When it comes to Mission: Impossible, the stunts are as legendary as Tom Cruise himself. But what most don’t realize is that some of the most jaw-dropping sequences in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning weren’t just driven by adrenaline—they were captured by one of the most surprising underdogs in cinema tech: the Z CAM E2-F6. Yes, you read that right. This compact, relatively affordable, and often overlooked full-frame cinema camera has quietly infiltrated Hollywood’s elite productions. And now, thanks to a new behind-the-scenes video, we have visual proof of just how embedded the E2-F6 was in the heart of the action—literally attached to the actors during some of the most dangerous scenes ever filmed.
A New BTS Clip Reveals It All
Recently, an exclusive BTS video showed Z CAM mounted just inches from the Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning actors’ faces. The camera has also been utilised in the famous plane stunt! There’s no CGI magic here. It’s pure, raw, death-defying cinema. And the camera that documented these rare action moments? Not a bulky IMAX rig. Not a $100,000 cinema giant. But the small, rugged Z CAM E2-F6. This camera didn’t just survive the ride. It thrived, delivering cinematic-quality footage in the most extreme shooting environments imaginable.
And here’s the full BTS:
The Power of a Compact Monster
The Z CAM E2-F6 is a full-frame 6K cinema camera, priced significantly lower than the usual suspects in blockbuster production. Yet its dynamic range, low-light capability, and modular form factor make it perfect for stunts, crashes, aerials, and more. In our detailed article, “The Action Camera Behind Mission: Impossible 7“, we broke the news that this camera was used for various high-intensity sequences. The same gear returned for The Final Reckoning, this time with even more brutal demands—hanging on helicopters, strapped to FPV drones, and even mounted on Cruise during the real train crash (no green screen involved) as shown in “Mission: Impossible 7: Six Z CAM Cameras to Capture Real Train Crash”.
Z CAM’s Rise Through the Trenches
This isn’t Z CAM’s first big gig, either. In Meg 2: The Trench, the same E2-F6 was used for fast-paced FPV drone shots, proving its ability to fly high and fast without compromising image quality. That story is detailed in our report: “Z CAM E2-F6 is the Camera Behind the FPV Drone Shots on Meg 2: The Trench“. And now, with the release of the upgraded E2 Mark II Series, Z CAM is sharpening its edge even further. In our coverage “Z CAM: The Action Camera Behind Mission: Impossible 7 & 8 Gets a New Upgrade With the E2 Mark II Series”, we explore how the new lineup builds on the E2 legacy with better internals, faster processing, and improved image fidelity.
Not Just For Indies Anymore
Traditionally, Z CAM has been a darling among indie filmmakers and content creators—especially those who love building compact, high-performance rigs. But thanks to filmmakers like Christopher McQuarrie and the Mission: Impossible stunt team, Z CAM has officially crossed over into the big leagues. And it’s doing so with a distinct philosophy of authenticity—prioritizing real stunts over CGI fakery. This makes Z CAM part of a broader trend we’re seeing across Hollywood. In fact, as detailed in “The Cameras Behind Oscar 2024: ARRICAM Makes a Huge Comeback”, filmmakers are increasingly embracing practical effects, real film, and compact cameras that can get close and personal in ways traditional gear simply can’t.
Final Reckoning: Final Thoughts
So what’s the takeaway? The Z CAM E2-F6 may not be as famous as ARRI, RED, or Sony’s cinema monsters—but it’s quickly becoming a secret weapon for capturing the kind of visceral, pulse-pounding action that defines a franchise like Mission: Impossible. Its presence in The Final Reckoning proves that with the right tools and creative vision, size—and price—don’t always matter. This little beast climbed to 8,000 feet on a plane wing with Tom Cruise. It braved explosions, train crashes, and aerial chaos. It captured some of the most demanding sequences in blockbuster history. And it did it all without a cape, without CGI, and for IMAX theaters. Mission accomplished, Z CAM.
