The Sony ZV-E10 Compared

The ZV-E10 is Sony’s latest take on a camera purpose-built for vlogging. As also announced, it’s a mirrorless camera that inherits many of the sensor-based attributes of the Alpha line, along with the feature-set of its compact, vlogging-intended sibling, the ZV-1. It’s a great hybrid offering, but how does it stack up to these other cameras in Sony’s lineup? And how does it compare to some of its other main competitors from other brands?

Let’s look at where the ZV-E10 stands, both as the vlogging-specific camera that it is, as well as just an everyday portable mirrorless camera. We’ll be comparing based on typical-use cases, as well as taking an objective look at specifications. Additionally, remember that just because one camera might look better on paper doesn’t mean it’s a better camera for you. Consider the type of shooting you do and the features you value most.

Compared

• Sony ZV-1

• Sony a6100

• Panasonic G100

• Canon EOS M50 Mark II

• FUJIFILM X-S10

Sony ZV-E10 vs Sony ZV-1

This is the matchup I think many will be looking for; it’s one of the most obvious comparisons because the ZV-E10 inherited so much from the ZV-1. The ZV-1 was the launch of the ZV series and was Sony’s first take on a camera aimed at the vlogging and content creator market. There are some clear differences between these two cameras, though.

• It’s hard to pick a clear winner here because of the key distinction between these two cameras: the ZV-E10 is a mirrorless camera, and the ZV-1 has a built-in lens.
• Since the ZV-E10 is mirrorless, it is compatible with any Sony E-mount lens, giving a huge range of possible focal lengths. The ZV-1 only has the built-in 24-70mm equivalent zoom.
• The ZV-E10’s larger APS-C sensor yields better image quality than the 1" sensor of the ZV-1. The APS-C sensor is about 3x larger and will contribute to smoother color rendering, reduced noise, and improved depth of field control.
• The ZV-1 is noticeably smaller and lighter. The dimensions in the chart above are similar between the two cameras but remember that you still need to add a lens to the ZV-E10, which will add a bit to the final size of the camera.
• Video recording is similar between the two cameras, and both also have the Active SteadyShot digital IS to stabilize footage. Due to the ZV-E10’s larger sensor size, though, the image quality should be a bit better with the mirrorless model.
• Autofocus is essentially the same between the two cameras; the ZV-E10 has the edge on paper but, in practicality, I think the AF performance should be similar between the two.
• Despite being mirrorless versus compact camera, the bodies of the two cameras are very similar. Both have a similar vari-angle screen, top mic, and improved ergonomics that are intended for vlogging use.

Takeaway: Choosing between these two really boils down to whether you want a mirrorless camera or a point-and-shoot. And then the second key consideration is sensor size. The ZV-E10 has the flexibility of mirrorless, with the ability to pick and choose lenses as needed, and has the larger sensor for improved image quality. The ZV-1, on the other hand, is smaller and an all-in-one vlogging solution if you don’t want to deal with acquiring numerous lenses or want something that’s a bit more pocketable. Beyond form factor and sensor size, the two cameras are very similar in terms of features and design, and both are great options for vlogging.

Sony ZV-E10 vs Sony a6100

Mirrorless versus mirrorless—this matchup is an interesting one because the two cameras are still quite like one another, but the ZV-E10 is being presented as a specialist model, while the a6100 is an all-arounder. Sony has shown the ZV-E10 to be part a6100 and part ZV-1, so how does the vlogging mirrorless body compare to the straightforward entry-level mirrorless body?

• The cameras both feature the same sensor, so any differences in image quality and sensitivity should be moot.
• Video recording is the same between the two, but the ZV-E10 does have S-Log3 gamma support for better color-grading control over footage during post-production.
• The ZV-E10 has Active SteadyShot digital IS, which helps to stabilize shaky footage recorded while walking. The a6100 does not have any image stabilization.
• The a6100 has an EVF for eye-level shooting. This will appeal more to photographers, especially when working in bright light.
• The a6100’s LCD only tilts, whereas the ZV-E10 has a vari-angle LCD that swings out to the side to suit selfies and front-facing content production more conveniently.
• The ZV-E10 incorporates both mic and headphone ports, along with an improved directional 3-capsule built-in mic, included wind screen, and its Multi-Interface Shoe supports a digital audio interface. The a6100, on the other hand, just has a 3.5mm mic port. Overall, the ZV-E10 is much better equipped for clear audio recording in a variety of situations.
• Form-factor-wise, the ZV-E10 is lighter and smaller. It’s not a huge difference between the two, but the ZV-E10 objectively has a sleeker body and weighs 2 oz less.

Takeaway: The key difference between these two cameras is the a6100’s EVF versus the ZV-E10’s vari-angle screen, audio interface, and vlogging feature-set. The a6100 is the better choice for photographers and the ZV-E10 is the better choice for vloggers or anyone working primarily with video. The sensor is the same in both, so image quality will be very similar. Choosing between the two is just a choice between what kind of shooter you are, how much you value a vlogging and video-optimized feature-set, and whether you need a viewfinder.

Sony ZV-E10 vs Panasonic G100

Moving outside of just Sony, one of the most apparent competitors to the ZV-E10 must be Panasonic’s G100. It’s the company’s own version of a super-compact and vlogging-optimized mirrorless camera, based on the brand’s other mirrorless offerings, but tweaked for the specialized application.

• Immediately, one of the key differences between these cameras is the sensor size. The ZV-E10 has an APS-C sensor, the G100 has a Micro Four Thirds sensor. They’re both larger than a smartphone or 1" sensor, but the APS-C is larger than Micro Four Thirds and should yield slightly better image quality.
• Video performance is similar between the two; both have apt 4K recording and a log gamma for color-grading control. One small distinction is the inclusion of a 120p frame rate in the Sony at FHD, which is great for slow-motion recording.
• The Sony ZV-E10 has a wider ISO range, which can likely be attributed to the larger sensor. This will mainly be evident when working in low-light conditions, and the Sony will offer better recording versatility.
• Both have electronic image stabilization that is tuned specifically to reduce shaky footage recorded while walking or moving.
• Sony’s phase-detection autofocus system should yield faster, more responsive focusing performance compared to the contrast-detection AF of the G100. However, both cameras have been optimized for subject tracking and eye/face-detection, so the practical differences between the two may be minimal when used for vlogging applications.
• The Panasonic G100 has an electronic viewfinder, the Sony does not. Particularly for photographers, having a viewfinder can be a real advantage for working in bright light.
• Both cameras have an enhanced audio interface; however, the Sony’s Multi-Interface Shoe offers wider compatibility with some of the brand’s optional external mics. Also, the Panasonic is lacking a headphone port.
• Similar in dimensions and weight, the Panasonic is only slightly taller to accommodate the electronic viewfinder. More importantly, though, it’s impressive how sleek the Sony is, considering its larger sensor format.

Takeaway: Choosing between these two vlogging-optimized mirrorless bodies is going to depend a lot on system preference, and whether you’re already invested in E-mount glass or Micro Four Thirds. The Sony has several advantages related to sensor size, image quality, and autofocus performance, and the Panasonic will appeal to photographers due to the inclusion of a viewfinder. In terms of use for vlogging, though, I think both will perform similarly in most cases, and picking one or the other is a matter of where you stand between lens systems.

Sony ZV-E10 vs Canon EOS M50 Mark II

Now comparing to Canon’s entrant into the vlogging mirrorless category, the EOS M50 Mark II, it’s a tight race between these two versatile APS-C-format bodies. Just like above, a lot is going to depend on system preference, as well as how you expect to use the camera outside of the specific vlogging situations.

• Sensor size and resolution is essentially the same and the sensitivity performance is almost identical, too. Image quality should be quite similar between both cameras, so it will be a subjective choice whether you prefer Sony or Canon rendering.
• There are more native lens options for the Sony E mount than there are for Canon’s EF-M mount, which is strictly an APS-C-format mount.
• The ZV-E10 is better on paper in terms of video recording specs, with a top 4K frame rate of 30p, top FHD frame rate of 120p, and a log gamma for better post-production color grading.
• Both cameras feature electronic image stabilization with a specific setting to steady footage recording while walking.
• The Canon features an electronic viewfinder; if you’re a photographer, this could be a deciding factor between the two cameras.
• Both cameras have a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, which is perfect for front-facing use.
• Sony has really focused on strong audio recording with the inclusion of both mic and headphone ports, along with the upgraded built-in mic and a digital audio interface. If onboard audio recording is important to you, Sony is the winner here.
• The Canon is noticeably larger (about an inch taller and half an inch thicker), but it has a more prominent grip and the built-in viewfinder. The Sony is sleeker, more pocketable, and ultimately more portable.

Takeaway: It’s a tough call between these two, and the choice really comes down to how versatile you want your camera to be versus how specialized for vlogging you want it to be. The Sony ZV-E10 is a vlogging camera, the Canon is more of an all-arounder with a strong vlogging feature-set. The Canon features a viewfinder and the Sony sports upgraded audio recording, slightly better video specs, and a sleeker design. Beyond these key differences, you’ll want to make your decision depending on lens system and general preference for one brand or another.

Sony ZV-E10 vs FUJIFILM X-S10

A slightly more unique comparison, the FUJIFILM X-S10 is the closest FUJIFILM gets to a vlogging camera while still holding onto its strong retro design aesthetic and unique imaging touches. It’s definitely a camera aimed at photographers as well as video content creators, so it’s a bit of a contrast to the ZV-E10’s focus on vlogging, motion, and audio recording.

• Considering sensors first, you must bring up FUJIFILM’s unique X-Trans CMOS design. Compared to Sony’s use of a traditional Bayer array, the X-Trans design has its distinct color render, low noise, and lack of moiré. However, Sony’s sensor is proven successful in all the same arenas. There’s not necessarily a better choice here, but it’s worth acknowledging the difference in sensor designs.
• The Sony E mount is the more popular mount between the two, in terms of lens quantity and third-party options, but the X Mount is still a well-respected mount and FUJIFILM glass has a strong following.
• FUJIFILM does have the edge in terms of video specs here, with support for the higher-resolution DCI format and FHD recording at up to 240p. The X-S10 doesn’t have the same log gamma support as the Sony, but it does have 4:2:2 10-bit output to an external recorder.
• Despite the FUJIFILM having strong video performance, the Sony makes up for it in terms of its focus on audio recording. The FUJIFILM simply has a 3.5mm mic port, while the Sony has mic and headphone ports, digital audio support via the Multi-Interface Shoe, and a built-in directional 3-capsule mic.
• The ZV-E10 also has a stronger focus on vlogging-specific modes and features, such as a dedicated Background Defocus button and a Product Showcase setting.
• FUJIFILM has the edge in terms of image stabilization, since it features a 5-axis sensor-shift mechanism that is more adept at controlling camera shake for stills and video.
• The X-S10 is yet another camera with a built-in viewfinder, which is a true selling point for photographers.
• The ZV-E10 lacks a viewfinder but makes up for it with a noticeably smaller and lighter body for easier portability.
• Both cameras have vari-angle touchscreen LCDs, perfect for front-facing recording.

Takeaway: Despite these two cameras having more differences than similarities, it’s still tough to choose between the two. If you plan to incorporate photography into your workflow, then the FUJIFILM X-S10 is likely the better choice with its EVF, sensor-shift image stabilization—and the unique X-Trans CMOS sensor really shines in terms of still image quality. If you’re looking for a camera primarily for video, again, the FUJIFILM is maybe a better choice on paper, with DCI 4K support and a higher frame rate for slow-motion Full HD shooting. Regardless, if vlogging is your primary objective, the Sony ZV-E10 is still your go-to choice. It’s smaller, has vlogging-specific modes, and the audio interface is super helpful for single operator productions. Comparing these two cameras is a real exercise in deciding which features are most important for the type of shooting you plan to do.

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How do you think the Sony ZV-E10 stacks up against the competition? Did we miss any other cameras worth comparing head-to-head with the ZV-E10? Let us know your take on where the ZV-E10 sits, both in terms of a vlogging camera and in terms of mirrorless cameras in general, in the Comments section, below.