a6700 vs ZVE10 - Real World Talk
Dec 11, 2023We recently created a video on the a6700 vs ZVE10.
Are you curious about the Sony APS-C cameras and how they perform in the real world? Well, in this blog, we compare two popular Sony cameras - the a6700 and the ZV-E10.
Both cameras are known for their versatility, portability, and fantastic image quality. They offer better lens options, better travel capabilities, and smaller form factors than full-frame cameras, but the ZV-E10 is more affordable than the a6700. So, we ask the question - is the a6700 worth the extra investment? We'll dive into the skin tones, camera bodies and image quality of both cameras while shooting in different situations.
We'll also explore whether either of these cameras can be used in a professional setting for client work or as a viable option for photography.
To help you decide which camera is right for you, we used the same exact APS-C lenses on both cameras, so you can get a real apples-to-apples look at their image fidelity, sharpness, and color science. We even included a camera quiz to point you in the right direction.
We even included project files in case you'd like to play around with some of the footage. We shot straight out of camera, in Cine 2 and S-log3, so you can see the footage in its raw form. We hope you find this blog helpful and informative.
Skin Tones
When it comes to shooting with cameras, one thing that can really limit your options is if the camera doesn't get the skin tones right. In my experience shooting with both the a6700 and the ZV-E10, I have found that while the skin tones are not 100% accurate straight out of camera, they can easily be corrected with some post-production color grading.
The a6700 definitely produces better-looking skin tones straight out of camera than the ZV-E10, but they still need a bit of color grading to get them just right. I've noticed a greenish magenta hue that the Sony camera sensor produces, which requires some hue and saturation color grading in post-production to achieve the desired skin tones. When colors are baked in, it makes it very hard to adjust skin tones during post-production.
It's also worth noting that skin tones can vary slightly from lens to lens. Out of all the lenses I used, the Sony 18-135 gave me the most true-to-life skin tones across the skin color spectrum. If I were doing documentary work in a run-and-gun situation, this would be the lens I would use on either of these cameras. In terms of camera bodies, the a6700 has an advantage over the ZV-E10 in terms of slow-motion capabilities. The a6700 can shoot in 4K 60, allowing for slow-motion B-roll, while the ZV-E10 is limited to 24K image.
When it comes to skin tones, the best approach is to study the art of filming skin tones. Shooting in Cine2 when using either of these cameras is the sweet spot for easy-to-grade skin tones. While shooting in Slog3 can produce the best-looking skin tones, it can be a bit more challenging to work with. Overall, while both the a6700 and the ZV-E10 can produce fantastic skin tones, they require some post-production color grading to achieve the desired results. By using the right lenses and shooting in the right color profiles, you can produce professional-looking videos with great skin tones.
Camera Bodies
When it comes to choosing between the Sony a6700 and the ZVE 10, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, the a6700 is heavier, bigger, and has a more robust magnesium alloy build with a meatier grip. This ruggedness could be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on your usage.
If you're looking for something sleeker and lighter that fits in your pocket, the plastic ZVE 10 is a better choice. It's a preferred option for vloggers, especially when paired with the Viltrox 13mm lens, as it doesn't tire your arm while shooting.
The ZVE 10's smaller battery means less weight but also results in a shorter battery life of about an hour and ten minutes for 4k 24 shooting, whereas the a6700 lasts around 2 1/2 hours. Third-party batteries are available on Amazon but changing batteries frequently on a gimbal, tripod, or slider can be annoying.
Both cameras have 3-inch articulating displays, but the a6700 is brighter and has more details. It also has a touch screen menu system, while the ZVE 10 allows touch tracking only.
The a6700 also has an EVF that helps with framing shots. Both cameras have bottom-loading battery slot doors, but the ZVE10's memory card slot is next to it, while the a6700 has a standalone slot on the side.
The quarter mount threads for both cameras are located underneath the lens, not in the center, which could be an issue for gimbal use. However, both have intelligent hot shoes for Sony mics without external wires.
Lastly, the ZVE 10 has sturdy camera strap brackets that the a6700 lacks, while the latter has dangling triangles that could be noisy. Overall, both cameras have their pros and cons, and it depends on your specific needs and usage.
User Experience
Choosing between the Sony a6700 and the Sony ZV-E10 comes down to personal preferences and specific needs. However, after using both cameras, I found the Sony a6700 to be a better fit for my usage due to its additional features.
The a6700's EVF is one of its standout features, especially when shooting in bright environments. The ZV-E10's display can be challenging to use in such situations as it isn't bright enough to frame shots accurately. In contrast, the Sony a6700's EVF makes it easier to ensure proper exposure and focus, even with fast-moving subjects.
The Sony a6700's autofocus system is another aspect that impressed me. It's so accurate that it can become jumpy if anything passes in front of it, which can be an issue when shooting with lenses with thin focus windows. In comparison, the Sony ZV-E10 performed well with passing people, staying locked onto the subject without losing focus.
The Sony a6700's internal time-lapse feature is a great function for content creators who want an all-in-one camera, while the Sony ZV-E10's product showcase mode is handy when you don't want the camera to lock onto your face.
Overall, both cameras are great and fun to shoot with, but the Sony a6700's additional features make it a better fit for my usage. However, your specific needs and preferences might differ, so it's best to try both cameras out before making a final decision.
