The Z CAM E2-M4 4K Cinema Camera (MFT) is an entry-level Micro 4/3 sensor camera capable of ProRes and ZRAW recording and update to the Z Cam E2. Key features include:
19 × 13mm, M43, CMOS sensor with 16-stop dynamic range
Records in ProRes 422 HQ, ZRAW, & 10-bit H.265 up to DCI 4K to CFast 2.0 media
Active M43 mount for compatibility with most Olympus and Panasonic lenses
Powered by Sony L-series (NP-F) batteries
What’s Changed From The E2? Aside from being a bit cheaper, the functionality of the Z CAM E2-M4 4K Cinema Camera (MFT) is unchanged from the Z Cam E2, but for the removal of the camera sync feature, COM port, and LEMO I/O port. These ports have been replaced with 12V Auxiliary power output via 2-pin LEMO and two 4-pin CTRL ports. The Micro 4/3 mount is interchangeable, but at the time of writing, no additional mounts have been release.
ProRes, ZRAW, & H.265 Recording. This camera can capture up to ProRes HQ, DCI 4K/30p and H.265, DCI 4K/120p to CFast 2.0 or USB Type C external drives. The sensor is Micro Four Thirds size and capable of 16-stops of dynamic range. With current firmware, you’ll also get Z RAW recording capabilities. It’s worth noting that side-by-side tests have shown negligible improvements compared to ProRes HQ.
RAW Out Over HDMI. In addition to the codec-rich internal recording options, the Z Cam E2-M4 can also output 12-bit ProRes RAW over HDMI when paired with a compatible recorder like the Atomos Ninja V. With the latest firmware, the camera can output up to UHD 4K/120p to the updated Ninja V+.
Cheap & Small. Z Cam seems to have found their niche with entry-level cameras that are not much bigger than the lenses that will attach to them. That’s still the case with the Z Cam E2-M4 4K Cinema Camera. Much like the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera, the E2-M4 is not much more than a sensor in a tiny box.
Wireless Control. While the Z Cam E2 features an LCD for interfacing and on-board controls, it is limited by the small amount of real estate on the body itself. Fortunately, users can connect to the camera’s ad hoc Wi-Fi for direct control with the free Z Camera app on compatible iOS and Android devices.
M43 Lens Mount. The E2 has an active Micro 4/3 lens mount with compatibility with a number of Olympus and Panasonic lenses (see the official list). Any manual lens with a MFT mount and coverage will work as well.
Powered by Sony L-Series Batteries or D-Tap. We include a Hawk-Woods DV-F590 L-Series Battery and charger with this rental but also include a d-tap cable for powering from larger cinema batteries or other sources with d-tap outputs (not included). Please note that no AC adapter is included with this rental.
