Sony introduces the ZV-E10, a second-gen vlogger-camera with a lens mount

Sony has announced what can be seen as a second iteration of its 'vlogger's camera'. However, interestingly, the OEM counts the new, mirrorless ZV-E10 as a member of its alpha series, possibly due to its new 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS, powered by a BIONZ X processor. Then again, its build and design definitely reflects the audience and use-cases at which it is directed.

To that end, the ZV-E10 retains potentially attractive facets of Sony's auto-focus (AF) feature gamut, Fast Hybrid, Real Time and Real Time Eye AF included. It also features 7 adjustable AF transition speeds and 5x AF Subject Shift Sensitivity, which may be adjusted via a rocker on the camera's body.

However, and possibly crucially, Sony has developed a new one-button Background Defocus feature for the ZV-E10, as well as a Product Showcase setting that keeps focus on an object (one that might be under review, for example), rather than a given host's face. Conversely, Face Priority auto-exposure (AE) can "keep faces exposed correctly in harsh lighting" whenever necessary.

The ZV-E10 also supports image stabilization that can be set to manage judder "even while walking", as well as Interval Shooting "for stunning time-lapse videos", even if SteadyShot is not mentioned here. Sony also asserts that the new unit is also for streamers, as it can apparently perform this function with a USB type-C cable and nothing more.

Sony has reprised the often-welcome flip-out rather than -up LCD touchscreen in the ZV-E10, not to mention the directional 3-capsule mic with the little wind-screen right in the box to go with it. It also still supports 4K/up to 30fps in XAVC-S with Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) and HDR support. 

Finally, the ZV-E10 comes with the attractive pricing of its technical predecessor, and with interchangeability for "up to 60" E-mount lenses thrown in this time. Standalone units will be available in black or white for US$700 from the end of August 2021; alternatively, a buyer could bundle one with an E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS power zoom lens for $800.

Alternatively, the ZV-1 is still available on Amazon