Sony ZV-E10 Mirrorless Camera Review

As a photographer and YouTuber myself, I find this camera to be quite interesting.

It’s not the pinnacle of tech from Sony, but I think the price makes it a compelling camera. The Amazon sales data agrees!

Let’s dive into why I think this is the perfect vlogging camera.

Sony ZV-E10 Review Intro

If you’re not familiar with it, the Sony ZV-E10 is an interchangeable lens vlog-style camera released in 2021. It’s an advancement of the popular Sony ZV1, which was released in 2020.

The Sony ZV-E10 has an interchangeable lens, a large APS-C sensor, and lots of cool features targeted at bloggers, like product showcase and background defocus (more on those below).

• Sensor: 24.2-megapixel APS-C
• Image Processor: BIONZ X image processor
• Autofocus System: Fast Hybrid AF
• ISO Range: 100-51,200
• Continuous Shooting: Up to 11 fps with continuous AF/AE
• Viewfinder: None
• LCD Screen: 3.0-inch 9.2m dot LCD
• Video Recording: 4K 30p, 1080 HD 120p
• Image Stabilization: In-body 3-axis digital stabilization
• Microphone: 3.5mm input
• Memory Card: Single SD – UHS-I
• Battery Life: Sony NP-FW50 Battery
• Dimensions: 4.54 x 2.55 x 1.77 inches (115.2 x 64.7 x 45.0 mm)
• Weight: 12.1 oz (343g)

Build & Appearance

Sony ZV-E10 with the flip-out screen.

The first thing I noticed about the Sony ZV-E10 is how simple the design is.

This isn’t a professional camera packed with buttons and dials to quickly control every function. The Sony ZV-E10 is stripped down to the essentials so that you can pull it out of the box and start creating.

Although it has the same sensor as the older Sony A6100 (also used in the A6400 and A6600), this camera is not designed as a photography camera.

It’s designed as a camera for content creators making videos for platforms like YouTube. It has a simplified interface for making videos without customizing any of the settings.

When you look at the top of the camera, you will see a large microphone with a wind cover (“deadcat”) to help reduce wind noise in the audio.

Aside from this somewhat strange-looking hairy blob, you’ll find a simple interface with an on/off switch, a large record button, a shutter button, a power zoom switch, a mode button, and a defocus button (more on that below).

On the back, you’ll find a handful of controls to adjust how it functions (exposure, product showcase button, and custom functions). These have been simplified but are similar to what you would find on other Sony Mirrorless cameras.

The looks of this camera are not very innovative, but the handling and functionality make up for this.

Ergonomics & Handling

The Sony ZV-E10 is very compact/lightweight.

As I mentioned above, the Sony ZV-E10 has been simplified to make it as user-friendly as possible.

This is the ultimate unbox-it-and-start-using-it camera. No need to customize all the functions, just start creating.

I would argue that it’s primarily focused on video capture with the ability to take photos as a secondary function. This is due to the lack of an electronic viewfinder (EVF).

Not having an EVF makes working in bright conditions difficult and forces you to rely on the relatively low-resolution LCD screen.

For video, you’ll likely rely on automatic exposure settings and focus because of the simple design of the camera. This is great if you prefer to let the camera think for you.

As a professional photographer, trusting the camera to make all the settings for me is difficult. I much prefer to lock in my shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, but it’s not easy with the Sony ZV-E10.

This made me a little frustrated, but most people who are shopping for a camera in this category are going to love the easy workflow.

Because it’s so lightweight, vlogging with this camera is easy. I recommend getting a good quality prime lens like the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 (24mm equivalent on this camera).

The Sony ZV-E10 can be purchased with the 16-50mm kit lens but I would highly recommend you seek out some other options. This might cost a little more but if you plan to shoot in any low-light conditions, you’ll thank me.

Vloggers will also appreciate the fully articulating screen that allows you to see what the camera is capturing. This is also great for selfie-style photos.

One area that could be improved in the handling is the menu system. This camera uses an older-generation Sony menu that can be quite confusing to navigate.

It’s also not touch-compatible, so you’ll have to flip the screen back around to adjust settings.

Overall, the handling of this camera is perfect for content creators and novice users. Advanced users may feel a little constrained, but that’s not the target market for this camera.

Focus Performance

Sony ZV-E10 + Sony 16-50mm | 1/800 f/4 ISO 100

The autofocus on this camera is surprisingly fast and accurate. It does well at holding focus on a face and not hunting.

The product showcase feature is a unique feature designed to help you highlight a product.

With this turned on, the camera will lock onto an object held close to the lens and then quickly bounce back to a person when the object is removed.

This is a unique feature and is perfect for people doing product videos on YouTube. It’s features like this that make the Sony ZV-E10 targeted at content creators.

There is not much else to highlight on this camera in terms of autofocus. It works well and I didn’t have any complaints.

It may not be up to par with the Sony A1, but it’s more than adequate for the average user.

Low Light Performance

Sony ZV-E10 + Sony 16-50mm | 1/500 f/4 ISO 3200

Low light performance on the Sony ZV-E10 is solid.

I would by no means call it exceptional, but this camera isn’t designed for low-light performance.

If you want to get the most out of your camera in low light, buy a fast prime lens like the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 or Sony 20mm f/1.8.

This camera uses an older sensor and I would recommend keeping your ISO below 3200 if you want to reduce the amount of noise in your photos/videos.

If you know you’ll be encountering low light conditions, you might opt for a camera like the Sony a7 IV or better yet, the Sony a7S III.

Both of these cameras will significantly outperform the Sony ZV-E10 because they use much newer sensor technology.

Most users won’t need exceptional low-light performance, and the Sony ZV-E10 is more than adequate for shooting in many environments.

Image Quality

Sony ZV-E10 + Sony 16-50mm | 1/200 f/3.5 ISO 200

The image quality from the Sony ZV-E10 is good. The 24-megapixel sensor delivers sharp images and video with good colors.

Additionally, this camera offers a variety of picture profiles if you’re interested in getting a little more dynamic range out of your video.

However, most users are going to stick with the standard profile and minimize the amount of effort they put into color-correcting footage.

One of my biggest recommendations is to stay away from the 16-50mm kit lens that’s sold with this camera. If you want sharper images, that is mainly a factor of the lens.

Upgrading your lens or just getting a good inexpensive prime is going to allow you to get the best quality out of this camera.

The video output on the Sony ZV-E10 is only 8bit, so don’t expect it to look as clean and colorful as some of the higher-end cameras from Sony. However, that is not really a concern for most people.

Lastly, I wanted to mention that the sensor readout on this camera is quite slow, which leads to rolling shutter. This is an issue you’ll notice when the vertical lines of things in your video start to look warped when you pan side to side.

Rolling shutter is mostly a problem when you’re filming fast-moving subjects and won’t be an issue for the average vlogger doing product reviews.

Overall, the image quality is similar to what I expected, given that the Sony ZV-E10 uses the same sensor as some of the Sony a6 series cameras I’ve tested.

Sony ZV-E10 Sample Images

Here are some sample images I took using the Son ZV-E10:

Sony ZV-E10 + Sony 16-50mm | 1/1000 f/3.5 ISO 100

Sony ZV-E10 + Sony 16-50mm | 1/320 f/4 ISO 100

Sony ZV-E10 + Sony 16-50mm | 1/500 f/5.6 ISO 100

Sony ZV-E10 + Sony 16-50mm | 1/800 f/3.5 ISO 100

Sony ZV-E10 + Sony 16-50mm | 1/500 f/4 ISO 100

Sony ZV-E10 + Sony 16-50mm | 1/10 f/3.5 ISO 100

Sony ZV-E10 + Sony 16-50mm | 1/500 f/4 ISO 100

Overall Performance

The overall performance of the Sony ZV-E10 is quite good. I was impressed with the battery life despite it being the smaller/older Sony NP-WF50 battery.

If battery life is a concern for recording videos, you could always plug the camera into USB-C power to run almost continuously.

The camera is designed to operate this way but if you need extensive recording times, check out a dummy battery that plugs into the wall.

While this camera doesn’t boast the most impressive specs, the 4k video looks great. Many people are still watching online content in 1080p or lower (especially on their phones) so shooting in 4k will future-proof your videos.

One performance area that could also use some improvement is image stabilization. While it lists 3-axis stabilization in the specs, it is quite jittery compared to more modern mirrorless cameras I’ve used.

This may not be an issue for many, but it’s worth mentioning because some other Sony cameras have such good image stabilization.

While there are some areas for improvement, the Sony ZV-E10 is quite affordable and powerful for the price. It may not be the latest and greatest, but it’s a very popular camera for a reason: simple is sometimes best!

Other Useful Features

As I mentioned above, there are several notable features on the Sony ZV-E10. First up is the product showcase feature.

This feature is targeted specifically at people creating content online for YouTube or other social platforms.

When you hold an object out to show to the camera, the autofocus system will quickly grab focus on the object, and then return it to the person after the object is removed.

This ability to quickly grab close focus is unique and quite useful if you do product reviews. Sometimes cameras will hunt around not knowing what to focus on, but the Sony ZV-E10 does a great job when this feature is enabled.

The other notable feature is the background defocus button. This button will automatically adjust your settings to use the lens’s minimum aperture. This will blur the background as much as the lens will allow.

With a low-aperture lens, this effect will be even more dramatic.

Another useful feature for video creators is the inclusion of a record indicator light. I’ve been guilty of forgetting to press record and this light helps to show you when the camera is rolling.

How I Tested the Sony ZV-E10

I tested the Sony ZV-E10 over several months by shooting photos and videos with it. Given my past experience with the Sony A6100 and A6400, I was quite comfortable with this camera.

Over that time, I learned how well it works for creating video content. It’s easy to set up and the lightweight/compact body makes it perfect for carrying with you.

Beginners will appreciate the simple design and easy functions that are aimed at removing barriers to creating good content.

With the kit lens, it’s very similar to the Sony ZV-1 but if you upgrade to another lens, this is a great camera.

More on alternatives below.

Alternatives to Sony ZV-E10

The category of a relatively affordable camera for content creators is beginning to get a little more crowded.

While the Sony ZV-E10 is extremely popular, there are several alternatives.

First up, the Sony ZV-1 is a close competitor. It isn’t an interchangeable lens camera, however, which is a big reason I like the Sony ZV-E10.

If you plan to stick with the kit lens on the Sony ZV-E10, I would recommend checking out the ZV-1 because it has a slightly faster sensor readout and is smaller/lighter in weight.

Another option from Sony for photography-focused users is the A6100. This camera is very similar but includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF) for easy framing in bright conditions. The A6100 is slightly cheaper than the Sony ZV-E10 but doesn’t have a flip-out screen.

Lastly, the Canon M50 II is a very similar camera. The main reason to look at Canon is if you like the user interface better. Camera brand loyalty does drive a lot of decisions when the price point is similar.

Value for Money

At around US$700, this camera is a great value. It offers some impressive features and is a big step up from creating with a phone.

Many online video creators will enjoy the ability to have better audio as well as more control over the look of their videos.

If you’re in the market for a camera for creating online, I highly recommend checking out the Sony ZV-E10.

It may not be the latest and greatest technology but it offers some very user-friendly features that make it an inviting camera to use.

FAQ’s

Is the Sony ZV-E10 good for beginners?

With its user-friendly design and simple features, the Sony ZV-E10 is great for beginners!

Is the Sony ZV-E10 discontinued?

While there was talk about discontinuing the Sony ZV-E10, Sony must have changed its plans. The camera is widely available and currently listed on the Sony website. It was one of the best-selling cameras on Amazon in 2024.

Is the Sony ZV-E10 better than the Sony ZV-1?

While it is similar, the Sony ZV-E10 offers the ability to swap lenses and it has a larger sensor. It’s a bit bigger but is generally a step up from the ZV-1, especially if you avoid the standard 16-50mm kit lens.

Sony ZV-E10 Review | Conclusion

Overall, I really like the Sony ZV-E10. It has a lot of features that are great for beginners and content creators.

I appreciate that Sony is repackaging older technology in a new way that optimizes it for certain users. This also allows them to produce more affordable yet still powerful cameras for a large audience.

With so many cameras on the market, it can be difficult to choose – but the Sony ZV-E10 is a great option!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Sony ZV-E10

Affordable, lightweight and simple to use, with features specially designed to make vlogging a breeze.