Z CAM E2 Mark II Budget Cinema Camera Series Unveiled

Z CAM has quietly announced the new E2 Mark II digital cameras. The models come in different sensor formats: the Z CAM E2-S6 Mark II (full frame), Z CAM E2-F6 Mark II (Super35), and Z CAM E2-M4 Mark II (M4/3). All three cameras have nearly identical form factors and bodies to their predecessors, but hardware and software updates exist. The sensors remain the same as the original Z CAM E2 cameras. In particular, cinema cameras have gyroscopes that allow for more advanced stabilization in the post.

Z CAM E2 Mark II Budget Cinema Camera Series Unveiled

The E2 Mark II cameras now have SDI and HDMI, rather than just HDMI, and a proper BNC timecode port and genlock. There’s also a built-in gyro sensor, PoE+ (Power over Ethernet), and V-lock mini battery plates, as opposed to Sony’s NP-F. Media storage has changed from CFast 2.0 to CFexpress Type B.

ZCAM E2-F6 Mark II

The second-generation Z CAM E2-F6 Mark II 6K full-frame cinema camera has a 24-megapixel sensor, supports 30 fps Open Gate mode, and has a resolution of 6064×4040.

There is an interchangeable Canon EF mount and the ability to record ProRes RAW to monitors-recorders from Atomos or BRAW using a Blackmagic VideoAssist monitor.

Z CAM E2-F6 Mark II

The cinema camera records 6K video at up to 60 frames per second or HD at up to 170 frames per second on CFexpress Type B memory cards.

The camera has a full-frame sensor with support for 15 stops of dynamic range. The total range of ISO 400 – 128000. There is a dual base ISO of 400 and 2500. Internal recording with 10-bit color in H.265 is supported. ZRAW, Rec.709, Z-Log2, FLAT, HLG, and Vivid 0/1/2 are also available.

The Z CAM E2-F6 Mark II features HDMI and 3G-SDI output ports for expanded connectivity compared to the first-generation cinema camera. In addition, Timecode and Genlock BNC inputs are built in, eliminating the need for additional adapters.

The USB-C, 2.5mm LANC, and Serial CTRL ports simplify camera control with compatible ecosystems. The Gigabit Ethernet port also helps with camera control and live streaming and even supports PoE+. Audio connectivity includes a 3.5mm stereo input, a 5-pin LEMO input, and a 3.5mm stereo output.

RTSP, RTMP, and SRT protocol streaming are available directly from the camera via a Gigabit Ethernet connection.

The movie camera also now has a built-in gyroscopic sensor. This improves the stabilization of the footage at the post-production stage (a similar function is available in Sony cameras).

The body is made of aluminum alloy for effective heat dissipation. You can record 6K at up to 60 fps and 120 at 4K fps – no time limit or overheating.

The Z CAM E2-F6 Mark II movie camera costs $3,499 at the B&HPhoto store.

ZCAM E2-S6 Mark II

This model looks almost identical to the full-frame version of the camera. The main difference is in the sensor size: the cinema camera has a Super 35 sensor with 10-bit color support and 14 stops of dynamic range.

Z CAM E2-S6 Mark II

Dual-base ISO technology (400 and 1250) is also implemented here. The total available range is ISO 400 to 128,000.

The matrix received a resolution of 26 megapixels, an EF mount with active locking (interchangeable with additional PL, LPL, and M mounts), and support for recording 30 frames/s in Open Gate mode with a resolution of 6244×4168.

When recording to a memory card, the following options are available: 10-bit 4:2:0 (H.265) or 8-bit 4:2:0 (H.264). However, there is support for working with recorders from Atomos and Blackmagic. Recording in professional codecs ProRes RAW and BRAW is available when using them.

The new product will cost $2,499 in the B&HPhoto store. Let’s move on to Z CAM’s third new generation model, announced today.

ZCAM E2-M4 Mark II

This movie camera has an M4/3 sensor with 10-bit color support and a nominal dynamic range of 13 stops, with 16 stops set to WDR (wide dynamic range) mode. Of course, the 16-stop DD figure is probably overstated.

It is possible to record ProRes RAW to external Atomos monitor recorders (and BRAW to Blackmagic Design monitor recorders).

Z CAM E2-M4 Mark II

The camera records DCI and UHD 4K at up to 160 fps and HD at up to 240 fps to a CFexpress Type B card (not included). It can also stream live via RTSP, RTMP, and SRT protocols directly from the camera via a Gigabit Ethernet connection.

This movie camera also has a gyroscope for better stabilization in post-production—dual base ISO 500 and 2500.

10-bit ProRes recording is supported in 422 HQ, 422, 422 LT, and 422 Proxy formats. The movie camera weighs 1.06 kg and measures 105 x 98 x 116 mm.

The ZCAM E2-M4 Mark II cinema camera costs $1,999 at the B&HPhoto store.

Canon recently unveiled the Cinema EOS C80 super 35 cinema camera with a full-frame 6K BSI sensor. This sensor allows users to shoot 6K RAW video at up to 30 fps and offers triple the base ISO. The camera includes an enhanced autofocus system, a 12G-SDI video output, a full-size HDMI port, a multi-function connector, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi.

I appreciate your support! My journey from a hobby blog to a full-time passion, despite living with a disability, has been truly incredible. Your engagement truly means everything. Note: This article has "affiliate" links. If you click and buy, Techtoyreviews gets support, helping keep my dream alive. If you'd like to contribute directly, you can also donate through PayPal [paypal.me/Rameshbhai]. Every bit helps me continue creating content and pursuing my passion. Thank you!

Leave a Comment