Sony’s video-focused ZV-E10 lets streamers choose a lens

One year ago, Sony introduced the ZV-1: a digital camera with video-centric features and a simplified interface for budding youtube stars easily produce professionals-watch videos. Today the company announced a follow-up, the Alpha ZV-E10, which still makes video shooting easier, but allows more experienced streamers to choose exactly which lens they want.

Gone are the days when the tiny webcam built into the lid of a laptop computer was enough to broadcast you on the Internet. With millions of streamers vying for limited viewer attention span on platforms like Instagram, YouTube and Twitch, budding stars need to look better than their best—they must seem like they know what they’re doing, and that’s where Sony’s vlogging cameras are coming.

The Alpha ZV-E10 features an increase in resolution over the The 20.1 megapixel sensor of the ZV-1 to a 24.2MP Exmor APS-C CMOS sensor which should produce sharper images with less noise, especially when shooting in low light conditions. But the biggest improvement is replacing the ZV-1’s permanently mounted 24-70mm f / 1.8-2.8 zoom lens with an interchangeable mount that allows the use of any Sony E-mount lens. The change offers even more customization based on the look a streamer is looking for, as well as more flexibility through the use of longer zoom lenses or even a macro lens for vloggers performing detailed gadget teardowns. .

Like the old ZV-1, the new ZV-E10 also records 4K video with the ability to capture slow motion footage in HD resolution at 120 frames per second. Sony promises that its rechargeable battery can capture up to 125 minutes of video on a full charge, although mileage will vary depending on the amount of automatic processing (like autofocus and automatic exposure) the camera handles. .

What Sony hasn’t changed with the ZV-E10 is the ease of use introduced with the ZV-1. It still has dedicated buttons for video recording, activating the “Background Defocus” mode which will switch smoothly between a slightly blurry or sharp background, and temporarily activating the “Product Layout Setting” which will shift Autofocus the camera automatically tracking the subject’s face to an object they are holding in front of the camera. It also has a face-priority auto exposure mode that ensures that regardless of changing lighting conditions, the subject’s face always remains properly exposed.

The new camera also carries the ZV-1’s variable-angle LCD screen which can be rotatedleads to face or rear, and the lack of a dedicated viewfinder frees up room for the integrated three-capsule directional microphone, which includes a windshield. But the ZV-E10 also has a dedicated mic jack and a digital audio interface for connecting external audio sources.

When it becomes available towards the end of August, the Sony Alpha ZV-E10 will sell for $ 700, which is $ 100 cheaper than the ZV-1, but keep in mind that this is just for the body of the device. Photo. A nice lens will add a bit to the price of the camera, but Sony will also be offering the ZV-E10 in a new kit that includes an E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS electric zoom lens. Considering the lens typically costs around $ 300 on its own and the kit costs $ 800 – just $ 100 than the camera body alone – it’s not a bad deal and certainly a big step forward. compared to last year’s ZV-1.