Z CAM E1 Review

The Z CAM E1 is an unusual entry in the action camera space: a cube-shaped mini cinema camera with an active Micro Four Thirds lens mount. At $699, it sits at the high end of the action camera market, but it's really a hybrid proposition, blending the compact form factor of a GoPro with the sensor size and lens interchangeability of a mirrorless camera. The magnesium alloy body weighs just 210 grams and delivers 4K at 30 fps or HD at up to 240 fps, powered by an Ambarella A9A75 chipset and 16-megapixel MFT CMOS sensor.

This is a tool for creators who want serious image quality and creative control in a small package. The MFT mount opens the door to a vast lens ecosystem from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties, and the camera records uncompressed DNG stills alongside H.264 video at up to 60 Mbps. High-speed burst shooting at 15 fps and ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 give it range beyond typical action cams. However, the rear LCD is a low-res 320 x 240 screen, and stabilization depends entirely on lens support, which limits your options. The 2000 mAh battery is small for a camera of this class, and the form factor, while compact, is far bulkier than a traditional action cam.