Sony ZV-E10 II Review: A Real Beginner’s Camera Journey (Under ₹1 Lakh in India)

Introduction – The Long-Waited Camera Dream

For a long time, owning a proper camera was just a dream for me.

Like many aspiring creators in India, I wanted to shoot better photos and videos—but budget always stopped me. I relied on my phone, tried reels, short videos, and even YouTube. But after a point, I clearly felt the limitations: poor low-light quality, no real background blur, and that “phone video” look.

After 1–2 years of saving and waiting, I finally decided to invest wisely—not in an expensive flagship camera, but in a budget-friendly beginner mirrorless camera under ₹1 lakh.

That’s when I bought the Sony ZV-E10 II with the kit lens.

This blog is not a spec-heavy review.
This is my real experience as a beginner—for anyone who dreams of buying their first camera.

First Impressions – Opening the Box

The first time I held the Sony ZV-E10 II, one thing stood out immediately:
it didn’t feel intimidating.

Lightweight and compact
Comfortable grip
Flip-out screen perfect for self-recording
Simple buttons that don’t confuse beginners

At just 377g, I could easily carry it all day without fatigue. It instantly felt like a camera made for creators—not photographers only.

Starting with the Kit Lens – Learning Phase

I began my journey using only the 16–50mm kit lens, and honestly, this lens is perfect for beginners.

With the kit lens, I learned:

Basic framing and composition
How lighting changes photos and videos
How autofocus works in real situations
The difference between Auto and Manual modes

For daylight vlogs, travel shots, and casual videos, the kit lens performed well.
It helped me focus on learning, not upgrading gear immediately.

Beginner advice:

Don’t rush to buy lenses on day one. Learn your camera first.

4K Video & Autofocus – The Real Strength

Sony’s biggest strength is autofocus, and the ZV-E10 II proves it.

4K video up to 60fps looks crisp and detailed
Real-time Eye Autofocus locks onto faces perfectly
Even while walking or talking, focus never missed

This alone made my videos look far more professional than anything I shot on a phone.

For YouTube, Instagram reels, and daily vlogs, the autofocus is a huge confidence booster—especially for beginners.

Upgrading to a 50mm Lens – A Big Leap Forward

After some time and a bit more budget, I bought the Sony 50mm f/1.8 prime lens.

This was a game changer.

Beautiful background blur (bokeh)
Sharp portraits
Better low-light performance
Cinematic look instantly

If you’re planning your first lens upgrade, this is the one I’d recommend without hesitation.

Adding a Gimbal – Cinematic Touch

Since the ZV-E10 II doesn’t have IBIS, walking shots can feel shaky.

To solve this, I added a DJI gimbal later.

With a gimbal:

Walking shots became smooth
Cinematic movements were possible
Client-level video quality was achievable

Is a gimbal mandatory? No.
But if you’re serious about vlogging or reels, it’s totally worth it.

Battery Life – The Honest Truth

This is where Sony gets criticism—and rightly so.

Around 70–80 minutes of 4K recording
Long shoots require extra batteries

My solution:

I bought two extra NP-FW50 batteries, and the problem was solved.

Pros & Cons – From a Real User

Pros

Excellent autofocus for beginners
High-quality 4K video
Lightweight and travel-friendly
Flip screen for vlogging
Huge lens ecosystem
Best value under ₹1 lakh

Cons

Average battery life
No IBIS (gimbal helps)
Kit lens edge sharpness is average

Despite these, the overall experience is very positive.

My Recommendation for Beginners Like Me

If you’re someone who:

Dreams of owning a camera
Has a limited budget
Is just starting content creation

Follow this upgrade path:

Start:Sony ZV-E10 II with kit lens
Upgrade:50mm f/1.8 prime lens
Optional:Gimbal for smoother videos
Focus:Practice more than gear

A camera doesn’t make you a creator.
Consistency and learning do.

Final Verdict – Is It Worth It?

This isn’t just a camera review.
It’s the story of a long-time dream fulfilled on a budget.

⭐ Verdict: Strong Buy

The Sony ZV-E10 II is one of the best beginner cameras under ₹1 lakh in India, especially for vloggers and content creators.

If you’re ready to take your first serious step into photography or videography—this camera won’t disappoint.