BEST Video Camera for Creators! | Sony ZV-E10 II Review

Summary

The Sony zv E10 Mark II is touted as an ideal video camera for creators, priced at $999. It features a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, similar to the a6700 and fx30, offering 4K video with 15 stops of dynamic range. The camera includes advanced autofocus, low-light capabilities, and various shooting modes. Despite the lack of in-body image stabilization and potential overheating issues, it provides excellent image quality and user-friendly features, making it a strong contender for both beginners and advanced users.

Takeaways

• 📸 The Sony zv E10 Mark II is praised for its image quality, sharing the same 26 megapixel APS-C sensor as the a6700 and FX30.
• 🎥 It offers 5.6k oversampled 4K footage with 15 stops of dynamic range and supports shooting in Sony's xavc S I codec for 4:2:2 10-bit footage.
• 🦜 The camera lacks a dedicated AI chip but features Sony's top autofocus system with subject recognition for humans, animals, and birds.
• 🌙 While not as strong in low light as full-frame models, the zv E10 Mark II can still produce impressive lowlight footage with the right settings.
• 📱 It includes useful features like Cinematic Vlog mode, soft skin effect, product showcase mode, and background defocus mode.
• 🔩 Build quality is solid with a compact and lightweight body, and it's made of recycled plastic material.
• 🔋 An upgrade to larger NP-FZ100 batteries from the previous NP-FW50 is a significant improvement for longer shooting times.
• 🖥 The camera monitor is now touchscreen capable, and the menu system has been updated for easier navigation.
• 🎧 The built-in microphone uses a three-capsule array for versatile audio recording, but an external microphone is recommended for serious audio needs.
• ⚠️ The camera is susceptible to overheating, which can be a deal-breaker for certain types of shooting.
• 📹 It lacks in-body image stabilization, relying on software-based stabilization, which can introduce motion blur artifacts.

Q & A

What is the Sony zv E10 Mark II known for?

The Sony zv E10 Mark II is known for its image quality, compact size, built-in features, and being well-priced at $999.

What sensor does the Sony zv E10 Mark II share with other Sony cameras?

The Sony zv E10 Mark II shares the same 26-megapixel APS-C sensor found in the a6700 and the FX30.

What kind of dynamic range does the Sony zv E10 Mark II offer?

The Sony zv E10 Mark II offers around 15 total stops of dynamic range.

What frame rates and resolutions can the Sony zv E10 Mark II shoot at?

The Sony zv E10 Mark II can shoot in 4K at 60 frames per second (with a 10% crop) and in 1080p at 120 frames per second.

Does the Sony zv E10 Mark II have a dedicated AI chip?

No, the Sony zv E10 Mark II does not have a dedicated AI chip, but it boasts Sony's best-in-class autofocus system.

What kind of subject recognition does the autofocus system on the Sony zv E10 Mark II have?

The autofocus system on the Sony zv E10 Mark II has human, animal, and bird subject recognition.

How does the Sony zv E10 Mark II perform in low light?

While not as good as full-frame cameras in low light, the Sony zv E10 Mark II can still produce incredible-looking footage in low light conditions.

What is the issue with rolling shutter on the Sony zv E10 Mark II?

Rolling shutter is still present and noticeable in real-world usage on the Sony zv E10 Mark II, but it may not be an issue for casual users.

What are some of the features included in the Sony zv E10 Mark II?

Some features include Cinematic Vlog mode, soft skin effect, product showcase mode, background defocus mode, and the ability to import user LUTs.

What is the build quality of the Sony zv E10 Mark II like?

The build quality of the Sony zv E10 Mark II is compact, lightweight, and feels well-built, similar to other compact Sony camera bodies.

What are the two main negatives of the Sony zv E10 Mark II mentioned in the script?

The two main negatives mentioned are the potential for overheating and the lack of in-body image stabilization.

How does the Sony zv E10 Mark II handle overheating?

Overheating can be a problem depending on various factors, but it may not be a significant issue for users who do not shoot in hot and sunny conditions for extended periods.

What is the recommended shutter speed when using the active stabilization on the Sony zv E10 Mark II?

It is recommended to use a shutter speed 4x or 5x the frame rate when using active stabilization to reduce motion blur artifacts.

What is the price of the Sony zv E10 Mark II and how does it compare to other cameras?

The Sony zv E10 Mark II is priced at $999 for the body only and $1999 for the body plus the updated kit lens. It offers a similar sensor to the more expensive FX30 at a lower price point.

Outlines

00:00

📹 Overview of Sony's zv E10 Mark II

The Sony zv E10 Mark II is positioned as an ideal video camera for content creators, offering excellent image quality, a compact design, and numerous built-in features at a competitive price of $999. It shares the same 26-megapixel APS-C sensor with the a6700 and FX30, enabling 5.6k oversampled 4K footage with 15 stops of dynamic range. The camera supports Sony's xavc S-I codec for 10-bit 4:2:2 footage and offers slow-motion capabilities up to 1080p 120fps and 4K 60fps, albeit with a 10% crop in the latter mode. The autofocus system is highly effective with subject recognition for humans, animals, and birds. Despite the absence of a dedicated AI chip, low-light performance is commendable, though not as advanced as full-frame models. The camera also includes useful features like Cinematic Vlog mode, soft skin effect, product showcase mode, and background defocus mode. It has a tally lamp and an updated touchscreen menu, but no viewfinder. The camera body is made of recycled plastic and feels well-built, and it uses the larger NP-FZ100 battery, improving battery life. The single SD card slot is a carryover from its predecessor.

05:00

🎥 Sony zv E10 Mark II's Audio and Overheating Issues

The Sony zv E10 Mark II features a three-capsule microphone array, offering omnidirectional audio capture or focus on front or rear sound. While this is an upgrade, serious audio recording still necessitates an external microphone. A significant concern is the camera's tendency to overheat, which can vary based on environmental conditions. Overheating can be a deal-breaker for long events in hot weather but less of an issue for short clips. The reviewer's experience with the zv E1 indicates that overheating is not a consistent issue but is something Sony should address. The camera lacks in-body image stabilization, relying on software-based stabilization which, while effective, can introduce motion blur artifacts when the shutter speed is not adjusted accordingly to compensate for the stabilization in post-processing.

10:02

💸 Pricing and Recommendations for the Sony zv E10 Mark II

Priced at $999 for the body only, the Sony zv E10 Mark II offers impressive image quality comparable to the more expensive fx30. However, concerns about overheating and lack of stabilization might lead potential buyers to consider alternatives like the fx30 at $1,799, which lacks these issues, or the full-frame Sony zv1 at $2,199 for superior low-light performance. The fx3 at $3,899 is recommended for those seeking a high-end, no-compromise solution. The zv E10 Mark II is deemed an excellent choice for beginners and experienced creators alike, capable of delivering high-quality footage that surpasses its price point, despite the potential negatives.

Keywords

💡zv E10 Mark II

The Sony zv E10 Mark II is a video camera designed for content creators, as mentioned in the script. It is described as potentially the best in its class due to its combination of image quality, compact size, and affordability. The camera shares the same 26-megapixel APS-C sensor as the a6700 and FX30, which are known for their strong performance. The script highlights its ability to capture 4K video, its autofocus system, and various built-in features tailored for creators.

💡Image Quality

Image quality is a central theme in the video script, referring to the visual output of the camera. The Sony zv E10 Mark II is praised for its image quality, which is attributed to its 5.6k image oversampled to a 4K output and approximately 15 stops of dynamic range. This means the camera can capture detailed and vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions, which is crucial for video creators aiming for professional-looking content.

💡Autofocus System

The autofocus system of the zv E10 Mark II is highlighted as a standout feature. It includes subject recognition for humans, animals, and birds, allowing for smooth and accurate tracking. This is important for creators who often shoot videos featuring movement or varying subjects, as it ensures that the focus remains sharp and the video looks professional.

💡Low Light Performance

Low light performance refers to the camera's ability to capture quality footage in dimly lit conditions. The script mentions that while the zv E10 Mark II has an APS-C sensor and may not perform as well as full-frame cameras in low light, it still delivers impressive results. This is an important consideration for creators who shoot in various environments, including those with limited lighting.

💡Rolling Shutter

Rolling shutter is a type of distortion that can occur when capturing fast motion, and it is mentioned in the context of the zv E10 Mark II's predecessor. The script suggests that while rolling shutter is still present in the new model, it is not overly noticeable in normal use, which is a relief for creators who want to avoid distortion in their videos.

💡Cinematic Vlog Mode

Cinematic Vlog Mode is a feature of the zv E10 Mark II that adds a cinematic look to videos. It does this by adding black bars to create a cinemascope aspect ratio, automatically switching the frame rate to 24fps, and allowing for easy adjustment of the look of the footage. This feature is valuable for creators aiming to produce a more cinematic, polished video aesthetic.

💡Product Showcase Mode

Product Showcase Mode is a specific feature designed for creators who review or showcase products. It adjusts the camera's autofocus to prioritize the center of the frame, allowing products to be brought into focus even when the creator's face is in the background. This is a practical feature for unboxing videos, product reviews, or any content where the focus needs to shift between the creator and the product.

💡Background Defocus Mode

Background Defocus Mode is a feature that helps creators achieve a blurred background effect, which is often desired for a more professional or artistic look. It works by prioritizing a wider aperture setting, which reduces the depth of field. This feature is beneficial for interviews, vlogs, or any video where a subject needs to stand out against a background.

💡Overheating

Overheating is a potential issue mentioned in the script, where the camera may become too hot to handle or continue recording during extended use. This is a concern for creators who shoot for long periods, especially in hot conditions. The script suggests that while overheating can be a problem, it may not be a deal-breaker depending on the type of content and shooting conditions.

💡Stabilization

Stabilization refers to the reduction of camera shake to produce smoother footage. The script discusses the lack of in-body image stabilization (Ibis) in the zv E10 Mark II, which is a significant drawback for some creators. Instead, the camera relies on software-based stabilization, which can introduce artifacts like motion blur streaks. This is an important consideration for those who shoot handheld footage and require a stable image.

💡Price Point

The price point of the zv E10 Mark II is a key factor in its appeal to creators. Priced at $999 for the body only, it offers high-quality video capabilities at a relatively affordable rate compared to other cameras with similar features. The script suggests that the camera offers excellent value for its price, making it an attractive option for creators on a budget.

Highlights

Sony's new zv E10 Mark II might be the best video camera for creators, offering excellent image quality, compact size, and well-priced features.

The camera shares the same 26 megapixel APS-C sensor as the a6700 and FX30, providing high-quality footage.

Footage is captured at 5.6k oversampled to a 4K output with around 15 total stops of dynamic range.

Users can shoot in Sony's xavc S I codec for 4:2:2 10-bit footage, making S-Log3 viable for cinematic footage.

The camera supports slow-motion shooting at 1080p 120fps and 4K 60fps, with a 10% crop in 4K 60fps.

The zv E10 Mark II boasts Sony's best-in-class autofocus system with subject recognition for humans, animals, and birds.

Despite being an APS-C sensor camera, the zv E10 Mark II performs well in low-light conditions.

Rolling shutter is still present but not as noticeable in normal usage.

The camera includes Cinematic Vlog mode, soft skin effect, product showcase mode, and background defocus mode.

Build quality is compact and lightweight, with a recycled plastic material body.

The camera has a tally lamp and an emphasized recording outline on the monitor, with no viewfinder.

Upgraded to use larger NP-FZ100 batteries for longer shooting times.

The camera monitor is now touchscreen capable with an updated menu system.

The info display on the touchscreen can be rotated vertically for vertical shooting.

The built-in microphone uses a three-capsule array for improved audio quality.

The camera is prone to overheating, which can be a deal-breaker depending on shooting conditions.

Lack of in-body image stabilization is a significant drawback, with only software-based stabilization available.

Priced at $999 for the body only and $1,999 for the body with the updated kit lens, offering value for money.

The zv E10 Mark II is a perfect camera for beginners, delivering high-quality footage above its price tag.

Transcripts

Sony's new zv E10 Mark II might be the

best video camera for creators that

sounds like an exaggeration but let me

explain I mean best as in the image

quality the compact size loads of

built-in features all well priced at

$999 full disclosure Sony did lend me

this camera for me to review but all my

opinions are my own and Sony didn't have

any input into this video all right

let's Dive Right In let's start off with

image quality the Sony zv E10 Mark II

shares the same 26 map apsc sensor

that's in the a6700 which is the same

sensor that's in the incredible fx30 so

we're already starting off extremely

strong here the footage captured is a

5.6k image oversampled to a 4K output

with around 15 total stops of dynamic

range with this camera you can shoot in

Sony's xavc SI codec to get 422 10bit

footage making s log 3 viable for

shooting some incredibly D I say

cinematic footage and if you're looking

to shoot some slow motion goodness you

can also shoot in 1080p 120 frames per

second as well as 4K 60 frames per

second which looks incredibly good just

know that there is a 10% crop when you

shoot in 4k 60 frames per second now the

Sony zv E10 Mark II does not have a

dedicated AI chip but it's still boast

Sony's best-in-class autofocus system

with human animal and bird subject

recognition making autofocus tracking of

subjects with this camera a breeze now

let's talk about lowl light performance

real quick if you followed me for a

while you'll know that the reason why I

switched into the Sony ecosystem was

well because of the incredible autofocus

but also because the Sony a7s series

cameras are magical with their low light

capabilities now the zve E10 Mark II has

an apsc sensor so it's not going to be

as good in low light as its fullframe

Brothers but that's not to say it can't

put out some incredible looking footage

in lowlight conditions it really comes

down to understanding how SL log 3

footage color grades and trying to shoot

with just enough light to fight off the

digital noise now if you're familiar

with the zv E10 Mark I the predecessor

then you might be concerned with rolling

shutter it's still present and

noticeable in real world usage I

personally never panned this

aggressively and in the footage I got

with a fast moving background it didn't

really stand out to me honestly image

quality wise this packs as much of a

punch as my fx30 does on top of the

image quality the Sony zv E10 Mark II is

also packed with a bunch of features it

has the Cinematic Vlog mode which adds

cinemascope black bars baked into the

footage Auto switches to 24 frames per

second and lets you quickly and easily

dial in a look for your shot it also has

the soft skin effect which can be turned

off or set to three levels of intensity

between low medium and high then there's

the product showcase mode which tells

the camera to stop prioritizing

autofocus on the face and instead on the

center Zone which lets you bring

products into the frame for the camera

to focus on even if your face is still

in the background there's also

background defocus mode which basically

switches the camera to prioritize

opening up the aperture so that you can

achieve a blurry background something

that's really helpful for beginners and

if you're on the more advanced side of

the spectrum you can also import user

Luts so you can monitor exactly what

your footage is going to look like after

you've color graded it so you can better

set your exposure and white balance

while shooting all right let's look at

the build quality of the zv E10 Mark II

overall it's a very familiar feeling

camera if you've held any of Sony's more

compact camera bodies like the zv1 or

the a6000 series the camera body itself

is made of a recycled plastic material

and honestly at the end of the day feels

well built while staying incredibly

Compact and lightweight the zv E10 Mark

II feels pretty small in my hands if I'm

being honest and I have small hands to

start with but to me that just means the

camera is really Compact and easy to

take with you and as you rig it up with

like a cage and accessories it'll kind

of be the perfect size the camera has

all of the expected features and a

recognizable layout of a modern Sony

camera the biggest call outs here are

going to be the inclusion of a tally

lamp on the front of the camera so you

or the subject knows that the camera's

rolling as well as the emphasize

recording outline on the camera Monitor

and since this camera is focused

primarily on video there's no viewfinder

on it but that doesn't stop this camera

from taking some fantastic photos if you

wanted to similar to other compact

cameras in the Sony mirrorless lineup

this camera only has a single SD card

slot now here's two upgrades on the Sony

zv E10 Mark I that got me really excited

first they finally upgraded the camera

to use the larger npfz100 batteries

instead of the smaller npfw 50 batteries

these are the same batteries that's used

in the full-frame mirrorless cameras and

just means you'll be able to shoot for

much longer on a single battery compared

to before second the camera monitor is

following in line with all the other

latest Sony camera releases and is now

touchscreen capable the menu system has

also been updated to use Sony's latest

menu layout which is still a little

confusing but much better to navigate

but most importantly the info display on

the touchscreen can be rotated

vertically I don't know what took Sony

so long to implement this quality of

life feature but it's finally here when

I was on location working on a client

project that was all shot vertically I

can't begin to tell you how an KN it was

for all of my camera info to be

displayed sideways while I was shooting

Sony if you're watching please add this

feature to all the other cameras via a

firmware update please while we're on

the note of build quality let's talk

about audio quality and the built-in

microphone the zve E10 Mark I is

utilizing the new microphone array the

three capsule array that was first

introduced in the

zv1 this microphone lets you choose

either omnidirectional so it can just

pick up audio from all around or Focus

on either audio that's coming from in

front of the camera or behind the camera

again this is a nice little upgrade but

if you want to take your audio seriously

I think that an external microphone will

still be the way to go all right let's

get to the two negatives of this camera

starting with overheating there have

been a lot of numbers I've seen posted

by various other reviewers like Gerald

undone all of these numbers should be

taken with a grain of salt because your

results May Vary drastically depending

on a bunch of factors like whether or

not it was humid at whether or not it's

going to be sunny out whether or not

it's going to be Breezy out the takeaway

for me here is that yes the Sony zv E10

Mark I can overheat but here's what I

said in the Sony zv1 video and I'll say

it here again this can be a massive deal

breaker or just a potential

inconvenience depending on what you

shoot if you are often shooting wedding

ceremonies for long stretches in sunny

and hot weather there's a good chance

this will overheat on you but if you're

shooting outdoor events and you're just

shooting Clips at a time cuz you're

creating a highlight reel then I don't

think it's going to be as much of a

problem I've own the Sony zv E1 for over

a year now and everyone was like oh my

gosh this camera is going to overheat on

you but you can't use it it's unusable

the truth of the matter is it's only

ever overheated on me four times two of

those times was when I was trying to

live stream with the camera and the USBC

Port was plugged in you know to keep the

camera charged but that also generated

heat and caused it to overheat the other

two times was because I was shooting

Outdoors on a hot like 98° day full sun

and I kind of just left the camera on on

the tripod without realizing it for like

an hour and So eventually yeah it

overheated but the flip side of that is

I've also used the zv1 on wedding shoots

without ever running into a problem now

I truly believe that Sony does need to

address this and in future iterations

reduce the potential for overheating in

their cameras because it really

shouldn't be a roll of the dice but at

the same time I feel like the

overheating fear is a bit blown out of

proportion now let's move on to

stabilization this is personally my

biggest negative and potentially biggest

deal breaker is that the Sony zv E10

Mark I does not have inbody image

stabilization it does however have an

active software-based stabilization

here's a shot with me vlogging with the

laa 10 mm f2.8 fullframe lens with and

without active stabilization on and

here's a test with me walking with the

new 16 to 50 mm kit lens with and

without active stabilization on and note

that on top of that this lens also has

Optical steady shot built in overall the

results are impressive and the software

stabilization really does a decent job

but I still have one big gripe over this

in Hardware stabilization the Ibis

physically moves the sensor to

counteract any jittery movements to

create a smoother shot in software

stabilization the software in

postprocessing stabilizes the footage to

counter any jittery to create a smooth

shot that sounds similar but it's not

when you shoot video you try to adhere

to the 180° shutter rule where you try

to double your shutter speed in relation

to your frame rate so if I'm shooting at

24 frames per second I want my shutter

speed at 1 over 48 or 1 over 50 this way

you get that natural cinematic looking

motion blur but what happens when you

get footage that is stabilized after

it's recorded you get these motion blur

streaks as an artifact and it just

doesn't look good now personally I

prefer to use external stabilizers like

gimbals tripods and Sliders and if you

do just that then you'll avoid this

problem but it just kind of sucks that I

don't get to have Ibis in the camera if

you do however want to use this active

stabilization like for example for

vlogging holding the camera and talking

to it then what I would recommend you do

is to instead of 2x in your frame rate

go 4X or 5x your frame rate to shutter

speed so now shoot at 1 over2 200 or 1

over 250 this will reduce the amount of

motion blur and so when the software

stabilizes the footage it looks better

all right so let's talk about price and

whether this camera is right for you the

Sony zv E10 Mark I is priced at $999 for

the body only and $1,99 for the body

plus the updated kit lens which for $100

is pretty hard to beat it's not my

favorite lens in the world but it has

Optical steady shot it's Compact and

it's really Jeep now is this the right

video camera for you well for $999 you

get the image quality that you would get

out of an fx30 which is quite impressive

but if I scared you with the whole

overheating and lack of stabilization

then I would recommend you look at the

fx30 priced at

$1,799 it's basically the zv E10 Mark I

but without any compromises another

factor to look at would be how important

is lowlight performance to you the zv

E10 Mark II can produce some stunning

looking footage but if you really want

that fullframe low light performance

capabilities then I would steer you

towards the Sony zv1 which is priced at

$2,199 it's a fantastic full-frame

camera and I use it for about 40% of all

of my video work but then we're right

back to the whole overheating problem

and again if that's something you're

concerned about then I would point you

towards the fx3 which is priced at

$3,899 this will be your absolute no

compromise solution for all of your

videography needs which brings me back

to the opening of this video where I

said that the Sony zv E10 Mark I is the

best video camera for creators I still

stand by that that's because for $999

you get access to the same sensor that's

in the fx30 all while getting some of

the latest features from Sony cameras if

you're willing to work around some of

the potential negatives of the system

you're still looking at an incredible

engine under the hood the Sony zv E10

Mark I is a perfect camera for beginners

all while being able to grow with you

and able to deliver footage that punches

well above its price tag