Sony ZV-E10: A Camera for Vloggers

A year after introducing its first camera for vloggers—the fixed-lens ZV-1—Sony is bringing the concept to an interchangeable lens platform. The ZV-E10 is built around the same sensor as the stills-focused Sony a6100 but is made just for video.

- JIM FISHER

It has a quality in-camera microphone, a front-facing display, and some focus and metering modes tuned for vlog video. The 4K video it captures is crisp, but digital stabilization tightens the angle of view when working handheld, and a weak battery means you’ll want to carry some spares for all-day work.

MADE FOR VIDEO AND VLOGS

The ZV-E10 is built with the needs of video-first creators, particularly vloggers, in mind. As such, it drops the EVF, built-in flash, and Mode dial from the a6100. Instead, it uses a quality three-capsule microphone (a windscreen is included) and adds a swing-out, front-facing LCD. It’s a slim, light camera—2.5 by 4.5 by 1.8 inches (HWD) and 12 ounces.

Sony is offering the camera in a black or white finish (we received a black model for review). If you’re already in the E-mount mirrorless system, you can buy it as a body only. There’s also a kit option with the E PZ 1650mm for $799.99, but if selfie vlogs are your thing, you may prefer a wider zoom. The camera relies on digital stabilization to supplement lens-based IS; it’s quite effective, but it does crop the view of your lens. It’s built around an APS-C sensor, smaller than the full-frame chips Sony puts in its a7 series.

Sony ZV-E10

PROS

Excellent 4K video at 24 or 30fps. Best-inclass autofocus. Bright, front-facing LCD. Clear in-camera microphone. Supports add-on mic and headphone monitoring. Works as a USB webcam.

CONS

Battery drains quickly. Digital stabilization adds crop to video. Limited touch controls. In-camera charging slow for on-the-go use. Slowmotion limited to 1080p. No 4K60 recording.