Great review, but you don't have to "deal with a lot of data when working with Z CAM", working with the ProresRaw - yes, on any camera, but Z CAM also shoots internal H264/265, all flavours of Prores, and Z raw.
Agreed absolutely, if you’re thinking about this camera. You absolutely do not “need” to shoot pro res raw. I’ve shot w this camera using internal pro res HQ and h.265 and the footage is awesome
I know this video is over a year old but I'm curious why as a GH5 user you didn't go with the BGH1? Was it because of the RAW capabilities? I'm considering both but thinking BGH1 might better fit my needs as I don't necessarily need RAW and need better low light.
Got the original Z Cam E2 in February because I had a GH5 and MFT lenses. Debated an R5. Debated the a7siii. Instead of spending $3800, I just got the $600 Ninja V and I'm already getting 4k 120, prores raw, unlimited recording, no overheating, dual native ISOs and God knows what else lol. I've been much happier saving $3000 and improving my video quality.
Great video & I love Zcam, but the great unsung hero is the Sigma FP: CDNG 12 bit to SSD, Prores on the NinjaV, full frame, usable autofocus, small footprint yet totally scalable....only problem is doesn't 4K 60...yet. Have a look at the short film Sin-sin on YT, looks so good.
Sorry again but the 5 pin XLR is not "weird" unless you don't know what a CINEMA camera is. Like for instance a Red. Or an Arri. In which case you'd know that Lemo plugs and connectors (and these are the real deal) are industry standard connectors. Welcome to the pro cinema world!
I think they're working on the GH6. They took a break from releasing cameras in that lineup because the GH5 has held up for so long and they switched to full frame to get that lineup built out. Hopefully next year we'll see a big update with the GH line.
Jeven Dovey my issue is that I have a plethora of M4/3 lenses so it’s comforting to know there’s an option to keep those lenses and take the Z-Cam exit ramp if that GH highway closes!
When paired with the Atomos NINJA V you can shoot ProRes RAW at 4k 60fps - Yea you can do that with any camera with a ninja. Looking for internal recording
Serious question, Jevon... what's the point of shooting raw video if you're just going to crush the shadows anyway? Why not just shoot in log, expose for the highlights and crush the shadows like you did in your example video?
Raw setting can be changed after shoot as per requirement, like ISO WHITE BALANCE easily and CALOR GAMA can be switch it transfer or change in most RAWs. It's non distructive process and less chance of breaking quality but in LOG IT IS DISTRUCTIVE process.
How's the noise in the shadows? Not a lot of reviews for the M4 but I've heard that there's a lot of noise unless expose two stops to the right, however I've also seen plenty of great footage. Thanks for the review!
Hey Jeven very informative video. I'm thinking of getting this version of the camera. I would however need to get a speed booster to adapt all my FF EF lenses, I also have a IS EF lens... Would that work with the xl speed booster?
Well I bought z cam just to rig it, I don't mean it is not good for other but it's tie between BMPCC4k and z cam but z-cam is user friendly on rigging and hand-held. Specially battery part was awesome rather going to v mount or gold mount. You have to carry separate charger for battery but npf battery can be charged through usb, now days v mount can be charged through usb but it takes days. Three selly reason was: 1: Prores and raw in same camera 2: 4K 120/160 3: Battery Color science and all those features are good but those 3 stand out for me and sleek and slim on RIGGING is another bonus.
Hi, I have problems with my z cam e2m4. When I try to record in raw prores via ninja v, I can't see any image on the screen, but after several camera resets I can fix the problem temporarily. Could you help me to solve the problem? the firmware is 0.98.0 on my camera.
Really good content. you explained it well. That overexpose tips is very useful. I really hope RED send you a komodo for comparison. Curious to know the difference between R3d files vs prores raw. dont forget red HDRX vs WDR. what codec is used when recording in WDR mode ? can it record variable fps in WDR mode ?
@@JevenDovey I recently started using the Canon M50, but i'm still learning how to use it. I see other people using it and get a good image. I also have good lighting but using the automatic setup doesn't really gives me the crisp images i see on other videos.
Jeven - sorry but 2:39 in your comment is plainly not true any more. There's BRAW plugins for every other editing program than Resolve, including Adobe these days.
Jeven I love your content - But you kind of put yourself in a corner when you primarily pick something just because Mac wont accept anything else. Keep the content rolling :) I did learn allot about cameras by watching this video.
I think workflow is more important than cameras. I'm not going to change computers and editing software for a camera. I've spent years working in FCPX and don't plan to learn a new software right now.
You said its 4k60 right? My phone screen is 1080p and obviously 60fps, but CZcams is only showing "1080p" not "1080p60" like it should if the footage is recorded in 720p60 or higher, like 4k obviously is. Do you know what's happening here?
Getting noise and having it be a problem is due to improper exposure. Z Cam is similar to RED in this regard, it loves light. According to Kinson Loo (owner of Z Cam) 18% Grey is supposed to be exposed at 40% IRE leaving 7 stops of dynamic range above middle grey. Testing shows 40% is basically the floor, middle grey should never be exposed below that. The ideal range for 18% middle grey is 40-50% IRE.
I am working in resolve. Still hustling between the pocket 4k and this one. Personally, I want this one. For usability, look and maybe other reasons. The only thing that is messed up might be the workflow attached to it. ZRAW in resolve is not ..solved.. and I can only use prores HQ then. proresRAW is probably not gonna happen since iam unsure about buying the the atomos, and super expensive drives..can you give me anything helpful?..
It´s basically the same camera with all the same specs, sensor... The only thing they changed is removing the sync feature and changed the body to the one of the flagschipseries.
@@JevenDovey This YEAR 2020, is not good for some reason(covid-19) all over the world but my friend- for cameras it's a huge leap. You have lots of choices not like few brands few years or even last year. ZCAM will not disappoint though.
@@JevenDovey okay.. Then I saw the full video... Lens... Screen,...cage,...accessories... I am out 😭 but still a kinda cheap solution for high quality content. Nice video. Can't wait to see your new setup!
Jeven, I heard that if the Z Cam loses power, it corrupts the current file. The only way around this is to set the camera to break a video into multiple files so only the last one is corrupted. Can you confirm this? Does it worry you at all?
Yeah that will happen if you record internally and have a sudden loss of power like the battery being pulled off. If your battery runs out of power while filming it will end the clip and not corrupt it. I don't really deal with this issue though because I'm recording mostly using the NINJA V.
Great price for that camera and it's super sexy. That being said I would still rate the Bmpcc4k image quality well above this camera. It's too digital and the colors looks very artificial..
If you haven't had the cameras in hand and/or done a side-by-side test it's very hard to judge color. Because until you've seen how a camera looks when it's pushed, all you're really seeing is a grade. Even on that note, I highly recommend looking at Flannel Ninja's comparison of the BMPCC, GH5, and E2. I would actually say that Z Cam has the most natural looking colors out of the three (arguably) exchanging blows the GH5. The BMPCC 4k looks the most "off" in the most shots. It has what he describes as "red push" in the shadows and tends to over saturate and shift both reds and oranges. An excellent colorist can make anything look like anything. But still that said BMPCC is the most difficult to get to a corrected image out of the box in terms of current u4/3 cameras.
Well it's not just the color I personally look to get camera, but usability and handling is what I look for. You can grade but when it's hard to handle or rig camera you'll end up bad image, it's just me but just saying.
Stop telling people stupidity, nobody needs to alwase shoot raw only some one With OCD would feel the need to smear shoot , it’s good to have but rarely needed
Z cam is great but I think none of the cameras can "make a more cinematic look under a light fluctuating environment". This concept is awful and misleading beginners to rely on a camera instead of cinematography.
The irony is, you don''t need raw if you don't have more than $1500 for a camera :) :) It's actually worse, because people who cannot afford better cameras don't have enough skills to use the potential of raw. But, people loooove specs, and think cameras shoot by themselves :)
Well said, people should be excited to get PRORES 10Bit at this price. It can be edit and grade in even i5 laptop that is not workstation. For the LUST of RAW and GREED of spec makes you loose money upgrading whole computer system, storage and time. At last most if the people consume those all content in mobile devices with 8 bit screen in 1080p ,☹️
I have to disagree. I use the raw capabilities in this camera to correct wb and base exposure and if needed iso. Then fine tune with the Z Cam log conversion plugin. Could never get this good skin tones with my GH5 without pushing the colors two much even with 10bit all-i.
Are you interested in shooting RAW video?
I am more interested in color grading it. Pleasure to work with after all this sony 8bit footage
12bit raw from 8 bit is such a huge change
Have been for a few years. Blackmagic has always been ahead of the curve on putting this in the hands of indie and freelance filmmakers.
Jeven Dovey You can’t get RAW from 8 bit video
Jeven is such a big part of the YT platform. He is the consummate professional when it comes to cameras and content creation.
Really appreciate it
You never talked about power. Batteries. Your run and gun setup? What battery? How long do you get?
Great review, but you don't have to "deal with a lot of data when working with Z CAM", working with the ProresRaw - yes, on any camera,
but Z CAM also shoots internal H264/265, all flavours of Prores, and Z raw.
Agreed absolutely, if you’re thinking about this camera. You absolutely do not “need” to shoot pro res raw. I’ve shot w this camera using internal pro res HQ and h.265 and the footage is awesome
I know this video is over a year old but I'm curious why as a GH5 user you didn't go with the BGH1? Was it because of the RAW capabilities? I'm considering both but thinking BGH1 might better fit my needs as I don't necessarily need RAW and need better low light.
Got the original Z Cam E2 in February because I had a GH5 and MFT lenses. Debated an R5. Debated the a7siii. Instead of spending $3800, I just got the $600 Ninja V and I'm already getting 4k 120, prores raw, unlimited recording, no overheating, dual native ISOs and God knows what else lol. I've been much happier saving $3000 and improving my video quality.
Great video & I love Zcam, but the great unsung hero is the Sigma FP: CDNG 12 bit to SSD, Prores on the NinjaV, full frame, usable autofocus, small footprint yet totally scalable....only problem is doesn't 4K 60...yet. Have a look at the short film Sin-sin on YT, looks so good.
Sorry again but the 5 pin XLR is not "weird" unless you don't know what a CINEMA camera is. Like for instance a Red. Or an Arri. In which case you'd know that Lemo plugs and connectors (and these are the real deal) are industry standard connectors. Welcome to the pro cinema world!
Great intro to this platform. I had a note for myself to look into Z cam a year ago. Now I know that’s the way I need to go. Thanks.
Great video! The Gear List is greatly appreciated thank you
Always watch your videos Jeven. I appreciate your efforts and the tutorials you have made which have taught me to perfect my videos. Thank you 😊
Great to hear!
Very exciting stuff Jeven ... can't wait to see your footage!
The footage I've got with it already is super impressive. So much room to grade
As a GH5 (and FCPX) user I can definitely see how this would be a step up . . . Particularly if the GH6 never materialises!!
I think they're working on the GH6. They took a break from releasing cameras in that lineup because the GH5 has held up for so long and they switched to full frame to get that lineup built out. Hopefully next year we'll see a big update with the GH line.
Jeven Dovey my issue is that I have a plethora of M4/3 lenses so it’s comforting to know there’s an option to keep those lenses and take the Z-Cam exit ramp if that GH highway closes!
I’m happy with my GH5 too but im looking forward and got the Zcam E2 M4 as well
awesome video ! what lens are you using with your GH5 ? I have the G9 with the Sigma 18-35 Art and speedbooster combo
When paired with the Atomos NINJA V you can shoot ProRes RAW at 4k 60fps - Yea you can do that with any camera with a ninja. Looking for internal recording
Great video. just subscribed. Just brought the Zcam 4k I see you got the Mackie 824 speakers behind you! love those speakers lol
Serious question, Jevon... what's the point of shooting raw video if you're just going to crush the shadows anyway? Why not just shoot in log, expose for the highlights and crush the shadows like you did in your example video?
RAW just gives you more data. You could be shooting LOG in 8 bit and as soon as you push the colors around the footage will break apart.
@@JevenDovey what!!?? Log is 8bit? I don't agree my friend. In ZCAM, raw is 10bit but it's 4:2:0 and prores 10bit 4:2:2 can be shot in LOG.
Raw setting can be changed after shoot as per requirement, like ISO WHITE BALANCE easily and CALOR GAMA can be switch it transfer or change in most RAWs. It's non distructive process and less chance of breaking quality but in LOG IT IS DISTRUCTIVE process.
Dude this is awesome
It’s a fun camera to shoot with
Very cool camera with accessories ..!Great video of you ..!
Thanks 👍
External RAW is not unprocessed data from the sensor. It is unprocessed data from the Atomos recorder. Z RAW is unprocessed data from the sensor.
How's the noise in the shadows? Not a lot of reviews for the M4 but I've heard that there's a lot of noise unless expose two stops to the right, however I've also seen plenty of great footage. Thanks for the review!
whats mean "to the right"? = over exposed?
Hey Jeven very informative video. I'm thinking of getting this version of the camera. I would however need to get a speed booster to adapt all my FF EF lenses, I also have a IS EF lens... Would that work with the xl speed booster?
Turbomount ^
So cool, even though I will probably never use a rig like this. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Well I bought z cam just to rig it, I don't mean it is not good for other but it's tie between BMPCC4k and z cam but z-cam is user friendly on rigging and hand-held. Specially battery part was awesome rather going to v mount or gold mount. You have to carry separate charger for battery but npf battery can be charged through usb, now days v mount can be charged through usb but it takes days. Three selly reason was:
1: Prores and raw in same camera
2: 4K 120/160
3: Battery
Color science and all those features are good but those 3 stand out for me and sleek and slim on RIGGING is another bonus.
Hi, I have problems with my z cam e2m4. When I try to record in raw prores via ninja v, I can't see any image on the screen, but after several camera resets I can fix the problem temporarily. Could you help me to solve the problem? the firmware is 0.98.0 on my camera.
Is it as good as the black magic 4k or black magic design 6k?
What is the focusing situation? Can you press a button to center focus (not continuous)? Or can you tap the Ninja V screen to focus?
Not sure if it was a bad grading choice or a cheap bad ND filter... but the Z Cam is capable of much better looking image than in this video.
Wow that’s harsh
Simply shoot with the BMPCC 4k and use BRAW. Then use the worlds best color grading software, Davinci Resolve.
It's the best for you but not me. Everyones workflow is different. I use FCPX and I don't plan to switch to Resolve.
So keen to see some More on this from you
the mask outside was it for me
Was a weird time when this was filmed
What about Anamorphic lens’s? Is it always in micro 4/3?
Really good content. you explained it well. That overexpose tips is very useful. I really hope RED send you a komodo for comparison. Curious to know the difference between R3d files vs prores raw. dont forget red HDRX vs WDR. what codec is used when recording in WDR mode ? can it record variable fps in WDR mode ?
Would love to test a Komodo. Been trying to get one.
Can you edit RAW on davinci and lumafusion?
Cool, thanks for the video!
You bet!
@@JevenDovey I recently started using the Canon M50, but i'm still learning how to use it. I see other people using it and get a good image. I also have good lighting but using the automatic setup doesn't really gives me the crisp images i see on other videos.
Theres a free plugin from BM to use BRAW in PR. Not sure about FCP or DR.
Nope nothing for FCPX
Jeven - sorry but 2:39 in your comment is plainly not true any more. There's BRAW plugins for every other editing program than Resolve, including Adobe these days.
Jeven I love your content - But you kind of put yourself in a corner when you primarily pick something just because Mac wont accept anything else. Keep the content rolling :) I did learn allot about cameras by watching this video.
I think workflow is more important than cameras. I'm not going to change computers and editing software for a camera. I've spent years working in FCPX and don't plan to learn a new software right now.
@@JevenDovey Gotcha, Im the same way with Davinchi. Thanks for the content man! I agree work flow is almost King.
1:34 Subtle jab at the R5 right there lol
Just a subtle one.... 😉
You said its 4k60 right? My phone screen is 1080p and obviously 60fps, but CZcams is only showing "1080p" not "1080p60" like it should if the footage is recorded in 720p60 or higher, like 4k obviously is. Do you know what's happening here?
I didn't edit in 60. I use 60fps for slowmo in a 30p timeline.
@@JevenDovey Oh okay, I see. Makes sense.
does M4 have noise problem on the shadow as the people in E2 group who own M4 talk about sir ?
Getting noise and having it be a problem is due to improper exposure. Z Cam is similar to RED in this regard, it loves light. According to Kinson Loo (owner of Z Cam) 18% Grey is supposed to be exposed at 40% IRE leaving 7 stops of dynamic range above middle grey. Testing shows 40% is basically the floor, middle grey should never be exposed below that. The ideal range for 18% middle grey is 40-50% IRE.
I am working in resolve. Still hustling between the pocket 4k and this one. Personally, I want this one. For usability, look and maybe other reasons. The only thing that is messed up might be the workflow attached to it. ZRAW in resolve is not ..solved.. and I can only use prores HQ then. proresRAW is probably not gonna happen since iam unsure about buying the the atomos, and super expensive drives..can you give me anything helpful?..
I used to shoot with this and the prores hq is gorgeous!! No need for raw imo
Cool!!!
Thanks
If you know how to use WDR in a smart way that’s great.
In ZCAM's next iterations, please use mini xlr, it's better than having breakout cables
What’s the 1080 quality like on this camera mate?
Don't really know. I've been only shooting 4k.
U doing great bro❤️
Thanks 🔥
what the difference beetwen Zcam E2 and Zcam E2 M4? i cant see any
It´s basically the same camera with all the same specs, sensor... The only thing they changed is removing the sync feature and changed the body to the one of the flagschipseries.
Joscha thanx, but why one coast 500usd less that the other?
Wow Amazing Camera. I am presently using Canon Rebel T7. I would be upgrading my camera when my channel grows.
There are so many great camera options when you're ready to upgrade!
@@JevenDovey This YEAR 2020, is not good for some reason(covid-19) all over the world but my friend- for cameras it's a huge leap. You have lots of choices not like few brands few years or even last year. ZCAM will not disappoint though.
Wow its nice...
Thanks a lot 😊
So... If it is 1500 dollars I will buy it! Really that cheap?
Yeah super cheap to be able to shoot RAW video
@@JevenDovey okay.. Then I saw the full video... Lens... Screen,...cage,...accessories... I am out 😭 but still a kinda cheap solution for high quality content. Nice video. Can't wait to see your new setup!
@@JanosKehl Still pretty cheap if you build it out. Most of the cameras shooting RAW right now are way more expensive for just the body.
i would love to see a comparison between this and gh5, I don't think I've seen one yet.
There is between the e2 and gh5
Big fan wooowww😍😍😍😍
Thanks!
nice bro
Appreciate it!
Jeven, I heard that if the Z Cam loses power, it corrupts the current file. The only way around this is to set the camera to break a video into multiple files so only the last one is corrupted. Can you confirm this? Does it worry you at all?
Yeah that will happen if you record internally and have a sudden loss of power like the battery being pulled off. If your battery runs out of power while filming it will end the clip and not corrupt it. I don't really deal with this issue though because I'm recording mostly using the NINJA V.
the warping at the start is yuck!!!
No views but one like and one comment!
Awesome
A mini Red is a Komodo not a Zcam bro
Komodo is not $1500. This is a budget RED
Great price for that camera and it's super sexy. That being said I would still rate the Bmpcc4k image quality well above this camera. It's too digital and the colors looks very artificial..
I gotta do some side by side comparisons of the cameras.
Are you basing this digital look on the images shown in this review? Do you feel that applies to the full Z E2 line?
If you haven't had the cameras in hand and/or done a side-by-side test it's very hard to judge color. Because until you've seen how a camera looks when it's pushed, all you're really seeing is a grade. Even on that note, I highly recommend looking at Flannel Ninja's comparison of the BMPCC, GH5, and E2. I would actually say that Z Cam has the most natural looking colors out of the three (arguably) exchanging blows the GH5. The BMPCC 4k looks the most "off" in the most shots. It has what he describes as "red push" in the shadows and tends to over saturate and shift both reds and oranges.
An excellent colorist can make anything look like anything. But still that said BMPCC is the most difficult to get to a corrected image out of the box in terms of current u4/3 cameras.
@@JeremiahBostwick may be why they give resolve studio to correct it. Hehehe 😜
Well it's not just the color I personally look to get camera, but usability and handling is what I look for. You can grade but when it's hard to handle or rig camera you'll end up bad image, it's just me but just saying.
Stop telling people stupidity, nobody needs to alwase shoot raw only some one With OCD would feel the need to smear shoot , it’s good to have but rarely needed
Z cam is great but I think none of the cameras can "make a more cinematic look under a light fluctuating environment". This concept is awful and misleading beginners to rely on a camera instead of cinematography.
Why is the Baby not wearing a mask? Why does she kisses her baby with Mask exterior?
😅🤪
Jayesh Mahato to protect from what, fake COVID ?
It was a rule in Santa Monica to wear mask or get a fine even if we were no where near anyone
Could u maybe use the r5?
Not interested in a camera that overheats
The irony is, you don''t need raw if you don't have more than $1500 for a camera :) :) It's actually worse, because people who cannot afford better cameras don't have enough skills to use the potential of raw. But, people loooove specs, and think cameras shoot by themselves :)
Well said, people should be excited to get PRORES 10Bit at this price. It can be edit and grade in even i5 laptop that is not workstation. For the LUST of RAW and GREED of spec makes you loose money upgrading whole computer system, storage and time. At last most if the people consume those all content in mobile devices with 8 bit screen in 1080p ,☹️
I have to disagree. I use the raw capabilities in this camera to correct wb and base exposure and if needed iso. Then fine tune with the Z Cam log conversion plugin. Could never get this good skin tones with my GH5 without pushing the colors two much even with 10bit all-i.