The original Sony ZV-E10 was released in 2021 as an affordable vlogging-focused mirrorless camera. With its flip-out touchscreen, excellent autofocus, and strong video capabilities, it quickly became popular among vloggers and content creators. Now in 2023, rumors are building about the upcoming ZV-E10 II / ZV-E20 model. While Sony has not officially confirmed the camera yet, here is what we can realistically expect from the ZV-E10 II/ ZV-E20 based on the latest leaks and Sony’s history of product updates.
Improved Sensor and Processor
The original ZV-E10 uses a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor along with the older BIONZ X processor. For the ZV-E10 II, an updated back-illuminated sensor and newer generation processor seems likely. The resolution will probably remain similar at 24MP, but low light performance and processing speeds should see noticeable improvements. A bump to the newer BIONZ XR processor would enable faster continuous shooting speeds, better noise reduction, and improved autofocus capabilities.
Upgraded Video Specs
While the ZV-E10 is perfectly capable for vlogging and casual video use, its specs are behind dedicated cinema cameras. The ZV-E10 II will almost certainly get a boost in its video specs. At a minimum, we should see 4K video up to 30fps. But hopefully Sony will push it to 4K60p, with 1080p getting up to 120fps. Alongside higher frame rates, expect improvements to the bitrate for higher quality footage. The S-Log profiles for color grading may be tweaked as well.
The current model overheats when recording longer 4K clips. So the Mark II version needs better heat dissipation and no recording limits to be a true hybrid camera. Other likely video upgrades include 10-bit internal recording for richer colors and reduced rolling shutter in electronic stabilization modes.
Better Autofocus
The ZV-E10’s autofocus is already excellent thanks to Sony’s Real-Time Tracking and Eye AF. But the camera uses an older autofocus system compared to the latest Alpha models. The Mark II model will surely get autofocus upgrades to take it more in line with recent releases.
We’ll likely see even better subject tracking and faster acquisition speeds in various shooting modes. For video, the continuous autofocus will hopefully become smoother and more responsive. And the eye, face, and body detection should be enhanced to keep subjects in sharp focus in vlogs.
New Lens Options
One advantage Sony’s APS-C E-mount system has is the huge range of compatible lenses. The ZV-E10 II will surely work with all the same lenses as the current model. But ideally, Sony will announce one or two lenses designed specifically for vlogging and content creation along with the new camera body. These could include a lightweight pancake lens optimized for the APS-C sensor. Or maybe a compact power zoom model for smoother video zooms.
Built-in ND Filter
When recording video outdoors, a neutral density (ND) filter is essential to allow using faster shutter speeds to reduce motion blur. But the ZV-E10 lacks any built-in ND filtering. You need to attach external ND filters manually when shooting outdoors. To improve the video workflow, the ZV-E10 II should incorporate internal ND filtration like some other hybrid cameras have. Even a simple 2-stop ND would make shooting outdoors much easier.
Improved Stabilization
Today’s content creators need incredibly smooth and stable handheld footage. While the ZV-E10 has good electronic stabilization for video, it relies on lens optical stabilization for stills. A more advanced 5-axis in-body stabilization system on the Mark II model would help produce steadier shots in both modes. For vlogging, improved digital stabilization specifically for walk-and-talk style shooting would also help.
Faster Transfer Speeds
Today’s best vlogging cameras need the ability to quickly transfer footage to smartphones for instant sharing. While the ZV-E10 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, its wireless transfer speeds are slow compared to the latest standards. Upgrading to 5GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 would allow for faster wireless data transfers and streaming. Or Sony could take it a step further with the option for USB-C tethered shooting and transfers.
Better Battery Life
Mirrorless cameras are notorious for having poor battery life, requiring spare batteries or an external charger for long shoots. Unfortunately the ZV-E10 is no exception. For dedicated content creation, fast charging via USB-C and a battery grip option would be helpful upgrades. But the best case would be a larger capacity battery right in the camera body that can last through a full day of casual shooting.
Updated Design
The ZV-E10’s body design and controls are perfectly usable as-is. But for the Mark II model, we can expect some design tweaks and access improvements. The handgrip will likely be redesigned for better comfort during long recording sessions. The electronic viewfinder and hot shoe may get small upgrades as well. And we could see additional function buttons for more customizable control. The streaming-focused design makes a fully articulating rear screen unlikely, but an additional side-flipping selfie screen could be possible.
Affordable Pricing
One of the ZV-E10’s best aspects is its reasonable price. Despite offering great features for video creators, it launched for just $700 body only or $800 with a kit lens. The ZV-E10 II will surely see a price increase, but should stay under $1,000 to remain an affordable option compared to Sony’s higher-end models. Potential pricing could be around $800 body only or $900 for a kit. This would slot it between the ZV and A6100 lines.
Conclusion
The Sony ZV-E10 has proven itself to be an outstanding camera for vlogging, streaming, and content creation. With a few key upgrades in a Mark II model – like improved video specs, faster autofocus, built-in ND filter, and better stabilization – it could become nearly perfect for this audience. As Sony’s most video-centric APS-C camera so far, the expected ZV-E10 II/ZV-E20 will show how serious they are about catering to today’s creators. Based on the rumors so far, it’s shaping up to be an extremely capable hybrid camera that we can expect to be popular among YouTubers and vloggers when it is eventually released.