This new compact mirrorless camera targets vloggers and content creators, featuring a 26MP APS-C image sensor, the capability to capture footage in 4K 4:2:2 10-bit All-Intra at up to 60P, and in FHD at up to 120P. The camera also includes a Cinematic Vlog mode for capturing footage with a built-in look.

Background

In March 2023, Sony announced the ZV-E1, their flagship full-frame mirrorless camera for vlogging, featuring advanced AI-based capabilities. However, the ZV-E1’s high price tag of over $2000 made it less accessible for many content creators. Sony has now addressed this gap by introducing the more affordable ZV-E10 II, which retains most features from the ZV-E1 but with a smaller sensor.

Features and Specifications

The Sony ZV-E10 II is positioned between the ZV-E10 and ZV-E1, weighing 295g (10.4 oz) and measuring 11.4 x 6.7 x 5.4 cm (4.48 x 2.63 x 2.12 in). It uses the same Z battery as the ZV-E1, providing approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes of runtime.

Image Sensor and Processing

The camera is equipped with a 26MP Exmor R image sensor and powered by the BIONZ XR image processing engine, also found in other Sony models like the FX30 and A6700. This results in reduced rolling shutter effects and faster read-out speeds compared to the ZV-E10.

Video Recording Capabilities

The ZV-E10 II captures 4K footage oversampled from the 5.6K image sensor at up to 60 frames per second in 4:2:2 10-bit. In FHD (1920 x 1080), it supports up to 120P. Recording formats include XAVC S, XAVC HS, and XAVC S-I, with options for 10/8bit, Long GOP/All-I, and H.264/H.265 file formats. Footage and images are stored on an SD UHS-II compatible memory card.

Audio and Display

The camera features a 3-capsule microphone, similar to the ZV-E1, allowing users to select front/rear/omni-directional settings via the camera menu. The ZV-E10 II lacks an EVF but includes a 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD. It also introduces a new Still/Movie/S&Q switch for easier mode changes.

Autofocus and Stabilization

The autofocus system has 759 AF points, covering 94% of the sensor, and can recognize and track human and animal faces and eyes. It supports Focus Breathing Compensation but lacks IBIS. Instead, it offers Digital Image Stabilization (Active Stabilization), which crops the image by around 1.5/1.4x, depending on the recording frame rate and resolution.

Vlogging Settings

The ZV-E10 II includes multiple picture profiles like S-Cinetone/S-Log3, four different “look” settings (Clean/Chic/Fresh/Mono), and five “mood” settings (Auto, Gold, Ocean, Forest). It also supports LUT import and has ten built-in image presets. A Cinematic Vlog setting adds 2.35:1 cinemascope black bars to 16:9 footage. The camera can shoot vertical content and features a new in-camera Time-lapse mode.

Connectivity

The camera includes one 3.5mm microphone input, one 3.5mm headphone output, a micro-HDMI output port, and a 5Gbps USB-C port supporting 4K30P/1080P60 streaming. It has built-in 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity and supports live streaming via RTMP/RTMPS/SRT protocols. It also connects to Sony’s Creators App for remote control and footage transfer.

Price and Availability

The Sony ZV-E10 II is available for preorder at $998 for the body and $1,098 for the kit with a new 16-50mm zoom lens. Shipping is expected to begin by the end of the month.