BIONZ XR Archives

Sony has announced the second generation of its popular content creation camera, the ZV-E10 II. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the ZV-E10 II retains the core features that made it a favourite amongst creators – compact design, user-friendly interface, and impressive video capabilities – while introducing several enhancements designed to further elevate the content creation experience.

The ZV-E10 II boasts an upgraded 26-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, promising improved image quality and performance compared to its predecessor. This translates to better low-light performance, sharper images, and smoother video recording.

One of the most exciting additions is the Cinematic Vlog Setting. With a single touch, this feature helps creators capture professional-looking cinematic footage by automatically adjusting aspects like aspect ratio, frame rate, and autofocus transition speed. Additionally, creators can further enhance their content with a selection of Creative Looks and Moods, offering extensive colour and tonal control for a personalized touch.

Focus on User Experience and Streamlined Workflow

The ZV-E10 II prioritizes user experience with a focus on ease of use and efficient workflows. The camera features a new vertical User Interface (UI) that automatically rotates when shooting in portrait mode, ideal for content creators who primarily produce content for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Additionally, the improved high-capacity Z battery (NP-FZ100) extends recording times, allowing creators to capture more content without worrying about running out of power.

In terms of content creation tools, the ZV-E10 II retains popular features like the vari-angle LCD screen for easy self-shooting, Product Showcase Setting for highlighting products in videos, and Background Defocus Function for creating a professional bokeh effect. The improved autofocus system ensures sharp focus on subjects, even when recording fast-paced action.

The ZV-E10 II is equipped with a USB 3.2 Type-C port for fast, wired data transfer to a compatible smartphone or PC, allowing creators to seamlessly transfer and edit their content. The camera also supports high-quality live streaming through a 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection.

Keeping accessibility in mind, Sony has included a Screen Reader function that reads menus and video playback screens aloud, as well as a menu Magnify Display function to assist users with visual impairments.

The ZV-E10 II reflects Sony’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The camera body incorporates recycled materials, including SORPLAS, to minimize environmental impact without compromising functionality. The packaging also utilizes Sony’s unique recycled paper material, further reducing the environmental footprint.

The E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II Lens

Alongside the ZV-E10 II, Sony has also announced the E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II, a compact power zoom lens ideal for the ZV-E10 II. This versatile lens offers a 24-75mm focal length (35mm full-frame equivalent), making it suitable for various shooting situations, from wide landscapes to close-up details. The E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II features built-in optical stabilization that works in conjunction with the in-body stabilization system of the ZV-E10 II to minimize camera shake and ensure smooth footage.

Pricing & Availability

The ZV-E10 II and the E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II will be available in Malaysia from August 2024 in black. Pre-orders are now open at Sony’s website and authorized retailers. Our sources at Sony tell us that pre-orders could be shipped out as soon as 1 August 2024.

The Sony ZV-E10 II will be priced at RM4,999 for the body only while the kit together with the E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II will be priced at RM5,199. The lens alone will be retailing for RM1,499.

Sony’s α6000 series is one of those line-ups of cameras that we can easily recommend to anyone who is looking to get into photography. Despite its price, we think that Sony’s mirrorless APS-C interchangeable lens camera line-up offers some of the best value for a camera. The older α6600 for example, offers 4K video recording with S-Log3, pretty much on par with the more premium α7 line-up of cameras when it comes to video work. While APS-C sensors are smaller than full-frame sensors, the α6600 is still a formidable photography tool that offers photo quality that is comparable to full-frame photos.

The α6600 is an aging platform though. It launched back in September 2019, which was nearly 4 years ago. Considering that the gap between the α7 III and α7 IV is also a little over 3 years old, the α6600 is due for an upgrade. Introducing the Sony α6700.

New Sensor

Source: Sony
Source: Sony

You still get an APS-C sensor on the Sony α6700, like its predecessor, which is also rather expected, since this is the compact camera line-up from Sony. It is an upgraded sensor though. It is now a 26-Megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor alongside Sony’s most powerful BIONZ XR image processor that also powers Sony’s latest full-frame cameras.

New Processor

The BIONZ XR processor allows the Sony α6700 to record 4K videos like the older α6600. But instead of the regular 60fps, you can record at 120fps this time. You can also record videos at S-Cinetone picture profile, which is the preferred profile for Sony’s filmmakers on their professional Cinema Line cameras. On top of that, you have the flexibility of shooting videos and photos from a standard ISO 100 all the way to ISO 32000 for both high-sensitivity and low-light shooting.

The new processor also contains a clever artificial intelligence (AI) engine first seen on Sony’s advanced α7R V platform. The AI engine allows the α6700 to cleverly recognize subjects accurately (Real-Time Recognition AF) and quickly focuses on the subject even if they are not human. Of course, that contributes to the speedy Eye-AF system that Sony pioneered.

Still Compact

You get a familiar platform on the Sony α6700. You get the same compact design body with lightweight materials. It is a little over 100g lighter than the older α6600 too. While 100g may not sound a lot, it does make a difference when you need to work with it an entire day for both video and photography workflow. Thanks to the new swiveling vari-angle LCD monitor as well, the new α6700 offers even more flexibility in the types of shots you can get and monitor.

Price and Availability

The Sony α6700 will be available in Malaysia from September 2023 onward. No colour options here, just the regular black colour that we are used to with Sony’s cameras, or any other cameras for that matter. There are no mentions yet on its official pricing in Malaysia just yet. It is priced at US$ 1,398, which is about MYR 6,416*. In that case, we are expecting the new camera will be priced at about MYR 6,400 when it arrives in Malaysia. For more information on Sony’s latest α6700, you can head over to their website.

*Approximately based on exchange rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.59 as of 13/07/2023 on xe.com

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Sony ZV-E10 II & E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II Launched in Malaysia