It was just last year that Z CAM first caught my eye when it launched the E2, a 4K Micro Four Thirds cinema camera capable of reaching 120 fps—without breaking the bank. The company seems to have brought the same magic to NAB 2019 with the launch of brand-new 6K and 8K cameras using the same basic design as the original E2. This includes the E2-F6 and E2-F8, full-frame offerings with 6K and 8K resolutions, respectively, and the E2-S6, a Super 35mm 6K variant.
Early info is light on the full-frame cameras—scheduled for Q4 2019—but the E2-S6 has a full spec sheet available and is shipping in October of this year. The E2-S6 uses a 26MP Super35 CMOS sensor paired with either a Canon EF or ARRI PL mount, providing the basis of your imaging pipeline. Then, it can shoot open gate 6244 x 4168 at up to 30 fps, 6124 x 3240 at up to 48 fps, 6124 x 2560 (2.4:1) at 60 fps, 5760 x 3240 at 48 fps, and both DCI and UHD 4K at up to 60 fps, with super-sampling and cropping as an option. That’s a quite sizable list of options, and many people will appreciate the variety.
Standard encoding is HEVC (H.265) and H.264, both at up to 300 Mb/s and at 10-bit 4:2:0. However, it seems there will be a way to gain a ProRes license and access 10-bit 4:2:2 for recording to CFast 2.0. There is also a spec for 12-bit and 14-bit raw capabilities. As for settings, the E2-S6 will benefit from Dual Native ISO architecture at ISO 320 and 1000, and a wide sensitivity range of ISO 320-102400. Inputs and outputs are available for expansion, with a 3.5mm audio in, a 5-pin LEMO port capable of dual channel XLR with an optional accessory, and HDMI 2.0 to output DCI 4K at 60 fps in 10-bit 4:2:2. Additionally, it has USB Type-C, two serial ports, a 2.5mm remote control socket, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet.
This is looking like a serious camera and a company that is aggressively expanding its offerings with even more capable systems. I’m very excited to see the footage these cameras can capture.
Have you had a chance to use the original 4K E2? Any interest in these upcoming 6K and 8K offerings? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the Comments box, below, and stay glued to B&H Explora for the latest news from NAB 2019.
4 Comments
I’m really excited about the S6, I’ve would’ve been happy with just an S4, but I’m just hoping it’s priced competitively!
I read somewhere the s6 might be in MFT as well. Any confirmation on that. I enjoy using mft and speedbooster to get a more full frame look when needed.
Doubtful. The S in the name stands for the Super35 sensor while The F in the F models is for full-frame. That and the current 4K model is MFT, so, if you only need 4K the original E2 is worth checking out?
So it looks to be there is indeed a mft 6k super35 zcam e2 in the works. thanks for checking though.