Z CAM

Z CAM E2C Review

Reviews
2
Score
72/100
From
$999
Released
August 2019

We've aggregated 2 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.

Z CAM E2C
Available
Our take
Worth buyingPreliminary

Our editorial take on the Z CAM E2C

The Z CAM E2C arrives as the entry point to Z CAM's modular cinema lineup, packing a 16.83MP Four Thirds sensor and MFT mount into a compact aluminum cube weighing just 668 grams. At $799, it undercuts much of the affordable cine camera market while delivering 4K 30p in 10-bit H.265, internal 12-bit ZRAW, and even ProRes 422 recording. The body bristles with connectivity (Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, USB-C, LANC, PoE) and nine 1/4-20 mounting holes for rigging, making it genuinely modular despite its size.

The E2C inherits the pleasing color science and flat Z-Log2 profile from its more expensive siblings, though it caps out at 4K 30p where pricier Z CAM models reach high frame rates like 4K 160fps. The tiny 1.3-inch fixed LCD is clearly meant for monitoring via external devices, and the camera leans heavily on app control (iOS only, which may frustrate Android users). Eleven and a half stops of dynamic range and unlimited recording times make it credible for indie narrative and documentary work, though the rolling shutter and 2x crop factor demand lens and technique consideration. For creators prioritizing flexibility and image quality over high frame rates, the E2C delivers remarkable capability at a price that was once unthinkable for a true cinema camera.

Best for: Budget-conscious filmmakers and indie creators who prioritize modular rigging, high-quality codecs, and color science over high frame rates and built-in monitoring.
What's great
  • Exceptional price for a modular cinema body with 10-bit internal and 12-bit ZRAW recording
  • Pleasing color science and Z-Log2 profile inherited from higher-end Z CAM models
  • Extensive connectivity including Gigabit Ethernet, PoE, LANC, and ProRes via USB-C
  • Compact, lightweight aluminum build (668g) with nine 1/4-20 mounting points for rigging
  • Unlimited recording time and 24-bit audio recording
Watch outs
  • Capped at 4K 30p, lacking the high frame rates of more expensive Z CAM models
  • Tiny 1.3-inch fixed non-touchscreen LCD requires external monitoring for most work
  • iOS-only mobile app excludes Android users from wireless control

Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.

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Overview

About this product

Entry-level 4K cine, MFT mount.

Specs

Body
Battery
Canon LP-E6
Weight Grams
668 g (body only)
Dimensions Mm
91.2 x 89.1 x 83.9 mm (without protrusions)
Build Material
Aluminum
Video
Bit Depth
10-bit (H.265), 8-bit (H.264)
Raw Video
Internal ZRAW 12-bit
Log Profiles
REC.709, Z-Log2, FLAT, HLG
Internal Codecs
H.264, H.265, ProRes 422
Max Frame Rate 4k
4K 30p
Max Frame Rate Hd
1080/60p
Max Recording Time
Unlimited
Max Video Resolution
4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
Extras
Ethernet
Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) for live streaming, data, control
Mobile App
iOS only (Z Camera app)
Power Input
LEMO 2-Pin, D-Tap via included cable
Capture Type
Video Only
Lanc Control
2.5 mm Sub-Mini LANC port
Shutter Type
Electronic Rolling Shutter
Tripod Mount
1/4 inch-20 Female
Dynamic Range
11.5 stops
Audio Recording
24-bit 48 kHz AAC or PCM (MOV only)
Accessory Threads
9x 1/4 inch-20 mounting holes
External Recording
ProRes via external SSD through USB, all resolutions except 8K 2.4:1
Built In Microphone
Stereo
Power Over Ethernet
Yes (PoE)
Storage Temperature
-4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C)
Operating Temperature
32 to 72°F (0 to 40°C)
Sensor
Sensor Size
Four Thirds (17.56 x 13.11 mm)
Sensor Type
CMOS
Effective Megapixels
16.83 MP
Release
Launch Price Usd
$999
Exposure
Iso Range Video
Native 800 to 25,600
Shutter Speed Electronic
1 to 360 degree shutter angle
Display Vf
Viewfinder
None
Rear Screen
Fixed 1.3 inch Non-Touchscreen LCD
Touchscreen
No
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Micro Four Thirds
Crop Factor
2.0x
Storage Io
Usb
USB-C (USB 3.0)
Hdmi
HDMI 2.0 Output
Audio Io
1/8 inch (3.5 mm) TRS Stereo Input, 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) TRS Stereo Output
Wireless
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Card Slots
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) U3/V30 or Faster Recommended
Stabilization Af
Ibis
No
Af System
Automatic, Continuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus
Live prices

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  • B&H Photo
    new● In stockBest price
    $999
    Buy