The Sony ZV-E10 II First Impressions - Huge Upgrade for Content Creators!

Massive Upgrade, But Not Without Its Quirks

The ZV-E10 II boasts excellent specs and impressive burst performance. Still, it has some downsides, including shorter battery life and overheating issues with 4K recording, a common problem with many Sony cameras. While its output is great for its price — the inability to run 4K for extended periods has been a drawback on several shoots.

The 26MP sensor is impressive but not the highest quality on the market. However, lenses are crucial for maximizing the camera's potential. A quality lens with a larger aperture can enhance footage quality, improve indoor and 60fps performance, expand the color range, and reduce grain.

The APS-C form factor and broader lens focal lengths, like 16mm or 18mm, require ample shooting space, and its in-body digital stabilization crops the frame further. Though Davinci Resolve Studio offers efficient stabilization, a gimbal is recommended for perfect results.

Despite these minor issues, I'm always impressed with Sony's ability to anticipate customer needs and make necessary improvements. The ZV-E10 II is still a massive upgrade over the original ZV-E10 and continues to pave new opportunities for beginner filmmakers.

Who Is This Camera For?

Sony consistently produces high-quality cameras, and their upgraded systems are now more polished, faster, and better integrated into modern setups than ever before. With the market flooded with affordable, high-quality capture systems, it's an exciting time to get into filmmaking. However, choosing the right one can be challenging due to the plethora of fantastic options, many of which often seem nearly identical.

The ZV-E10 II is ideal for mid-level creators who value quality video optics. It wouldn't be the first choice for professional filmmakers with high-end production sets but for those with a keen eye and a love for manual settings. It's a perfect A-cam for YouTubers, home video makers, or independent projects and a solid B-cam for multi-rig shoots.

Consider the ZV-E10 II as 80% video and 20% photo. I wouldn't recommend this camera for photographers due to its somewhat average photo performance and 26MP sensor — those spending over $1,000 on a digital camera will be disappointed. However, it's a standout video featuring no record limit, 10-bit 4:2:2 color, and 4K capabilities.

It has all the specs you're looking for in a compact, handheld size for easy travel.

New Integrated LUT Feature

Using LUTs (Look-Up Tables) directly in your camera while shooting is a fantastic feature. I've personally added some of my favorite Phantom LUTs and found the results impressive. If you know which LUTs you plan to use in post-production, you can simply load them onto your SD card, import them into your camera, and start shooting with your desired look immediately. This seamless integration enhances your shooting experience by allowing you to visualize the final look in real-time.

Initially, this feature might be gimmicky, but I was impressed by how well it integrated with the LCD screen. It wasn't distracting or too empty-feeling. While purists might disagree — I appreciate brands that prioritize simplified processes. With technology and upgrades as advanced as they are, it's nicer to work smarter, not harder.

Rig It Up

Recording in 4K with options like 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p at a 10-bit 4:2:2 All-Intra format is crucial for filmmakers demanding ultimate control over their footage. This capability is now a professional standard and a game-changer in creative flexibility, allowing for intricate post-production edits. If your video camera has this feature, you're set for success.

The new vertical menu mode is a game-changer for content creators who toggle between horizontal and vertical formats. This innovative setting simplifies switching orientations without the hassle of physically rotating the camera, making it a breeze to manage settings and keep filming comfortably. I wish my Sony FX3 had this while shooting for Moment's social content!

The camera body includes a multidirectional microphone with an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic in-body video stabilization, but these features aren't always enough. Adding an on-camera mic from RODE or a reliable gimbal from Zhiyun can significantly boost performance. While the original ZV-E10 was notably shaky, the Mark II offers a much-needed stability upgrade. However, it's not entirely reliable as a standalone rig; I'd personally enhance it with my existing accessories.

How Does It Compare?

This camera is a significant upgrade from the original ZV-E10. It boasts almost entirely new interior components while maintaining the same compact size for run-and-gun shooting.

The Mark II now features the same sensor as the A6700, a significant leap from the sensor in the first-generation ZV-E10, which was identical to the 12-year-old A6000 sensor. While the A6700 sensor has only 26MP, don't be deceived by the number—the secret is that its BSI CMOS technology excels in performance and bridges the gap between high-tech accessibility and beginner skill levels. This translates to a three-times larger overall sensor, outperforming Sony ZV cameras, such as the ZV-1 and ZV-1F.

The ZV-E10 II's best features are its size and price. While the market is filled with cameras priced between $1,200 and $1,500 offering more advanced options, like the FX30, the ZV-E10 Mark II stands out with its newly integrated LUT feature. This feature speeds up the editing process by allowing you to preview the visual look of your footage in real-time.

While the ZV-E10 series is more portable, it doesn't quite match the video quality of the ZV-E1's larger full-frame sensor. But what it lacks makes up in ease of recording and better transportability, like most APS-C cameras. Some filmmakers argue that full-frame sensors are becoming less and less noticeable due to technology's ever-increasing adaptability anyway, so it's entirely up to personal preference.