Sony ZV-E10

The Sony ZV-E10 is a small mirrorless camera built around an APS-C sensor and the interchangeable E mount. At 343 g and measuring 115 x 64 x 45 mm, it is light enough to carry in a small bag, which makes it a natural companion for travel and everyday shooting.

Its combination of 4K video, a flip-out screen and a touchscreen suits people who record themselves or want one camera for both photos and footage. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in for wireless connection to other devices.

There is no viewfinder, so you frame everything on the rear screen. The body also lacks weather sealing and in-body stabilisation, which shapes how and where you use it.

A 24 megapixel APS-C sensor pairs with a Bionz X processor. The Sony E mount lets you change lenses as your kit grows, so the camera can adapt to different subjects.

For action, the camera shoots at up to 11 frames per second, its maximum burst rate. It also has 425 autofocus points. That speed suits moments like sports, pets or children, where a few frames make the difference.

Light flexibility comes from an ISO range of 100 to 32000 and a top shutter speed of 1/4000, which limits how wide an aperture you can use in strong sunlight.

Two things shape the shooting style. There is no in-body stabilisation, so shutter speed or a steady hold has to manage camera shake. And with no viewfinder, all framing happens on the screen, which some photographers will need time to adjust to.

The ZV-E10 records 4K video, its maximum resolution, with file formats including XAVC S, MPEG-4 and MOV.

The maximum frame rate is 120 fps, which allows slow-motion playback from everyday action. These two figures are separate maximums, so the highest resolution and the highest frame rate may not be available together. Combined with the flip-out screen, this suits creators who film themselves.

A built-in timelapse feature saves you from intervalometers or aftermarket apps. It is a small thing that opens up creative options during travel or long events.

Since the body has no in-body stabilisation, handheld footage relies on your technique or a lens with optical stabilisation. Planning a tripod or a steady position pays off for smoother clips.

The 3 inch screen is touch-sensitive, so you can control the camera by touch, and because it flips out, framing yourself or shooting from low angles is straightforward.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in, so the camera can connect wirelessly to a phone or other devices. That connectivity is convenient when working on the move.

There is no built-in flash, but the camera supports an external one, so low-light stills remain possible with the right accessory. GPS is also absent, so location tagging would fall to your phone or other gear.

The body is not weather sealed, so it is best kept out of rain, spray and heavy dust. A cover or dry bag is a sensible part of your kit.

The camera takes SD, SDHC and SDXC cards as well as Memory Stick Pro Duo, in a single slot. One slot means one copy of your work, so formatting cards before an important shoot and offloading often is good practice.

Battery life is rated at around 440 shots on the NP-FW50. The figure comes without stated test conditions, so real endurance depends on how much video and screen time you use.

There is no USB charging, so the battery has to come out and go into an external charger. Anyone planning a full day of recording should carry at least one spare.