The Sony ZV-1 and Sony ZV-E10 both belong to the ZV (vlog) camera series. These two cameras are specially manufactured for Vlogging and YouTube videos.
The image quality, active stabilization, auto-focusing abilities, build, size and ergonomic design of these Sony Vlogging cameras are the right choice for creating unique vlogs and YouTube streaming.
The Sony ZV-1 was launched in late 2020 during the peak of the pandemic. It is an exceptional choice for vloggers and YouTubers for selfie content creation ever since.
Sony ZV-E10 Digital camera with interchangeable lens intended to make professional vlogs came into the market in mid-2021.
With the launch of this camera, a never-ending debate started if one is better than the other. Those who were already having ZV-1 wondered if they should get the new vlog camera by Sony. While those who were buying a small selfie camera for the first time were confused about which camera to go with.
Even today, most users have trouble deciding between Sony ZV-1 and Sony ZV-E10. To guide you to choose the best between ZV-E10 vs ZV-1. We have listed the similarities and differences between these two Sony cameras.
Sony ZV-E10 vs Sony ZV-1 | Similar Features
There are many similar features and specs between ZV-E10 and ZV-1. These features include the screen, video resolution and background defocus, etc…
| Similar Features | Sony ZV-E10 | Sony ZV-1 |
| Product Showcase Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Face Priority Auto Exposure (AE) | Yes | Yes |
| 4K/30fps | Yes | Yes |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X | BIONZ X |
| Screen (LCD monitor) | 3”- Fully Articulated | 3” Fully Articulated |
| Touch screen | Yes (Limited) | Yes (Limited) |
| Hot Shoe | Yes | Yes |
| Build | Plastic – Sturdy | Plastic – Sturdy |
| Mic | Directional 3-Capsule | Directional 3-Capsule |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Wind screen for Mic | Yes | Yes |
| Active Viewfinder | No | No |
| Memory Card | 1 Multi slot for Memory Stick Duo / SD memory card | 1 Multi slot for Memory Stick Duo / SD memory card |
| Connectivity | Via USB cable | WiFi | Via USB cable | WiFi |
Focus
Both ZV-E10 and ZV-1 have vlogging-rich qualities because it is what these cameras are made for. The intelligent autofocus with background defocus and product showcase are a few of them to add creativity to make publish-ready content. It detects the eye and focuses on the face automatically. Since these are manufactured for vlogging, there is a Product showcase mode of focus in both these cameras. The Product showcase shifts the focus from the face and the background onto the product when it is placed closer to the camera. Although both of these cameras can do this trick the ZV has a delay in shifting focus while the ZV has a faster response.
4K Video recording
You can capture 4K videos with both of them. You can record unlimited videos in 4K resolution at 30fps. The Full HD (FHD) shots are recorded at 120fps depending on the video format.
The ZV-E10 has multiple speed settings with a zoom rocker and log and HLG profiles like the ZV-1 (1″). Also, Sony ZV-1 looks like FHD oversampled from 4K. ZV-E10 looks like it was line-skipped 720p.
Image Processor
Both cameras use the same Bionz X Next Gen processor. This advanced image processor reduces noise in images and adds object tracking and lock-on autofocus (AF) abilities to these cameras. A processing speed of over 20fps allow ZV1 to capture 24 images per second with continuous shots.
Display Screen
An articulated LCD screen is a must-have for any vlogging or streaming camera. These semi-touch-angled screens are common in both ZV1 and ZVE10.
The 3” screen can rotate up to 180 degrees for self-portraits or selfies. To keep the display screen safe, it can be rotated towards the body of the camera.
The screen of ZV-E10 has a smooth display as compared to its old rival but that is the feature that does not actually matters and most people would just ignore it.
Hot Shoe
The Multi Interface Shoe by Sony is the camera hot shoe that allows mounting a flash or microphone on the camera. Both of these vlogging cameras have hot shoes with a hidden lock that provides an auto-lock mechanism.
Build
Directional Mic
Another important feature that distinguishes a good vlogging and live streaming camera from a bad one is its sound/voice quality. And it all depends on the type of built-in mic it has. The ZVE10 and ZV1 are equipped with 3-capsule condenser directional mics. These mics give exceptional sound quality. However, the Sony ZV-1 sound is better than the ZV-E10.
The new camera packages of both models include a windscreen for the built-in mics to reduce excessive pressure from wind and popping sounds from the vocal wind.
Both cameras have microphone jacks to attach external mics for example a shotgun mic.
Build
There is no observable build quality difference between ZV-E10 and ZV-1 cameras. Both feels well-built. They are made of sturdy plastic which is a step down from the magnesium alloy body of the Sony a6400. The battery compartment and inputs are secured well by tough-looking doors.
None of these cameras are rugged and do not offer any guarantee to keep up in extreme conditions.
View Finder
These mirrorless cameras lack an active viewfinder. That’s something strange because all mirrorless cameras should have one. But the display screen works great to allow you to get the right shot and the autofocus ability helps capture desired moments efficiently.
Connectivity
You can transfer photos and videos from the camera to other devices using a memory card or USB cable. There are memory card slots and USB ports in both of these cameras.
You can also connect a wireless handgrip and a stable tripod to the bottom of the camera and use it through wifi.
The only difference between the USB ports is that the ZV-1 supports micro USB only. The ZV-E10 can support USB 3.1 and C type in addition to the micro USB.
Sony ZV-E10 vs Sony ZV-1 | Different Features
In the above chart, there are many features that are common in ZV-1 and ZV-E10.
A few of these similarities are really important when comparing these two cameras. The Intelligent autofocus, mic specs, attachment to the wireless handgrip and 4K unlimited video recording are worthy stuff to know about these Sony vlogging cameras.
There are more important features that are counted as differences between ZV-E10 and ZV-1. These differences really impact the overall performance of these two selfie cams.
Here are the main specs in which ZV-E10 differs from the ZV-1.
| Different Features | Sony ZV-1 | Sony ZV-E10 |
| Camera Type | Digital (Fixed Lens) | Digital (Interchangeable Lens) |
| Lens Type | Large aperture ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens | Wide Lens with E-mount system |
| Price | $749 (Buy On Amazon) | $700 (Without Lens)$800 (With 16-50mm Zoom Lens) |
| Announced | May 2020 | July 2021 (Latest) |
| Resolution | 20.1MP | 24.2MP |
| Sensor Type and Size | 1” BSI-CMOS Sensor | APS-C CMOS Sensor |
| Speed | 24.0fps continuous shooting | 11.0fps continuous shooting |
| Image Stabilization | Digital+Electronics | Digital Only |
| Battery | NP-BX1 | NP-FW50 |
| Battery Life (Still Images) | 260 shots Appx. | 440 shots Appx. |
| Battery Life (Actual Recording) | 51 minutes of video | 96 minutes of video |
| Battery Life (Continuous Recording) | 75 min | 125 min |
| Screen Resolution | 921.6k dots | 1.44 million dots |
| Weight | 294g (12.1 oz) | 343g (10.4 oz) |
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Shoulder Strap Attachment | None | Yes (fixed) |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| USB Ports | Micro USB only | USB Type-C | USB 3.1 | Micro USB |
Type
From the look of it, the main difference between these two is the Sony ZV-1 has a fixed lens while the ZV-E10 can mount interchangeable lenses. While the external lenses would definitely give an edge to the newer ZVE10 model, the ZV1 is also quite capable with its built-in lens.
Top vloggers such as Peter Lindgren shoot all his vlogs with ZV-1 on his channel.
The built-in lens also makes ZV1 less bulky and easy to carry size.
Price
Apparently, the Sony ZV-E10 is cheaper than the ZV-1. Both are good value cameras, however, to take full advantage of the interchangeable lens camera zve10 you will be needing at least a 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount lens to take full benefits of the camera. This makes it slightly more pricey than its counterpart ZV1.
So, if you want to minimize the cost. I will recommend you get a Sony ZV-1.
Sensor
The most important part of the camera is the sensor. It processes the light to create the picture in the camera. A commonly used sensor is the CMOS.
ZV-E10 uses a larger size (23.5mm x 16.6mm) APS-C CMOS sensor with a higher max resolution of 24MP. While the ZV-1 uses the BSI (Backside Illuminated) CMOS sensor of smaller size (13.2mm x 8.8mm) having a lower max resolution of 20MP.
The ZV-E10 with larger sensor to take more light and thus performs well in low light and has a higher dynamic range. But it is affected by the rolling shutter effect.
The ZV-1 on the other hand has a few tricks up its sleeve with the smaller sensor size. The BSI CMOS can gather more light theoretically so the low-light performance is not bad. But the smaller shutter gives ZV1 the advantage of capturing slow motion and continuing shots at a higher frame rate.
The Digital stabilization of ZV1 allows it to have almost no rolling shutter effect too.
Battery
The ZV-1 has a poor battery according to the CIPA standards it can capture only 260 shots. The ZV-E10 wins in terms of battery with almost double coverage in a single full charge.
Thus the battery life of the new ZVE10 is near twice the battery life of the Sony ZV-1 in both photo and video.
You can also use the newer model Sony camera while it is on charge. The ZV-E10 does not heat up when recording videos for longer periods of time.
The Sony ZV-E10 feels well-built. It’s made of plastic and feels similar in build quality to the Sony a6100, though it’s a step down from the magnesium alloy body of the Sony a6400. The battery compartment and inputs (except for the microphone jack) are covered by sturdy-feeling doors. The buttons are clicky and offer good physical feedback, too. Another nice touch is the fixed shoulder strap attachment points, which won’t rattle around and cause noise when recording vlogs or videos.
Size and Weight
ZV-E10 can fit in a pocket without a mounted lens. It looks like a nice little camera slightly heavier (few of us may not even feel it). The size of ZV-1 is small