More than a year ago, Sony released the ZV-1 that specifically aimed towards vloggers. As content creation became popular and, on the rise, as well as the time when the lockdown was implemented and the need to use a camera was dire, especially when most Sony cameras, like the ZV-1, can be used as a webcam and streaming.
Now, more than a year later, Sony released the ZV-E10 with features like the ZV-1, but better. This newly announced camera has a 24MP APS-C sensor and can change lenses. Be it for APS-C or Full-Frame lenses since the mount is the same in the Alpha lineup. The camera now has a headphone port where you can monitor audio professionally if you have different types of microphones attach to the camera or scenes during recording. Like the ZV-1, capable of shooting 4K videos, microphone port, Multi-Interface hot shoe, 180° front slip screen with touch capability, and includes a ‘dead cat’ wind filter.
In terms of specification, the ZV-E10 is recognisable with the existing α6100, since they are similar from the sensor to the AF system and to (almost) video capability. Just the features and their design set those 2 cameras apart from each other. Other than that, everything that Sony had learned from the ZV-1 was improved and new advanced features were put into an entry-level APS-C ILCE body.
We will also explain why this camera can be for everyone, besides vloggers.
Let’s dive into its specs:
- 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- Highly reliable AF system with face and eye detection
- 4K/24p video capture with no crop (4K/30p is cropped)
- 1080/120p capture for slow-motion footage (cropped)
- Built-in directional 3-capsule microphone with windscreen
- Fully articulating touch-sensitive display
- 3.5mm headphone and microphone ports
- Livestream-capable via USB-C connection
- 440 shots per charge, 80 mins continuous record per charge
- Capable of shooting vertical video
The camera will be available (for Malaysia) somewhere in September. We do not know the actual dates but do not take our word for it as this is just our estimation. Just like the ZV-1, it comes either in black or white. The price for body-only is RM2,999 and with kit lens (Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6) will be RM3,499. Do not worry Kuchingites, Sony Centre Vivacity Megamall will have the camera once the pre-order is up and updates will be posted on our Facebook page (facebook.com/sonycentrevivacity). Do leave us a ‘like’ there. *wink wink*
For other locations outside of Kuching, pre-order for the camera can also be done at any outlet of PC Image located in West Malaysia, Sabah & Sarawak. Stay tune for more at our Facebook page (facebook.com/pcimage)
WHAT’S NEW?
Video features
Based on the information we have collected through several reviews, the camera now includes S-Log 2 & 3, as well as HLG. At 4K, it oversamples its video recording. What we mean by that is the camera shoots in actual 6K, giving the 4K video much more detailed footage compared to other competitors in this size and perhaps price range. This feature is not new as the α6400 was the first to have this implemented. Even though it is not new, we are glad the feature is available to this camera. Also, in 4K, you have the option to choose between 30p and 24p frame rates.
The camera also can shoot high-speed recording up to 1080/120p, giving you a 4x slow-motion effect. It does crop at 1.14x if you decide to use this mode.
Audio features
Besides the α6100 look-alike, without the viewfinder, of course, the camera reminds us of the existing α6600, in terms of headphone and microphone ports, as well as no built-in flash system to the body. So, the ports, yes, having the headphone port is a bonus especially when you want to monitor audio while recording and playback with your connected headphones. The microphone port is also a good thing, especially when you have other microphone brands that use the 3.5mm jack already laying around near you. Got to say, you kind of have freedom in option here.
And like all the Alpha lineup, excluding α5000 and α5100, it does have Multi-Interface hot shoe. It is located on the top left of the camera beside the built-in directional 3-capsule microphone. With this hot-shoe in place, Sony has a lot of different types of microphones that use this proprietary means of connection, like the newly announced ECM-W2BT that uses the connection as well.
The built-in microphone is what we also like to see on this camera, as it did not disappoint us or our customers in its quality, which existed in the ZV-1. It is really good, especially on the clarity side. Makes vlogging with a clear voice a breeze. So, it is truly up to you who wishes to avoid purchasing additional accessories. It also includes a detachable windscreen known as ‘dead cat’ that helps reduce wind noise when you are outdoors, vlogging in windy weather.
Stabilisation
Even though the camera does not have In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS), found in the α6600, it uses its lens stabilisation instead, called Optical Steady Shot. All of the APS-C lenses are found with OSS built into it. So, combine this with the Active Steady Shot (inside the system menu) will make your footage much stabilised, but cropped by 1.44x.
Also, it does have the option of Standard Steady Shot, best when you are not moving around a lot or just want to maintain a wide field of view on a recording.
USB streaming and connectivity
Through its USB-C connection, the camera can stream live audio and video when connected to a mobile device. Those who own the current Xperia smartphones will get the most out of the camera. Those who are familiar with Sony’s Imaging Edge app will be happy to know that it is supported by this camera too.
The built-in ‘USB Streaming’ can be found in the menu on the second tab, the first page. This feature helps set up your streaming in minutes without the hassle of doing a lot of settings besides connecting just the USB cable.
Similarities and differences with the ZV-1
Similarities in terms of hardware:
They both have a microphone port, micro-HDMI, Multi-Interface hot shoe, selfie flip screen with touch capability, built-in directional 3-capsule microphone, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless connectivity, Background Defocus dedicated button and recording (red) LED indicator at the front of the camera.
Similarities in terms of software:
They both are capable of shooting 4K videos, Product Showcase feature and Soft Skin effect.
Differences in terms of hardware:
The ZV-E10 has a headphone port, APS-C sensor, interchangeable lens, bigger battery and USB-C port, while the ZV-1 does not have those.
Differences in terms of software:
The ZV-E10 now has Sony’s S-Log profiles for different colour grading and USB Streaming built-in, while the ZV-1 lacks those features.
Who is the camera for?
Well, as the title suggests, this camera is more inclined towards vloggers.
As the title also suggests, it can be used not only to vloggers but everyone, specifically semi-professional filmmakers, amateur content creators & amateur video hobbyists. There are a few reasons. First, the camera has S-Log picture profiles built into the camera, which is what most post-editors would want to have when they need to grade certain scenes in the captured footage. Other than that, it does have a 3.5mm dedicated headphone port allowing users to monitor sound more accurately. Furthermore, the camera could equip with a variety of Sony E-Mount lenses, especially G Master lenses that will give the camera a boost in picture quality, which also makes it the most versatile vlogging camera ever, in our opinion. Lastly, it uses a W series battery, which can be found in the α6100, α6400 and α6600 lineup, that could last much longer than the one in the ZV-1. If a longer recording is needed, external power via an AC adaptor is supported.
Last but not least, product reviewers. The camera can differentiate an object and a human face in one frame without having focusing issues whenever a human face is still insight. With the object in front of the camera and out of the frame to refocus on the human face is blazingly quick. No noticeable traces of autofocus hunting. Truly amazing. Just need to make sure that ‘Product Showcase’ is enabled and you’re good to go reviewing the product in hand.