The Sony ZV-E10 II is the latest addition to the ZV content creation series of cameras. The interchangeable lens APS-C ZV-E10 II is a powerful, easy to use, compact and versatile tool for content creators of any level. As the second generation of ZV-E10 models, the new ZV-E10 II keeps popular features from the ZV-E10 and adds a bevy of new capabilities. In this video pro content creator Miguel Quiles does a deep dive into the Sony ZV-E10 II and shares his first impressions. “I’ve really enjoyed my time with this camera and I can see this thing being that camera that I pack and I take with me everywhere.” He also takes a look at the new APS-C lens, the Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 II PZ, which is an ideal companion for the Sony ZV-E10 II. You can learn more about the new Sony ZV-E10 II HERE, and learn more about the Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 II PZ HERE.

The Basics

The Sony ZV-E10 II has a major internal upgrade from its predecessor. “The ZV-E10 II has a 26-megapixel, back illuminated APS-C sensor, in a newly designed camera body,” explains Quiles. “It has some characteristics similar to the ZV-E1, which is a full-frame camera, while being a little bit smaller. It weighs in at 377 grams including the battery and the memory card.”

The camera is also complete with a headphone and microphone jack, a USB-C connection and a micro HDMI port. If you are interested in upgrading the quality of your livestreams or your web calls, the USB-C connection will definitely come in handy. Quiles explains, “The USB-C connection on this camera has UVC and UAC support, which means that you can connect this camera directly to your computer and you can use it as a webcam for your livestreams. You don’t have to install any kind of software. Your computer automatically recognizes the camera and it gives you the ability to stream up to 4K video at 30 frames per second.”

Another exciting aspect of the Sony ZV-E10 II, especially for those who head out for a long day of shooting, is that it uses the long-lasting Sony Z-series battery. To accommodate the battery, it has a larger grip than the previous version of the camera, which Quiles says greatly helps with its ergonomics and hand-holding of the camera.

Video Capabilities

The Sony ZV-E10 II shoots in 4K video up to 60 frames per second, or full HD video up to 100 frames per second. “And that’s WITH 10-bit 4:2:2 color in All-Intra,” Quiles further explains. “This is the first time that we’re getting 4K 60p footage in a ZV-series camera outside of the ZV-E1, which I think will be very exciting for anyone who is looking to get high-quality slow-motion footage.”

Like other ZV cameras in the lineup, the Sony ZV-E10 II has a built-in directional three-capsule microphone that allows you to select which direction you want to pick up audio from. So no matter what kind of video you’re recording, you can optimize your audio to capture what makes the most sense. If you’re vlogging with the camera facing you, then you can set the microphone to only record at the front of the camera. If you’re in a situation where you’re standing behind the camera and narrating what’s in front of you, you can set it to pick up the audio from behind the camera. If you want to capture all of the ambient noise around you, then you can also set it up for capture from all directions.

If you want to step up your audio game with the Sony ZV-E10 II even more, Quiles suggests pairing up your camera with one of Sony’s solid microphones like the Sony ECM-M1. “It’s nice to see that this camera has the digital audio MI shoe.”

Custom Looks In-Camera

Photographers and videographers who value the ability to add custom looks to their videos will be happy to see that the Sony ZV-E10 II supports S-log shooting, and you can upload your own custom LUTs for video. Not only that, video shooters can also shoot in S-Cinetone. “Professional content creators are probably used to shooting and working with Slog footage,” Quiles explains, “And if you want to get a unique look for your video and your stills, you’ll be happy to know that you’re able to use one of 10 built-in Creative Looks that can be customized to give your images a unique look in-camera.”

These Creative Looks include: Standard, Portrait, Neutral, Vivid, Vivid 2, Film, Instant, Soft High-Key, Black & White, and Sepia. All of these looks can be used as they are set up by default, or you can customize them to your own liking using eight different parameters. Once you come up with a look that you want to use, you can save up to six of those as a customized preset for later use. “You can also use the Cinematic Vlogging setting,” Quiles adds, “which gives you a cinemascope 2:35:1 aspect ratio, and customize those looks to get something that looks amazing.”

Go Vertical

The Sony ZV-E10 II has a much-requested ability to shoot vertical video seamlessly. “The ZV-E10 II has the ability to display all of the information on the screen vertically,” Quiles explains. “It automatically changes the orientation of those displays once you move the camera from horizontal to vertical shooting. The screen is a Vari-Angled Touch Screen and it gives you quick access to all of the most important features that you need when you’re recording video.”

Classic & Improved Capabilities

In true Sony fashion, the autofocus capabilities of the Sony ZV-E10 III are fantastic as well. “Offering 759 phase-detect autofocus points and real-time subject recognition for humans, animals and birds. The Active Mode Stabilization has also been improved, so when you need to film videos and maybe you don’t have access to a gimbal, you can get smoother looking video with just the camera alone.”

Just like the original ZV-E10, the Sony ZV-E10 II features Background Defocus that gives you that beautiful blurry background look at the touch of a button. It also gives you another popular feature that Quiles says he likes to use all the time, and that is the Product Showcase feature. “With most cameras that have face and eye focusing, the camera will always prioritize keeping focus on the person that’s in front of the camera,” explains Quiles. “That can be an issue if you want to show something to the viewer since the camera will usually continue focusing on you and ignoring the item that you’re holding up to the camera. With the Product Showcase feature, it seamlessly switches between focusing on the person that’s in front of the camera, and then it goes to the item that’s being shown to the viewer. And then it seamlessly switches back to the person. This is one of those features that has made the Sony ZV series of cameras one of the most popular choices for vloggers and content creators.”

The New Kit Lens

There’s a new compact zoom lens that’s also available for this camera, the Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 II PZ, with Optical Stabilization and Power Zoom capabilities. “It also has support for several new features available in some of the high-end Alpha series models like Focus Breathing and Active Mode Stabilization support, as well as being able to keep up with the 120 frames per second stills and video shooting that’s available in cameras like the Alpha 9 III. It’s a compact and lightweight lens that would be a great lens to get you started off strong.”

Learn more about the new Sony ZV-E10 II HERE.

Learn more about the Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 II PZ HERE.