Z CAM E2 announced the release of firmware 0.98.0. Now all resolution and frame rate combinations support ProRes 422 HQ recording (except C8K 2.4:1). Read the release notes of the action camera behind Mission: Impossible 7.
Z CAM: The action camera behind Mission Impossible
A few months ago, Z CAM E1 crash-cams were spotted in Mission: Impossible 7. The film director, Christopher McQuarrie, shared on his Instagram a picture of a few small cameras smashed to pieces during the production. Those were a bunch of Z CAM E1 models which are known as the world’s smallest micro four-thirds interchangeable lens 4K cameras.
The E1 models were announced five years ago with a price tag of less than $700. Currently, this camera is unavailable for purchase. Also, it appeared that the Z CAM cameras were intensively utilized on Mission: Impossible 6 as well. After a bit of investigation, the Z CAM E1 wasn’t the only model used on the set. According to Z CAM, the E2 cameras have been rigged out on a vehicle. For instance, check out the picture below which shows the E2 attached to a pursuit car driven by Tom Cruise.
Firmware 0.98.0: ProRes 422 HQ recording
The newly announced firmware 0.98 has in store many goodies, but the main one is to allow the privilege of recording ProRes 422 HQ, which can significantly facilitate post-production processes. The 0.98.0 firmware update is relevant for all E2 model. Explore the release notes below:
- All resolution and frame rate combinations now support ProRes 422 recording (except C8K 2.4:1)
- ProRes proxy records in separate files
- Preview & in-camera playback with 3D LUT banding issue fixed
- External SSD recording through USB performance improved
- Added 5K 60fps recording on E2-F6
- UVC (USB camera) bug fixe
- Other bug fixes
Click here to download it for free.
Final insights
The Z CAM is more than just an upgraded GoPro. It’s considered a true cinema tool that holds a huge potential derived from robust codecs and polished imagery. For instance, the Z CAM E2-F8 Full-Frame 8K Cinema Camera costs $6,000, and with the help of Atomos, it’s capable of shooting 12-bit 5.8K Apple ProRes RAW over HDMI recording on the Ninja V HDR monitor-recorder. Nice to explore how this Chinese manufacturer evolves and being utilized on high-end productions.
Have you shot with Z CAM? What is your opinion about those cameras? Let’s know your thoughts in the comments section below.
