FZ1000 & Samsung S22 Ultra Owner's Question about Sony ZV-1 or ZV-E10 & GoPro Hero 11 / DJI Pocket 2

[sbansban]

I have been an amateur photo enthusiast for many years just getting into videos mostly for travel and street music vlogging. My existing FZ1000 from 2014 seems to be doing a very decent job - both in FHD and 4K. My videography skill level is nothing to write home about but having read reviews of higher-end and more recent video gear, I am wondering if acquiring some of the more recent cutting edge but relatively affordable video-focused cameras like ZV-1 or ZV-E10 (especially given the latter's larger sensor, reputation for very good audio and possibly much better low-light capabilities) and GoPro Hero 11 / DJI Pocket 2 for great stabilization in a small form factor and other capabilities might enable me to take the quality of my videos to the next leval.

I am aware that videography is much more than just the latest gear, but my question assumes that all other factors are equal - my picking up additional skills, artistic and creative insights etc. etc.

I also have a Samsung S22 Ultra, and if I just get a really good gimbal, between the Samsung S22 Ultra and FZ1000, will most of my bases would be covered or will I see dramatic, very noticeable improvements in the quality of my videos for YouTube and vlogging by going for the aforementioned recent cameras - without buying tons of additional expensive lenses.

To be honest, I just shot some late afternoon footage on my FZ1000 in dedicated movie mode using Program exposure and auto ISO - first in 4K and then in FHD, but I do not see a huge difference. Given that 4K on my FZ1000 is 4 to 5 times the file size, I am not even sure if the 4K is worth the storage and editing penalty even on my existing FZ1000 - though I could very well be wrong. Also, I have read that the ZV-E10 can often have a jello effect in 4K and its FHD is not sharp enough compared to its 4K (though there are some awkward hacks to sorta get around the latter limitation).

So to sum it up, if I can get far superior, sharper / better footage (in daylight and / or low light from the ZV-E10 and in daylight only from the ZV-1) and far superior stabilization while on the go (I am not into action sports as such) with the GoPro or DJI even at my current low skill level, then I might spend the extra money to acquire them. Otherwise I could just buy a very good gimbal that will work with both my Samsung S22 Ultra and the FZ1000 and continue to love the ones I am with. I am also going to receive a new iPhone 14 (standard, lowest model - not the Plus, Pro or Max) so some cinematic mode might also be in the mix for me without going for extra gear.

Could you please weigh in with your thoughts?

 

[sludge21017]

What are you recording?!

I have most of your list, and more.

markr041 has made some great looking phone videos with his Galaxy Fold 4 I believe. Have to go to his youtube channel. I managed some nicer video after following and slapped on an ND filter and did okay, but not ideal for me holding an ND filter in front of my phone.

The pocket 2 is nice - stable video, can't complain! just non-replaceable battery. And it will get pretty warm/hot in hands depending on conditions.

GPH11 is producing some nicer video with the higher bit rates. (200 Mbs!).

My ZV-E10 has taken a backseat to the FX30. And I usually use a gimbal, and/or play around with Catalyst Browse or Gyroflow software.

 

[BobKo]

I used a Sony ZV-1 at my work, and it was a nice camera. The menu system on your Panasonic FZ1000 is easier to navigate, and Sony has oddball file formats in my experience. I don't have an FZ1000, but I have its stablemate, the ZS100. I've had it for 6 years and still use it almost daily for photos and videos. I looked longingly at the FZ1000 back in the day, and still think it's a terrific camera with a highly useful lens.

But I'm going to suggest something else. I think you already have cameras of the quality you need to move into shooting video. If you really want to step up your game, I suggest getting a decent microphone so that you have strong, clear audio. Don't count on the the mic built into the camera -- if you will be more than an arm's length from the camera, you need an external mic. A shotgun is good for some work, but a decent inexpensive wireless lav mic will work for you in 90 percent of applications. Your viewers will appreciate that your audio is strong and clear. This is the wireless mic system I have and I recommend it: https://smile.amazon.com/FULAIM-F1000-Microphone-Recording-Conference/dp/B0B9N12V6X It's inexpensive, tiny, good quality and will work with two people.

I know you're asking about video gear, but I think what you have is plenty good to get you started. What you need to up your game is good audio, and you will not get that from mics built into the cameras.

 

[sbansban]

What are you recording?!

I have most of your list, and more.

markr041 has made some great looking phone videos with his Galaxy Fold 4 I believe. Have to go to his youtube channel. I managed some nicer video after following and slapped on an ND filter and did okay, but not ideal for me holding an ND filter in front of my phone.

The pocket 2 is nice - stable video, can't complain! just non-replaceable battery. And it will get pretty warm/hot in hands depending on conditions.

GPH11 is producing some nicer video with the higher bit rates. (200 Mbs!).

My ZV-E10 has taken a backseat to the FX30. And I usually use a gimbal, and/or play around with Catalyst Browse or Gyroflow software.

Thanks for your response, sludge.

My immediate need is recording street music and indoor concerts in small venues from fairly close (though I like zoom capabilities). I am not too worried about recording my own voice at the moment but would like to gear up for that too.

I have heard good things about the ZV-E10 internal microphones coupled with the included dead cat. I have bought a couple of cheap external mics that I can use with the FZ1000 and S22 Ultra also - but they are mostly for just starting out. I don't want to spend money on high end audio gear as long as I can record good enough audio of street music. After all, I will not be recording for studios - only YouTube and such, though I would obviously like the best possible audio I can get under hundred bucks.

I don't want to stabilize in post because it always crops - even if a little - and takes additional time in post.

I have uploaded an UNEDITED SOOC video of an indoor concert shot using the FZ1000 here. The footage can be significantly enhanced in post but I have not uploaded the edited version. I think the unedited footage is not too bad but would like your opinion, including for the audio which was recorded using the FZ1000's internal microphone.

Will the ZV-E10 be a huge improvement - both video and audio quality-wise? And similarly, will the GPH11 / DJI Pocket 2 be significantly better than the S22 Ultra on a gimble?

 

[sbansban]

I used a Sony ZV-1 at my work, and it was a nice camera.

Good to know.

The menu system on your Panasonic FZ1000 is easier to navigate, and Sony has oddball file formats in my experience. I don't have an FZ1000, but I have its stablemate, the ZS100. I've had it for 6 years and still use it almost daily for photos and videos. I looked longingly at the FZ1000 back in the day, and still think it's a terrific camera with a highly useful lens.

+1

I had tried out the ZS200 (rather than the ZS100) twice - just in case the first unit had some variation and both units were much worse than my FZ1000 but that's just a footnote here.

But I'm going to suggest something else. I think you already have cameras of the quality you need to move into shooting video. If you really want to step up your game, I suggest getting a decent microphone so that you have strong, clear audio. Don't count on the the mic built into the camera -- if you will be more than an arm's length from the camera, you need an external mic. A shotgun is good for some work, but a decent inexpensive wireless lav mic will work for you in 90 percent of applications. Your viewers will appreciate that your audio is strong and clear. This is the wireless mic system I have and I recommend it: https://smile.amazon.com/FULAIM-F1000-Microphone-Recording-Conference/dp/B0B9N12V6X It's inexpensive, tiny, good quality and will work with two people.

Thanks for the recommendation - I have added it to my wish list.

But having said that, as I wrote in my response to Sludge, my immediate need is recording street music and indoor concerts in small venues from fairly close (though I like zoom capabilities) and possibly some travel videos. I am not too worried about recording my own voice at the moment but would like to gear up for that too at some point. If the ZV-E10 can record good enough audio using its internal mic and the provided dead cat, I would definitely like it. Of course, if for say less than $100 (or a bit over it) I can improve upon its internal microphone significantly, I would consider that too.

I though that an indoor concert I recorded recently using the FZ1000 with NO external microphone was quite decent - video and audio-wise. I have uploaded part of the UNEDITED footage here. Mind you, I was able to significantly improve upon this footage in post (highlights, shadows, sharpness, color etc.) but have not posted the edited footage.

I know you're asking about video gear, but I think what you have is plenty good to get you started. What you need to up your game is good audio, and you will not get that from mics built into the cameras.

That's helpful. Please take a look at this 1920x1080 30 FPS UNEDITED FZ1000 daytime footage of some street music recorded WITHOUT external mics - I'd appreciate if you could critique the gear (audio and viseo) based on this footage and compare it to the ZV-1 you had used or better still, the ZV-E10 if you have any experience with the latter as well.

I have some 4K test footage of the FZ1000 as well and can upload it if it helps.

 

[Markr041]

I have been an amateur photo enthusiast for many years just getting into videos mostly for travel and street music vlogging. My existing FZ1000 from 2014 seems to be doing a very decent job - both in FHD and 4K. My videography skill level is nothing to write home about but having read reviews of higher-end and more recent video gear, I am wondering if acquiring some of the more recent cutting edge but relatively affordable video-focused cameras like ZV-1 or ZV-E10 (especially given the latter's larger sensor, reputation for very good audio and possibly much better low-light capabilities) and GoPro Hero 11 / DJI Pocket 2 for great stabilization in a small form factor and other capabilities might enable me to take the quality of my videos to the next leval.

I am aware that videography is much more than just the latest gear, but my question assumes that all other factors are equal - my picking up additional skills, artistic and creative insights etc. etc.

I also have a Samsung S22 Ultra, and if I just get a really good gimbal, between the Samsung S22 Ultra and FZ1000, will most of my bases would be covered or will I see dramatic, very noticeable improvements in the quality of my videos for YouTube and vlogging by going for the aforementioned recent cameras - without buying tons of additional expensive lenses.

To be honest, I just shot some late afternoon footage on my FZ1000 in dedicated movie mode using Program exposure and auto ISO - first in 4K and then in FHD, but I do not see a huge difference. Given that 4K on my FZ1000 is 4 to 5 times the file size, I am not even sure if the 4K is worth the storage and editing penalty even on my existing FZ1000 - though I could very well be wrong. Also, I have read that the ZV-E10 can often have a jello effect in 4K and its FHD is not sharp enough compared to its 4K (though there are some awkward hacks to sorta get around the latter limitation).

So to sum it up, if I can get far superior, sharper / better footage (in daylight and / or low light from the ZV-E10 and in daylight only from the ZV-1) and far superior stabilization while on the go (I am not into action sports as such) with the GoPro or DJI even at my current low skill level, then I might spend the extra money to acquire them. Otherwise I could just buy a very good gimbal that will work with both my Samsung S22 Ultra and the FZ1000 and continue to love the ones I am with. I am also going to receive a new iPhone 14 (standard, lowest model - not the Plus, Pro or Max) so some cinematic mode might also be in the mix for me without going for extra gear.

Could you please weigh in with your thoughts?

I shoot videos of musical performers a lot with many different cameras, and the ZV E10 is by far the best on your list for its audio and video. Its stereo directional mics with cat work very well. Choose the right lens.

Example:

 

[sbansban]

I have been an amateur photo enthusiast for many years just getting into videos mostly for travel and street music vlogging. My existing FZ1000 from 2014 seems to be doing a very decent job - both in FHD and 4K. My videography skill level is nothing to write home about but having read reviews of higher-end and more recent video gear, I am wondering if acquiring some of the more recent cutting edge but relatively affordable video-focused cameras like ZV-1 or ZV-E10 (especially given the latter's larger sensor, reputation for very good audio and possibly much better low-light capabilities) and GoPro Hero 11 / DJI Pocket 2 for great stabilization in a small form factor and other capabilities might enable me to take the quality of my videos to the next leval.

I am aware that videography is much more than just the latest gear, but my question assumes that all other factors are equal - my picking up additional skills, artistic and creative insights etc. etc.

I also have a Samsung S22 Ultra, and if I just get a really good gimbal, between the Samsung S22 Ultra and FZ1000, will most of my bases would be covered or will I see dramatic, very noticeable improvements in the quality of my videos for YouTube and vlogging by going for the aforementioned recent cameras - without buying tons of additional expensive lenses.

To be honest, I just shot some late afternoon footage on my FZ1000 in dedicated movie mode using Program exposure and auto ISO - first in 4K and then in FHD, but I do not see a huge difference. Given that 4K on my FZ1000 is 4 to 5 times the file size, I am not even sure if the 4K is worth the storage and editing penalty even on my existing FZ1000 - though I could very well be wrong. Also, I have read that the ZV-E10 can often have a jello effect in 4K and its FHD is not sharp enough compared to its 4K (though there are some awkward hacks to sorta get around the latter limitation).

So to sum it up, if I can get far superior, sharper / better footage (in daylight and / or low light from the ZV-E10 and in daylight only from the ZV-1) and far superior stabilization while on the go (I am not into action sports as such) with the GoPro or DJI even at my current low skill level, then I might spend the extra money to acquire them. Otherwise I could just buy a very good gimbal that will work with both my Samsung S22 Ultra and the FZ1000 and continue to love the ones I am with. I am also going to receive a new iPhone 14 (standard, lowest model - not the Plus, Pro or Max) so some cinematic mode might also be in the mix for me without going for extra gear.

Could you please weigh in with your thoughts?

I shoot videos of musical performers a lot with many different cameras, and the ZV E10 is by far the best on your list for its audio and video. Its stereo directional mics with cat work very well. Choose the right lens.

Example:

Thank you for that unambiguous answer.

Interstingly, I came across that YouTube video you have referenced just last night and was suitably impressed.

I am not into changing lenses and was considering the 16-50mm kit lens as it's compact and supposedly quite good. Of course, its range is limited, and though I prefer all-in-one lenses, they are usually not good enough. Would you have any lens recommendations?

So is the ZV-E10 audio good even without an external mic? I have uploaded a couple of videos shot with my FZ1000 for comparison - would you like to take a look and let me know how much better the ZV-E10 video (in low lgiht and daytime) and audio would be in comparison?

 

[Markr041]

I have been an amateur photo enthusiast for many years just getting into videos mostly for travel and street music vlogging. My existing FZ1000 from 2014 seems to be doing a very decent job - both in FHD and 4K. My videography skill level is nothing to write home about but having read reviews of higher-end and more recent video gear, I am wondering if acquiring some of the more recent cutting edge but relatively affordable video-focused cameras like ZV-1 or ZV-E10 (especially given the latter's larger sensor, reputation for very good audio and possibly much better low-light capabilities) and GoPro Hero 11 / DJI Pocket 2 for great stabilization in a small form factor and other capabilities might enable me to take the quality of my videos to the next leval.

I am aware that videography is much more than just the latest gear, but my question assumes that all other factors are equal - my picking up additional skills, artistic and creative insights etc. etc.

I also have a Samsung S22 Ultra, and if I just get a really good gimbal, between the Samsung S22 Ultra and FZ1000, will most of my bases would be covered or will I see dramatic, very noticeable improvements in the quality of my videos for YouTube and vlogging by going for the aforementioned recent cameras - without buying tons of additional expensive lenses.

To be honest, I just shot some late afternoon footage on my FZ1000 in dedicated movie mode using Program exposure and auto ISO - first in 4K and then in FHD, but I do not see a huge difference. Given that 4K on my FZ1000 is 4 to 5 times the file size, I am not even sure if the 4K is worth the storage and editing penalty even on my existing FZ1000 - though I could very well be wrong. Also, I have read that the ZV-E10 can often have a jello effect in 4K and its FHD is not sharp enough compared to its 4K (though there are some awkward hacks to sorta get around the latter limitation).

So to sum it up, if I can get far superior, sharper / better footage (in daylight and / or low light from the ZV-E10 and in daylight only from the ZV-1) and far superior stabilization while on the go (I am not into action sports as such) with the GoPro or DJI even at my current low skill level, then I might spend the extra money to acquire them. Otherwise I could just buy a very good gimbal that will work with both my Samsung S22 Ultra and the FZ1000 and continue to love the ones I am with. I am also going to receive a new iPhone 14 (standard, lowest model - not the Plus, Pro or Max) so some cinematic mode might also be in the mix for me without going for extra gear.

Could you please weigh in with your thoughts?

I shoot videos of musical performers a lot with many different cameras, and the ZV E10 is by far the best on your list for its audio and video. Its stereo directional mics with cat work very well. Choose the right lens.

Example:

Thank you for that unambiguous answer.

Interstingly, I came across that YouTube video you have referenced just last night and was suitably impressed.

I am not into changing lenses and was considering the 16-50mm kit lens as it's compact and supposedly quite good. Of course, its range is limited, and though I prefer all-in-one lenses, they are usually not good enough. Would you have any lens recommendations?

So is the ZV-E10 audio good even without an external mic? I have uploaded a couple of videos shot with my FZ1000 for comparison - would you like to take a look and let me know how much better the ZV-E10 video (in low lgiht and daytime) and audio would be in comparison?

The sound of those videos is stereo and pretty good. resolution not nearly as good as the 4K from the ZV 10

I like the Sony 18-135mm lens for versatility. This video shows it off:

Night video:



But the 16-50 kit lens is not bad: Here is an HDR video that used it:

 

[sbansban]

I have been an amateur photo enthusiast for many years just getting into videos mostly for travel and street music vlogging. My existing FZ1000 from 2014 seems to be doing a very decent job - both in FHD and 4K. My videography skill level is nothing to write home about but having read reviews of higher-end and more recent video gear, I am wondering if acquiring some of the more recent cutting edge but relatively affordable video-focused cameras like ZV-1 or ZV-E10 (especially given the latter's larger sensor, reputation for very good audio and possibly much better low-light capabilities) and GoPro Hero 11 / DJI Pocket 2 for great stabilization in a small form factor and other capabilities might enable me to take the quality of my videos to the next leval.

I am aware that videography is much more than just the latest gear, but my question assumes that all other factors are equal - my picking up additional skills, artistic and creative insights etc. etc.

I also have a Samsung S22 Ultra, and if I just get a really good gimbal, between the Samsung S22 Ultra and FZ1000, will most of my bases would be covered or will I see dramatic, very noticeable improvements in the quality of my videos for YouTube and vlogging by going for the aforementioned recent cameras - without buying tons of additional expensive lenses.

To be honest, I just shot some late afternoon footage on my FZ1000 in dedicated movie mode using Program exposure and auto ISO - first in 4K and then in FHD, but I do not see a huge difference. Given that 4K on my FZ1000 is 4 to 5 times the file size, I am not even sure if the 4K is worth the storage and editing penalty even on my existing FZ1000 - though I could very well be wrong. Also, I have read that the ZV-E10 can often have a jello effect in 4K and its FHD is not sharp enough compared to its 4K (though there are some awkward hacks to sorta get around the latter limitation).

So to sum it up, if I can get far superior, sharper / better footage (in daylight and / or low light from the ZV-E10 and in daylight only from the ZV-1) and far superior stabilization while on the go (I am not into action sports as such) with the GoPro or DJI even at my current low skill level, then I might spend the extra money to acquire them. Otherwise I could just buy a very good gimbal that will work with both my Samsung S22 Ultra and the FZ1000 and continue to love the ones I am with. I am also going to receive a new iPhone 14 (standard, lowest model - not the Plus, Pro or Max) so some cinematic mode might also be in the mix for me without going for extra gear.

Could you please weigh in with your thoughts?

I shoot videos of musical performers a lot with many different cameras, and the ZV E10 is by far the best on your list for its audio and video. Its stereo directional mics with cat work very well. Choose the right lens.

Example:

Thank you for that unambiguous answer.

Interstingly, I came across that YouTube video you have referenced just last night and was suitably impressed.

I am not into changing lenses and was considering the 16-50mm kit lens as it's compact and supposedly quite good. Of course, its range is limited, and though I prefer all-in-one lenses, they are usually not good enough. Would you have any lens recommendations?

So is the ZV-E10 audio good even without an external mic? I have uploaded a couple of videos shot with my FZ1000 for comparison - would you like to take a look and let me know how much better the ZV-E10 video (in low lgiht and daytime) and audio would be in comparison?

The sound of those videos is stereo and pretty good. resolution not nearly as good as the 4K from the ZV 10

I like the Sony 18-135mm lens for versatility. This video shows it off:
Night video:
But the 16-50 kit lens is not bad: Here is an HDR video that used it:

Very impressive vidoes, Mark - I am sold. I didn't realize the original video of the street singers in NYC is by you and that going by your YT channel you are quite the ZV-E10 and videography expert! Especially appreciate your video with the SEL18135 as that's the lens I won't have to change often.

That said, the low-light lens you have used is expensive. Will I still get reasonably decent low-light footage using the kit lens or the SEL18135? Do I still need the kit lens if I have the 18-135mm (probably yes due to its portability and low cost when purchased as a kit)? And while the audio without an external mic is excellent, there might be situations when external mics would come in handy for street concerts with musicians sitting in a half-circle around me - could you please provide some recommendations for mics (bi-directional? Omni-diretional?) and gimbals for the ZV-E10 as this camera seems to have some stability issues? What about the kit shotgun Sony mic that's a part of the vlog kit on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFCMB57...colid=1M2LX3MHOONKS&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

One doubt I have is this: I don't have anywhere near your kind of videography experience and skills - so would the above gear still do as well in my inexperienced hands? What settings do you use - I find manual settings too fiddly and prefer auto ISO and P modes.

Would also like to hear from you about GoPro Hero 11 and the DJI Pocket 2 to complement the ZV-E10 (I noticed you have some videos on the former on YT).

I realize I asked a million questions - but that's only because I got so excited after seeing your ZV-E10 videos.

Thanks again - and oh, I duly subscribed to your YouTube channel.

 

[Markr041]

Very impressive vidoes, Mark - I am sold. I didn't realize the original video of the street singers in NYC is by you and that going by your YT channel you are quite the ZV-E10 and videography expert! Especially appreciate your video with the SEL18135 as that's the lens I won't have to change often.

That said, the low-light lens you have used is expensive. Will I still get reasonably decent low-light footage using the kit lens or the SEL18135? Do I still need the kit lens if I have the 18-135mm (probably yes due to its portability and low cost when purchased as a kit)? And while the audio without an external mic is excellent, there might be situations when external mics would come in handy for street concerts with musicians sitting in a half-circle around me - could you please provide some recommendations for mics (bi-directional? Omni-diretional?) and gimbals for the ZV-E10 as this camera seems to have some stability issues? What about the kit shotgun Sony mic that's a part of the vlog kit on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFCMB57...colid=1M2LX3MHOONKS&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

One doubt I have is this: I don't have anywhere near your kind of videography experience and skills - so would the above gear still do as well in my inexperienced hands? What settings do you use - I find manual settings too fiddly and prefer auto ISO and P modes.

Would also like to hear from you about GoPro Hero 11 and the DJI Pocket 2 to complement the ZV-E10 (I noticed you have some videos on the former on YT).

I realize I asked a million questions - but that's only because I got so excited after seeing your ZV-E10 videos.

Thanks again - and oh, I duly subscribed to your YouTube channel.

The kit lens is pretty much redundant to the 18-135mm lens - same widest aperture, and almost complete overlap in focal lengths. Maybe a better use of resources is to get either the E 35mm f1.8 or the E 50mm f1.8 for low-light use. They are cheap and both have optical stabilization.

You do not want a mono mic for recording music, and certainly not a shotgun mic. Sony makes an external stereo mic (Sony ECM-XYST1M) that allows you to pick the breadth of coverage (90 degrees to 120 degrees). Comes with wind muff. This is if you think you need an external mic.

I hate gimbals - the setup is not easy (balance) and then you have a bulky kit, which also attracts attention. Without a gimbal you cannot move and shoot at the same time (this is true for almost all cameras, IBIS or OSS or both). This is where the GoPro Hero 11 comes in - you can move and shoot with this camera with no gimbal, and get stabilization that is better than a gimbal, as long as the light is good. No software stabilization needed either.

I have lots of Hero 11 videos, and they almost all have shots where I am moving with the camera. For example:



And you can get good sound, with external mics:

 

[sbansban]

Very impressive vidoes, Mark - I am sold. I didn't realize the original video of the street singers in NYC is by you and that going by your YT channel you are quite the ZV-E10 and videography expert! Especially appreciate your video with the SEL18135 as that's the lens I won't have to change often.

That said, the low-light lens you have used is expensive. Will I still get reasonably decent low-light footage using the kit lens or the SEL18135? Do I still need the kit lens if I have the 18-135mm (probably yes due to its portability and low cost when purchased as a kit)? And while the audio without an external mic is excellent, there might be situations when external mics would come in handy for street concerts with musicians sitting in a half-circle around me - could you please provide some recommendations for mics (bi-directional? Omni-diretional?) and gimbals for the ZV-E10 as this camera seems to have some stability issues? What about the kit shotgun Sony mic that's a part of the vlog kit on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFCMB57...colid=1M2LX3MHOONKS&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

One doubt I have is this: I don't have anywhere near your kind of videography experience and skills - so would the above gear still do as well in my inexperienced hands? What settings do you use - I find manual settings too fiddly and prefer auto ISO and P modes.

Would also like to hear from you about GoPro Hero 11 and the DJI Pocket 2 to complement the ZV-E10 (I noticed you have some videos on the former on YT).

I realize I asked a million questions - but that's only because I got so excited after seeing your ZV-E10 videos.

Thanks again - and oh, I duly subscribed to your YouTube channel.

The kit lens is pretty much redundant to the 18-135mm lens - same widest aperture, and almost complete overlap in focal lengths. Maybe a better use of resources is to get either the E 35mm f1.8 or the E 50mm f1.8 for low-light use. They are cheap and both have optical stabilization.

You do not want a mono mic for recording music, and certainly not a shotgun mic. Sony makes an external stereo mic (Sony ECM-XYST1M) that allows you to pick the breadth of coverage (90 degrees to 120 degrees). Comes with wind muff. This is if you think you need an external mic.

I hate gimbals - the setup is not easy (balance) and then you have a bulky kit, which also attracts attention. Without a gimbal you cannot move and shoot at the same time (this is true for almost all cameras, IBIS or OSS or both). This is where the GoPro Hero 11 comes in - you can move and shoot with this camera with no gimbal, and get stabilization that is better than a gimbal, as long as the light is good. No software stabilization needed either.

I have lots of Hero 11 videos, and they almost all have shots where I am moving with the camera. For example:
And you can get good sound, with external mics:

Your external microphone recommendation for the ZV-E10 mentioning the Sony ECM-XYST1M is most helpful. Never knew such mics exist - there seem to be so many different types that I need to educate myself on.

But what about the jello effect in 4K while panning that dpreview mentioned as a big issue with the ZV-E10 as also the supposedly very soft 1920x1080 footage?

I also gathered from the comments in your GoPro Hero 11 Binaural Stereo video that you used a Roland CS-10EM which has two 2 1/4 inch inputs, one for the stereo microphones in the headphones and the other for the headphones so that you can use them as external mics for recording audio via the GoPro and also use them as headphones to simultaneously monitor the audio . But one of the inputs needs to be powered. So the GoPro 11 has two jacks - one for external mic and another output jack for connecting a headphone and one of them is powered (as supposedly required by the Roland CS-10EM? Or do you need some kind of an adopter for the GoPro and the Roland CS-10EM to work together? I checked the specs and it isn't clear to me.

 

[Markr041]

Very impressive vidoes, Mark - I am sold. I didn't realize the original video of the street singers in NYC is by you and that going by your YT channel you are quite the ZV-E10 and videography expert! Especially appreciate your video with the SEL18135 as that's the lens I won't have to change often.

That said, the low-light lens you have used is expensive. Will I still get reasonably decent low-light footage using the kit lens or the SEL18135? Do I still need the kit lens if I have the 18-135mm (probably yes due to its portability and low cost when purchased as a kit)? And while the audio without an external mic is excellent, there might be situations when external mics would come in handy for street concerts with musicians sitting in a half-circle around me - could you please provide some recommendations for mics (bi-directional? Omni-diretional?) and gimbals for the ZV-E10 as this camera seems to have some stability issues? What about the kit shotgun Sony mic that's a part of the vlog kit on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFCMB57...colid=1M2LX3MHOONKS&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

One doubt I have is this: I don't have anywhere near your kind of videography experience and skills - so would the above gear still do as well in my inexperienced hands? What settings do you use - I find manual settings too fiddly and prefer auto ISO and P modes.

Would also like to hear from you about GoPro Hero 11 and the DJI Pocket 2 to complement the ZV-E10 (I noticed you have some videos on the former on YT).

I realize I asked a million questions - but that's only because I got so excited after seeing your ZV-E10 videos.

Thanks again - and oh, I duly subscribed to your YouTube channel.

The kit lens is pretty much redundant to the 18-135mm lens - same widest aperture, and almost complete overlap in focal lengths. Maybe a better use of resources is to get either the E 35mm f1.8 or the E 50mm f1.8 for low-light use. They are cheap and both have optical stabilization.

You do not want a mono mic for recording music, and certainly not a shotgun mic. Sony makes an external stereo mic (Sony ECM-XYST1M) that allows you to pick the breadth of coverage (90 degrees to 120 degrees). Comes with wind muff. This is if you think you need an external mic.

I hate gimbals - the setup is not easy (balance) and then you have a bulky kit, which also attracts attention. Without a gimbal you cannot move and shoot at the same time (this is true for almost all cameras, IBIS or OSS or both). This is where the GoPro Hero 11 comes in - you can move and shoot with this camera with no gimbal, and get stabilization that is better than a gimbal, as long as the light is good. No software stabilization needed either.

I have lots of Hero 11 videos, and they almost all have shots where I am moving with the camera. For example:
And you can get good sound, with external mics:

Your external microphone recommendation for the ZV-E10 mentioning the Sony ECM-XYST1M is most helpful. Never knew such mics exist - there seem to be so many different types that I need to educate myself on.

But what about the jello effect in 4K while panning that dpreview mentioned as a big issue with the ZV-E10 as also the supposedly very soft 1920x1080 footage?

I also gathered from the comments in your GoPro Hero 11 Binaural Stereo video that you used a Roland CS-10EM which has two 2 1/4 inch inputs, one for the stereo microphones in the headphones and the other for the headphones so that you can use them as external mics for recording audio via the GoPro and also use them as headphones to simultaneously monitor the audio . But one of the inputs needs to be powered. So the GoPro 11 has two jacks - one for external mic and another output jack for connecting a headphone and one of them is powered (as supposedly required by the Roland CS-10EM? Or do you need some kind of an adopter for the GoPro and the Roland CS-10EM to work together? I checked the specs and it isn't clear to me.

Don't shoot in 1080, only 4K. Panning should be done slowly, and not often.

There are 2 adapters or mods made by GoPro that provide a standard mic input via the usb port of the camera. The port provides plug in power. There is no headphone out, but the Roland mics do not require headphone monitoring, just leave the headphone plug dangling (tiny). The ZV 10 has both a mic input and headphone output, but I never use headphones - the camera has meters to set audio levels.

 

[sbansban]

Very impressive vidoes, Mark - I am sold. I didn't realize the original video of the street singers in NYC is by you and that going by your YT channel you are quite the ZV-E10 and videography expert! Especially appreciate your video with the SEL18135 as that's the lens I won't have to change often.

That said, the low-light lens you have used is expensive. Will I still get reasonably decent low-light footage using the kit lens or the SEL18135? Do I still need the kit lens if I have the 18-135mm (probably yes due to its portability and low cost when purchased as a kit)? And while the audio without an external mic is excellent, there might be situations when external mics would come in handy for street concerts with musicians sitting in a half-circle around me - could you please provide some recommendations for mics (bi-directional? Omni-diretional?) and gimbals for the ZV-E10 as this camera seems to have some stability issues? What about the kit shotgun Sony mic that's a part of the vlog kit on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFCMB57...colid=1M2LX3MHOONKS&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

One doubt I have is this: I don't have anywhere near your kind of videography experience and skills - so would the above gear still do as well in my inexperienced hands? What settings do you use - I find manual settings too fiddly and prefer auto ISO and P modes.

Would also like to hear from you about GoPro Hero 11 and the DJI Pocket 2 to complement the ZV-E10 (I noticed you have some videos on the former on YT).

I realize I asked a million questions - but that's only because I got so excited after seeing your ZV-E10 videos.

Thanks again - and oh, I duly subscribed to your YouTube channel.

The kit lens is pretty much redundant to the 18-135mm lens - same widest aperture, and almost complete overlap in focal lengths. Maybe a better use of resources is to get either the E 35mm f1.8 or the E 50mm f1.8 for low-light use. They are cheap and both have optical stabilization.

You do not want a mono mic for recording music, and certainly not a shotgun mic. Sony makes an external stereo mic (Sony ECM-XYST1M) that allows you to pick the breadth of coverage (90 degrees to 120 degrees). Comes with wind muff. This is if you think you need an external mic.

I hate gimbals - the setup is not easy (balance) and then you have a bulky kit, which also attracts attention. Without a gimbal you cannot move and shoot at the same time (this is true for almost all cameras, IBIS or OSS or both). This is where the GoPro Hero 11 comes in - you can move and shoot with this camera with no gimbal, and get stabilization that is better than a gimbal, as long as the light is good. No software stabilization needed either.

I have lots of Hero 11 videos, and they almost all have shots where I am moving with the camera. For example:
And you can get good sound, with external mics:

Your external microphone recommendation for the ZV-E10 mentioning the Sony ECM-XYST1M is most helpful. Never knew such mics exist - there seem to be so many different types that I need to educate myself on.

But what about the jello effect in 4K while panning that dpreview mentioned as a big issue with the ZV-E10 as also the supposedly very soft 1920x1080 footage?

I also gathered from the comments in your GoPro Hero 11 Binaural Stereo video that you used a Roland CS-10EM which has two 2 1/4 inch inputs, one for the stereo microphones in the headphones and the other for the headphones so that you can use them as external mics for recording audio via the GoPro and also use them as headphones to simultaneously monitor the audio . But one of the inputs needs to be powered. So the GoPro 11 has two jacks - one for external mic and another output jack for connecting a headphone and one of them is powered (as supposedly required by the Roland CS-10EM? Or do you need some kind of an adopter for the GoPro and the Roland CS-10EM to work together? I checked the specs and it isn't clear to me.

Don't shoot in 1080, only 4K. Panning should be done slowly, and not often.

There are 2 adapters or mods made by GoPro that provide a standard mic input via the usb port of the camera. The port provides plug in power. There is no headphone out, but the Roland mics do not require headphone monitoring, just leave the headphone plug dangling (tiny). The ZV 10 has both a mic input and headphone output, but I never use headphones - the camera has meters to set audio levels.

Mark, would you happen to know about this lens - VILTROX 13mm F1.4 f/1.4 e Mount Lens, Super Wide Angle APS-C Prime Lens for Sony e Mount mirrorless Cameras ZV-E10 a600 a6600 a6100 a6000 a7 ? It does not have OSS but has a much wider angle.

Also, you did mention that I would certainly not want a shotgun mic - care to eleborate? My guess is because they are directional - but there are several highly-rated Rode shotgun mics that people seem to use a lot - and some of them have pretty sophisticated controls. The ones I looked at are the Rode VideoMic NTG Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone and the Rode VideoMic Pro R Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
If one is standing further back, one would not need to pick up audio over 120 degrees and I am wondering if shotgun mics might work in that scenario.

And my ZV-E10 is on its way.

 

[Markr041]

Very impressive vidoes, Mark - I am sold. I didn't realize the original video of the street singers in NYC is by you and that going by your YT channel you are quite the ZV-E10 and videography expert! Especially appreciate your video with the SEL18135 as that's the lens I won't have to change often.

That said, the low-light lens you have used is expensive. Will I still get reasonably decent low-light footage using the kit lens or the SEL18135? Do I still need the kit lens if I have the 18-135mm (probably yes due to its portability and low cost when purchased as a kit)? And while the audio without an external mic is excellent, there might be situations when external mics would come in handy for street concerts with musicians sitting in a half-circle around me - could you please provide some recommendations for mics (bi-directional? Omni-diretional?) and gimbals for the ZV-E10 as this camera seems to have some stability issues? What about the kit shotgun Sony mic that's a part of the vlog kit on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFCMB57...colid=1M2LX3MHOONKS&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

One doubt I have is this: I don't have anywhere near your kind of videography experience and skills - so would the above gear still do as well in my inexperienced hands? What settings do you use - I find manual settings too fiddly and prefer auto ISO and P modes.

Would also like to hear from you about GoPro Hero 11 and the DJI Pocket 2 to complement the ZV-E10 (I noticed you have some videos on the former on YT).

I realize I asked a million questions - but that's only because I got so excited after seeing your ZV-E10 videos.

Thanks again - and oh, I duly subscribed to your YouTube channel.

The kit lens is pretty much redundant to the 18-135mm lens - same widest aperture, and almost complete overlap in focal lengths. Maybe a better use of resources is to get either the E 35mm f1.8 or the E 50mm f1.8 for low-light use. They are cheap and both have optical stabilization.

You do not want a mono mic for recording music, and certainly not a shotgun mic. Sony makes an external stereo mic (Sony ECM-XYST1M) that allows you to pick the breadth of coverage (90 degrees to 120 degrees). Comes with wind muff. This is if you think you need an external mic.

I hate gimbals - the setup is not easy (balance) and then you have a bulky kit, which also attracts attention. Without a gimbal you cannot move and shoot at the same time (this is true for almost all cameras, IBIS or OSS or both). This is where the GoPro Hero 11 comes in - you can move and shoot with this camera with no gimbal, and get stabilization that is better than a gimbal, as long as the light is good. No software stabilization needed either.

I have lots of Hero 11 videos, and they almost all have shots where I am moving with the camera. For example:
And you can get good sound, with external mics:

Your external microphone recommendation for the ZV-E10 mentioning the Sony ECM-XYST1M is most helpful. Never knew such mics exist - there seem to be so many different types that I need to educate myself on.

But what about the jello effect in 4K while panning that dpreview mentioned as a big issue with the ZV-E10 as also the supposedly very soft 1920x1080 footage?

I also gathered from the comments in your GoPro Hero 11 Binaural Stereo video that you used a Roland CS-10EM which has two 2 1/4 inch inputs, one for the stereo microphones in the headphones and the other for the headphones so that you can use them as external mics for recording audio via the GoPro and also use them as headphones to simultaneously monitor the audio . But one of the inputs needs to be powered. So the GoPro 11 has two jacks - one for external mic and another output jack for connecting a headphone and one of them is powered (as supposedly required by the Roland CS-10EM? Or do you need some kind of an adopter for the GoPro and the Roland CS-10EM to work together? I checked the specs and it isn't clear to me.

Don't shoot in 1080, only 4K. Panning should be done slowly, and not often.

There are 2 adapters or mods made by GoPro that provide a standard mic input via the usb port of the camera. The port provides plug in power. There is no headphone out, but the Roland mics do not require headphone monitoring, just leave the headphone plug dangling (tiny). The ZV 10 has both a mic input and headphone output, but I never use headphones - the camera has meters to set audio levels.

Mark, would you happen to know about this lens - VILTROX 13mm F1.4 f/1.4 e Mount Lens, Super Wide Angle APS-C Prime Lens for Sony e Mount mirrorless Cameras ZV-E10 a600 a6600 a6100 a6000 a7 ? It does not have OSS but has a much wider angle.

Also, you did mention that I would certainly not want a shotgun mic - care to eleborate? My guess is because they are directional - but there are several highly-rated Rode shotgun mics that people seem to use a lot - and some of them have pretty sophisticated controls. The ones I looked at are the Rode VideoMic NTG Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone and the Rode VideoMic Pro R Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
If one is standing further back, one would not need to pick up audio over 120 degrees and I am wondering if shotgun mics might work in that scenario.

And my ZV-E10 is on its way.

For recording musical ensembles, you should record in stereo. Shotgun mics are for recording single-source sound, like a bird call or narration. The Sony XY mic gives you flexibility in the area that is recorded. You need to get as close as possible (which is less close that you think with standard directional mics).

I do not have any personal experience wiht the Viltox lens, but it does get good reviews online.