Announcements π
Z Cam Official Resources
Resources on Z Cam's Github
- Basic Info
- How to Sync E2 Cinema Camera (M/I/S Explained)
- How to sync Timecode on Z Cam E2 Cinema Camera
- Communication Protocols
- 3D Models of Z Cams - E2c - E2 - E2 M4 - E2 S6
Resources on Z Cam's Website
- E2 Flagship (M4, S6, F6, F8) User Manual (up to fw 0.98)(up to firmware 0.93)
- E2C User Manual (up to Firmware 0.93)
- E2 User Manual (up to firmware 0.89)
- How to color calibrate a Z Cam - also fixes stuck/dead pixels
Z Cam Firmware Downloads
E2c | E2G | E2 | M4 | S6 | S6G | F6 | F6-Pro | F8 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Newest | Newest | Newest | Newest | Newest | Newest | Newest | Newest | Newest |
1.0.3 | 1.0.3 | 1.0.3 | 1.0.3 | 1.0.3 | 1.0.3 | |||
1.0.1 | 1.0.1 | 1.0.1 | - | 1.0.1 | 1.0.1 | |||
1.0.0 | 1.0.0 | 1.0.0 | 1.0.0 | - | 1.0.0 | 1.0.0 | ||
- | - | - | - | - | - | 0.9.9 | - | |
- | 0.98.2 | 0.98.2 | - | - | - | - | - | |
0.98 | 0.98 | - | - | 0.98.0 | 0.98 | 0.98 | 0.98 | 0.98.0 |
0.97.1 | 0.97.1 | - | - | 0.97.1 | - | 0.97.1 | - | 0.97.1 |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | 0.97 | - |
0.96 | - | 0.96 | 0.96 | 0.96 | - | 0.96 | 0.96 | 0.96 |
0.95 | 0.95 | 0.95 | - | 0.95 | - | 0.95 | - | 0.95 |
0.94 | 0.94 | 0.94 | - | 0.94 | - | 0.94 | - | 0.94 |
Z Cam Firmware Changelog
1.0.3
- Added split duration 120 minutes option;
- Added 1s preroll, now 1/3/5/7/10s selectable;
- Support customized frame line png larger than 1920x1080 (7680x4320 max.) pixels;
- Other bug fixes.
1.0.1
- E2-S6 resolution 3456x3456 @50fps, 3840x3840 @30fps, 4000x4000 @30fps
- E2-F6 resolution 4K 4:3 & 4K 6:5 aspect ratios
- E2-F6 crop feature on user programmable button
- EzLink multi camera sync feature
- Lens focal point control (web clientοΌ
- Shutter angle 288ΒΊ
- 0.1ΒΊ step shutter angle adjustment
- PixelLink multi camera sync bug fixes
- Other bug fixes
1.0.0
Added:
- Added BRAW support over HDMI on Blackmagic Video Assist (E2, E2-M4, E2-S6 & E2-F6 only)
Fixed:
- Minor bug fixes
0.9.9
F6-Pro Only
Added RAW over HDMI (ProRes RAW recording on Atomos Ninja V)
Added 4K 4:3 4096x3072 50fps max
Optimized Timecode
Other bug fixes
0.98.2
Added:
- 4K 120fps RAW over HDMI
Bug fixes:
- Low jello mode prohibited (RAW over HDMI)
- Minor bug fixes
0.98
Added
- 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 fixes.
0.97.1
Added
- C4K 3:2 aspect ratio (for E2-S6 & E2-F6)
- Extended manual ISO
- Improvements
- ProRes 422 Proxy, 4K up to 120fps (for E2 & E2-M4)
- PProRes HQ, C4K up to 50fps (for E2-S6 & E2-F6)
- ProRes 422, 8K up to 25fps (for E2-F8)
- ProRes LT, 8K up to 30fps (for E2-F8)
- VFR selection moved to Record menu.
- Bug fixes
- ISO setting not memorized.
- pre-roll not working.
0.97
E2 & M4
- ProRes 422 Proxy 4k up to 120 FPS
S6 & F6
- C4K 3:2 aspect ratio
- ProRes C4k up to 50fps
F8
- ProRes 422 8k up to 25fps
- ProRes LT 8k up to 30fps
Features and improvements for all cameras
- VFR selection moved to Record menu.
- Finer eND adjustments
- Grip SUBMENU
- Playback speed options 1x, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8
- Noise Reduction for Audio
- Sharpness option "None"
- Image Profiles Vivo 0,1, & 2
- Auto File Recovery
- Extended manual ISO(100-320)
0.96
Features / bug fixes on all models unless otherwise noted
- in camera SRT push (web interface)
- in camera RTMP/RTMPS push (web interface)
- UVC web camera, supports both H.264 & MJPEG
- Concert image profile
- F2 F3 F4 can be assigned for Mode Switching
- RAW over HDMI performance
- [E2-F6][E2-S6] Noise performance further improved in high ISO
- [E2C][E2-F8][E2-S6] White balance 10000K color temperature
- 23.98fps output on HDMI
- Camera preview LUT updated
- Bug Fix: H.264 meta data error
- Bug Fix: Audio gain incorrect
- other bug fixes
0.95
- RAW output over HDMI
- File name display on HDMI when OSD info is ON
- Audio track left / right gain setting adjustment
- Hot Pixel algorithm improved for high ISO
- Noise performance improved for higher frame rates (not applicable to E2C & E2G)
- Maximum ISO refined for Z-Log2
- Programmable eND user button mapping & auto function (flagships only)
- In camera playback Audio video sync issue fixed
- Performance Optimization
- Minor bug fixes
E2 F8
- Noise performance improved for high frame rate & high ISO
E2 F6
- Supports ISO auto
E2 S6
- Added Low jello mode in C5K/5K/C4K/4K/4K 2.4:1
- 2.8K 120fps (2868Γ1512)
E2 and E2G
- Multicam co-exposure aperture setting
- Multicam master camera AWB push to set
E2G
- Resolution 2880Γ2160 30fps
- Fixed 23.98 & 50 project fps exposure issue
E2c and E2G
- Added Denoise Off/Weak/Medium setting
- Refined shadow area saturation
0.94
Added
- Low Jello Mode (Z CAM E2 & Z CAM E2-F6).
- De-noise options (off/weak/medium) for Z CAM E2, Z CAM E2-S6, Z CAM E2-F6 & Z CAM E2-F8.
- USB-Serial converter is supported.
- eND is supported.
- HEIF/DNG is supported for still capture.
- PTP is supported.
- Leica DG 45mm (MFT) lens is supported.
Improvements
- Partial debayer ZRAW, compression ratio 8:1, 4K@60fps / 6K@30fps max.
- VFR 4K up to 90fps on Z CAM E2-F6.
- VFR 4K 49~60fps, enhanced FOV on Z CAM E2-F6.
- Refined saturation in shadow (Z CAM E2, Z CAM E2-S6, Z CAM E2-F6 & Z CAM E2-F8)
Software Downloads
Welcome to the Z Fam
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Upgrade Firmware On Z CAMs
Note it is NOT possible to rollback to a firmware before 0.95 once you have updated to 0.95 or newer. My handbook only includes 0.94 and newer, since I strongly encourage all users to be on the most up to date firmware for best performance.
My preferred way to connect my Z Cam to my computer is with a USB C cable and connecting to the web browser, since it requires no installs and gives you the same basic features as the desktop application.
-
Connect to 172.18.18.1/www/index.html in your browser.
Be sure your USB mode is set to Network in the Connection Menu in camera.
-
On the webpage you can control the camera or playback. Select Controller.
The latest firmware for each camera is found in the Firmware Downloads section above.
-
Navigate to the Misc Menu, click Upgrade and then select the file you downloaded from Z Camβs website in the prompt.
If upgrading from a firmware previous to 0.95 then you MUST rename the .fw file extension to .zip The reason for this is that .fw did not exist prior to 0.95 and it is changed going forward to mitigate Mac and Safari from automatically unzipping downloaded .zip files.
Native ISO
The Z Cam E2 and flagships have dual native ISO, while the E2C and E2G only have one native ISO. Here is a chart listing them. If you want to film exclusively in these ISOs, change ISO Control in the Exposure Menu to Native ISO.
Camera | Low Native ISO | High Native ISO |
---|---|---|
F8 & S6 | 400 | 1250 |
F6 | 400 | 2500 |
E2 & M4 WDR Off E2 & M4 WDR on |
500 250 |
2500 1250 |
E2G & S6G | 1250 | - |
E2c | 800 | - |
How to Expose for Zlog
-
1st read Jason's Medium Post on the LOG design curve.
The main take away from Jason's article can be found in this Facebook Post
-
Next, familiarize yourself with the False Color Spectrum of Z CAMs
As a general rule you want to make sure your image is free from orange, purple, and blue while in false color mode. The neon green is where you want to aim to get your middle grey exposure, as this leaves 7 stops above to deal with over exposure. All skin tone exposure values in the scene should fall between the neon green and yellow regions.
LUTs for Z Cam
I strongly recommend using LUTs in your monitor or wireless phone Z CAM app.
-
Z CAM's 1st party LUTs are available for download here, however I would recommend using Exigent Film's Rec 709 exposure LUTs for your monitoring LUTs. The only time that the Vlog LUTs should be used is when filming ProRes RAW externally on an Atomos Ninja V.
-
Exigent Films Rec 709 LUTs - to find out best use of these LUTs watch the creator's video on them here.
CFast vs SSD & Recommended Brands
For reliability it is always recommended to use a CFast card, but you can also record onto an external USB C SSD. Due to the high constant bitrate write demand here are the top recommendations based on the Facebook group:
RECOMMENDED
- Angelbird CFast, SSD, or Bundle - recommended by Z Cam, and my choice for CFAST
- Sandisk SSD or CFast - recommended by Z Cam, and my choice for SSD
- Freetail Evoke Pro CFast - cheapest reliable card
TESTED BUT NOT RECOMMENDED
AVOID
- Sony CFast
- Prograde CFast - works in limited sample size
- Samsung T5 & T7 SSD - there are many reported issues of dropping frames due to the drive's limited sustained write speed. These drives are not meant for media recording according to several distributers' of them, please, please just get something off the recommended list.
- Lexar CFast
- Integral Ultima - too slow for ProRes422HQ
Recording Media Formatting Troubleshooting Steps
- Format on PC using Exfat and set to GUID Partition Table (GPT)
- Turn on camera and make sure Cfast card is not inserted
- After camera boot-up, insert card
- Format in camera
Sample Kits
In Development
Bitrates and Recording Times
H.265 Bitrates
Click here to download the H.265 reference charts
Click Here to expand the chart
Resolution | Frame Rate | High Bitrate (Mbps) | Medium Bitrate (Mbps) | Low Bitrate (Mbps) |
---|---|---|---|---|
8K | all | 500 | 400 | 200 |
6K | 31+ 30-0 | 300 250 | 190 160 | 130 100 |
5K | all | 250 | 160 | 100 |
4K & Super16 | 60+ 60-31 30-0 | 300 230 200 | 200 150 130 | 160 100 60 |
1080P | 60+ 60-31 30-0 | 200 60 30 | 130 30 20 | 60 15 10 |
H.265 Recording Times
Click to expand chart for 1TB of storage
Divide times by 2 for 512GB, and 4 for 256GB.
Resolution | Frame Rate | High Bitrate (Hr:Min) | Medium Bitrate (Hr:Min) | Low Bitrate (Hr:Min) |
---|---|---|---|---|
8K | all | 4:27 | 5:35 | 11:07 |
6K | 31+ 30-0 | 7:25 8:55 | 11:45 13:55 | 17:10 22:15 |
5K | all | 8:55 | 13:55 | 22:15 |
4K & Super16 | 60+ 60-31 30-0 | 7:25 9:40 11:07 | 11:07 14:52 17:10 | 13:55 22:15 37:06 |
1080P | 60+ 60-31 30-0 | 11:07 37:06 74:12 | 17:10 74:12 111:30 | 37:06 148:30 223:00 |
ProRes Bitrates
Click here to download ProRes reference charts
Click here to expand the chart
Resolution | Frame Rate | Proxy (Mbps) | LT (Mbps) | 422 (Mbps) | 422 HQ (Mbps) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
8K | β | β | β | β | β |
6K | 45 30 25 24 | β 437 365 350 | β 985 821 788 | 2121 1414 1180 1131 | β β 1769 1697 |
5K | 30 25 24 | 304 253 243 | 684 570 547 | 982 819 786 | 1473 1229 1178 |
4K | 75 60 50 30 25 24 | 486 388 323 194 162 155 | 1095 875 730 437 365 350 | 1572 1257 1049 629 524 503 | 2358 1886 1573 943 786 754 |
1080P | 120 60 50 30 25 24 | 182 91 76 45 38 36 | 408 204 170 102 85 85 | 584 293 245 147 122 117 | 880 440 367 220 184 176 |
ProRes Recording Times
Click to expand chart for 1TB of storage
Divide times by 2 for 512GB, and 4 for 256GB.
Resolution | Frame Rate | Proxy (Hour:Min) | LT (Hour:Min) | 422 (Hour:Min) | 422 HQ (Hour:Min) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
8K | β | β | β | β | β |
6K | 45 30 25 24 | β 5:52 7:01 7:19 | β 2:36 3:07 3:15 | 1:12 1:48 2:10 2:16 | β β 1:27 1:30 |
5K | 30 25 24 | 8:26 10:08 10:33 | 3:45 4:30 4:41 | 2:37 3:08 3:16 | 1:44 2:05 2:10 |
4K | 75 60 50 30 25 24 | 5:17 6:36 7:56 13:13 15:49 16:32 | 2:20 2:56 3:30 5:51 7:01 7:19 | 1:38 2:02 2:27 4:05 4:53 5:05 | 1:05 1:22 1:38 2:43 3:16 3:24 |
1080P | 120 60 50 30 25 24 | 14:05 28:10 33:44 56:58 67:27 71:12 | 6:17 12:34 15:05 25:08 30:09 30:09 | 4:23 8:45 10:28 17:26 21:00 21:54 | 2:55 5:50 6:49 11:39 13:56 14:34 |
ZRAW Bitrates
ZRAW records in 1.2Gbps, which will fill up 1TB of storage in 2 hours and 5 minutes. 512GB in 1hr 3min, 256GB in 34min.
Z Cam E2 M4 Crop Factor & Max FPS in all Resolutions and Codecs
Click here to download the chart
Click Here to expand
Firmware 0.98 | MP | H.264 | H.265 | ProRes Proxy | ProRes LT | ProRes 422 | ProRes HQ | ZRAW | Crop Factor | CF w/ Turbomount |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4k 4:3 Low Noise 3696Γ2772 | 10.2 | 29.97 No VFR | 29.97 No VFR | 29.97 No VFR | 29.97 No VFR | 29.97 No VFR | 29.97 No VFR | 29.97 No VFR | x1.9 | x1.35 |
C4k Low Noise 4096Γ2160 | 8.8 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | x1.9 | x1.35 |
4k Low Noise 3840Γ2160 | 8.3 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | x1.9 | x1.35 |
4k 4:3 3696Γ2772 | 10.2 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | x1.9 | x1.35 |
4k 6:5 3312Γ2760 | 9.1 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | x1.9 | x1.35 |
C4k 4096Γ2160 | 8.8 | 60 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 60 | 60 | x1.9 | x1.35 |
4K 3840Γ2160 | 8.3 | 60 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 60 | 60 | x1.9 | x1.35 |
C4K 2.4:1 4096Γ1728 | 7.1 | 60 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 60 | 60 | x1.9 | x1.35 |
4K 2.4:1 3840Γ1600 | 6.1 | 60 | 160 | 160 | 160 | 160 | 90 | 60 | x1.9 | x1.35 |
S16 2704Γ1600 | 3.5 | 60 | 160 | 160 | 160 | 160 | 120 | 60 | x3.09 | x2.16 |
S16 16:9 2112Γ1188 | 2.5 | 60 | 170 | 170 | 170 | 170 | 120 | 60 | x3.64 | x2.58 |
HD 1920Γ1080 | 2.1 | 120 | 240 | 240 | 240 | 240 | 240 | β | x1.9 | x1.35 |
Z Cam E2 S6 Crop Factor & Max FPS in all Resolutions and Codecs
Click here to download the chart
Click here to expand the chart
Firmware 0.98 | MP | H.264 | H.265 | ProRes Proxy | ProRes LT | ProRes 422 | ProRes HQ | ZRAW | Crop Factor | CF w/ Turbomount |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Gate 6244x4168 |
26 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | β | 30 | x1.4 | x1.00 |
5K 4:3 5552x4164 |
23.1 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 25 | 30 | x1.4 | x1.00 |
5K 6:5 4992x4160 |
20.8 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | x1.4 | x1.00 |
6K 5760x3240 |
18.6 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 30 | 30 | x1.4 | x1.00 |
C6K 6064x3196 |
19.4 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 30 | 30 | x1.4 | x1.00 |
6K 2.4:1 6064x2560 |
15.5 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 50 | 30 | 30 | x1.4 | x1.00 |
C5k 5120x2700 |
13.8 | β | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 45 | 30 | x1.4 | x1.00 |
5k 4800x2700 |
13.0 | β | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 45 | 30 | x1.4 | x1.00 |
C4k 3:2 |
12.6 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | x1.4 | x1.00 |
C4k Low Noise 4096x2160 |
8.8 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | β | x1.4 | x1.00 |
4k Low Noise 3840x2160 |
8.3 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | β | x1.4 | x1.00 |
C4K 4096x2160 |
8.8 | 60 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 60 | β | x1.4 or x2.1x2.1 forced at 48 fps+ |
x1.00 or x1.49 |
4K 3840x2160 |
8.3 | 60 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 60 | β | x1.4 or x2.1x2.1 forced at 50 fps+ |
x1.0 or x1.49 |
C4k 2.4:1 4096x1728 |
7.1 | 60 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 60 | β | x2.1 | x1.49 |
S16 16:9 3392x1908 |
6.5 | 60 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 60 | x2.38 | x1.69 |
2.8k 2868x1512 |
4.3 | 60 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 75 | x3 | x2.13 |
HD 1920x1080 |
2.1 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | β | x1.4 or x4.2 | x1.0 or x2.98 |
Z Cam E2 S6G Crop Factor & Max FPS in all Resolutions and Codecs
Click here to download the chart
Click here to expand the chart
Firmware 0.98 | MP | H.264 | H.265 | ProRes Proxy | ProRes LT | ProRes 422 | ProRes HQ | ZRAW | Crop Factor | CF w/ Turbomount |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Gate 6144x4096 |
26 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | β | 30 | x1.4 | x1.00 |
C6K 6144x3240 |
19.4 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | x1.4 | x1.00 |
6k 5760x3240 |
18.7 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | x1.4 | x1.00 |
6K 2.4:1 6144x2592 |
15.5 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | - | x1.4 | x1.00 |
C4K 4096x2160 |
8.8 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | - | x1.4 or x2.1x2.1 forced at 48 fps+ |
x1.00 or x1.49 |
4K 3840x2160 |
8.3 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | 56 | β | x1.4 or x2.1x2.1 forced at 50 fps+ |
x1.0 or x1.49 |
C4k 2.4:1 4096x1728 |
7.1 | 60 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 60 | β | x2.1 | x1.49 |
HD 1920x1080 |
2.1 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 60 | x1.4 or x4.2 | x1.0 or x2.98 |
Z Cam E2 F6 Crop Factor & Max FPS in all Resolutions and Codecs
Click here to download the chart
Z CAM Facebook group member, Niko Spettmann, created these two graphics to explain the visual differences of sensor coverage while supersampling and with no supersampling in various resolutions on the F6.
Click here to expand the chart
Firmware 0.98 | MP | H.264 | H.265 | ProRes Proxy | ProRes LT | ProRes 422 | ProRes HQ | ZRAW | Crop Factor | CF w/ Turbomount |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Gate 6064x4040 |
24.5 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 25 | 30 | x1 | N/A |
C6K 6064x3196 |
19.4 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 30 | 30 | x1 | N/A |
6K 5760x3240 |
18.6 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 30 | 30 | x1 | N/A |
6K 2.4:1 6064x2560 |
15.5 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 50 | 30 | 30 | x1 | N/A |
5K 4:3 5376x4032 |
21.7 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 25 | 30 | x1 | N/A |
5K 6:5 4848x4040 |
19.6 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | x1 | N/A |
C5K 5120x2700 |
13.8 | - | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 45 | 30 | x1 | N/A |
5K 4800x2700 |
13.0 | - | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 45 | 30 | x1 | N/A |
C4K 3:2 4096x2732 |
11.2 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | x1 | N/A |
C4k 4096x2160 |
8.8 | 60 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 60 | 60 | x1 or x1.47x1.47 is forced at 48 fps+ |
N/A or x1.04 |
4K 3840x2160 |
8.3 | 60 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 60 | 60 | x1 or x1.5x1.5 forced at 49 fps+ |
N/A or x1.07 |
C4K 2.4:1 4096x1728 |
7.1 | 60 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 60 | 60 | x1 or x1.48x1.48 is forced at 60fps+ |
x1.05 |
S16 16:9 2112x1188 |
2.5 | 60 | 170 | 170 | 170 | 170 | 120 | 60 | x2.73 | x1.94 |
HD 1920x1080 |
2.1 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | β | x1 or x3 | N/A or x2.13 |
Z Cam E2 F8 Crop Factor & Max FPS in all Resolutions and Codecs
Click here to download the chart
Click to expand the chart
FW 1.0.3 | MP | H264 | H265 | PR LT | PR 422 | PR HQ | ZRAW | Est Crop Factor | Est crop factor w/ Turbo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8k 7680x4320 |
33.2 | - | |||||||
8k 2.4:1 8192 x 3456 |
28.3 | - | |||||||
C6k 6144 x 3240 |
|||||||||
6k 5760 x 3240 |
|||||||||
4k 3840 x 160 |
|||||||||
S16 3392 x 1908 |
x1.92 |
Click to expand the chart
Firmware 0.96 | MP | H.264 | H.265 | ProRes Proxy | ProRes LT | ProRes 422 | ProRes HQ | ZRAW | Crop Factor | CF w/ Turbomount |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8K 7680Γ4320 | 33.2 | β | 30 | β | β | β | β | 30 | x1.2 | N/A |
8K 2.4:1 8192Γ3456 | 28.3 | β | 30 | β | β | β | β | 30 | x1.2 | N/A |
C6K 6144Γ3240 | 19.4 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | β | 30 | x1.66 | x1.17 |
6K 5760Γ3240 | 18.7 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | β | 30 | x1.66 | x1.17 |
4K 3840Γ2160 | 8.3 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 48 | β | x1.2 or x2.4 | N/A or x1.7 |
S16 3392Γ1908 | 3.5 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | x2.71 | x1.92 |
st Time Users / Quick Start Guidee
In development
Z Cam Cinema Cameras
Z Cam Flagships
Interchangeable Mounts
The Z Cam E2 flagships come with the ability to remove and replace the lens mount that comes with the camera, the current options are EF, PL, M, standard Micro Four Thirds, and Active Lock MFT mounts. An EF speedbooster (x0.71 crop) called the TurboMount is soon to be released.
Note that not all mounts are compatible with eND, for now it is limited to the standard EF and PL mounts. The M mount lacks the electronic contact pins that the other mount options have that allow the camera to control the aperture and other lens settings.
Other Z Cam Models
MENU SYSTEM Explained
Record MENU
-
Resolution
set the recording resolution, for max resolution settings check here
-
Project FPS
set the FPS that your editing timeline will be in
-
File Format - MOV or MP4
Must be in MOV for ProRes
-
Split Duration β 1 / 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 30 / 60 minutes
Set the time that the camera will split the clip. To stitch together before editing use the Z Cam VideoConcatenator
Timecode SUBMENU
5.1 Time Code Source β internal or external
5.2 Time Code Value
5.2.1 Reset β resets the time code to 0
5.2.2 Manual Input β set the time code manually (hour:minute:second:frame)
5.2.3 Current Time β Sets time code so sync with camera setting time
5.3 Count Up
5.3.1 Rec Run β Counts the time code only when recording
5.3.2 Free Run β Continues the time code even when not recording video
5.4 Time Code Mode
5.4.1 DF β camera modifies the difference between recorded time and time code
5.4.2 NDF β Records the time code without drop frame
5.5 HDMI Display
>turn on or off time code displayed on your monitor through HDMI
-
Playback FR.
Select default (project) frame rate or variable frame rate (VFR) for playback & review in camera.
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Meta Setup
Assign Camera ID (A through Z) and Reel name as a number 001-999
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Pre Roll
Turn on or off a pre roll buffer to each clip, when on the camera will automatically save footage from 5 seconds before recording
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Raw over HDMI
Turning this setting on will allow recording ProRes RAW with an Atomos Ninja V. This setting cannot be turned on unless the Resolution is set to 6k or 4k.
Video MENU
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Variable Framerate
To film in a frame rate other than the project fps. Dependent on Resolution, project FPS and WDR settings.
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Encoder β H.264 / H.265 / ProRes Proxy, LT, 422 & 422 HQ / ZRAW
Select the encoder used for your files. Click here for reference charts for max FPS & resolution. The encoder used for recording determines bit depth and color sampling, and a chart of those is below.
Encoder | H.264 | H.265 | ProRes | ZRAW |
---|---|---|---|---|
Color Bit Depth | 8 Bit | 10 Bit | 10 Bit | 12 Bit |
Color Sampling | 4:2:0 | 4:2:0 | 4:2:2 | N/A |
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Bitrate β High, Medium or Low
Select the bit rate quality of recording while in H.265 codec.
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Proxy Track
Turning this setting on enables a proxy track to be recorded simultaneously. Prior to firmware 0.94 these files were written to a separate folder, but due to playback issues, the proxy files are now encoded in the same file as your main recording and extracted with the Z Cam Video Transcoder. Proxy tracks are how I am able to edit 8k H.265 files from my F8 on a laptop, so I strongly recommend you learn Proxy workflow for you NLE of choice.
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Rotation β normal or upside down.
Rotates the image by 180 degrees. A setting in stream converter in being developed for 90 rotation for smartphone streaming delivery.
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WDR β only on E2 and M4
Enable wide dynamic range in select recording modes. When enaled the dynamic range is extended from 13 stops of Z-Log2 to 16, with 1.5 stop increases for highlights and shadows
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Timelapse
select the time for a timelapse
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VFR Control
Select how precise of control over the exact variable frame rate
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Crop Sensor
For super-sampled resolutions turning this setting on will crop the sensor to the resolution set instead of supersampling. Two examples are on the F8βs 4K mode, where you can achieve a 4x sensor crop, or on the F6βs 4K mode, where you get similar to Super 35 coverage, if youβre using crop lenses.
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Low Jello
Enable this mode to improve rolling shutter performance. User feedback puts improvement in performance by a factor of 2.
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Photo Quality β JPEG, RAW, or HEIF
Audio MENU
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Encoder β None, AAC, or PCM
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Input β Microphone, XLR, Mic Left + XLR Right, or Mic Right + XLR Left
You can choose between 3.5mm, XLR, or a mix of R/L or L/R of the two. If Microphone is selected and nothing is plugged into the 3.5mm input, then the camera will use its on board microphones.
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Input Gain β -18dB to 6dB
Adjust the recording levels of microphones. Can be mapped to a dial function on the RVLVR clutch handle. Also can be set to auto.
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Encoder - None / AAC / PCM
Selecting none records audio uncompressed, AAC is my prefered audio compression encoder.
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Output Gain β -6dB to 6dB
boost or lower the audio volume to your headset without impacting recording levels
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Phantom Power
While the Z Cam has the ability to do phantom power for microphones, it is recommended that you use the microphoneβs battery power for the cleanest audio. Must have an XLR input enabled to change this setting.
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Audio Level Display
Enables the audio level to be shown on screen
Exposure MENU
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Flicker Reduction β 60Hz or 50Hz
This setting is used to reduce light flickering caused by the frequency of electricy. Use 60Hz in Northa America, South Korea, Philippines, and Taiwan. Use 50Hz for mainland China and other countries.
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EV β -3.0 through +3.0 with 0.3 increments
Sets the exposure value of the camera
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Shutter Speed
Select the shutter speed of your camera or set to auto. Can be remapped to various handles for easier control. The minimum shutter speed is the 1/FPS setting. If your VFR is 1fps then you can set it to 1"
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Aperture
Adjust the aperture of your lens. Only lenses with electronic contacts can communicate this value to the camera body, so it will not show a value when you have a manual aperture control lens on your camera.
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ISO
Select the ISO of your camera. For native ISO settings on all models click here.
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eND
Control stops of ND applied when you have an eND filter installed in compatible flagship lens mounts.
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Min ISO
Set the lowest ISO value when your ISO is set to auto
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Max ISO
Set the highest ISO value when your ISO is set to auto
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Max Shutter Speed
Set the highest selectable shutter speed value
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Metering Mode β Center / Average / Spot
Select the exposure metering mode. Center takes values from the center of the frame, Average takes a sum of all exposure in the frame, Spot only selects a region to take exposure values from.
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Shutter Operation
Change between Speed and Angle measurements for your shutter.
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ISO Control
Select either fine for precise control or Native ISO to lock all but the dual native ISO values to be selected
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AE Speed β Slow / Normal / Fast
Auto Exposure speed adjusts how fast the camera will change the exposure when in auto exposure mode
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Lock In Record
Turn off to be able to change exposure settings while recording a clip. Turn on if you are using any auto exposure settings to lock that exposure level when you hit record.
White Balance MENU
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Mode β Auto, Incandescent, Cloudy, D10000, Fluorescent, Daylight, Shade, Manual, or eND (flagship only)
select the white balance setting, auto works very well with run and gun in changing environments in my experience.
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Kelvin β 2300K ~ 7500K
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Tint β 100 to β 100
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Priority β Ambiance / White
Ambiance increases a warm cast color when shooting in a tungsten lit scene. White decreases a warm cast color when shooting in a tungsten lit scene. ALWAYS use white priority when shooting in Z-Log2
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Lock in Record
Turn off to be able to change white balance settings while recording a clip. Turning this setting on will lock the WB range when you start recording while in any WB mode besides manual.
Focus MENU
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Focus Mode β MF or AF
I always use MF and a follow focus when possible
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Focus Area β Flexible Zone or Human Track
Human track works quite well for human subjects
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Focus Area Size β Small / Medium / Large
Can only be changed when flexible zone focus area is enabled.
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Change Focus Area
Allows the user to select which region of the screen will be used in Flexible Zone focus mode
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Continuous AF
Enable to allow focus tracking to follow a moving subject
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Live CAF
When on it will contiously focus in real time according to the scene. While not perfect AF performance, it is fairly good compared to any of the other cinema camera brands I've used.
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CAF Sensitivity β High / Middle / Low
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MF Assist β Enable or disable
This will temporarily zoom in with a 2x crop on the LCD screen and HDMI output. Note this is not focus peaking, that is found under the Assist Tools sub menu in System settings. Will not crop the recorded clip.
Image MENU
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Image Profile β Rec. 709, Z-Log2, Flat, HLG
1.1 Rec. 709 β use this for direct output and quick turnaround times with no grading necessary in post. 1.2 Z-Log2 β Log developed by Z Cam with 13 stops of dynamic range and preserves detail in highlights, for grading in post.
1.3 FLAT β Has the dynamic range of Z-Log 2 but with the Rec 709 profile baked into it.
1.4 HLG β Hybrid Log-Gamma β Encode the high light part of the logarithmic curve and the low light part of the standard gamma curve
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Sharpness β Strong, Medium, or Weak
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Noise Reduction β Medium, Weak, or Off
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Brightness β 0 to 100 β set the recorded brightness of the image
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Saturation β 0 to 100 β set the recorded saturation of the image
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Contrast β 0 to 100 β set the recorded contrast of the image
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Luminance Level β Full (0-255) or Limited (16-235)
I use limited for ease of editing
Connection MENU
Network SUBMENU
1.1 Wi-fi - To Connect, turn your phone or tablet to airplane mode, search for a wifi network name similar to βZCAM-E2-####β and connect with password 12345678
1.2 Wi-Fi IP β When Wi-Fi is enable this displays your cameraβs IP4 address for manual connection
1.3 ETH. Mode β Router, Direct, or Static
1.4 ETH. IP β displays your cameraβs ethernet IP4 address for manual connection
USB SUBMENU
2.1 Host β The camera will be a host device to transfer data to an external SSD or to have a wired connection for smartphone monitoring and control
2.2 Mass Storage β The camera will be recognized as an external drive when connected to a computer. Use this mode for fast offloading of CFast card footage without the need to remove the card.
2.3 Network β connect your camera to your computer with USB C for livestreaming control and monitoring. Can also control the camera through the HTTP API.
2.4 Serial β the camera will be controlled by UART command when connected to a computer through the USB port
2.5 PTP
2.6 USB Camera - To use your Z CAM as a webcam use this setting. Recommended use is connecting your camera to your computer with a USB C to USB A cable.
HDMI SUBMENU
3.1 Display Info β Enable for settings info to appear on screen, disable for a clean output image to a recorder
3.2 OSD Layout β Type 1 / Type 2 β Type 1 displays assist tools as waveform directly onto video. Type 2 Adds a black frame area to display assist tools
3.3 Format β HDMI output resolution, which differs from internal recording resolution.
3.4 Use EDID β toggles whether the camera automatically reads the EDID information of the HDMI connected monitor
- UART β Controller, Pelco D, Multiplexer, or Linear TC.
Changing this setting requires a camera reboot to take effect. Controller uses UART command, Pelco D is for use with gimbals, multiplexer are supported by third party devices, and Linear TC allows timecode to be input to the camera
System Menu
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Clear Settings
Resets all settings to default value. Requires a camera reboot to take effect.
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Format Card
Formats the CFast card. Do this every time you insert a card for best results
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Assist Tools
3.1 Display β Toggle assist tools on or off
3.2 Scope β display either Waveform, Parade, Vectorscope, or histogram on screen. Option to change overlay opacity and to measure with or without the LUT
3.3 Peak β enable in camera focus peaking, color options are red, green, blue, orange, or white. You can toggle monochrome on or off as well as adjust the focus peaking threshold (sensitivity).
3.4 Exposure β Toggle zebra stripes as well as set your Zebra1 and Zebra2 sensitivity value. I usually have Zebra1 set to 100 for complete overexposure blowouts and Zebra2 to 75 for skin tone exposure.
3.5 Frame Line β Can overlay grid lines in 2.4:1, 2.35:1, 1.9:1, 1.85:1, or 4:3 aspect ratios onscreen in red, green, blue, orange, or white.
3.6 Center Mark β toggle a center mark in red, green, blue, orange, or white.
3.7 Grid Line β Toggle grid lines on or off
3.8 Safe Area β toggle safe area on or off
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Load LUT
To import a LUT, save a x33 cube format with a name under 16 letters containing no spaces into MISC/looks/preview/ of the CFast card. This LUT will be available in playback mode
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Desqueeze Display
Apply a vertical or horizontal anamorphic desqueeze to the display options are 1x, 1.33x, 1.5x, 1.8x, and 2x.
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User Profile
6.1 Save Profile β saves the current user settings to a profile in camera
6.2 Load Profile β Load a previous user profile from the camera
6.3 Save To Card β Saves the current user settings to a profile on the CFast card
6.4 Load From Card β Load a user profile from the CFast card
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User Button β None, Take Photo, AE Lock, AF Lock, WB Lock, Aperture, ISO, Peak, Exposure Tool, Scope Tool, HDMI OSD, Shutter, EV, AF, Magnifier, Focus Area, Record, VFR, Enable LUT, and Playback.
assign 8 custom functions on an E2 and 9 on a flagship.
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Record Indicator
Toggles a red LED indicating when the camera is recording
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Restore Lens Pos.
When enabled the camera will remember the latest focusing position of the lens when the camera is turned off and on.
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LCD Brightness
Increase or decrease in body LCD brightness
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Power β
11.1 Auto Power Off - never, 30s, 1 min, 2 min, 4 min, 8 min, and 15 min.
11.2 Auto standby - never, 1 min, 5 min, and 15 min.
11.3 Low Alarm - This safety feature ensures that when your NP-F or V Mount batteries hit this level, the camera will stop recording and save the current clip.
11.4 Power Output - Turning this on allows you to power external accesories such as a monitor from the 2 pin Lemo port in the top left of the back of the camera.
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Language
Change the language of your options menu
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Date / Time
Set a custom date and time
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Time Zone
Set your filming time zone
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Camera Status
View your storage space brand, usage, current camera temperature, version number, and serial number
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Version
Check the current firmware version number installed on your camera
Z CAM Software In Depth Guides
Z CAM VideoConcatenator
This application is used to link files that are split due to the Record MENU β Split Duration Setting. If you record long interviews and want to avoid use of this app, simply set your Split Duration setting to 60 minutes.
Click on your computer's operating system to download the software
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Click Browse and navigate to the folder that contains the files you desire to link together into one clip.
Once selected the Video Source Directory should display the file path of your footage and the box below should populate with all media in that folder
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Select the check boxes next to the clips you wish to link together
Click Select all if you wish to link all the split clips of that folder together
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Click Browse to the right of Video Destination Directory
This MUST be a different file path than your source directory, however it can be a folder within that directory. Once selected, the Video Destination Directory should display the file path of where you are saving the new, linked clips.
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Click Start
Z Cam VideoTranscoder
This application is used for extracting the Proxy track (when enabled in camera settings!) and transcoding footage, such as H265, into codecs that are easier on NLEs.
Click on your computer's operating system to download the software
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Click Browse and navigate to the folder that contains the files you desire to link together into one clip.
Once selected the Video Source Directory should display the file path of your footage and the box below should populate with all media in that folder
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Select the check boxes next to the clips you wish to extract proxies from or transcode
Click Select all if you wish to link all the split clips of that folder together
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Check Transcode if you desire to transcode footage into a more NLE friendly codec
Note, checking this option will dramatically increase the time for your batch to finish.
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Check Export proxy to separate file if you desire to extract proxies to sync with your NLE
Note, just having this option check will have a very short batch run time
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Click Browse to the right of Video Destination Directory
This MUST be a different file path than your source directory, however it can be a folder within that directory. Once selected, the Video Destination Directory should display the file path of where you are saving the new, linked clips.
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Click Start
ZRAW Video Suite
Z RAW Premiere Plugin
Z Cam Color Correction Plugin
Z Cam Stream Converter
Z Cam Controller (Web Browser)
My preferred way to connect my Z Cam to my computer is with a USB C cable and connecting to the web browser, since it requires no installs and gives you the same basic features as the desktop application. Connect to 172.18.18.1/www/index.html in your browser. Be sure your USB mode is set to Network in the Connection Menu in camera. On the webpage you can control the camera or playback. You can find the latest Z Cam E2 firmware here for download, and to update your camera, go into the Misc Menu, click Upgrade and then select the file you downloaded from Z Cam's website in the prompt.
Recommended Accessories for Z CAM and Setup Guides
Atomos Ninja V and Use With Z CAM
The Atomos Ninja V is a 5" monitor and recorder and what makes it stand apart from other monitors is that it is capable of ProRes RAW capture with Z CAMs. The Ninja V User Manual covers most general topics for the accessory, but here is how to set up the Ninja V with your Z CAM.
Z CAM Settings for ProRes RAW
- Be sure your Z Cam Firmware is 0.96 or newer.
- If you want to use your Ninja V to its full potential as a recorder then navigate to the Record MENU β Raw over HDMI setting and turn it on.
This setting may appear greyed out on your Z CAM, if this is the case change your camera's Resolution to either 6k or 4k, depending on desired ProRes RAW recording resolution.
Also note that enabling Raw over HDMI disables several other settings on Z CAM, only have it on when intending to record ProRes RAW.
Ninja V Settings for ProRes RAW
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Be sure your Atomos Ninja V Firmware is 10.5 or newer
In order to update Ninja V Firmware, Download the latest firmware from Atomos, extract the ATOMNJV.FW from the firmware zip file, copy the .FW file onto the root directory of an SSD in a Master Caddy, insert the SSD to your Ninja V while powered off, then power up the Ninja V and the firmware will start to upgrade.
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Activate ProRes RAW license, if needed.
On your computer, navigate to the Atomos activation page. Input your email, the code displaying on your Ninja V in the form, and select ProRes RAW. A 4 digit code will appear after you submit, enter this into your Ninja V.
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In the Input Menu on your Atomos Ninja V change HDMI Standard from 2.0 to Z-Cam.
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Under the Ninja V Record Menu, make sure you are in ProRes RAW Codec, which will let you select ProRes RAW or PRR HQ compression.
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If you want to acquire time-code information from your camera body then make sure HDMI is the source under the Ninja V Timecode Menu.
RVLVR Clutch Handle and Customizing the Functions
Download the latest RVLVR Clutch firmware here
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Connect Clutch via USB-C
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Update your RVLVR to the latest firmware version to enable all features
This should be auto-detected if necessary
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Select Primary Function: Primary function is what happens when you rotate the wheel
The choices are: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, Focus, Zoom, Electronic ND, White Balance, Audio Gain (ganged), Audio Gain (Left only), Audio Gain (Right only)
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Select Click on Wheel feature: You can also select a Long-click for an additional set of buttons. The long click functions when pressed between 0.5 and 2 seconds.
Switch Primary/Secondary, Fn1, Fn2, Fn3, and some AF/MF features
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Select Secondary Function: Only applicable if you have click on wheel set to switch between primary/secondary
If you set Short/Long click to a button mapped to White Balance and White Balance is set to Manual - Long-click will do a momentary Auto WB feature. Additionally you can use a setting called "Selection mode" - which allows you to dial in specific settings such as VFR - that would ordinarily need to be selected via the menu.
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Wheel Auto Lock
This setting will set your RVLVR to ignore a certain number of dial scrolls until it starts to send commands to camera. This is useful if you find yourself accidentally scrolling the dials and changing settings mid shot.
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Special features
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Menu: This is in BETA. Unfortunately LANC is not a very clever protocol (i.e. the Clutch cannot know what menu setting it is actually in - it counts menu levels - i.e. 1 level deep, 2 levels deep etc - and when it gets back to zero levels normal controls are resumed.)
If you turn on the menu mode (either Mode 1 or Mode 2) in the firmware you open the menu by clicking BOTH dials simultaneously (short click) Then - in MODE 1 (front wheel click = OK, back wheel click = BACK, back wheel rotate = step through menu options) In MODE 2 (front wheel click = BACK, back wheel click = OK, back wheel longer click (0.5 seconds) = BACK To get out of the menu system click BOTH dials again. If the menu system confuses the Clutch for reasons I mentioned above hold the Rear wheel click for 4 seconds and the Clutch will reset (or pull the LANC cable in/out.)
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Record Button: You can use the record button to turn the camera on (long hold, for 4 seconds), and the same to turn the camera off (long hold, for 4 seconds).
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Hub functionality: You can daisy-chain multiple Clutch handles together
make sure you connect the ZCAM camera to the center connector of the Clutch - the outside connector can then be used to connect additional LANC devices whatever they might be.
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When finished customizing your RVLVR Clutch settings, click Save-To-Clutch and you're ready to go
Timecode Setup for Zoom F6
First, you need to have both apps (F6 control and Z Camera) on your iPhone. Connect to your Z Cam and open the app. Go to Control, then Settings. Timecode and make sure you see the following values: Time Code Source: Internal Count Up: Free Run Click on Time Code Value and select Current Time Now, open a new Safari tab and navigate to http://10.98.33.1. Click on Controller. From the menu on the right, select Misc and then Sync Time. I have to sync the time using the web browser or it will be always wrong due to a weird timezone setting on the mobile app. I don't trust the mobile app for this. Now, make sure your Time Code is being shown on the HDMI output. It should be your current time up to the second and milliseconds. Now let's move to the F6. Open the menu on the unit, select TIMECODE. Make sure you have the following params: Within Mode:
- Mode: Int RTC Run
- TC Out: Always FPS: up to your camera project settings Within Start TC:
- Mode: RTC Now, connect your app to your recorder. Open the Menu and select SET DATE/TIME. Your Timecode value on your recorder should be your current time up to the second and milliseconds. If you did this right, the TC will be the same on both the recorder and the camera. Next time all you have to do is update the time on both devices, for the camera with the Web Interface and for the recorder with the F6 Control app. Do this at the start of every day. It should survive few hours without power if any of those loose power or their battery drains, but if that happens check on both screens if the TC is different, then just update their times again and will be in sync.
More Resources
YouTube Videos
Some of the helpful videos I've come across since writing my first version of the handbook.