Sony launches second gen ZV-E10 II with new Cinematic Vlog mode and more

The new ZV-E10 II second generation mirrorless ZV-E10 camera is firmly aimed at the vlogging market once more and adds several neat tricks to its 4K60p capture capabilities.

Given the success of the original Sony ZV-E10, it’s no surprise to see that Sony hasn’t upset the apple cart too much with the new ZV-E10 II. Thus is maintains all the features creators loved about the original — Creative Looks, Product Showcase Setting, Background Defocus function, the vari-angle flip screen and more — and adds to it.

Chief amongst that is that the camera’s internal hardware has been improved from its predecessor with an upgraded 26 MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and the adoption of Sony’s latest BIONZ XR image processing engine. It also features improved autofocus and video capturing capabilities: a Cinematic Vlog Setting with a new vertical format UI; an upgraded large-capacity Sony Z battery for longer shoots; and improved connectivity for easy live streaming and data transfer. It remains compact and lightweight despite all that, weighing in at approximately 377 grams (13.3 oz).

Let’s step through all that in a bit more detail.

When shooting videos and still images, users can instantly enhance their images by selecting from ten pre-loaded Creative Look options. Each of these looks are further customisable and can be edited through eight different parameters, allowing content to be fine-tuned. Once customised, a creator can then save six personal custom styles directly to the camera for easy and reuse. 

Cinematic Vlog Setting is an interesting one. This feature automatically adjusts the aspect ratio, frame rate, and AF transition speed to optimal settings for cinematic video capture. Additionally, creators can enhance their footage by selecting from five specific looks such as S-Cinetone that enhances skin tones, and applying one of four moods. 

Here are some of the key specs (with apologies that this is a fairly long list):

• 759-point Focal Plane Phase-detection AF with Real-time Eye AF for Human/Animal/Bird and real-time Tracking 
• Backside illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor offering high sensitivity and low noise with an ISO range from 100 to 32000
• High-speed readout, 5.6K oversampling compresses a vast amount of information Ito produce 4K footage at up to 60p
• Active Mode electronic image stabilisation 
• Upgraded large-capacity Z battery (NP-FZ100), allowing continuous movie recording for up to 195 minutes per charge.
• New Vertical User Interface (UI) auto rotates from horizontal to vertical orientation to streamline vertical content creation.
• 4K 60p capture and up to 120p capture in clear XAVC-S Full HD quality. S&Q mode provides 5x slow motion (24p playback)
• Product Showcase Setting which delivers convenient shooting of product review videos with smooth focus transitions from face to the item being highlighted.
• Background Defocus Function to adjust the depth of field and create bokeh within the background with a single touch. 
• Face Priority Auto-Exposure immediately detects faces and adjusts the exposure to optimise facial brightness, even while actively recording in changing lighting scenarios 
• Soft Skin Effect smooths the appearance and reduces blemishes on the subject’s skin 
• Time-lapse sequences can be created in-camera with the exposure interval set from 1 second to 60 seconds
• Advanced, onboard 3-capsule microphone with selectable directivity (previously debuted in the ZV-E1) for capturing high-quality audio. (A windscreen to reduce noise when shooting in windy conditions is supplied)
• Multi-Interface (MI Shoe) allows for simple connection to an external microphone for additional audio options
• Livestream via 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
• Sony’s Screen Reader function, which reads menus and video playback screens aloud to assist operations, and a menu Magnify Display function are included to provide accessibility solutions 

As is often the case, there’s also a new lens launched in concert with the camera.

The E PZ 16-50MM F3.5-5.6 OSS II is a compact APS-C power zoom lens (35 mm full-frame equivalent focal length: 24-75 mm) which will be available separately or as part of the ZV-E10 II ’s lens kit. High resolution performance is achieved by four aspherical elements and one ED (Extra low Dispersion) element in an effective optical design. With a minimum focusing distance of 9.8 inch (0.25 m) (wide) / 11.8 inch (0.30 m) (tele) and maximum magnification of 0.215x, Sony says it offers versatile close-up performance to capture details. The E PZ 16-50MM F3.5-5.6 OSS II retracts to a total length of approximately 1.25 inches (31.3mm) when camera power is turned off. Weight is approximately 3.8 oz. (107 grams).

Pricing and Availability

Both the ZV-E10 II and the E PZ 16-50MM F3.5-5.6 OSS II will be available at the end of July 2024. The ZV-E10 II will be $999 (which currently translates as £950 / €1100). The lens will be approximately $299 (£290 / €330). The body and lens kit together offer a decent saving and come to $1099 (£1050 / €1200).