Industry News


Sony’s ZV-E10: An Affordable E-Mount System for Vloggers

July 27, 2021

By Hillary K. Grigonis

Courtesy of Sony

The new Sony ZV-E10 with 16-50mm lens.

Updated 12/7/21: Sony has suspended orders for the ZV-E10, due to, it says on its site, “the effects of global semiconductor shortages. We will suspend the acceptance of orders from our distributors and customers at the Sony store as follows for specific models with tight supply. Regarding the resumption of order acceptance, we will consider it while observing the status of parts supply, and will inform you separately on the product information page.”

Sony is continuing its march forward with mirrorless cameras made for video first and photos second—and this time, with interchangeable lenses and a larger sensor. Announced on Tuesday, July 27, Sony’s ZV-E10 is an E-mount vlogging system with an APS-C sensor and tools designed to simplify video. This is the company’s second camera focused on vlogging, and the first interchangeable lens vlogging outfit from Sony’s new ZV line. The camera is both a budget-friendly option and a system that could lead some new videographers to grow into Sony’s full-frame Alpha system.

Sony's ZV-E10 for vloggers.
Sony’s new ZV-E10 for Vloggers has a wireless Bluetooth shooting grip and tripod.

On the heels of the one-inch sensor, attached lens ZV-1, Sony’s new ZV-E10 advances the company’s young vlogging line with a larger sensor and E-mount lens compatibility. The APS-C sensor is a 24.2 megapixel job that offers 4K at 24 fps or 30 fps.

While the announcement moves the vlogging line into interchangeable lenses, the Sony ZV-E10 is still very much made for beginners. The Background Defocus button, part of the ZV-1, is intact on this model as well. The button switches from a clear background to a blurred background with one press. It’s a way to blur the background without learning aperture, since the camera does it for you at the press of a button.

[Read: The Sony ZV-1: V is for Vlogging]

The camera also has a new product showcase option. This feature allows users to switch the focus from a face to the product in the hands with a press of the button. Face priority AE is another newbie-friendly mode that keeps the face well-exposed as the scene changes. But, Sony says the camera still includes autofocus technology from the company’s other mirrorless models, giving the camera real-time tracking.

The camera lacks in-body stabilization, however. Thankfully, the kit lens has optical stabilization to help compensate for movement. But, stabilization isn’t built into every lens and the ones that have it tend to be more expensive.

[Read: 6 Must-Have Tools for Portrait and Fashion Photographers]

The beginner-friendly features are wrapped up in a body that weighs only 12 ounces. The controls are much more minimal than Sony’s mirrorless cameras made for stills, with a single control dial and a few shortcut buttons at the top of the camera. While an interchangeable lens camera, it will feel a bit more like a point-and-shoot with the zoom rocker around the shutter release that’s compatible with some power zoom lenses.

Sony's ZV-E10 has a Vari-angle LCD screen
Sony’s ZV-E10 has a Vari-angle LCD screen.

The body also houses a 3-way on-camera mic and an included “dead cat” wind screen. A hot shoe mount allows for add-on mics and lights. Ports at the side include a mic, headphone jack, micro HDMI, and a USB-C, the latter allowing livestreams and webcams with just the included cable.

The LCD screen flips out to the side away from the camera. And, of course, as a vlogging camera, will flip all the way forward. The interface also sees a few tweaks, including a red frame that indicates when the camera is recording.

If the beginner-friendly features aren’t enough, the price may seal the deal. The Sony ZV-E10 will list for $699 body only or $799 with a 15-50mm kit lens. With the fixed lens, one-inch sensor ZV-1 selling for $750, getting that larger sensor and the ability to swap lenses may be a no-brainer for many.