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The ZV-E10 II is a vlogging beast with a best-in-class sensor and 4K/60p for under $1,200. Just don't take it out in the rain.

The sensor here is the real star. It's a 26MP BSI CMOS chip that lands in the 95th percentile of our database, which means image quality is genuinely best-in-class for APS-C. The 4K/60p footage is crisp, and having 1080p at 120fps for slow motion is a nice bonus. What surprised us most is how good the autofocus is for the price. Eye AF, Animal AF, and Subject Detection all work reliably, and the Product Showcase mode that shifts focus from your face to an object you hold up is one of those features that sounds gimmicky until you use it and realize it just works.

The Fujifilm X-H2S and Canon EOS R6 Mark III are both more capable hybrid cameras, but they cost significantly more and are overkill for pure content creation. The Panasonic Lumix S5 II has better stabilization and full-frame image quality, but it's heavier and pricier. The ZV-E10 II's real competition is the original ZV-E10, and the upgrade is worth it for the 4K/60p and better battery alone. If you need weather sealing and a viewfinder, the OM System OM-1 is the better pick, but you'll pay for it.

At $1,149 USD with the 16-50mm kit lens, this is a solid deal for creators. You're getting a sensor that outperforms cameras costing twice as much, plus video features that cover 90% of what most YouTubers and streamers actually need. The lack of weather sealing and a viewfinder are real trade-offs, but if you're filming indoors or on a tripod, you won't miss them.

The Sony ZV-E10 II is a vlogging and content creation machine that punches way above its weight class. You get a 26MP APS-C sensor, 4K/60p video, and Sony's excellent autofocus in a body that weighs just 292g. The one thing to know? This is the camera to buy if you film yourself talking to a lens, and it's not even close at this price.

If you're looking for a rugged travel camera or something for serious outdoor photography, this isn't it. The lack of weather sealing and a viewfinder will frustrate you. Go get an OM System OM-1 or a Fujifilm X-H2S instead. If you need long battery life for all-day shooting, the ZV-E10 II's mediocre battery will annoy you too.

The Sony ZV-E10 II is the best vlogging camera under $1,200, full stop. It nails the things creators actually care about: great video quality, reliable autofocus, and a flip-out screen. The build quality and battery life are the only real compromises, and they're easy to live with for the price. Buy it if you make content. Skip it if you shoot outdoors in bad weather or need a viewfinder.