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Sony A6100 vs ZV-E10

The Sony Alpha A6100 and the Sony ZV-E10 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2019 and July 2021. Both the A6100 and the ZV-E10 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Sony A6100
versus
Sony ZV-E10
Sony A6100   Sony ZV-E10
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Sony E mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
24 MP – APS-C sensor 24 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-32,000 (100 - 51,200) ISO 100-32,000 (100 - 51,200)
Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots) No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Tilting touchscreen Swivel touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second 11 shutter flaps per second
420 shots per battery charge440 shots per battery charge
120 x 67 x 59 mm, 396 g 115 x 64 x 45 mm, 343 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Sony Alpha A6100 and the Sony ZV-E10? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Sony A6100 and the Sony ZV-E10 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The A6100 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, white), while the ZV-E10 is available in two color-versions (black, white).

Size Sony A6100 vs Sony ZV-E10
Compare A6100 versus ZV-E10 top
Comparison A6100 or ZV-E10 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony ZV-E10 is notably smaller (8 percent) than the Sony A6100. Moreover, the ZV-E10 is markedly lighter (13 percent) than the A6100. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the A6100 nor the ZV-E10 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Sony E-Mount Lens Catalog. Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A6100 120 mm 67 mm 59 mm 396 g 420 n Aug 2019 749ebay.com
2.
 
Sony ZV-E10 115 mm 64 mm 45 mm 343 g 440 n Jul 2021 699 amazon.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T200 121 mm 84 mm 55 mm 370 g 270 n Jan 2020 699ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T30 118 mm 83 mm 47 mm 383 g 380 n Feb 2019 899ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 121 mm 74 mm 43 mm 337 g 350 n Sep 2017 899ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 383 g 350 n Jan 2017 899ebay.com
7.
 
Sony A6400 120 mm 67 mm 50 mm 403 g 410 Y Jan 2019 899 amazon.com
8.
 
Sony A6600 120 mm 67 mm 69 mm 503 g 810 Y Aug 2019 1,399 amazon.com
9.
 
Sony A5100 110 mm 63 mm 36 mm 283 g 400 n Aug 2014 549ebay.com
10.
 
Sony A6000 120 mm 67 mm 45 mm 344 g 360 n Feb 2014 599ebay.com
11.
 
Sony A3000 128 mm 91 mm 85 mm 411 g 470 n Aug 2013 329ebay.com
12.
 
Sony NEX-7 120 mm 67 mm 43 mm 400 g 430 n Aug 2011 1,349ebay.com
13.
 
Sony NEX-3 117 mm 62 mm 33 mm 297 g 330 n May 2010 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The ZV-E10 was somewhat cheaper (by 7 percent) than the A6100 at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Sony A6100 and Sony ZV-E10 sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 24 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the A6100 and the ZV-E10 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the ZV-E10 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 10 months) than the A6100, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

The Sony Alpha A6100 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 32000, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The Sony ZV-E10 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

A6100 versus ZV-E10 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Sony A6100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.113.6194784
2.
 
Sony ZV-E10 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.213.8213485
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.113.6199184
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T30 APS-C 26.0 6240 41604K/30p24.113.5189583
5.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.3176482
6.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.2170481
7.
 
Sony A6400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.013.6143183
8.
 
Sony A6600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.813.4149782
9.
 
Sony A5100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.812.7134780
10.
 
Sony A6000 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.113.1134782
11.
 
Sony A3000 APS-C 19.8 5456 36321080/60i23.712.8106878
12.
 
Sony NEX-7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i24.113.4101681
13.
 
Sony NEX-3 APS-C 14.0 4592 3056720/30p22.112.083068
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A6100 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the ZV-E10 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Sony A6100 and Sony ZV-E10 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Sony A61001440 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
2.
 
Sony ZV-E10none n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n n
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T2002360 n3.5 / 2780 swivel Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T302360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
5.
 
Fujifilm X-E32360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n n
6.
 
Fujifilm X-T202360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
7.
 
Sony A64002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
8.
 
Sony A66002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
9.
 
Sony A5100none n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
10.
 
Sony A60001440 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
11.
 
Sony A3000202 n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
12.
 
Sony NEX-72359 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n
13.
 
Sony NEX-3optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The A6100 has one, while the ZV-E10 does not. While the built-in flash of the A6100 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Sony A6100 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the A6100 and the ZV-E10 write their files to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Sony Alpha A6100 and Sony ZV-E10 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Sony A6100Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YYY
2.
 
Sony ZV-E10Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T200Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T30Ystereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y
5.
 
Fujifilm X-E3Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X-T20Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Sony A6400Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YYY
8.
 
Sony A6600Ystereo / monoYYYES2.0YYY
9.
 
Sony A5100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
10.
 
Sony A6000Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
11.
 
Sony A3000Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Sony NEX-7Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony NEX-3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
padding

It is notable that the ZV-E10 has a headphone jack, which makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process. The A6100 lacks such a headphone port.

The ZV-E10 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the A6100 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the A6100 was succeeded by the Sony A6600. Further information on the features and operation of the A6100 and ZV-E10 can be found, respectively, in the Sony A6100 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony ZV-E10 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Sony A6100 or the Sony ZV-E10 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Advantages of the Sony Alpha A6100:

  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in August 2019).


Arguments in favor of the Sony ZV-E10:

  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 53g or 13 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 10 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the ZV-E10 comes out slightly ahead of the A6100 (5 : 4 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

A6100 04:05 ZV-E10

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Sony A6100 and the Sony ZV-E10 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the A6100 or the ZV-E10. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A6100....4/582/1004/55/5 Aug 2019 749ebay.com
2.
 
Sony ZV-E104/5..4/582/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2021 699 amazon.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T2003.5/5..4/582/1004/54.5/5 Jan 2020 699ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T305/5+ +5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 899ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-E34.5/5+4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2017 899ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-T205/5+ +5/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 899ebay.com
7.
 
Sony A64004/5+4/585/1004.5/54/5 Jan 2019 899 amazon.com
8.
 
Sony A66004/5+4/583/1004.5/54/5 Aug 2019 1,399 amazon.com
9.
 
Sony A51004.5/5+....4.5/55/5 Aug 2014 549ebay.com
10.
 
Sony A60005/5+4.5/580/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2014 599ebay.com
11.
 
Sony A30003/5+....4/54/5 Aug 2013 329ebay.com
12.
 
Sony NEX-75/5+ +..81/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2011 1,349ebay.com
13.
 
Sony NEX-3......70/1004.5/54/5 May 2010 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Sony A6100 vs Sony ZV-E10

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Sony A6100 Sony ZV-E10
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Sony E mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2019 July 2021
    Launch Price USD 749 USD 699
    Sensor Specs Sony A6100 Sony ZV-E10
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 366.6 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.91 μm 3.91 μm
    Pixel Density 6.55 MP/cm2 6.55 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 32,000 ISO 100 - 32,000 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 51,200 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor BIONZ X BIONZ X
    Screen Specs Sony A6100 Sony ZV-E10
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1440k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Sony A6100 Sony ZV-E10
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 11 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations100 000 actuations
    Electronic ShutterYESYES
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium MS or SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Sony A6100 Sony ZV-E10
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Sony A6100 Sony ZV-E10
    Battery Type Sony NP-FW50 Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)420 shots per charge440 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 120 x 67 x 59 mm
    (4.7 x 2.6 x 2.3 in)
    115 x 64 x 45 mm
    (4.5 x 2.5 x 1.8 in)
    Camera Weight 396 g (14.0 oz) 343 g (12.1 oz)
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