Recently, I’ve been in the market for a webcam. Nothing fancy; I need something with decent video for calls at work or maybe for YouTube. I looked at Logitec options but then started thinking, maybe I want more of a permanent on-the-desk video camera, and then Sony dropped this new update to the ZV-E10 II for a little over $1000 with a kit lens included.
Sony ZV-E10 II Impressions
Whenever Sony or Panasonic releases one of these webcams on steroids, they often market it wrong, or people often look at it incorrectly.
It goes back to the “pickup trucks vs. sports cars” idea, which tech YouTubers always miss when comparing cameras, thinking all cameras fall into the same use-case category.
But I have to give Sony props for launching the ZV-E10 II. Sony has been pretty clear about who the ZV-E10 II is for: it is a tabletop Youtuber or streamer cam with these features heavily focused on in their marketing material.
- Background Defocus
- Product Showcase
- Focus Breathing Compensation
- Directional 3-capsule Mic and Windscreen
- 10-bit 4:2:2 H.265
- 10-bit 4:2:2 H264 600Mbps – This is very similar to ProRes 422
There are no gimmicks or special Luts; it’s a great update from the original ZV-E10 to the latest 10-bit 4:2:2 video software package.
The Sony ZV-E10 II also has a 24MP sensor, so it can be used for still photography. However, if you’re serious about photography, you would probably be better off buying something like the older Sony A6600 for around the same price (without a lens), which has in-body image stabilization. The Sony ZV-E10 II does not have IBIS.
Or if you can stomach paying $300 more the Fujifilm X-S20 would have IBIS and 10-bit video.
Based on its specs alone, the ZV-E10 II is a great webcam, on-the-desk YouTuber, or Podcast camera. It has no record limit and an optional 16-50mm kit lens, so you could buy several of them for a multicamera podcast without breaking the bank, as long as you invest in some decent lighting and mics.
Sure, it’s only an APS-C camera with a pretty slow lens, but it also has the Background Defocus. It comes with focus breathing compensation and the Showcase Autofocus feature, which is already available in some Sony cameras.
People Keep Using These Cameras Wrong
For whatever reason, people keep buying these cameras, like the original ZV-E10 or the ZV-E1, and then go out and try doing city walk-and-talk vlogs with them. I only have one thing to say: What are you doing?
Sure, the kit lens has OIS, but it will never give you what you’re looking for.
Nowadays, everyone with any sense just uses DJI Pocket 3. It has a 1″ sensor and a built-in gimbal; why would you use anything else for in-motion vlogging content anymore? DJI won this game – granted only 10-bit 4:2:0 instead of 4:2:2.
The Sony ZV-E10II is a stationary YouTube camera, nothing more, nothing less. It’s probably the best stationary YouTube camera at this price unless you need more advanced features.
Then, I would say some of the Panasonic or Fujifilm options are better, but they would cost you more. Go with the full-frame options if you need better low-light performance and IBIS, like the Panasonic S9 (but be mindful of the record limits), or their micro-four-third options if you need more professional features found on the Panasonic GH7 – IBIS, timecode synchronization, etc. Again, they will cost much more and don’t include a lens like the Sony ZV-E10 II.
If you need just a webcam for streaming, you could go with the new Logitech MX Brio 4K Webcam. It uses the tiny Sony Starvis 1/2.8″ Sensor, so you will need decent lighting with that tiny sensor. It can shoot 4K30 or 1080p60 (great for game streaming), has a built-in mic, and costs only around $200.
You Still Need Better Audio
None of these mics are great on these cameras, and audio is more important than video with video content, so you really should go with a Rode Wireless setup. I have the Rode Wireless Pro mics, but if you’re a bro and like clipping the mic to your hat, go with the DJI wireless system.
For desk recording, I highly recommend using a larger condenser mic with a 1″ Diaphragm. I like Rode for this and have the NT2-A at home, but the NT1 is more practical for single-person recording, although they are big. When I’m traveling, I use the Blue Snowball iCE USB Condenser, which gets the job done. The Blue Yeti is also popular.
You don’t need the Sure SM7b, and I don’t particularly love how those sound since they create an unnatural milky “radio” sound in everyone’s voices. I prefer the condenser mics since they work better for recording instruments and sound design.
For a Youtuber who wants to make Finance Bro or Fitness Bro videos, grab this and a decent mic, like a Blue Yeti or Snowball for the smaller Diaphragm mics, or the Rode NT1 for the 1″ diaphragm. Don’t forget some ring lights, and you’ll be set up for probably less than around $1500. If you’re a girl making spandex gym videos, you’re going just to use your iPhone Pro, and there is no need for a camera like this.
Of course, if you’re a camera vlogger, be sure to spend way too much money on your camera. Something like a Sony A7sIII will do.
Should You Buy The Sony ZV-E10 II?
Yes, this camera is a very solid option for stationary on-the-table YouTubing or Podcast content creation. However, investing in a decent audio setup is still important, and I would only use the on-camera mic in a pinch.
Considering all the options today, I don’t think this is a good hybrid camera and probably won’t be very fun or inspiring to use. I would consider tapping into the used market since having IBIS for photography is handy. However, for video the Sony ZV-E10 II might be one of the cheapest 10-bit 4:2:2 cameras on the market right now.
What Would I Do?
If I were starting a YouTube channel and needed a desktop or podcast camera, this would probably be my first option because of the price and the nice codecs. I would pair it with a better mic and swap out a lens for one of the Sony APS-C prime lenses. Maybe the 16mm f2.8, the 20mm f2.8, or longer, depending on the distance I was recording.
