Sony ZV Camera Comparison

For some years, Sony's top-end range of Advanced Compact Cameras and Mirrorless cameras have been favoured by vloggers. The release of the hugely popular ZV cameras has only cemented this position. Today we compare the range to see which content-friendly Sony camera is the right fit for you and your vlog.

The Sony ZV-1 is a compact camera and it does not offer interchangeable lenses; it instead features a versatile 24-70mm lens. While some users will appreciate the ability to switch lenses, the simplicity of a single general-purpose lens is an obvious benefit - this has also made it possible to make the ZV-1 more compact and portable than the ZV-E10.

The Sony ZV-1 features a built-in ND filter, which is perfect for being more creative with your exposure settings, especially when working in bright conditions. It allows you to make use of the bright aperture settings of the lens to produce good bokeh, without overexposing your results.

As you may know, on-the-go content creation is often done hands-free. The ZV-1 is compatible with this type of shooting, thanks to the SteadyShot and Active Mode Image Stabilisation on offer. Both of these features help to reduce blur and create smooth and steady results, with SteadyShot being available in both still and video shooting.

The Sony ZV-1 includes 24 frames per second continuous shooting, so you can hold down the shutter to capture many images in a quick burst, while it also enjoys a wider range of frame rates than the ZV-E10, including 240fps, 480fps and 960 fps. If you want to experiment with slow and quick-motion shooting, the ZV-1 must be at the top of your list.

Key Features of the Sony ZV-1:

• 20.1MP CMOS 1-inch sensor
• 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen
• 4K resolution video
• Multi-interface shoe and Mic input

Just like the ZV-1, the ZV-1 II is a non-interchangeable lens camera, but this version features a revised 18-50mm wide-angle zoom lens. This extra width is even more suitable for selfie-style vlogging. Also of benefit to vloggers is the improved AF performance of this model, with its Hybrid AF system performing quickly as well as incredibly accurately. The ZV-1 II can be tweaked to the aspiring videographer's. liking, with both AF transition speed and AF shift settings being able to be adjusted - this helps the camera adjust to each environment and subject expertly.

The Sony ZV-1 II is capable of gimbal-like stabilisation, thanks to electronic stabilisation with an active mode. Pair this camera with the user-friendly Bluetooth grip and you can move freely and vlog on the go, knowing your results will be of an impressively high standard.

Real-Time Eye AF and Animal Eye AF modes have been increasingly popular as they equip your camera to tackle different subjects with overwhelming success, without you doing too much hard work - the great news is that these modes are now available during video recording!

All the ZV-1 II talk so far has been about video but with its 20.1MP stacked CMOS sensor and versatile zoom lens this camera also makes a wonderful still photography tool. Navigating between video and still shooting is easily done on the handy mode selection button, which also helps to launch the S&Q setting - this is what Sony calls its extensive fast and slow motion video modes.

Key Features of the Sony ZV-1 II:

• 20.1MP CMOS 1-inch sensor
• 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen
• 4K resolution video
• Multi-interface shoe and Mic input

The Sony ZV-E10 is a mirrorless camera which is compatible with a wide-range of high-quality Sony E-Mount lenses. While the 1-inch sensor of the ZV-1 is impressive for a compact camera, the ZV-E10 improves on this with a considerably larger APS-C format sensor; this larger size equates better image quality especially in low-light conditions and a wider ISO range - this camera is the one to pick if you will be creating in differing lighting conditions and you want consistent results. The physically larger sensor also makes it easier to produce bokeh.

AF performance of the Sony ZV-E10 is spectacular, thanks to the AF points covering a huge 84% portion of the sensor; this allows the camera to focus quickly and promptly, no matter where in your frame your main subject is found. The AF system of this camera is equipped to handle different subjects within the frame; you have the ability to change  the sensitivity of which it switches between these subjects, as well as speed of these focus transitions - this results in more creative and cinematic storytelling.

As mentioned in our microphone buying guide, audio quality is just as integral to the quality of your content as its visual elements. To maximise on this, the Sony ZV-E10 features a high-quality built-in microphone, headphone and microphone ports, as well as a Digital Multi-Interface Shoe - this last feature delivers clean and clear audio without needing to convert analogue signals to digital and is a major benefit of this specific model of camera.

The Sony ZV-E10 is custom made to be a perfect fit for vloggers right out of the box. It's long battery life is a massive advantage, with the ability to record up to 85 minutes of footage on a full charge. This camera also features an easy-to-see red frame around its LCD to indicate recording is in progress - this saves you from recording the perfect take only to find out you weren't rolling.

Key Features of the ZV-E10:

• 24.2MP APS-C Image Sensor
• 4K Resolution Video
• 3-Inch Tilting, Touch-Sensitive LCD Screen
• Digital Multi Interface Shoe

Sony breaks new ground with the ZV-E1, the world's lightest full-frame vlogging camera at launch. This powerhouse packs a 12MP full-frame sensor for stunning image quality, making it a perfect upgrade for serious vloggers. The ZV-E1 goes beyond basics with pro-level features like Log and S-Cinetone colour profiles, and the innovative Cinematic vlog mode; this mode automatically adds a cinematic touch by incorporating stylish black bars and adjusting the frame rate to the industry-standard 24 frames per second, elevating your vlogs to a whole new level.

Despite its larger image sensor, the Sony ZV-E1 is good for everyday purposes and travel, thanks its its portable size. This mirrorless model boasts built-in 5-axis image stabilization, eliminating the need for a bulky gimbal on your shoots, so you can pack just what you need and save space for personal items.

With a huge 3.2-inch touch LCD screen, framing vlogs is a breeze, whether you're in front of the camera or behind it. With the user-friendly touchscreen interface, the Sony ZV-E1 pairs full-frame quality with the intuitive control you'd expect from a modern smartphone.

To find out more about the Sony ZV-E1, check out our dedicated review here.

Key Features of the ZV-E1:

• 12.1MP EXMOR R CMOS Sensor
• 4K Resolution Video
• 5-Axis In Body Stabilisation
• 3.2-inch Touch-Sensitive Vari-Angle Touchscreen

With the new Sony ZV-E10 II, you have another interchangeable lens ZV model to consider. This model includes an updated 26MP image sensor, and the high-quality 4K video on offer is created via either 5.6 or 6K oversampling, so the results are of an overwhelmingly high quality. As has been a theme, this model also includes a high-quality directional 3-capsule microphone and windscreen for producing premium-quality audio to match the video, even when on location.

This camera takes your audio game to the next level. It has a built-in microphone input for external mics, plus a multi-interface shoe with a digital connection. This lets you attach a wide range of pro-grade audio accessories for superior sound quality.

We've touched on the S&Q mode button in previous models. With the Sony ZV-E10 II, this is now available in a handy switch, which is quicker and easier to navigate when out in the field.

A true highlight of the ZV-E10 II is its extra-long recording time, which is made possible thanks to its compatibility with the longer-life Z-series battery - Sony suggests this battery provides up to 195 minutes of recording. Still need to shoot for a little bit longer? This model also allows for power delivery VIA USB-C for uninterrupted recording.

The user interface of the Sony ZV-E10 II has been adjusted to allow comfortable performance in the horizontal and social-media-friendly vertical orientation, while WiFi in up to 5GHz delivers lightning-fast sharing of your jaw-dropping content.

Key Features of the ZV-E10 II:

• 26MP APS-C Image Sensor
• 4K60p Resolution Video
• BIONZ XR Processing Engine
• 10-bit 4:2:2 Recording

As you can see by this comparison, the ZV range consists of excellent cameras with a real leaning towards vlogging and content creation. All models have obvious benefits, making it tricky to pick one over the other. If you want maximum portability and are less likely to carry around a larger kit any of the ZV-1 models is a good choice, while if image quality is your main concern and you want your pick of a growing range of lenses, you'll be satisfied with any of the high-quality mirrorless models.

For more expert advice, product recommendations and more, keep an eye on our Photography Blog.