Sony ZV-E10: The Solution for Experienced Vloggers | Review

Sony ZV-E10

What features should a camcorder for experienced vloggers have? By this term we mean the kind of people who are looking for interchangeable lenses and therefore focal lengths different from the classic zooms that we generally find integrated in compact video cameras. Imagine being a vlogger and having the need to use wide-angle lenses but, at the same time, having the desire to shoot some close-up or a subject in the distance: how could you do? Today Sony puts an end to all these questions by introducing the ZV-E10, an APS-C mirrorless that inherits some of the technology from the ZV-1, A6600 and of course A7c.

What changes compared to the ZV-1? The main difference compared to the ZV-1 undoubtedly lies in the sensor which is now in APS-C format with 24.2 Mpx, a nice novelty in terms of yield compared to the 1 ″ Exmor RS of ZV-1. It improves the focus and functions not present in the previous model are integrated. Finally, the body has been updated, now in magnesium and compatible with FE lenses, closer to that of the a6600 but with design elements inherited directly from the ZV-1.

After spending a few days with the Sony ZV-E10 , we can be satisfied with the experience of use; so now let's see where Sony's new entry shines, and where there is still room for improvement.

How it's made

The ZV-E10 remains very compact (115 x 64 x 44 mm) and slightly exceeds the dimensions of the previous model of 105 x 60 x 44 mm. The weight remains low, about 400g with the battery, even if now strictly linked to the type of optics installed. With the 10-18 the weight reaches 570 grams, while with the 16-50 it reaches 500 grams.

The handle changes radically, now the grip is much firmer, perhaps also to ensure good solidity if large optics are mounted. In any case, the use of a tripod is undoubtedly recommended, any model or even that of Sony itself, which you can find in our accompanying images (GP-VPT2BT).

As for A7c and ZV -1, the display is anchored on the side and can be rotated by 360 degrees: as highlighted on the previous models, this is an update requested loudly by all users of Sony cameras, even higher-end ones. Myself, I sometimes encounter enormous difficulties with my A7iii and I would not mind if Sony decided to integrate it also on future full frame models.

The interaction method remains unchanged, which remains touch only for certain functions (such as focusing), leaving the user the obligation to necessarily operate with the physical buttons positioned on the camera body. A choice, in our opinion, to be reviewed considering the target of the machine and the use at speed, perhaps with one hand.

The little space that remains available on the back of the machine body integrates some function keys that they continue on the upper surface. The power switch is well positioned and you will hardly find yourself with the camera turned on in your bag; the button dedicated to the recording of video content is also appreciable, located in an easily accessible area despite the limited space available.

In the upper area there is instead a grid that hides directional microphones, and on the left a sled, convenient if you want to hook up a small light or an external microphone (like the ECM-W2BT in the picture). Absent the optical viewfinder, but Sony's choice does not surprise us too much both for a mere size limit and for the presence on the market of A7c.

In terms of connectivity, the new ZV-E10 provides a 3.5 mm microphone input, a micro HDMI connector and finally a USB Type-C port that can also be used to charge / power the mirrorless. The latter was absent in ZV-1 which, on the other hand, featured an anachronistic micro USB port: great update, well done Sony!

The battery compartment is at the bottom and also houses the SD card reader. The battery supplied is the classic NP-FW50, the same that you will find on the A7II and A6500, from 1020 mAh. Considering the size of the camera body, it doesn't surprise us that Sony has decided to use the NP-FW50 instead of the more bulky NP-Z1000 that it adopts on all the latest models. The autonomy is still on a good level and allows you to record up to 80 minutes of clips and 440 photographs; of course this is an average value, do not expect the same performance if you use burst shooting, continuous focus and all those settings that tend to consume more. Finally, in the package there is also a windproof cover of the upper microphone.

Autofocus

The autofocus (Fast Hybrid AF), of excellent quality already in the previous model, evolves further reaching 493 focus points (50% more than before) with 84% coverage of the whole frame. The system is also able to track eyes (human or animal) and follow subjects. In good light conditions, focusing is extremely reliable and foolproof, while in low light we have encountered some difficulties but in these conditions you will probably not record any video without the aid of an additional light source.

Video formats

Sony ZV-E10 is capable of recording videos at 4K @ 100 Mbps (30p) and FullHD @ 100 Mbps (100p) resolutions. The video profiles available are S-LOG 2/3 / HLG and, in S&Q mode, it is possible to go to FullHD up to 100 / 120p.

Unlike the ZV-1 and many other models on the market , ZV-E10 has no overheating protection which limited the recording time to five minutes; even during intensive use, we did not encounter any problems in this regard. With prolonged use, the camera becomes barely warm without showing any signs of sagging. Unfortunately we are unable to tell you if, under the August sun, you will have recording or temperature problems.

Image stabilization

The camera benefits, as per Sony tradition, from the SteadyShot system which ensures high video (and photo) stabilization; it is therefore possible to obtain fluid images without necessarily using an additional gimbal.

There are three modes in this regard: active, standard and off. With the standard mode, the flicker is corrected by acting directly on the lens, while in the active mode the vibrations are also compensated by the image processor. Out of the box, ZV-E10 has active mode and standard functionality is limited only to lenses equipped with Optical Steady Shot technology. The best results are obtained with wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle lenses, such as the SEL1018.

Audio

The three directional microphones allow you to do without an external microphone in most part of the cases; some people, however, may still prefer external support if only for convenience or distance. Overall, the captured audio is really good and is positioned on a higher level than other proposals from competing companies. A lavalier stereo microphone (ECM-LV1) is included in the package for those who need something in between.

Additional functions

Among the most interesting additional functions we point out Clear Image Zoom and streaming via USB. Clear Image Zoom is a function that allows you to enlarge the image (up to 2x in FHD and 1.5x in 4K) while maintaining the quality of the original frame. For example, with a FullHD resolution and a 16mm lens, you can get a magnification of up to 32mm using the Zoom button. This is a very convenient function especially for those who have the GP-VPT2BT compact tripod available.

The high USB connectivity allows, finally, to use the Sony ZV-E10 as a real webcam and the user will have two different acquisition modes available: with or without Imaging Edge Webcam. Without Sony's software, thus taking advantage of UVC / UAC support, it is also possible to capture audio which, however, could be slightly out of sync; with Imaging Edge Webcam, on the other hand, compatibility is maximum (37 models!) but the audio will not be captured. In any case, for both setups, you only need to connect a USB cable.

Verdict

The ZV-E10 is sold at a recommended price of 749.99 euros (body only) and 849.99 euros if combined with the basic SELP1650 lens. In general, the new small Sony house represents a hybrid solution suitable for both the world of creators and for enthusiasts who do not want to be limited to non-interchangeable lenses. The possibility of having interchangeable focal lengths makes it perfect even for those who love to travel but must necessarily adopt compact solutions and with a limited budget.

The image quality is high thanks above all to the new APS-C sensor, even if we recognize that it is an aspect closely linked to the optics used. As per Sony tradition, there is a fast and precise autofocus that, thanks to the numerous functions available, allows you to always keep the subject in focus even when it comes to recording videos. Convenient bokeh mode that allows you to set the maximum aperture and thus obtain a nice blurred effect of the background; The "product presentation" mode is also appreciable, which allows you to quickly disable face recognition and manage immediate floor changes.

The video part is excellent which, thanks to the well-positioned controls and the articulated display, allows you to get virtually limitless footage. In our test we did not find any difficulties in this regard and, even when recording for several minutes, we did not encounter the classic problems of overheating or limiting the length of the movie that we often find in some products.

Unfortunately, not everything is pink and flowers, in our opinion the manufacturer should improve the UI interface that still appears old-fashioned and often too confusing; moreover, the touch screen is rather limited in its functions, relegating some of them necessarily to physical buttons.