The guys at Z CAM don’t (and won’t) stop. After launching the first version of the Z CAM E2 at NAB 2018, this time they are targeting the FF 8K fans. Read below about the new Z CAMs that are capable of shooting 8K in Full Frame format and cost below $6000.

What’s the rush for 8K?

There seems to be a mad race to the ultra-high resolution pantheon. Technology is not a significant barrier. Give some engineers a challenging task, and they will achieve that for sure. However, the catch is to complete the job under a vast budget limitation. One can say that the Chinese have cracked the formula on how to create the tech more affordable. For that statement, we can take the Z CAM E2 as a reference.

Give some engineers a challenging task, and they will achieve that for sure

World’s smallest 4K 10bit ProRes cinema camera

For anyone who has been living inside a cave, the Z CAM E2 is MFT (Micro Four Third) camera capable of capturing 4K at 120fps at 10bit. The company calls it a “World’s smallest 4K 10bit ProRes Cinematic Camera”. So what’s the big deal here? The small and robust design and the low price ($2000).  Of course, there is nothing exceptional concerning the image quality that the camera produces.

Check out the video below which demonstrates camera imagery and slow-motion capabilities and judge by yourself:

Z CAM E2 version II get boosted in sensor size and resolution

At NAB 2019, Z CAM introduced a new version of the Z CAM E2 which is capable of shooting 6K, 8K within super 35 and full frame sensors. The models are E2-S6 S35 (S= super 35, 6= 6K), E2-F6 FF (6K Full Frame) and the E2-F8 FF (8K resolution and Full Frame sensor). That’s a major improvement to the previous versions.

The E2-S6 S35 camera will cost $3995, while the full frame version will cost $4995. The E2-F8 will cost $5995, which means 8K FF under $6,000.

Let’s take a look at the specs of the 6K version:

General specs

• Video resolution: Up to 6244 X 4168 30FPS
• Lens mount: EF/PL
• Sensor: Super 35 CMOS: 23.4mm X 15.67mm
• Codec: H.265, H.264: Maximum bitrate: 37.5 Mb/sec
• Media: CFast 2.0
• Bit depth: 10-bit 4:2:2
• RAW: 12-bit & 14-bit
• Audio: 24-bit 48kHz
• ISO: Manual 320-102400. Dual native ISO 320/1000
• Focus: MF/AF
• Housing: Aluminum Alloy body
• Dimensions: 91.2mm X 99.2mm X 90.1mm

These are quite impressive specs. Regarding price: The E2-S6 S35 camera will cost $3995, while the full frame version will cost $4995. The E2-F8 will cost $5995, which means 8K FF under $6,000.

Final thoughts

As said above, there is a trend to make the 8K FF technology much more affordable. From an engineering point of view, it can be done. However, what about picture quality? Kinefinity, for example, can’t and shouldn’t be compared to ALEXA nor RED. As camera manufacturer, Showing-off with marketing words like 8K and FF will not take you anywhere (Fran 8K anyone?). Let’s be focused on creating cameras that are capable of true high dynamic range and beautiful imagery in full HD, which is still enough for most cinematic applications.