Sony has announced the launch of its latest mirrorless camera designed for content creators, the Sony ZV-E10 II. The new camera is the second generation of its popular ZV-E10 which was released in 2021. Alongside the ZV-E10 II, Sony has announced a new APS-C zoom lens, the Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II.
Breaking down the ZV-E10 II
The ZV-E10 II has a 26-megapixel backside illuminated Exmor R CMOS APS-C sized sensor. This is the same sensor that Sony uses in its Cinema Line FX30 camera and Alpha 6700. The new camera is also powered by Sony’s BIONZ XR image processing engine. This delivers up to eight times more processing power than previous versions. In addition, ZV-E10 II has an ISO range from 100 to 32000. The camera’s 3-inch flip-out, vari-angle touch LCD screen features a rotating UI (user interface) for vertical video, however there’s no viewfinder.
The ZV-E10 II will record at up to 60fps in UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) in 4:2:2 10-bit XAVC S-I video. In addition, the 4K video is oversampled from 5.6K which should deliver sharp and detailed images. However, the maximum frame rate is lower than the FX30 and Alpha 6700 which both offer 120 fps in 4K. If you want super slow motion, you have to drop the resolution to 1080 HD and the ZV-E10 II will shoot at up to 120 fps. The camera also features Sony’s S&Q mode for footage that plays back in slow motion without the need for processing in post production. You can create time-lapse sequences in-camera with exposure intervals set from one second to 60 seconds.
Build
The Sony ZV-E10 II is compact and lightweight. The body measures only 2.75 inches (67.5 mm) high by 4.63 inches (114.8 mm) wide by 2.25 inches (45.2 mm) deep. It’s also lightweight, at only 10.3 ounces (292 g). Despite its small size, the ZV-E10 II uses Sony’s high capacity NP-Z100 battery which delivers up to 195 minutes of continuous video recording. You can also quickly charge the camera using USB Power Delivery (PD). During live streaming via USD, you can even power the ZV-E10 II from your computer.
Autofocus
The sensor in the ZV-E10 II has 759 phase-detection autofocus points, up from 425 on the first generation ZV E10. The autofocus also features real-time Eye AF for human, animal and bird subjects, along with real-time tracking. In addition, the ZV-E10 II has a Background Defocus Function so you can adjust the depth of field and create bokeh in the background with a single touch. The ZV-E10 offers focus breathing compensation with compatible lenses. This is useful for the Product Showcase Setting which delivers smooth focus transitions from your face to the item being highlighted.
Audio options
The ZV-E10 II features an advanced, onboard three-capsule microphone with selectable directivity. This microphone system debuted in the flagship full frame ZV-E1. You can choose between Auto, Front, Rear or All Directions audio directivity options depending on the environment and your subject. The camera also comes with a furry dead cat style windscreen for the built-in microphone. In addition, the ZV-E10 II has Sony’s MI (Multi-Interface) shoe for connecting an external microphone as well as a standard 3.5mm stereo minijack. You can monitor your audio with headphones, again via 3.5 mm stereo minijack.
Creative looks
The ZV-E10 II has a Cinematic Vlog setting which automatically adjusts the aspect ratio, frame rate, and autofocus transition speed for cinematic video. You can also shoot in S-Log3 for the highest dynamic range as well as S-Cinetone for footage that looks great without the need for grading. In addition, there are ten Creative Look options: Standard, Portrait, Neutral, Vivid, Vivid 2, Film, Instant, Soft Highkey, Black & White and Sepia. You can customize these to fine-tune your content and save up to six personal styles.
Other features
The ZV-E10 II does offer image stabilization, but unfortunately, it’s only electronic image stabilization. As a result, this means that the video image is cropped in a little. However, Sony says that it uses a precision gyroscope and advanced algorithm for stable footage. You can also use the ZV-E10 for live streaming via USB-C or over a Wi-Fi connection.
Sony E PZ 16-50 mm lens
The new Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II zoom lens delivers a field of view equivalent to 24 mm to 75 mm on a full-frame camera. Optically, it is constructed with four aspherical lens elements and one ED (Extra Low Dispersion) lens element. The close focus distance is 9.8 inches (0.25 m) at 16 mm and 11.8 inches (0.3 m) at 50 mm. In addition, the new lens is compact, measuring only 1.25 inches (31.3 mm) when the camera is powered off. It’s also lightweight at only 3.8 ounces (107 g). Sony says the power zoom is smooth enough for video use. The lens supports focus breathing compensation and the optical stabilization works with the electronic stabilization in the ZV-E10 II.
What we think
The Sony ZV-E10 II is a great camera for content creators and vlogging. There are a range of creative looks and other options to deliver great footage straight from the camera. The ZV-E10 II also makes shooting vertical video a breeze with the rotating user interface. However, it’s also an attractive option as a second camera for shooters using Sony’s Cinema Line cameras such as the FX3 or FX30. The inclusion of features such as S-Log 3 and S-Cinetone are ideal for matching the ZV-E10 II with those cameras. Sony has packed a lot of the best elements of its more expensive cameras into the ZV-E10 II so it’s sure to be another very popular camera.
Pricing and availability
The Sony EV-10 II is scheduled to be available at the end of July 2024. The body-only option will retail at $999. If you want to pick up the new camera with the new E 16-50 mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ OSS II kit lens it will set you back $1,099.
