The Sony ZV-E10

So I picked up a Sony ZV-E10.

(When I say ‘picked up’, I mean I bought one. With money. I think we like to say ‘picked up’ because it takes away responsibility and commitment, as if there’s no cost involved, as if the money is trivial. It sounds nice and casual.)

Anyway, I bought one, to replace the Fuji X100F that I sold a few months ago. Not exactly a like-for-like but I wanted another small camera to carry everyday. 

I don’t think I’ve owned a Sony camera before. Ever. Even thinking through the little point-and-shoots that I used to use, they were Canon and Panasonic.

Amazingly the returns policy at B&H currently extends to February 1st 2022, so I have basically three months to try it out.

It’s a really nice little camera. I like the feel and the build and the grip. I love the size and the weight, especially with the little Sony 20mm pancake lens. I thought I could use it like the little Ricoh GR, rear-screen only, but with the advantages of the articulating screen and interchangeable lenses.

But I’m not keeping it.

As much as I want to love it, it just feels a little basic. A little plastic. Which is fair enough, given that it’s a $700 camera aimed at vloggers. The quality of the images and video seems excellent though.

It’s a good camera and I’d still recommend it as an entry-level camera if you don’t want or need a viewfinder. Personally I hope the next A6000-series update (A7000?) at least includes the articulating screen and usb-c but keeps the metal construction and little viewfinder.