Sony ZV-E10 II: 7 Tips For BETTER Photography

Summary

The video presents seven practical ways to take better still photos with the Sony ZV-E10 II. Its central advice is to secure focus, learn when to use automatic versus manual control, choose settings suited to the subject, and keep exposure and white balance consistent.

1. Set up autofocus deliberately

• Use Continuous AF so the camera can follow a subject as it moves toward, away from, or across the frame.
• Turn on Touch Operation and tap a subject on the screen to track it. Half-press the shutter to acquire focus before taking the photo.
• Set AF Subject Shift Sensitivity to Lock On when you want the camera to stay with your chosen subject if something passes in front. More responsive settings may switch to the crossing subject sooner.
• Choose a focus area to suit the shot:
  • Wide: Lets the camera use the whole frame.
  • Zone: Limits focus to a movable area.
  • Center: Focuses on the middle of the frame.
  • Spot: Provides a small, movable focus point in several sizes.
  • Expand Spot: Uses a selected point plus a little surrounding area. The presenter particularly recommends it for precise focus placement.

2. Decide between Auto and Manual

• Auto is convenient for beginners. The camera makes exposure decisions and can produce good results, but may not deliver the exact brightness or sharpness you want. Some menu options are also unavailable in Auto.
• Manual gives you control over the camera’s settings and makes it easier to achieve a specific result. The presenter encourages moving to Manual as your skills improve.
• The other tips in the video can still help if you continue using Auto.

3. Choose a suitable file format and aspect ratio

• For photos you plan to edit, use RAW. The presenter recommends Lossless Compressed RAW, which allows more adjustment to exposure, color, and tones before image quality degrades.
• Use JPEG if you do not plan to edit. It is more convenient but offers less latitude for substantial edits.
• Set the photo aspect ratio to 3:2. The presenter says this uses the full sensor, while 16:9 crops the top and bottom, leaving less room to crop later.

4. Use Creative Looks thoughtfully

• Picture Profiles are generally intended for video, so the presenter does not recommend using them for photography.
• Creative Looks provide in-camera color treatments, including tonal and black-and-white styles, but are shared presets available to other users too.
• For results better tailored to different scenes, the presenter recommends learning photo editing and keeping the camera’s Creative Look at Standard.

5. Adjust settings to the type of photo

The presenter suggests keeping ISO between 160 and 3200, depending on the light and desired exposure.

Product photos

• Aperture: f/5.6 or higher to keep more of the product in focus.
• Light: Use plenty where possible.
• Shutter speed: At least 1/100 sec handheld or around 1/50 sec on a tripod.
• Focus: Use Wide, then tap the product on the screen.

Portraits

• Aperture: Use the lowest f-number the lens allows—roughly f/1.4 to f/2.8—for background blur and subject separation.
• Shutter speed: At least 1/100 sec handheld or around 1/50 sec on a tripod if the person is still.
• Focus: Use Expand Spot on the face so the camera can focus on the eye.

Landscapes

• Aperture: Usually around f/8 or higher to keep the scene in focus. Open the aperture in low light if needed.
• Shutter speed: At least 1/100 sec handheld or around 1/50 sec on a tripod.
• Focus: Use Wide and tap the subject or horizon.

Action

• Aperture: Choose based on the desired background blur and available light. f/4 is suggested as a practical middle ground that offers some focus leeway.
• Shutter speed:
  • At least 1/250 sec for walking-speed movement.
  • 1/500 sec for faster subjects.
  • Around 1/2000–1/4000 sec for very fast subjects, such as cars or birds in flight.
• Focus: Use Wide and touch-track the subject.
• Drive Mode: Choose Continuous Shooting: High+ to take a rapid sequence, then select the best frame.

6. Customize controls for quicker operation

The presenter recommends mapping frequently used controls so important settings are easy to reach in Manual mode. The example setup includes:

• Assign Focus Standard to a customizable button to move the focus point quickly.
• Map Zebra Display Select for quick access to zebras, an exposure aid, and use the directional control to adjust zebra levels.
• Map quick access to White Balance and Focus Area.
• Set the top dial to Aperture and the lower wheel to ISO. Adjust shutter speed by tapping its value on the touchscreen.
• Set the top Movie Record button to Not Set to avoid accidentally starting video while taking photos.
• Map C1 to Drive Mode for quick switching between single shots, bursts, and the self-timer.
• Leave a lens button unset if you use lenses that do not all have that button.
• Keep the Function menu uncluttered. The presenter’s examples include Focus Mode, file format, subject recognition, interval shooting, White Balance, and Silent Mode. Silent Mode disables the camera’s simulated shutter sound.

7. Get exposure and white balance under control

• Correct exposure and white balance are essential to a good-looking photo, whether you shoot in Auto or Manual.
• The rear screen can help you judge exposure, but it is not the most reliable method. Setting Monitor Brightness to Sunny Weather makes the screen easier to see outdoors, though it may use slightly more battery.
• Auto White Balance usually works well but can shift between photos taken in the same scene.
• To keep Auto White Balance consistent, let the camera assess the scene for 10–15 seconds, then activate Auto White Balance Lock with a mapped button. Unlock and repeat the process if the lighting or scene changes.
• The presenter prefers setting white balance manually, while noting that it takes practice.

Speakers and sources featured

• Sean De Wispelaere: Main presenter and tutorial narrator.
• Sean (“Editor Sean/Shawn”): Brief editorial interjection clarifying the 3:2 aspect-ratio recommendation. The subtitles render the name inconsistently; this appears to be the same presenter or editor.
• Skillshare: Sponsor mentioned in the video. The presenter discusses its creative courses and promotional free-trial offer.
• MKBHD and Ali Abdaal: Referenced as creators with Skillshare courses; they do not speak in the subtitles.