Sony ZV-E10 II Reviewed

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Last year, Sony gave me the opportunity to review their ZV-1 II vlog camera, which resulted in me buying the exact camera together with the shooting grip. This year, Sony once again, has kindly given me the opportunity to review their latest in vlog camera: the ZV-E10 II Vlog Camera.

I am super excited to try this out for our family picnic over the weekend at Marina Barrage. It was the perfect opportunity to test out the functionality of the camera. With the clear blue skies, sparkling sea and active children, I could not think of a perfect time to test the ZV-E10 II out. In fact, I took loads of photos and videos just so that I could scrutinise the quality of it when we went home.

ZV-E10 II APS-C Vlog Camera

The ZV-E10 II could be considered as the higher end of the spectrum for Sony’s Vlogging Camera. Retailing at SGD$1549 for the body only or SGD$1649 for the body including SELP16502 lens; this camera is not exactly the cheapest around.

The main difference between the ZV-E10 II and the ZV-1 II (if you are comparing), is that the ZV-E10 II lens is interchangeable. So, if content creation is your full-time job, it would make sense for you to invest in a higher quality camera. In fact, I would say that the ZV-1 II is the starter camera to vlogging. While the ZV-E10 II is the high-value camera that you upgrade to once your content creation has taken off.

What struck me was the fact that the weight was not as heavy as I assumed it would be. Based on my reviews of the previous Sony cameras ( Alpha 9 III, A6700), I was expecting the weight to be heftier. Imagine my delight when I realised it was quite light. Is it as light as the ZV-1 II? Obviously not but still light enough to be carried around without putting a strain on your neck, back or hands.

The ZV-E10 II is also quite compact that it would not take up much space in your bag. The body itself comes in at about 114.8mm x 54.2mm x 67.5mm.

ZV-E10 II Features

The ZV-E10 II is actually the second itireration of the ZV-E10 model. The first model was released in 2022 and this recent model was just released about 4 months ago, in June.

The features that the ZV-E10 II boasts of are:

Sony’s most advanced sensor technology in an APS-C back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor with approximately 26.0 megapixels
The latest BIONZ XR image processing engine to deliver extraordinary detail and sharpness
Compatible with a wide-range of E-Mount lenses from Sony
Real-time Eye AF recognises the face and eyes of humans as well as animals and birds for consistently accurate and reliable focus
Active Mode provides highly effective stabilisation without sacrificing mobility
Intelligent 3-capsule microphone ensures excellent picup and noise reduction; and is able to record in All Directions to suit the situations and environments

Of course, there are alot more features of the ZV-E10 II that are excellent but I am choosing to highlight these as I believe my test images and videos used these features. I have to admit that I enjoyed using the ZV-E10 II much more than using my ZV-1 II. Aside from the ease of use, the quality of the videos and photos that I captured using the ZV-E10 II is of a better quality too.

Let’s move on to the test!

ZV-E10 II – The Video Test

Here’s the first video that I took while we were walking. While reviewing the video, I noticed that the ZV-E10 automatically adjusted the lighting while recording. So even when the parts of the building was darker as compared to the sunny outdoors, the ZV-E10 focused on my son and husband’s face, ensuring that they are still in focus.

Another thing that I noticed was how well the ZV-E10 captured the background noise. If you listen closely, you would be able to hear the sound of a child wailing even after we have passed. When my son was talking to my husband, the camera immediately switched to ‘Front’ mode. We are able to hear their conversation clearly even over the background noise.

The next video I took using the ZV-E10 II was of my husband flying the kite. I really liked how well the colours of the kites showed up in the video. I also love the contrast between the sky and the colours of the kites.

This third video also showed how well the 3-capsule microphone picks up the surrounding sounds. As you watch, listen closely as the microphone picks up the sound of the fountains to the side of the camera (out of view). At the same time, it picked up the sound of my niece dragging her feet across the ground. At the start of the video, the camera picked up the sound of my son’s voice shouting in front and he was quite a distance from me.

As a vlogging camera, the fact that the ZV-E10 II was able to pick up the sounds from various directions simultaneously is definitely something to consider. Just imagine that you brought this camera for your holidays or a to do a vlog, there’s no need for you to worry that the sound would be unclear or muffled. Please do note that I was not using the wind screen during any of these recordings.

The Camera Test

Disclaimer; while I love the ZV-1 II, I do feel that the picture quality could be much better. So, while reviewing the ZV-E10 II, I was extremely keen on seeing how the pictures would turn out. I know for a fact that Sony cameras produce really sharp and quality photos.

The first thing I took when we were at the Marina Barrage was the scenery. The clear sunny skies, the sparkling blue sea created such a nice backdrop for the perfect picture. When I saw the photo, I couldn’t help but think, “this was what I want from Sony cameras.” Just, gorgeous.

For comparison’s sake, take a look at the exact same scenery taken using Sony’s Xperia 1 VI camera (review here). You can see the the ZV-E10 II was able to pick out the blue of the sky more as compared to the phone. The ocean also has the different shades of green and blue in contrast to the phone’s duller green.

I am not saying that the Xperia 1 VI is not good; in fact I am seriously considering switching to the phone. But a camera quality will always be better as compared to a phone’s camera even though they are from the same company.

Next, take a look at how crisp the Marina Bay Sands Hotel looks in this photo. Especially with the fluffy, white clouds and clear, bue skies in the background. Iconic Singapore skyline? Check.

Up next is possibly my most favourite photo of the day; this photo of my daughter and niece playing with the kite. The colours are all super sharp and clear, there’s not any pixelation or noise at any part of the photo at all. The contrast of dark colours and the brighter colours really make the photo POP. In fact, what’s more impressive is that the ZV-E10 II is able to pick out the kite’s colours in the far distance!

The absolutely last photo I had to take was, of course, a selfie. Why? If it’s a vlogging camera, the lenses would eventually turn to our faces and we need to check that we still look good right? The result? I would say, absolutely fine. The camera definitely smoothed out any blemishes that are on our skin but doesn’t give off that too overdone filter skin that sometimes happen. The colours, again sharp and clear.

The Conclusion?

Sony has done it again by creating a product that is not only easy to use but worth the price. I could see how having the ZV-E10 II would make life so much easier for those who does this full-time.

With my limited experience, the fact that the ZV-E10 allows the user to change the lenses is a plus point. Content creators could easily use a lens which suit their needs without compromising on the video quality. The fact that the photo quality of the ZV-E10 II is uncompromised is also a major, major plus point for me. The content creator would not need to bring multiple cameras as the ZV-E10 II would fulfill all that they need.

High-quality video with great sound? Check.

Sharp and clear photos? Check, check.

Genuinely, I am always tempted by the products I review. Sony’s ZV-1 II was one of the first product I actually decided to buy (using my own money!!) after reviewing. After reviewing this ZV-E10 II, my husband did ask if I would like this as a belated birthday present but the practical side of me just has to say no. I know for a fact that having this camera would elevate my product reviews is more ways than one.

So, content creators, if you’re considering buying the ZV-E10 II, don’t hesitate. You won’t regret it.