In today’s digital world, vlogging has evolved, and most vloggers use compact or mirrorless cameras.
In fact, many cameras are now capable of recording 4K video and can create professional-grade footage. But which vlogging camera is best?
In this article, we take a careful look at three popular vlogging options. Specifically, we compare the Canon M50 Mark II vs Sony ZV-1 vs Sony ZV-E10 to determine which camera is right for your vlogging and recording needs.
Canon M50 Mark II vs. Sony ZV-1 vs. Sony ZV-E10
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Canon M50 Mark II vs Sony ZV-1 vs Sony ZV-E10: Overview
Before we jump into the comparison of these three fantastic vlogging cameras, we share a brief overview of each model:
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
The M50 Mark II offers a 24.1 MP sensor and 4K/24p recording along with useful features for stationary vlogging.
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is the second iteration of the popular M50 mirrorless camera. It’s gained a range of improvements and remains a popular camera for vlogging. The camera features a large 24.1 MP CMOS sensor and can record at 4K/24p. This makes it suitable for both still photography and video recording.
The M50 Mark II benefits from a fully rotatable touchscreen and a relatively compact design. But it is better suited for stationary vlogging or vlogging in a studio environment because it is larger and heavier than the Sony ZV-1 and the ZV-E10. The addition of interchangeable M50 lenses does, however, improve the versatility of this camera for vlogging. It also has some useful connectivity features (e.g., it can stream directly to YouTube).
Sony ZV-1
The Sony ZV-1 is compact, lightweight, and better suited for on-the-go vlogging.
The Sony ZV-1 is a compact camera that has no predecessor; it is the first of its kind and has been marketed specifically to vloggers. This is due to its excellent 4K/30p recording capabilities plus its small and lightweight size. For travel vlogging or vlogging on the go, this camera is a great choice.
It has a 20 MP sensor, which is good but not great in low light, and some vloggers may not like the lack of interchangeable lenses. Despite these two minor drawbacks, it is a well-rounded camera that is perfect for active and adventurous vloggers.
Sony ZV-E10
The Sony ZV-E10 is similar to the Sony ZV-1 but uses interchangeable lenses. It’s small, lightweight, and capable of gorgeous videos.
The Sony ZV-E10 is specifically marketed as an interchangeable-lens vlog camera by Sony. It has a similar set of specifications and features to the Sony ZV-1, but it also has a Sony lens mount.
This means that the ZV-E10 offers far more flexibility compared to the fixed zoom lens of the Sony ZV-1. You can use a large range of Sony lenses for the ZV-E10 and thus enjoy greater creativity in your vlogging and video-making.
The camera has a high-quality 24.2 MP sensor, which is excellent for still photography. It is also capable of recording 4K video at 30 FPS and 1080p video at 120 FPS. Combined with Sony’s expansive range of lenses, it’s a versatile compact camera that can be used for a variety of purposes.
For vlogging, the ZV-E10 has a touchscreen that can be fully rotated so you can view a live preview while recording. And it’s small, lightweight, and only heavier than the Sony ZV-1 due to the interchangeable lenses.
Canon M50 Mark II vs Sony ZV-1 vs Sony ZV-E10: The Comparison
To give you a clear comparison between these three vlogging cameras, we’ve broken the article into different categories. First, we look at the technical specs. We then delve into specific feature comparisons.
Technical Specifications
It is important to have a clear understanding of the basic technical specifications of these cameras. From this, you can gain some idea of how each camera will perform. The following are the basic tech specs for the M50 Mark II, ZV-1, and ZV-E10:
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
- Resolution: 24.1 MP
- Image Stabilization: None
- Zoom: Lens Dependent
- Optical Design: Lens Dependent
- ISO Sensitivity: 100 to 25600 (100 to 51200 extended)
- Shutter Speed: 1/4000 to 30 seconds
- Continuous Shooting: 10 FPS
- Video: 4K at 24p, 1080p at 60p, 720p at 120p
- Audio: Built-in stereo microphone
- Viewfinder: 2.36 M-dot EVF
- Screen: 3-inch touchscreen; around 1 M-dot
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Size: 4.6 x 3.5 x 2.3 in/116.3 x 88.1 x 58.7 mm
- Weight: 13.7 oz/387 g
Sony ZV-1
- Resolution: 20.1 MP
- Image Stabilization: Digital, optical
- Zoom: 2.7x optical, 16.3x digital
- Optical Design: 10 elements in 9 groups
- ISO Sensitivity: 100 to 12800 (64 to 25600 extended)
- Shutter Speed: 1/2000s to 30 seconds
- Continuous Shooting: 24 FPS
- Video: 4K at 30p, 1080p at 120p
- Audio: Built-in stereo microphone
- Viewfinder: None
- Screen: 3-inch LCD touchscreen; 921,600 dots
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Size: 4.15 x 2.36 x 1.71 in/105.5 x 60 x 43.5 mm
- Weight: 10.37 oz/294 g
Sony ZV-E10
- Resolution: 24.2 MP
- Image Stabilization: None
- Zoom: Lens Dependent
- Optical Design: Lens Dependent
- ISO Sensitivity: 100 to 51200
- Shutter Speed: 1/4000s to 30 seconds
- Continuous Shooting: 11 FPS
- Video: 4K/30p, 1080p/120p
- Audio: Built-in stereo microphone
- Viewfinder: None
- Screen: 3-inch LCD touchscreen; 921,600 dots
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi
- Size: 4.5 x 2.5 x 1.76 in/115.2 x 64.2 x 44.8 mm
- Weight: 0.75 lbs/343 g
You’ll notice some immediate differences in the spec list. For example, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is the larger, heavier camera. The ZV-1 and ZV-E10 are virtually the same size and weight, however. You will also notice that the M50 and ZV-E10 have a higher ISO range, which makes them superior for low-light vlogging.
Both the Sony ZV-1 and Sony ZV-E10 have better overall recording resolutions. Both can record 1080p HD at 120 FPS, whereas the M50 can only record 120 FPS at 720p.
One other main difference to note is that the Sony ZV-1 has a fixed lens, and this limits its versatility. The Canon EOS M50 has access to native EF-M lenses and EF lenses via an adapter. Similarly, the Sony ZV-E10 is an interchangeable lens camera and can be used with a large range of high-quality Sony E-mount lenses.
Design and Usability for Vlogging
When choosing a camera for vlogging, always consider the design and usability. How suitable are the camera features for video? Does it have a rotating screen? Is it easy to carry and store? We look at these aspects of the Canon M50 Mark II, the Sony ZV-1, and the Sony ZV-E10 below.
Body Shape
All three cameras are relatively small compared to full-frame DSLR cameras. However, both the Sony ZV-1 and Sony ZV-E10 are smaller and lighter than the M50 Mark II. The Sony bodies weigh nearly 3.5 oz less and are more compact.
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However, you have to consider that the Sony ZV-E10 requires a lens, too, which bumps up the weight considerably and places it on par with the M50. For example, the Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS weighs 116 g/4.11 oz and thus would make the entire setup about as heavy as the M50 with a 15-45mm lens.
Considering these factors, the Sony ZV-1 is the best choice in terms of pure portability. If you want to vlog on the go, the compact design and built-in lens are ideal.
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II and Sony ZV-E10 are both also portable. However, their portability depends entirely on the attached lens. They would therefore be the better choice for studio vlogging and vlogging from a fixed location.
Something else to consider is that the ZV-1 and ZV-E10 have USB charging. This makes them more convenient to charge than the M50 Mark II, especially for travel vlogging.
LCD Screen
As a vlogger, the camera screen is essential. You want a versatile screen that you can use in a variety of ways. Luckily, all three cameras have an LCD touchscreen that can be fully tilted and rotated. You can pull the screens outward and flip them 180 degrees. This 180-degree rotation allows you to review footage as you record it.
Aside from the screen design, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II benefits from a better screen resolution. The M50 Mark II screen is 1,040,000 dots, whereas the ZV-1 and ZV-E10’s screens are 921,600 dots. This is a minor difference, but the M50 Mark II does have a better-quality screen overall.
Video Quality and Shooting Modes
Now onto one of the most important factors: video quality. The great thing about these cameras is that they all offer 4K recording. However, there are some important differences that could affect your choice.
4K Recording
The Sony ZV-1 and Sony ZV-10 can record 4K at 30 FPS. The Canon EOS M50 Mark II can record 4K at 24 FPS. As with the screen, the difference is minor, but it does mean that the Sony vlogging cameras have slightly better 4K capabilities.
Low-Light Recording
Both the Canon EOS M50 Mark II and Sony ZV-E10 offer slightly better low-light performance. The M50 and ZV-E10 have a greater ISO range, which does make a difference; it allows for better low-light video capture while still retaining maximum quality.
High-Speed Recording
When it comes to high-speed and slow-motion recording, the Sony ZV-1 and Sony ZV-E10 have the edge. They can record 1080p footage at 120 FPS with no crop and full audio. This means you can experiment with amazing slow-motion footage in high definition.
In contrast, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II can also record 120 FPS but only at 720p. And when using this recording mode, the footage is cropped and there is no audio. This severely limits the utility of the M50 Mark II for super slow-motion recording.
Direct Recording/Streaming
You should also consider direct recording modes and camera streaming options. In this category, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II has a slight edge. This is because it allows you to stream directly to YouTube for live vlogs, which makes it one of the best cameras for YouTube videos. You can also use the M50 Mark II as a webcam via a USB connection.
The Sony ZV-E10 does have some live capabilities, too. It can be used for live streaming, but it must be connected to either a PC or Sony Xperia smartphone using the USB-C cable connection. In contrast, the Sony ZV-1 has no live-streaming capabilities.
Availability of Lenses
When looking at the Canon M50 Mark II vs Sony ZV-1 vs Sony ZV-E10, some consideration must be given to the lenses.
This could be a major determining factor since the Sony ZV-1 has a fixed lens. This means you cannot purchase interchangeable lenses for it. Its lens has an equivalent focal length of 24-70m. It also features an aperture range of f/1.8 to f/11. The aperture range is fine and is versatile enough for a range of different video compositions. However, some may feel that the focal range and lack of interchangeable lenses limit what you can achieve with the Sony ZV-1.
In contrast, the M50 Mark II has access to hundreds of high-quality Canon and third-party lenses. You can utilize the various native EF-M lenses or use the EOS M adapter to expand your options and use Canon’s wide range of EF lenses.
The Sony ZV-E10 is also an interchangeable lens camera. This APS-C mirrorless camera is compatible with a huge range of high-quality Sony FE and Sony E lenses. The Sony FE lenses, in particular, offer amazing quality and are highly versatile.
Therefore, if you want to create specialist vlogs with specific camera angles and framing, both the M50 and ZV-E10 offer greater flexibility due to their interchangeable lenses.
Connectivity
Having a range of connectivity methods is also useful when vlogging. If you have a camera with Wi-Fi, for example, you can download footage to your smartphone for immediate use.
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II, Sony ZV-1, and Sony ZV-E10 have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. For easy transfers and video management, Canon users have access to the Camera Connect smartphone app. This is an app that allows you to connect your camera to your smartphone. The app works well and is worth the slightly lengthy setup process for added freedom and flexibility.
Sony users can try the Imaging Edge Mobile app. This is a similar app to Camera Connect. There is also the Imaging Edge Desktop software. This allows you to remotely control Sony cameras from a desktop computer and includes live monitoring.
The Best Camera for Vlogging: Our Verdict
So which camera wins in our Canon M50 Mark II vs Sony ZV-1 vs Sony ZV-E10 comparison? In truth, all three are excellent cameras for vlogging. However, which camera is right for you depends on your vlogging style and the type of videos you want to make.
For active content such as travel vlogs, the Sony ZV-1 is the best option. This is because it is highly portable and compact. You could easily mount it to a monopod or a selfie stick to create vlogs as you explore a location, for example. And the design is complemented by the USB charging and the variety of 4K recording options.
In contrast, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II and the Sony ZV-E10 are better suited for single-location vlogs. They offer better low-light performance, and you can use Canon EF-M lenses or Sony E lenses to create different cinematic styles and visually impressive results.
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