Z CAM E2-M4 Professional 4K Cinema Camera (Micro Four Thirds) Review
Live prices and creator coverage for the Z CAM E2-M4 Professional 4K Cinema Camera (Micro Four Thirds) - everything in one place.
Our editorial take on the Z CAM E2-M4 Professional 4K Cinema Camera (Micro Four Thirds)
The Z CAM E2-M4 continues to be a disruptive force in the market for affordable cinema cameras. It delivers on a simple but powerful promise: providing access to professional-level specifications, like 4K RAW video and remarkable high-speed recording, at a price point that is exceptionally aggressive for just the camera body. Its compact, modular box-style design is a minimalist's dream, offering a blank canvas for building out a highly customized rig tailored to specific production needs. This approach, however, means the initial investment is only a starting point, as the total cost quickly climbs once you add a monitor, power, and media.
Image quality is where the E2-M4 truly excels. It produces gorgeous, cinematic footage with a flexibility that's hard to beat, thanks to internal ProRes recording and the option for ZRAW. The ability to shoot 4K at up to 160 frames per second is a standout feature that opens up significant creative possibilities typically reserved for much pricier cameras. This is not a tool for casual run-and-gun shooting or vlogging. The complete lack of a built-in screen and its rudimentary autofocus system reinforce its identity as a camera for deliberate, planned filmmaking. It rewards operators who understand composition and manual control but will frustrate those seeking a convenient, all-in-one solution.
Ultimately, the E2-M4 remains a strong contender, especially when weighed against its primary rival, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. It appeals directly to the filmmaker who prioritizes a compact, riggable form factor and extreme frame rate capabilities. If you are willing to embrace the process of building a camera system from the ground up, the performance you get for your investment is undeniable.
- Excellent image quality with 4K RAW capability
- Impressive high frame rate options, including 4K up to 160fps
- Aggressively low body-only price point
- Compact, modular 'box' design is perfect for custom rigs
- Versatile Micro Four Thirds lens mount
- Records in professional codecs like Apple ProRes
- Requires significant additional accessory purchases to operate
- No built-in monitor for framing or menu navigation
- Autofocus performance is not reliable for critical work
- Total cost after rigging can be substantial
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
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About this product
The Z CAM E2-M4 Professional 4K Cinema Camera features an interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lens mount and Flagship Series housing. It records DCI and UHD 4K at up to 160 fps, as well as HD up to 240 fps, to a CFast 2.0 card. The camera also supports ProRes RAW recording with select Atomos recorder/monitors.
Specs
- Weight
- 2.05 lb / 930 g (Body Only)
- Battery
- Sony L-Series
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Audio I/O
- 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Output 1x 5-Pin LEMO Microphone Input
- Materials
- Aluminum
- Other I/O
- 1x USB-C 1x DE-9/DB-9 (RS-232) 1x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini (LANC) Control 1x RJ45 (LAN)
- Power I/O
- 1x LEMO 2-Pin (12VDC at 5 A) Input
- Video I/O
- HDMI
- Focus Mode
- Continuous-Servo AF, Automatic, Manual Focus
- Lens Mount
- Micro Four Thirds
- Resolution
- No
- Shoe Mount
- No
- Gamma Curve
- Z-Log2
- Capture Type
- Video Only
- Display Type
- Primary Monitor: Fixed 1.3" Non-Touchscreen LCD
- IP Streaming
- Yes
- Image Sensor
- 4/3"-Type CMOS
- Shutter Type
- Electronic Rolling Shutter
- Tripod Mount
- 1/4"-20 Female
- Shutter Angle
- 1 to 360°
- White Balance
- Range: 2300 to 7500K Presets: Manual, Auto
- Viewfinder Type
- Optional, Not Included
- Internal Storage
- No
- Max Video Output
- Raw DCI 4K at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
- Built-In ND Filter
- No
- Lens Communication
- Yes
- Storage Conditions
- -4 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C
- Built-In Microphone
- Stereo
- Image Stabilization
- No
- Max Recording Modes
- H.264/H.265 8/10-Bit Up to DCI 4K at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/120 fps ProRes 422 4:2:2 10-Bit Up to DCI 4K up to 48.00 fps ProRes 422 HQ 4:2:2 10-Bit Up to DCI 4K up to 29.97 fps ProRes 422 Proxy 4:2:2 Up to DCI 4K up to 59.94 fps ProRes 422LT 4:2:2 10-Bit Up to DCI 4K up to 59.94 fps
- ISO/Gain Sensitivity
- Native: 500 to 2500 (500 to 102,400 Extended)
- Operating Conditions
- 32 to 72°F / 0 to 40°C
- Mobile App Compatible
- Yes: Android & iOS
- Dimensions (W X H X D)
- 3.91 x 3.8 x 3.6" / 99.25 x 95.6 x 91.2 mm (Without Protrusions)
- Media/Memory Card Slot
- Single Slot: CFast (CFast 2.0)
- Advertised Dynamic Range
- 16 Stops
- Accessory Mounting Thread
- 8x 1/4"-20
- Effective Sensor Resolution
- 10.28 Megapixel
- Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, Etc.)
- No
Where to buy
Live prices from retailers. We earn a small commission when you click through - never affects ranking.
- B&H Photonew● In stockBest price$1,699Buy
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