Starting the week with some hot news regarding low-end cinema cameras. Z CAM announced a new model of the E2, which is M4, and RED Digital Cinema presets the new Control app for the forthcoming Komodo. Let’s have a look.

Z CAM E2-M4

The Z CAM E2-M4 is a newly announced model of the E2 series. We wrote about the E2 two weeks ago regarding its new and impressive capabilities of recording ProRes RAW. This feature was developed with Atomos and allows ProRes RAW 12-bit up to 4K 60 FPS recording over HDMI from the Z CAM E2 cinema camera to the Ninja V 5” HDR monitor-recorder. Read more on the article: Z CAM and Atomos Present 4Kp60 12-bit ProRes RAW for $2,500. Of course, this new M4 model will be armed with this ability as well by a free firmware release from Atomos in June 2020. The E2-M4 model is identical to the other E2 models but with two main differences: It lacks the sync feature, and it has an Interchangeable MFT Lens Mount.

Here are the key features:

1. Basically same as Z CAM E2 but without sync feature
2. Exterior design same as Z CAM E2 Flagship Series
3. Interchangeable MFT lens mount in the standard package
4. Optional interchangeable EF, PL and M mount
5. DCI and UHD 4K up to 160 fps
6. 4/3″ WDR CMOS Sensor
7. ProRes RAW & 12-Bit Color Support

Price and availability

The E2-M4 is expected to be released early in June, and soon after, according to Z CAM, it will support RTMP, RTPS, and SRT live-streaming directly from the camera, without needing a computer.

Price: $1,500. Preorder on B&H

Z CAM Price reductions

Besides, Z CAM has announced significant price reductions regarding S6 and F6 models.
These are the new prices:

• Z CAM E2-S6: Price changed from USD2,995 to USD2,499
• Z CAM E2-F6: Price changed from USD4,995 to USD3,999

Komodo control iOS app

RED Digital Cinema has presented the new RED CONTROL app for Komodo on iOS. The prices os the Komodo were announced last week ($7,000 for the stormtrooper – white and colored model, and $6,000 for the regular – black model). Read more about it in the article: RED Digital Cinema Starts to Sell Special Edition of its Komodo Cameras for $7,000. The RED CONTROL app for Komodo is currently for iOS users. The Android version will be developed at a later stage.

Take a look at the demonstration below:

Final thoughts

It seems that the competition of the cube-style cinema cameras is getting tougher. The Z CAM is a way more affordable than the RED Komodo. However, the Komodo is about the brand which you’re paying for. Regarding capabilities: ProRes RAW 12-bit vs REDCODE RAW. Both codecs allow the privilege of stunning imagery. Which camera do you prefer? Comment below.