Man, I def appreciate what you've been doing testing cameras and giving sample footage to download. I've been looking everywhere for downloadable footage for this camera and the E2-F6. Thank you!
Thank you for the review. Just subscribed. The gym footage is just gorgeous. So organic. That’s the one thing I can say about dedicated cinema cameras that mirrorless/DSLRs just don’t seem to get quite right: the organic feel. Having been shooting video with mirrorless for a few years now, I am considering stepping up to a dedicated cinema camera. The Z Cam may be the ticket.
Thanks soo much Nelson for the review...am young filmmaker in Ghana 🇬🇭 and am preparing to shoot my next Humanitarian action film under low budget. I just came across the Z CAM..and for the past 3 days I have been watching many reviews on the camera...your video appears to be highly convincing and impressive... am considering buying the E2-S6.... cause i was really confused chosing between the E2-S6 and the E2-F6...but you have helped me to make a decision...thanks alot
Great video! I was torn between the BMPCC and the ZCAM. I eventually went with the ZCAM and I love it. Funny, I use my T5 too...works great! Using the camera, stripped down with iPhone app and CFast, give you a professional camera and allows you to be inconspicuous while shooting!
That's a really tough choice for sure. The edge that the BMPCC has is BRAW and a built-in screen. The ergonomics, IO and form factor go to the ZCam, hands down.
@@joenicklo agreed! I wish, WISH, ZCam had better RAW capabilities. When the face of the company openly tells customers to use ProRes Raw over their own proprietary ZRAW format, then something is up. Maybe future updates, but, I really love the way BRAW recovers highlights...
@@joenicklo We are really enjoying it so far! Learning how to program the quick settings. you could make a whole video on how to rename the quick settings too! Big plans for this camera come the summer.
New SUB! I’ve binged-out several of your videos the last couple of hours tonight. I’m really loving your approach, the look, content, and just overall vibe. Probably sounds goofy, but this channel feels “cozy”. Looking forward to viewing the rest of the vids and those to come.
I keep bouncing between wanting the BMPCC 4K, 6K, and Z-Cam. Now that I've gone to Sony, I REALLY need someone to release some E-mounts, or the new FX6 may become the default choice when the time comes. Fantastic video, better than any other "first impressions" I've seen.
@@joenicklo really ? Wow ! And I was going to pull the trigger on the E2 M4 and an MFT lens this evening ! You might have just changed my plans for the better ! See, I have the Sony 18-105 f/4 PZ which is an awesome lens. It's really "movie oriented" and it even acts parfocal on Sony cameras (I think this is done in software). It's the best lens I've ever had in that price range and I was really having a hard time letting it go. That's an APS-C lens, though. I wonder if it wouldn't be more suited to E2 S6 ?
@@MelnardEdaCinematography123 I had the S6G for about 2 weeks. I honestly wasn't impressed, to the point that I felt no need to even do a video. In fact, I send the S6G back today. Seeing as they're both $6000, I'd go with the Komodo over it simply due to the better user interface and REDCODE. Otherwise, the E2-S6 is a way better value than the Komodo...in my opinion.
Thanks again for the sample footage. I tried to color grade the footage of the woman in the gym and I was shocked how the z cam plugin in Premiere and simply applying the zraw2 lut just made it come alive. That was honestly the best looking footage I've seen on my monitor, so I can't use that as an excuse anymore. :) I noticed that the footage was .mov too but that confuses me because I don't understand the relationship between Prores, zraw, etc. and the file format. I thought .zraw was a thing. I have to learn that and understand that better.
Hey brother, appreciate you checking it out. You're very welcome for the footage downloads, glad it helped you. Those shots were ProRes 422 or HQ, I don't recall at this point. If it was ZRAW, the extension would be .ZRAW. I'm going to do another video soon with some updated settings now that I've learned the camera some more. Stay tuned and be sure to join the Discord channel: discord.gg/AZwHku5
There is a lot to like about this camera. I think it deserves serious consideration if you plan a purchase. I can't justify my own cinema camera . .. I rent. Great show!
I noticed you used the Sigma 16-35mm F1.8 lens. Its an APS-C lens. Does it cover the full sensor on the e2-s6? Would the F2.8 14-24mm FF lense be better?
@@joenicklo Thank you for the response. Are there any downsides to using a full-frame lens like the Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 on the 35mm Sensor? I'm thinking if it works I could also use that lens on a Z-Cam e2-f6 FF Camera.
Great video! I also have the S6 and love it! Btw, the Aperture button is mapped by default to custom button 2. Just so you know it's there by default, at least on my unit.
Due to how changing framerates on the go is a big hassle on the camera, it's one of the reasons why I've stayed away from Z Cam currently. Changing framerates with a button like on the Blackmagic cameras is a much needed feature, at least for me.
Great video! I'm looking to upgrade from my GH5 and I was leaning towards the s1h to get the full frame perspective but the Z cam just seems like more bang for my buck and I like that it can use a MFT and EF mount as I have a couple MFT lenses.
@@joenicklo yeah I thought of the bmpcc 6k but didn't see too many advantages over a bmpcc 4k with speed booster. I think I'm worried the z cam will be glitchy and have silly errors since it's a new brand not sure I can trust it on a commercial shoot
I know this video came out a long time ago (I'm jumping around videos on your channel Joe, forgive me) but this was a great review! I'm looking into possibly getting an M4!
Blackmagic needs to make the Blackmagic Box Cinema Camera 4K/6K or simply make a new version of their Blackmagic Design Micro Cinema Camera. I really like the box system and think they should jump on it.
I struggled for 2 months on whether to buy the Z Cam or the BMPCC 6K. I ended up getting the BMPCC 6K and have been very happy with the footage. I also drop Adobe which was a big plus and money saver.
Great review. I'm so close to pulling the trigger on this. I was looking at the M4 but would need to buy the $500 metabones to make my Rokinon F-mount cine primes work. The S6, it seems a $30 lens adapter would work. Also, love the clips of Hobe Mountain tower at JD State Park. I'm there all the time at the mountain bike trails.
Since the last firmware update (which came out after this video), the camera will do internal 422 HQ. As far as frame rates go, you can record C4K 2.4:1 at 100fps in ProRes 422 (10bit) and 2.8K at 120fps in ProRes HQ. On the Ninja V+, you can record up to 4K DCI at 60p in ProRes RAW (12 bit). Hope this helps!
You just forgot to say on Recording Medias that you can also record on 2,5" SSDs using Atomos Ninja V monitor by HDMI, and it will add ProRes RAW format as another codec you can record using Zcam E2 (its a very important information , because at least in my opinion ProRes RAW is the best codec you can take from this camera).
IMO the Ninja V is a must-have pairing with the Z-cams. Prores Raw is way easier to work with than ZRaw, and the SSD storage media is much cheaper than CFast. I honestly don’t know why anyone would use the Z cam without the Ninja.
@@BillRey there're way to many inconsistencies on ninja v and zcam. I am very unhappy with it half the frame rates and codecs only allow 720p recording which is rediculous.
@@Codywpreston Open Gate up to 30 in ProRes 422 6K & C6K up to 48 in ProRes 422 / 30 in ProRes HQ 6K 2.4:1 up to 60 in ProRes LT / 50 in ProRes 422 / 30 in ProRes HQ 4K up to 75 in LT and 422 / 60 in 422 HQ C4K 2.4:1 up to 100 in LT and 422 / 60 in HQ S16 up to 90 for LT, 422 and HQ 2.8 & HD up to 120 in LT, 422 and HQ Hope this helps.
The download footage isn't available anymore. Any future plans to upload again or provide more? Or, any tips on where we can get some more? I appreciate it.
@@joenicklo This worked Great! Thank you very much! If I can grade these half as good as you did, I'm blaming you for all of my Z Cam expenses. lol. Thanks again for the reply and the sample footage. I really appreciate it.
Hello friend! Really nice video! Very good.. Im really thinking about switching from my bmpcc 6k på the zcam. BUT I need to know - when shooting in prores flavors (like 422, LT and so on), can I still record in 6K? I'm not interested in ProRes RAW or h.265, but would like to shoot in prores files in 6K, either in camera, or on my Atomos Ninja V. Is this possible? Thank you for your time
Well to elaborate, you cant record 6K ProRes RAW over HDMI. I don't think any camera or recorder can do that due to the limitations of HDMI protocol however you can record 6K in ProRes depending on the frame rate.
What about high speed recording? weather it being sports IE automotive racing baseball or the shooting sports? does it really slow down so you can watch it in slow motion? Looking for a camera
I'm waiting on an email response from Z-Cam, trying to build a 3D rig with preferably the S6 since I already have EF lenses, plus the extra res would be nice. Anyway, ?: is there a way to genlock these cameras? I know the E2 4K has multi cam sync but I don't know if that's the same as genlock. I need the frames to fire at the same time between 2 cameras.
@@joenicklo Yeah, I'm getting responses from the CEO Kinson Loo, but more confusing really than helpful. He said they only have Z-cam sync, not genlock. I know there is a sync cable for the E2 model and it also has a COM port adapter for timecode input, that would be genlock, lol. And I even read there was in menu a way to set external timecode. And in the specs on both the E2 and the S6 they mention manual timecode. But the S6 doesn't have that COM port, nor the sync port that the E2 has so I don't know. He said the S6 supports sync too and the S8. So I'm even more confused. No tech support email, it just goes to Kinson. I have a feeling only the E2 model is what you would call genlockable, either with the sync cable or with the timecode adapter.
@@joenicklo right, well I'm surprised they don't have a tech support email, there's no other email available on their website. I don't need to talk to the CEO directly, lol. I feel bad emailing him wasting his time. I just figured out he meant the S6s/S8s models. Those models are not on their site. It shows up on BH for 2999.00 special order as "with sync" so I'm guessing it will work with those sync cables. Maybe that model has that port. But I just need to know if their sync is the same as as genlock. I need the cameras firing at the same time. I'm not sure why it wouldn't be the same because what would you need the cables for? Why not just hit both rec buttons at the same time? Which wouldn't be in sync of course, hence the sync cables which gets precise recording. Well, I'll keep researching. Find out sooner or later.
Ok, figured it out after emailing back and forth and more research on sync, timecode and genlock. So several of the models, E2, S6s/S8s have sync, the E2 has timecode input as well but none of that will actually genlock the cameras. Sync and TC are not genlock, the cameras will eventually drift apart even if in sync at start. So the answer is none of the Z-Cam models will work. I see the Panasonic GBH1 has a proper genlock input so that's what I was looking for. It's just too bad it's MFT, really want EF mount as I already have lenses. Oh well.
Sorry, I used to do free download footage but people started taking advantage of it by using it in paid work. You can get free sample footage by becoming a channel member though.
That was with the 3400mAh battery, the smaller one. The larger battery I didn't pay attention to how long I shot for but it's also a generic, older battery compared to the one that came with the rental.
Love this camera wish I could put my Sony glass on it though can’t find a mount. I purchased metabones EF to Emount and found out it’s way too small for the super 35EF mount any solutions? Thank you
@@joenicklo Thank God I spent $380 on a metabones that doesn’t fit I didn’t realize the EF mount on the Z cam is so much larger than a standard EF mount I am new to cinema cameras of this caliber
Great vid man, first time I hear of this camera. I've been shooting on the Canon 80d for UA-cam Vids and my shorts, but I'm looking at upgraded to a cinema camera soon for better quality and this just might be something I'll try out. My plan is to rent a bunch of different cinema cameras first and see what works best for me. cheers!
Renting is an excellent decision. Be sure to check out my review on the Blackmagic Pocket 4K. It's also a very viable upgrade option for you. Maybe even the Pocket 6K.
@@joenicklo good to know! I’m new and nervous to purchase my first cinema camera and almost debating just sticking with getting something like the 1dx mark 3 or the c70. With friendlier use as I shoot on canon mirrorless and dslrs but diving into doing external vs internal, camera controlling monitors, etc gets a bit overwhelming.
I suggest you rent the camera and give it a try. Coming from a DSLR body it may be a big change for you. The C70 is a very pricey camera for what you get, and I think the E2-S6 is a way better value.
@@joenicklo any rental websites that do a package? I have lenses but idk if the monitor I have will be compatible and a cage would be create. It’s a large investment that I know will pay off but if I cant rent the camera with the equipment it needs then it’s not a true test of its ability
Great question. I really like both, but for ME and my business, the Z Cam was the better decision. For a solo operator, I think that the Z Cam is the better choice and certainly the better value.
If you like the blackmagic ecosystem then stick with that. BM will come out with a cube style cinema camera that fits in between the Ursa and P6K. BM is one of the last and leading camera makers to do a cube. If you don’t believe me then why has canon, Panasonic, Zcam, red, arri all put out cube-style in the last 6 months?
I don't know why working cinematographers compare cameras in different price points. If you can afford a Red KOMODO 6K you are going to get a Red. If you can only afford a BMPCC4k, thats what you are going to get. The only conversation is maybe this camera vs the BMPCC6K which is still a little cheaper as of 11/20. As a cinematographer and editor I would never pic zcam. The color science is inferior and the ease of editing is not up to par with Red or Blackmagic. With that said, Zcam has come a long way and I think their products are promising.
I disagree 100% that if you can afford a Komodo you'd get it. I can afford one, I don't think it's the right decision for my business right now. I can't speak for anyone else but I personally compare cameras in different pricepoints because they have similar specs. I'm not comparing a Gemini to the ZCam. That would be stupid. Also, I'm not sure what you find difficult about editing ZCam footage. I was able to edit, playback and grade the ProRes HQ footage just fine. H265 required me to generate optimized media.
@@joenicklo I really appreciate your response. My goal in responding was more geared toward anti consumerism than to the points you made. I understand comparing specs, but I get lost because most specs don't matter without context. So many new filmmakers watch videos like this, get caught up in the specs and forget that cameras are just a tool. You made some great points but there is so much more to a camera than just the camera. Great movies have been shot on cameras with 1/10 of the features of this camera. Question? Imaging a new filmmaker getting this camera with a few lenses, a mic, a gimbal/tripod and a few lights with dreams of making their first movie. What would you say about this camera that would help them make a sound decision?
@@thewillandkevshow1465 To answer your question, I'd say it's ease of use and versatility would make it a sound decision. It packs a lot of firepower for $2500, but on the other hand, so does the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K for $2000. As for the comparisons in regards to consumerism, I understand where you're coming from, I totally do but I think that (at least from my point of view) these comparisons help to prove to people that you don't need a camera that will put you in debt to produce high-level work, or work at all. Yes, a camera is a tool. But so is an air ratchet. If you take your car to get new tires, will the mechanic use the cheaper hand ratchet because it's cheaper and achieves the same result? Or will he use the air ratchet because it allows him to get the job done faster and more efficiently?
Thanks for the review, but unfortunately I couldn’t finish it because your dialog is way too low. When commercials come on they are extremely loud by comparison. Please look into a simple compressor 3:1, fast attack, set threshold to reduce by 6db on normal dialog. The best? Fabfilter C2, works on any NLE, That and the Q3 EQ are lifesavers for better audio. Let me know if you fix these issues, it’s hard to subscribe or watch otherwise. Thanks again.
Appreciate the feedback. You’re the first to mention it BUT I did notice it when I went back to watch this a few times, unfortunately there’s nothing I can do about it since UA-cam won’t allow us to re-upload without making an entirely new video. Watch some of my newer videos. Let me know if those are more in line with proper volume. I’m using izotope rx’s loudness control now. I will look into Fabfilter though!
3 years later we confirm that the Z Cam E2-S6 is useless! especially with so many new cameras coming out this year. you pay thousands of dollars and you can't see what you shoot because it doesn't come with a monitor! well thought guys!
You need a monitor with an ARRI, RED or Sony Venice. Just food for thought. The Zcam also has the F6 Pro model out which has a monitor. Most cinema cameras don’t have built in monitors.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Damn, sorry for that. As you know I have zero control over exactly how many ads they show, aside from turning off mid-roll ads. That being said...I only recently got my channel monetized so I'm not sure how these things work. What do you suggest?
@@joenicklo in that case then I am sorry man, pretty sure you can control it if you look in the video settings. I think UA-cam takes control if your video features copyright music or similar otherwise you can adjust it all. Do what you think is best for you and what will help you grow and put some cash in pocket. I know how much work goes into this
@@PursuitPerfectSystem No copyright music here. I'm sure if I turn OFF mid-roll ads it would help. Either way, thank you for checking out the video and I hope you stuck it out to see what I had to say about the camera. It truly is an awesome little cinema camera.
It’s not just the color of footage that’s for sure. To me “cinematic” is creatively lit shots, deliberately framed shots, that are crafted to come out the exact way a DP intends for them to look. This also goes for the movement of the shot. “Cinematic” isn’t solely related to the color of a shot. Let me ask you, what color science looks “cinematic” to you?
@@joenicklo Back to my initial comment, not every camera in the world shoots cinematic. Otherwise Hollywood would have been shooting on many different brand cameras.
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No Global shutter review and smaples?
Man, I def appreciate what you've been doing testing cameras and giving sample footage to download. I've been looking everywhere for downloadable footage for this camera and the E2-F6. Thank you!
Heck yeah bro, I hope the footage serves you well. I plan on uploading more at some point.
I've got 5 ways that ZCam can improve the E2-S6. Check them out here: ua-cam.com/video/ZrW0nvx4DL4/v-deo.html
Thank you for the review. Just subscribed. The gym footage is just gorgeous. So organic. That’s the one thing I can say about dedicated cinema cameras that mirrorless/DSLRs just don’t seem to get quite right: the organic feel. Having been shooting video with mirrorless for a few years now, I am considering stepping up to a dedicated cinema camera. The Z Cam may be the ticket.
Appreciate it Nelson. I think you just described the Z Cam very well. Organic is one way I'd describe the footage for sure.
I can never wait for you to add videos to your channel... another great one thanks !!!
Ty!
Where did you buy the remote to top handle cable for record start/stop ? Also, does the HDMI output audio levels, record confirmation and histogram ?
It's part of the Kondor Blue cage system. geni.us/qzpnRn
Yes, the HDMI can output the camera UI. You will see audio levels, record confirmation as well as monitoring tools like histogram.
@@joenicklo Thanks, Have you run into the audio problem of 1 sec audio drop outs between the clip durations ?
@@VideoByPatrick I didn't experience that when using the camera.
Thanks soo much Nelson for the review...am young filmmaker in Ghana 🇬🇭 and am preparing to shoot my next Humanitarian action film under low budget. I just came across the Z CAM..and for the past 3 days I have been watching many reviews on the camera...your video appears to be highly convincing and impressive... am considering buying the E2-S6.... cause i was really confused chosing between the E2-S6 and the E2-F6...but you have helped me to make a decision...thanks alot
I'm JOE not Nelson :)
Great video! I was torn between the BMPCC and the ZCAM. I eventually went with the ZCAM and I love it. Funny, I use my T5 too...works great! Using the camera, stripped down with iPhone app and CFast, give you a professional camera and allows you to be inconspicuous while shooting!
That's a really tough choice for sure. The edge that the BMPCC has is BRAW and a built-in screen. The ergonomics, IO and form factor go to the ZCam, hands down.
@@joenicklo agreed! I wish, WISH, ZCam had better RAW capabilities. When the face of the company openly tells customers to use ProRes Raw over their own proprietary ZRAW format, then something is up. Maybe future updates, but, I really love the way BRAW recovers highlights...
@@Health-and-Wellness-Now BRAW Highlight Recovery when used properly is HUGE! I love it.
@@joenicklo so if you walked in to your office to shoot...which cam do you grab? BMPCC or ZCAM? Video being the only consideration....
What In particular am I filming?
Once again another great video brotha! Thanks for the shoutout too!
Any time bro! And thank you.
We are picking or S6 up tomorrow. Looking forward to starting our cinematic journey with this camera! Great review also!!
How'd it work out for you?
@@joenicklo We are really enjoying it so far! Learning how to program the quick settings. you could make a whole video on how to rename the quick settings too! Big plans for this camera come the summer.
New SUB! I’ve binged-out several of your videos the last couple of hours tonight. I’m really loving your approach, the look, content, and just overall vibe. Probably sounds goofy, but this channel feels “cozy”. Looking forward to viewing the rest of the vids and those to come.
You can’t even begin to know how much I appreciate that comment. Thanks for subscribing.
Awesome! Also, the Panasonic BGH1 might make a nice video to compare against the Z-Cam and/or the GH5.
I keep bouncing between wanting the BMPCC 4K, 6K, and Z-Cam. Now that I've gone to Sony, I REALLY need someone to release some E-mounts, or the new FX6 may become the default choice when the time comes. Fantastic video, better than any other "first impressions" I've seen.
I think your best bet is to see if ZCam comes out with an E mount, and get that! Thanks for checking it out man
I've heard that an E-mount is in the works.
@@TheNefastor It's just been announced!
@@joenicklo really ? Wow ! And I was going to pull the trigger on the E2 M4 and an MFT lens this evening ! You might have just changed my plans for the better ! See, I have the Sony 18-105 f/4 PZ which is an awesome lens. It's really "movie oriented" and it even acts parfocal on Sony cameras (I think this is done in software). It's the best lens I've ever had in that price range and I was really having a hard time letting it go.
That's an APS-C lens, though. I wonder if it wouldn't be more suited to E2 S6 ?
@@TheNefastor *Jack Nicholson nodding GIF*
I LOVE to see a comparisson between this camara and the Komodo! would be great hit
I’ll see what I can do to make it happen
A zcam e2 sg6 is coming out. Global shutter. So I think will be a better comparison to komodo
Flannel Ninja just recently published part 1 of his S6G vs Red Komodo comparison. Surely worth checking out.
@@MelnardEdaCinematography123 I had the S6G for about 2 weeks. I honestly wasn't impressed, to the point that I felt no need to even do a video. In fact, I send the S6G back today. Seeing as they're both $6000, I'd go with the Komodo over it simply due to the better user interface and REDCODE. Otherwise, the E2-S6 is a way better value than the Komodo...in my opinion.
@@joenicklo thanks for the input man
Went from the FS700 to the E2-S6 and it is a huge step up
Definitely. What do you like most about the e2s6?
Thanks again for the sample footage. I tried to color grade the footage of the woman in the gym and I was shocked how the z cam plugin in Premiere and simply applying the zraw2 lut just made it come alive. That was honestly the best looking footage I've seen on my monitor, so I can't use that as an excuse anymore. :) I noticed that the footage was .mov too but that confuses me because I don't understand the relationship between Prores, zraw, etc. and the file format. I thought .zraw was a thing. I have to learn that and understand that better.
Hey brother, appreciate you checking it out. You're very welcome for the footage downloads, glad it helped you. Those shots were ProRes 422 or HQ, I don't recall at this point. If it was ZRAW, the extension would be .ZRAW. I'm going to do another video soon with some updated settings now that I've learned the camera some more. Stay tuned and be sure to join the Discord channel: discord.gg/AZwHku5
@@joenicklo I look forward to it, thank you!
There is a lot to like about this camera. I think it deserves serious consideration if you plan a purchase. I can't justify my own cinema camera . .. I rent. Great show!
Thanks for watching
Nice review. So did you replace your bmpc cameras with your zcam? How would you compare them in terms of a cinematic look
Hi sorry for the delayed reply. I think the two looks are pretty close.
U are soooo under rated🥺🥺🥺 great vdo btw keep going brother someday u will receive the appreciation u truly deserve❤️
Thank you so much 😁 I appreciate the encouragement.
Awesome vid! Stoked you like our rig!
I love it! Great quality cage for sure.
Your reviews are always top notch!
Glad you like them! Appreciate you checking it out man. Good chatting with you on IG about the cameras
Great review and thanks so much for the footage, which really helped me make the decision.
You’re welcome! Join the discord server if you’d like
I noticed you used the Sigma 16-35mm F1.8 lens. Its an APS-C lens. Does it cover the full sensor on the e2-s6? Would the F2.8 14-24mm FF lense be better?
I’ve had no issues. The sigma 18-35 image circle covers 28.4mm and the S6 sensor is 24.77mm
@@joenicklo Thank you for the response. Are there any downsides to using a full-frame lens like the Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 on the 35mm Sensor? I'm thinking if it works I could also use that lens on a Z-Cam e2-f6 FF Camera.
Appreciate the detailed review,
great learning Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Great video! I also have the S6 and love it! Btw, the Aperture button is mapped by default to custom button 2. Just so you know it's there by default, at least on my unit.
Ah good to know for sure!
Very well put together video, thanks for the info
Thank you Will
Nice video, really enjoyed that you gave a nice long review. As a Gh5 shooter the S6 is definitely on my radar as the price is just so reasonable.
I think the two cameras would pair nicely together
@@joenicklo thanks for the reply, thats awesome to know they would match rather well. Cheers
Great review, sir. Question: What did you use to have the camera power your monitor?
Thanks. I have the monitor being powered off of a dtap splitter.
Thanks for the great review. 🙏
Thanks for making a great camera! I’m down to review anything else you’d like to send my way 😜
great review bro! I learned something new about the power output!
So useful! Thanks for checking the review out.
A super complete review and very well explained, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
You're welcome
Nice review! thanx.
Given that the sensor is pretty close to a full frame: is there any vignetting with the Sigma 18-35 / EF mount?
Not that I know of or have seen in my shots.
Due to how changing framerates on the go is a big hassle on the camera, it's one of the reasons why I've stayed away from Z Cam currently. Changing framerates with a button like on the Blackmagic cameras is a much needed feature, at least for me.
Yeah, the entire process of swapping frame rates killed it for me.
Great video! I'm looking to upgrade from my GH5 and I was leaning towards the s1h to get the full frame perspective but the Z cam just seems like more bang for my buck and I like that it can use a MFT and EF mount as I have a couple MFT lenses.
Glad this helped you. You may want to consider the BMPCC 6K as well. That doesn't help your MFT situation though.
@@joenicklo yeah I thought of the bmpcc 6k but didn't see too many advantages over a bmpcc 4k with speed booster. I think I'm worried the z cam will be glitchy and have silly errors since it's a new brand not sure I can trust it on a commercial shoot
I know this video came out a long time ago (I'm jumping around videos on your channel Joe, forgive me) but this was a great review! I'm looking into possibly getting an M4!
All good. I appreciate you taking the time to watch. :)
Glad this came up in my recommendation. Good job brother!
Glad you liked it!
Blackmagic needs to make the Blackmagic Box Cinema Camera 4K/6K or simply make a new version of their Blackmagic Design Micro Cinema Camera. I really like the box system and think they should jump on it.
I was hoping for it, but moved on.
I struggled for 2 months on whether to buy the Z Cam or the BMPCC 6K. I ended up getting the BMPCC 6K and have been very happy with the footage. I also drop Adobe which was a big plus and money saver.
You could've still have dropped Adobe if you went Z Cam. Anyway, glad you're happy with the Pocket 6K. It's a great camera.
Great review. I'm so close to pulling the trigger on this. I was looking at the M4 but would need to buy the $500 metabones to make my Rokinon F-mount cine primes work. The S6, it seems a $30 lens adapter would work. Also, love the clips of Hobe Mountain tower at JD State Park. I'm there all the time at the mountain bike trails.
I love the user interchangeable lens mounts on these cameras. It was a huge selling point for me. I take it you live in the area!
Awesome video! Very in depth!
Ty sir!
hey man, good vid. do you know if this will record (output) 4k100 at 10bit 422 with the atomos ninja V + ? thanks!
Since the last firmware update (which came out after this video), the camera will do internal 422 HQ.
As far as frame rates go, you can record C4K 2.4:1 at 100fps in ProRes 422 (10bit) and 2.8K at 120fps in ProRes HQ. On the Ninja V+, you can record up to 4K DCI at 60p in ProRes RAW (12 bit).
Hope this helps!
@@joenicklo it does help a lot. so i can get a t5 ssd as recording medium and get c4k 2:4:1 @ 100 10bit422 right? works for me. thanks buddy!
great review! what frame rate was the sample footage shot in? also are those files the pro res raw or which codec? thanks!!
ahhh nevermind, I see have it labeled in the vid
;) haha
Thanks!
Does this have an SDI out!? How were you getting feed when mounted on the car rig!?
No SDI on-camera but you can buy the SDI Converter. It has wireless WiFI video feed.
You just forgot to say on Recording Medias that you can also record on 2,5" SSDs using Atomos Ninja V monitor by HDMI, and it will add ProRes RAW format as another codec you can record using Zcam E2 (its a very important information , because at least in my opinion ProRes RAW is the best codec you can take from this camera).
That's true, I didn't cover ProRes "Raw" since, I don't own a Ninja V. Good point though, I should've at least mentioned it.
IMO the Ninja V is a must-have pairing with the Z-cams. Prores Raw is way easier to work with than ZRaw, and the SSD storage media is much cheaper than CFast. I honestly don’t know why anyone would use the Z cam without the Ninja.
@@BillRey just for gimbals I prefer not use Ninja V.
@@BillRey there're way to many inconsistencies on ninja v and zcam. I am very unhappy with it half the frame rates and codecs only allow 720p recording which is rediculous.
Hey for the downloadable sample footage was it filmed in Prores?
It varies, when you load it up into your NLE it should show the codec type. I provided ProRes, H265 and ZRAW for people to see the different codecs.
@@joenicklo Thanks! just saw. Does the camera shoot 6k or 4k ProRes 422 - 23.98 and 60fps?
@@Codywpreston Open Gate up to 30 in ProRes 422
6K & C6K up to 48 in ProRes 422 / 30 in ProRes HQ
6K 2.4:1 up to 60 in ProRes LT / 50 in ProRes 422 / 30 in ProRes HQ
4K up to 75 in LT and 422 / 60 in 422 HQ
C4K 2.4:1 up to 100 in LT and 422 / 60 in HQ
S16 up to 90 for LT, 422 and HQ
2.8 & HD up to 120 in LT, 422 and HQ
Hope this helps.
@@joenicklo Thanks a ton! Do you shoot everything on the S6 in Zlog? If so how do you like using it?
The download footage isn't available anymore. Any future plans to upload again or provide more? Or, any tips on where we can get some more? I appreciate it.
Let me see what’s going on with that.
Try this drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XPiLjWZORua3EwF8xtOeCdaYpXB6PuQn
@@joenicklo This worked Great! Thank you very much! If I can grade these half as good as you did, I'm blaming you for all of my Z Cam expenses. lol. Thanks again for the reply and the sample footage. I really appreciate it.
Great review! also i did a shoot at the x house a few months back, cool spot!
Nice bro!
Really well done!
Thank you!!!!
Great Z Cam E2 review!
Thanks for watching!
Great review, that footage 👌👌👌👌👌
Thanks 👍
Hello friend! Really nice video! Very good.. Im really thinking about switching from my bmpcc 6k på the zcam. BUT I need to know - when shooting in prores flavors (like 422, LT and so on), can I still record in 6K? I'm not interested in ProRes RAW or h.265, but would like to shoot in prores files in 6K, either in camera, or on my Atomos Ninja V. Is this possible? Thank you for your time
Nevermind, missed the part where you talk about it. My bad!
Well to elaborate, you cant record 6K ProRes RAW over HDMI. I don't think any camera or recorder can do that due to the limitations of HDMI protocol however you can record 6K in ProRes depending on the frame rate.
which size NPF battery did you use? there are 2200-11000 mah ones
3400mAh (25Wh)
Thanks for the review..👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
No problem!
What about high speed recording? weather it being sports IE automotive racing baseball or the shooting sports? does it really slow down so you can watch it in slow motion? Looking for a camera
Yes, it has VFR for high speed up to 120fps.
I'm waiting on an email response from Z-Cam, trying to build a 3D rig with preferably the S6 since I already have EF lenses, plus the extra res would be nice. Anyway, ?: is there a way to genlock these cameras? I know the E2 4K has multi cam sync but I don't know if that's the same as genlock. I need the frames to fire at the same time between 2 cameras.
I'm not sure if it has genlock. That's all new to me but you're probably going to have more luck asking on the Z Cam E2 facebook group. Sorry brother.
@@joenicklo Yeah, I'm getting responses from the CEO Kinson Loo, but more confusing really than helpful. He said they only have Z-cam sync, not genlock. I know there is a sync cable for the E2 model and it also has a COM port adapter for timecode input, that would be genlock, lol. And I even read there was in menu a way to set external timecode. And in the specs on both the E2 and the S6 they mention manual timecode. But the S6 doesn't have that COM port, nor the sync port that the E2 has so I don't know. He said the S6 supports sync too and the S8. So I'm even more confused. No tech support email, it just goes to Kinson. I have a feeling only the E2 model is what you would call genlockable, either with the sync cable or with the timecode adapter.
@@n3d.studio Well cant complain about direct responses from the CEO himself right? Like I said, the best bet is to ask on the user group :)
@@joenicklo right, well I'm surprised they don't have a tech support email, there's no other email available on their website. I don't need to talk to the CEO directly, lol. I feel bad emailing him wasting his time. I just figured out he meant the S6s/S8s models. Those models are not on their site. It shows up on BH for 2999.00 special order as "with sync" so I'm guessing it will work with those sync cables. Maybe that model has that port. But I just need to know if their sync is the same as as genlock. I need the cameras firing at the same time. I'm not sure why it wouldn't be the same because what would you need the cables for? Why not just hit both rec buttons at the same time? Which wouldn't be in sync of course, hence the sync cables which gets precise recording. Well, I'll keep researching. Find out sooner or later.
Ok, figured it out after emailing back and forth and more research on sync, timecode and genlock. So several of the models, E2, S6s/S8s have sync, the E2 has timecode input as well but none of that will actually genlock the cameras. Sync and TC are not genlock, the cameras will eventually drift apart even if in sync at start. So the answer is none of the Z-Cam models will work. I see the Panasonic GBH1 has a proper genlock input so that's what I was looking for. It's just too bad it's MFT, really want EF mount as I already have lenses. Oh well.
What are the temperature values of Z cam? Is there a problem with the cooling?
I didn't record the normal operating temps but there are zero issues with cooling.
My 4k blackmagic screen messed up so the on camera screen is not a big deal...and we have 3 black magic's, nikon, and the e2s6
I've never had an issue with the BMPCC 4K screen.
Can u upload some footage to i see and test on my pc setup?
Sorry, I used to do free download footage but people started taking advantage of it by using it in paid work. You can get free sample footage by becoming a channel member though.
Did you get 3 hours of battery life with that small NPF battery or did you use a larger one? 🤔
That was with the 3400mAh battery, the smaller one. The larger battery I didn't pay attention to how long I shot for but it's also a generic, older battery compared to the one that came with the rental.
@@joenicklo WOW. That's really impressive
Could have a lot to do with the screen not needing a ton of power to run 😂
@@joenicklo 😂
Love this camera wish I could put my Sony glass on it though can’t find a mount. I purchased metabones EF to Emount and found out it’s way too small for the super 35EF mount any solutions? Thank you
Sit tight. The E mount is coming REALLY soon.
@@joenicklo Thank God I spent $380 on a metabones that doesn’t fit I didn’t realize the EF mount on the Z cam is so much larger than a standard EF mount I am new to cinema cameras of this caliber
By the way thank you for your review yours was the best by far very grateful for your work
@@joenicklo just curious do you mean from Viltrox or from
Z cam?
Did you shoot anything in ZRAW? How was the editing for ZRAW in Divinci? Did you use proxys?
Can u edit zraw in resolve
Sadly, no
Yes I did shoot some stuff in zraw but had to transcode it to dnxhq to bring into resolve. No support for zraw yet within Resolve
Great vid man, first time I hear of this camera. I've been shooting on the Canon 80d for UA-cam Vids and my shorts, but I'm looking at upgraded to a cinema camera soon for better quality and this just might be something I'll try out. My plan is to rent a bunch of different cinema cameras first and see what works best for me. cheers!
Renting is an excellent decision. Be sure to check out my review on the Blackmagic Pocket 4K. It's also a very viable upgrade option for you. Maybe even the Pocket 6K.
Can this shoot in shutter angle
Absolutely.
How to make 2.41 footge on this camera using sherical lenses?
Film in either the 6k 2.4:1 or 4K 2.4:1 modes
with the exposed back how weather sealed is it?
It’s officially NOT weather sealed but according to some folks on the Z Cam Facebook group, they’ve taped up the ports.
@@joenicklo good to know! I’m new and nervous to purchase my first cinema camera and almost debating just sticking with getting something like the 1dx mark 3 or the c70. With friendlier use as I shoot on canon mirrorless and dslrs but diving into doing external vs internal, camera controlling monitors, etc gets a bit overwhelming.
I suggest you rent the camera and give it a try. Coming from a DSLR body it may be a big change for you. The C70 is a very pricey camera for what you get, and I think the E2-S6 is a way better value.
@@joenicklo any rental websites that do a package? I have lenses but idk if the monitor I have will be compatible and a cage would be create. It’s a large investment that I know will pay off but if I cant rent the camera with the equipment it needs then it’s not a true test of its ability
I always rent from Lensrentals, but they have items available separately. They’ve got a cage and monitor for the z cam.
Z-Cam s6, or Komodo?
Great question. I really like both, but for ME and my business, the Z Cam was the better decision.
For a solo operator, I think that the Z Cam is the better choice and certainly the better value.
I would love to get a sample image to grade if you don’t mind
Link to footage is in the description 😁
@@joenicklo Thank you..you are very kind..I should have looked there first lol..
@@ahmedhashmi3584 All good, I probably should've mentioned it in the video eh?
If you like the blackmagic ecosystem then stick with that. BM will come out with a cube style cinema camera that fits in between the Ursa and P6K. BM is one of the last and leading camera makers to do a cube.
If you don’t believe me then why has canon, Panasonic, Zcam, red, arri all put out cube-style in the last 6 months?
That's a good point. What's your wishlist for a BM Cube camera?
Sadly they didn’t :(
do buy...
Can s6 shoot 6k down to 4k?
I'm sorry, what do you mean? Are you asking if it can shoot 4K? If so, yes. I put in the chart with all of the recording modes.
@@joenicklo like shoot downsampling can it do that?
@@GUNAR-pv8tz Yes.
I don't know why working cinematographers compare cameras in different price points. If you can afford a Red KOMODO 6K you are going to get a Red. If you can only afford a BMPCC4k, thats what you are going to get. The only conversation is maybe this camera vs the BMPCC6K which is still a little cheaper as of 11/20. As a cinematographer and editor I would never pic zcam. The color science is inferior and the ease of editing is not up to par with Red or Blackmagic. With that said, Zcam has come a long way and I think their products are promising.
I disagree 100% that if you can afford a Komodo you'd get it. I can afford one, I don't think it's the right decision for my business right now.
I can't speak for anyone else but I personally compare cameras in different pricepoints because they have similar specs.
I'm not comparing a Gemini to the ZCam. That would be stupid.
Also, I'm not sure what you find difficult about editing ZCam footage. I was able to edit, playback and grade the ProRes HQ footage just fine. H265 required me to generate optimized media.
@@joenicklo I really appreciate your response. My goal in responding was more geared toward anti consumerism than to the points you made. I understand comparing specs, but I get lost because most specs don't matter without context. So many new filmmakers watch videos like this, get caught up in the specs and forget that cameras are just a tool. You made some great points but there is so much more to a camera than just the camera. Great movies have been shot on cameras with 1/10 of the features of this camera. Question? Imaging a new filmmaker getting this camera with a few lenses, a mic, a gimbal/tripod and a few lights with dreams of making their first movie. What would you say about this camera that would help them make a sound decision?
@@thewillandkevshow1465 To answer your question, I'd say it's ease of use and versatility would make it a sound decision. It packs a lot of firepower for $2500, but on the other hand, so does the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K for $2000.
As for the comparisons in regards to consumerism, I understand where you're coming from, I totally do but I think that (at least from my point of view) these comparisons help to prove to people that you don't need a camera that will put you in debt to produce high-level work, or work at all.
Yes, a camera is a tool. But so is an air ratchet. If you take your car to get new tires, will the mechanic use the cheaper hand ratchet because it's cheaper and achieves the same result? Or will he use the air ratchet because it allows him to get the job done faster and more efficiently?
Thanks for the review, but unfortunately I couldn’t finish it because your dialog is way too low. When commercials come on they are extremely loud by comparison. Please look into a simple compressor 3:1, fast attack, set threshold to reduce by 6db on normal dialog. The best? Fabfilter C2, works on any NLE, That and the Q3 EQ are lifesavers for better audio. Let me know if you fix these issues, it’s hard to subscribe or watch otherwise. Thanks again.
Appreciate the feedback. You’re the first to mention it BUT I did notice it when I went back to watch this a few times, unfortunately there’s nothing I can do about it since UA-cam won’t allow us to re-upload without making an entirely new video. Watch some of my newer videos. Let me know if those are more in line with proper volume. I’m using izotope rx’s loudness control now.
I will look into Fabfilter though!
Can you not film prores on ssd?
As far as I know, yes you can. Not ProRes RAW though. You can only film ProRes RAW through the Atomos Ninja V recorder.
Thanks for reply🙏 Also can you use Resolve for Colour Grading?
@@ADNZ5442 Yes. Check out some of my recent videos on color grading
you missed the very important low light iso test
I intend on doing a dedicated video for this soon.
How comes nobody is talking about the global shutter version....
I should have my hands on one....soon.
@@joenicklo I look forward to hearing about it. It sounds comparable to the Komodo...and cheaper!
@@bluefilmsltd It's also $6000.
@@joenicklo Ah, I see. If it's the same price, then i'd probably go for RED then, to be honest. Where is Z Cam manufactured??
SO THEY GIVE YOU A PROPER S35MM SENSOR, AND THEY GIVE RID OF PRORES OPTIONS FROM HD TO 4K RECORDING ?????????????????????? RIDICILOUS
They must’ve heard your complaint. New firmware just announced.
“All frame rate and resolution combos now support ProRes 422 (except c8k 2.4:1)”
@@joenicklo great
@@joenicklo Oh yea, 6k prores hq @ 60fps baby!
@@DanielScottFilms Z Cam isn't messing around!
3 years later we confirm that the Z Cam E2-S6 is useless! especially with so many new cameras coming out this year. you pay thousands of dollars and you can't see what you shoot because it doesn't come with a monitor! well thought guys!
You need a monitor with an ARRI, RED or Sony Venice. Just food for thought. The Zcam also has the F6 Pro model out which has a monitor. Most cinema cameras don’t have built in monitors.
This is not 14 stop footage.
When did anyone say it was? 🤔🤔🤔🤔
@@joenicklo You did in the video.
@@itsjantore no, I did not, I did not say “this footage I show is 14 stops”. According to Z Cam, the camera is capable of 14 stops.
@@joenicklo That's what I meant, and it is not capable of 14 stops.
What makes you say that?
✔✔😃👌
Ads ads and ads
Were there that many?! Let me know.
@@joenicklo 6 in 20 mins is a lot man
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Damn, sorry for that. As you know I have zero control over exactly how many ads they show, aside from turning off mid-roll ads. That being said...I only recently got my channel monetized so I'm not sure how these things work. What do you suggest?
@@joenicklo in that case then I am sorry man, pretty sure you can control it if you look in the video settings. I think UA-cam takes control if your video features copyright music or similar otherwise you can adjust it all. Do what you think is best for you and what will help you grow and put some cash in pocket. I know how much work goes into this
@@PursuitPerfectSystem No copyright music here. I'm sure if I turn OFF mid-roll ads it would help. Either way, thank you for checking out the video and I hope you stuck it out to see what I had to say about the camera.
It truly is an awesome little cinema camera.
The zcam color science does not look cinematic at all.
How can a COLOR SCIENCE, look "cinematic"?
@@joenicklo what is your definition of cinematic?
It’s not just the color of footage that’s for sure. To me “cinematic” is creatively lit shots, deliberately framed shots, that are crafted to come out the exact way a DP intends for them to look. This also goes for the movement of the shot.
“Cinematic” isn’t solely related to the color of a shot.
Let me ask you, what color science looks “cinematic” to you?
@@joenicklo Back to my initial comment, not every camera in the world shoots cinematic. Otherwise Hollywood would have been shooting on many different brand cameras.
There is no such thing as a camera that shoots “cinematic”
Excellent review, thank you so much.
Thanks for checking it out!