Summary
Highlights
The video starts by referencing a previous popular spec comparison and highlights that this video will feature side-by-side footage. Both cameras share the same 24-megapixel APS-C sensor and processor, producing similar 4K video (downsampled from 6K at up to 30p) and 120fps HD. They both offer 11 frames per second mechanical shutter, no overheating issues in moderate environments, and no record limits, making them excellent for video. They also share a practically identical menu system.
The presenter demonstrates footage from both cameras using HLG3, Cine2 picture profiles, and auto mode. While color grading can make them almost identical, the a6400's auto mode is surprisingly preferred in backlit and specific situations. The ZV-E10 tends to expose slightly brighter, which can be a detriment. The HLG3 and Cine2 profiles are favored for their better appearance compared to auto mode.
The a6400 offers several advantages: a 2.36 million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) which is great for bright conditions and photos, better build quality with weather sealing, a more rugged feel, and a built-in flash. It also has a useful minimum auto ISO shutter speed setting, which is beneficial for photos in varying light conditions, especially since neither camera has in-body image stabilization (IBIS).
The ZV-E10, a newer model, has several video-focused improvements: eye autofocus for humans and animals in video (a6400 only has eye AF for photos), a USB-C port (a6400 has micro USB) for better charging, connections, and direct webcam streaming up to 720p. It features a fully articulating screen (superior to the a6400's flip-up screen, especially with external accessories), tally lights, a large record button, quick mode switching, background defocus, and a product showcase mode for quick focus changes. It also supports vertical video and has a headphone port for audio monitoring. Being lighter, it's better for gimbals. When using external monitors, the ZV-E10 maintains face and eye autofocus at 24p/25p, which the a6400 loses.
A significant advantage of the ZV-E10 is its stabilization capabilities. It offers active electronic stabilization (which crops 40%) and the ability to record gyroscopic data for post-stabilization using Catalyst Browse, resulting in gimbal-like footage. The a6400 has no stabilization, making handheld 'walk and talk' vlogging very shaky and not recommended.
Both cameras perform quite similarly in extreme low light. The ZV-E10 did a slightly better job with white balancing. Overall, both cameras offer excellent low-light performance for APS-C sensors, leaving little room for complaint.
The ZV-E10 is currently priced at $700 (body only), while the a6400 is $900. The a6400 has a premium for better photo features, but the ZV-E10 excels in video. The presenter advises against buying the a6400 at full price due to many used options and an anticipated update. Both cameras are lauded as capable, with amazing results possible by understanding and working around their limitations (e.g., rolling shutter).