotating user interface (First time in any Alpha or ZV camera)
- 26MP Exmor R CMOS, back-illuminated APSC sensor
- 5.6K oversampled 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 All-Intra video
- NP-FZ100 battery
- S-Cinetone, S-Log3 and S-Gamut3.Cine color profiles
- Focus breathing compensation
- UVC/UAC support for 4K/30p USB streaming
- Weighs only 377 grams (including battery and memory card)
- Digital audio interface via Multi Interface (MI) shoe
- Articulating touchscreen with touch tracking and touch based menu control
- Cinematic Vlog mode
- Product showcase mode
- Background de-focus mode
- 10 Creative Look modes for photo and video
- S&Q mode for in-camera slow motion and time-lapse videos
- Enhanced Intelligent 3-Capsule directional mic
- Real-time Recognition AF with 759 phase detection points
- Face/Eye-AF for humans, animals, and birds
The ZV-E10 II includes some familiar features that we've seen before, and a brand new one that has never been seen before in any Alpha or ZV camera: the all-new vertically rotating user interface.
I was super excited to see this interface update implemented into the ZV-E10 II, especially since it was a specific piece of ZV feedback I gave to the Sony engineering team when I was in San Francisco for the launch of the a6700 last year. I'm happy to see that Sony is actively implementing the feedback that we're sharing about issues that we'd love to see addressed as creators.
What are some features that you're hoping to see Sony change or implement? Drop us a comment below if you'd like to share any feedback for future Sony ZV and Alpha firmware updates.
Notable Features: E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II
I'm super impressed by the update to the Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS. The Mark II version has Sony's latest autofocusing motors, updated optical elements, a sleek new look, and much more.
The image quality is excellent for such a tiny lens, and I really enjoyed shooting with it at the Sounders game. It had no issues focusing in low light, and the 16-50mm zoom range really allowed me to get a good variety of compositions during the game. The lens is notably lightweight and compact and can even keep up with the blazing fast 120 fps burst speeds of my full frame flagship a9 III.
Being able to get this updated lens for a marginal price as a kit with the ZV-E10 II is a must for vloggers and content creators, in my opinion. It's great for everyday photography and video and makes the perfect travel companion that offers a 24-70 full-frame equivalent focal range.
Here are some more of the updated features of the new E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II:
- Tracking autofocus during zooming
- Breathing Compensation
- Active Image Stabilization
- Weighs only 107 grams
- Supports high-speed continuous stills shooting and video recording at 120fps
- High resolution and excellent contrast from the center to the corners
- Improved close-focusing performance
- Advanced linear focusing motors
Conclusion
Although I only had a short time with the ZV-E10 II and E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II lens, I still came away very impressed with the latest updates.
It was encouraging to see a piece of my engineering advice to Sony's engineers implemented in the vertically rotating user interface of the ZV-E10 II, and I really hope that Sony pushes it out to all Alpha and ZV cameras moving forward.
The ZV-E10 II is such a powerful yet compact camera and includes many of the features that we love from high-end Alpha and ZV cameras. It's an excellent update that content creators and vloggers will love, especially if size, weight, price, and travel-friendliness are a priority.
I personally love my ZV-E1 so much that my a7S III has been relegated to retirement as a result. The combination of small size and powerful features is just too compelling for me to pass up.
The ZV-E10 II now offers that same combination of size to power that I love about my ZV-E1 with all of its latest features and upgrades. The only thing that would have made it even better would have been the inclusion of IBIS. Hopefully, we will see the IBIS system from the a6700 and FX-30 come to a future ZV-E10 III. That would have been the cherry on top of another amazingly small but mighty camera system from Sony.
What feature do you wish the ZV-E10 II would have had included? Drop a comment below and let's keep the conversation going!
Compared to the a6700 - is there a reason to buy the ZV-e10II? No OSS with the sensor = no sale for me. 1200€'s for such a camera is too high.
I've been trying to figure this out myself. Tally light? I like having them. Is it possible it will run longer without overheating? I'd like to see that comparison. Its a tough sell right now when you can find a used FX30 for just a bit more.
The ZV line has certain features that you can't get on the Alpha side, including product showcase mode, background defocus mode, and it now also has the vertically rotating user interface. Depending on your needs and skill level, the ZV may be a better choice IMHO. It's also significantly more compact and lightweight. I'd say it's worth putting your hands on one and seeing the difference for yourself. The lack of IBIS was my one little nitpick, but overall it's a super nice release for vloggers and content creators. That little lens is super nice for it's size as well!
--- "Compared to the a6700 - is there a reason to buy the ZV-e10II?"
No doubt depends on one's needs, but, with body only, the ZV-E10 II is $400 USD less than the a6700 body only. With the kit lens which has OSS, it's still $300 USD less. Also, there's a handful of other crop sensor lenses with image stabilization available.
I'm aware you mentioned you need IBIS. In my experience when I shot with my NEX-5N and a6000, lenses with OSS is more than adequate for what I shoot.