“It’s quite fun to do the impossible.” - Walt Disney

Introduction:

If you are in the market for a great beginner camera to upgrade your content creation from a phone or webcam, the Sony ZV-E10 is a highly recommended and reviewed camera. I have spent the last year creating great content with a webcam and phone and decided I was ready to move to the next level. I showed you all how to start your content creation journey for around $100 (excluding your phone or computer) and now we are going to upgrade to the $1000 level counting the camera and all the accessories.

So far I LOVE this camera and would still recommend it. It has really improved my YouTube videos and given me the ability to get some nice B-Roll and shots. Let's look at some of the gear that I have collected to work with this camera.

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My favorite Sony ZV-E10 Accessories So Far. 📷

1. Protection and Travel

I want to be sure that my Sony ZV-E10 is protected. This camera can go for $600 new but I got mine on Crutchfield open box for almost half of that so I recommend that you look for a gently used or open box first. I found nothing wrong with this camera. Rumor has it that Sony is releasing an update to this popular camera mid 2024. This could provide even more inventory in the used space.

Camera Bag:

I chose the Amazon basic camera bag as it had everything I needed at an affordable price. It has adjustable dividers, a place for a tripod and side pockets for filters etc.

Cage:

I decided to get a SmallRig cage for the camera so it would help to protect it if dropped. It also adds a ton of ways to connect the camera to a tripod or selfie stick. In addition it adds extra cold shoe mounts for accessories such as a mic and or lighting. It doesn't block any of the functionality of the camera and has a nice rubber grip so it is not as slippery.

Strap:

I was not impressed with the camera carry strap that came with the camera. It was thin and difficult to attach and detach easily. I don't always want a strap on the camera. I decided to go with the Peak Design Leash strap for my needs. It can attach and detach with one hand. It does need a couple of attachments to stay on the camera but they don't bother me. It is easily adjustable to it can be tight to my body but then expand for taking photos and videos. There are other accessories such as a wrist strap that I can add later if desired.

2. Power

No matter what you are using your Sony ZV-E10 for, you need reliable power. I never want to be in the middle of a shoot or interview and the camera dies and I don't have another charged battery. I found two great solutions for this issue.

Powerextra 2 Pack Replacement Sony NP-FW50 Battery and Smart Charger
It’s always a good idea to have spare batteries on hand, especially when shooting on location. The Powerextra 2 Pack Replacement Sony NP-FW50 Battery and Smart Charger ensure that you never miss a shot due to a dead battery. While it is not a Sony battery, I've had not issues with these batteries. They come with two batteries and a charger which will also charge the original Sony battery.

Gonine AC-PW20 ZV-E10 Continuous Power Supply
Never run out of battery power again with the Gonine AC-PW20 ZV-E10 Continuous Power Supply. This accessory allows you to power your camera directly from a wall outlet, making it perfect for long shooting sessions. I like to use it when I have the camera in USB Streaming Mode connected to my computer.

3. Sound

Great Sound can never be underestimated in a video or podcast. But great sound doesn't have to break the bank. It is great if you can afford a wireless mic as this allows for the greatest flexibility.

Rode Go Wireless Mic
The built-in microphone on the Sony ZV-E10 is decent, but for professional-grade audio, an external microphone is essential. The Rode Go Wireless Mic is a popular choice among content creators for its excellent sound quality and ease of use. I was able to find one used for around $70. It has greatly improved the sound over the onboard Sony mic and created more options. The unit fits nicely onto one of the cold shoe mounts on the SmallRig cage and connects to the camera. If you can afford it, get the latest version which is the Go II and try to get the double transmitter version.

PoP voice 16 Feet Lavalier Microphone
This is a super inexpensive mic but has served me well with the Sony ZV-E10 and can be plugged into the Rode mic if a cleaner look is needed. I think it sounds great and is quick and easy to set up. Perfect to start with if another options is too expensive.

Rode Wireless Interview Adaptor
The Rode wireless interview adaptor is a great addition to the mic itself. I can quickly set up for an interview on the go which is super nice to be able to do.

4. Tripods

One of the critical pieces of equipment is a good tripod or actually two. A tripod is an essential accessory for any content creator. Look for a lightweight and portable option that provides stability and flexibility, allowing you to capture smooth and steady shots. It is best to get one for handheld situations and quick set up while a more sturdier option is needed for most situations. I discovered this the hard way when I used my smaller tripod that I had been using for my phone, with my ZV-E10. It was a bit too heavy for that use case but I can still use that for a handheld solution.

EUCOS Newest 62" Phone Tripod
This is my on the go, in the kit tripod for my phone and light camera work. I can hold it for vlogging and tours as well as some table top work. It has a bluetooth remote that can be used with a phone or the camera.

SmallRig CT-10 Camera Tripod
I can't say enough about this SmallRig travel tripod. I already tested it out on a trip and performed excellently! By combining it with the cage, the camera slide on and off quickly. It is small and light and fit well in my suitcase. I can make it any height that I need, even low to the ground. I can quickly remove a leg for a monopod OR walking stick! (what a great travel feature!). There is an extra arca mount and phone mount so it is easy to switch back and forth.

5. Lenses

Finally, there is lenses and filters. I didn't really want to buy another lens beside the kit lens that I got with the Sony ZV-E10 but I wanted the ability to zoom in just a bit more on my travels. I did a lot of research and landed on the Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS APS-C E-Mount Zoom Lens. This is also considered a kit lens but it is much more versatile, well made, and an excellent performer. I LOVE this lens and am able to take some really great shots with it. I was able to get it from a Best Buy outlet for almost half the price but I have found nothing wrong with it. I will list the other lenses I considered below but they are more expensive.

• Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E APS-C Mirrorless Cameras

• 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Sony E Black

• Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E Lens

One of the key things I have added to my kit is a variable UV Filter. I want to create a lot of content outside and I don't want to lose the crispiness of the image or video due to harsh sunlight. To remedy that quickly rather than fuss with a lot of settings, I can just adjust the UV filter and as I move from scene to scene I can leave my camera settings alone for the most part.

• K&F Concept 55mm Variable ND2-ND400 ND Lens Filter (1-9 Stops) for Camera Lens

Final Thoughts:

I'm not new to content creation but I am new to setting up my own camera system. But I have done a LOT of research to curate the best accessories for the budget conscious creator. The Sony ZV-E10 is an excellent camera for content creators, offering a wide range of features and capabilities. By investing in the right accessories and following these tips, you can take your content to the next level and unlock the full potential of this impressive camera and level up your content.