San Diego, CA—Sony Electronics launched the first Alpha series interchangeable-lens vlog camera. The company designed the new Sony Alpha ZV-E10 from the ground up for video creators and vloggers. It integrates Sony’s imaging technology with a custom-built feature set optimized for video creators. Moreover, it combines the creator-centric design of the Sony ZV-1 with the ability to connect to a variety of Sony E-mount lenses.
In addition, vloggers can use the ZV-E10 for direct livestreaming and as a webcam without an external adapter. They can connect it to a PC or smartphone for increased mobility while streaming with no additional software.
The ZV-E10 also supports standards used for USB cameras like UVC (USB Video Class)/UAC (USB Audio Class). And users can connect the camera to a power supply via USB cable while livestreaming for longer usage. They can also assign this function to a custom button to start streaming instantly.
“With the introduction of Sony’s first interchangeable-lens vlog camera, the ZV-E10, we are excited to meet the growing needs of today’s creators,” said Yang Cheng, vice president, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics.
“The new ZV-E10 pairs the versatility and excellent image quality of a large-sensor interchangeable-lens camera with user-friendly features that are specifically designed for vlogging, making it an ideal tool for video creators looking to transition to a more advanced set up.”
Sony Alpha ZV-E10 Key Specs
At its core, the ZV-E10 employs a 24.2-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS image sensor and Bionz X image-processing engine. They produce high-quality imagery with high-sensitivity, detailed texture depiction and natural bokeh.
In addition, the ZV-E10 includes the vlogging-specific features of the ZV-1 digital camera, like background defocus capabilities that switch between a blurred (bokeh) and sharp background. These functions also include the product showcase setting mode that enables the camera to automatically shift focus from the subject’s face to an object being highlighted. 
The ILC also sports a video-first design in a lightweight form factor (12 ounces with battery and memory card). Additionally, it provides a side-opening vari-angle LCD screen that permits creators to connect external mics on top of the camera. This simplifies setup while still allowing users to see the screen in selfie shooting mode and from high and low angles.
Vlogging & Video Functions
Notably, video features comprise 4K (QFHD 3,840×2,160) shooting and slow motion with high picture quality (FHD 120p). Electronic image stabilization with active mode is also available to help deliver stable video even while walking and shooting hand-held.
The camera also offers other functions specifically for vlogging; a new mode button located on the top of the camera enables creators to change between still/movie/slow and quick modes with one touch.
What’s more, users can comfortably operate the ZV-E10 thanks to its easy-hold grip and large movie button located on top of the camera. When paired with the optional shooting grip with wireless remote commander (GP-VPT2BT, sold separately), one-handed shooting is simplified with zoom, record and a customizable button.
Further, a recording lamp (tally light) is provided on the front face of the body for an at-a-glance indication of recording status. A red frame on the LCD screen also appears while recording to lets users know if recording is active when behind the camera.
Another unique feature of the ZV-E10 is a zoom lever that operates optical zoom with power zoom lenses as well as “clear image” zoom with both zoom and prime lenses. With clear image zoom, users can zoom without losing video resolution to maintain 4K video. They can also choose from eight zoom speed settings.
Other features include internal 4K movie recording through full pixel readout without pixel binning; use of the high bit rate XAVC S codec at 100Mbps when recording 4K; slow & quick motion functions; high-speed Full HD recording at 120 fps; interval shooting for time-lapse videos; as well as Hybrid Log Gamma (HDR)/S-Gamut3.Cine/S-Log3, S-Gamut3/S-Log3 support.
Audio Features
Moreover, Sony’s internal directional 3-capsule mic enables the ZV-E10 to capture clear sound recordings to accurately capture the speaker’s voice. Plus, a supplied wind screen reduces wind noise.
For expanded audio options, the ILC includes a digital audio interface via a multi-interface (MI) shoe. It has a mic jack to connect an external mic. The inclusion of a headphone jack also allows users to connect headphones to monitor sound recordings. Users can additionally set audio output timing for live or lip sync.
Enhanced AF & AE Systems
Further, the ZV-E10’s advanced AF (autofocus) technology provides fast, precise AF with tracking. The ZV-E10 uses Fast Hybrid AF and Real-time Eye AF technologies for video recording with real-time tracking. As a result, it can track of the subject’s face and eyes even while recording in challenging environments.
Users can also customize the camera’s AF settings, such as AF transition speed and AF subject shift sensitivity. This permits them to choose the rate at which the camera shifts from one point to another.
What’s more, the ZV-E10’s touch focus function lets users intuitively set the focus position by touching the screen. With one tap, they can shift the focus position from one subject to another—almost anywhere in the frame. This is available in both still and video modes.
Furthermore, when shooting in different settings with dramatic changes in light, the ZV-E10 will automatically correct the exposure; it does so via an original face priority AE (autoexposure) algorithm capable of rapid transitions. This allows the camera to detect the subject’s face and adjust the exposure to ensure the face is depicted at optimal brightness.
This function operates even when selfie-shooting in scenes with extreme changes in lighting, and even if the subject’s face turns away momentarily from the camera. In addition, the camera features the same advanced color science from the ZV-1 to optimize skin tones for any subject in both still and video modes.
Power Functions
Sony also gave the ZV-E10 long battery performance with enough power to capture 125 minutes or 440 images on a full charge. Moreover, when shooting indoors, AC power supplies like the optional AC-PW20AM can provide power. The camera can also get power through a USB Type-C connector, allowing external batteries to power the camera for extended battery life when shooting on the go.
The new ZV-E10 will come in black and white with a suggested retail price of $700. It will ship the end of August. Sony will also offer a kit bundling the ZV-E10 camera and E PZ 16–50mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS power zoom lens. It will retail for $800.
