Z CAM E2 F6 Review - Why did I sell my BMPCC 6K?

[@seberry1]

Thank you for your excellent, no-nonsense review. A few questions follow: Maybe I missed it, but could you talk about the lenses you used for the images here? Do you have a favorite go-to lens that you are more likely to place on the F6? What is your experience using using the Focus 7 monitor with the F6? Do you have a list of accessories that you would recommend for the F6? Thanks again!

[@pauleporterdp]

Thanks Stephen I’m glad that you liked it. So I really like the Focus 7 it’s a great monitor ad all the smallhd ones. But if you prefer a five inch or 7 depends on you. I mainly used the sigma 24-35 f2 on this review. But I also really like Vintage glass on my F6 e.g Zeiss Contax looks superb check out this video (shot on F6 and Contax) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z57RaYGhjLeKms0 I’ld say you need a cage and a top and a Side handle and some battery’s and you’re good to go. I use the smallrig cage but it’s also lacking some mounting options so I’ld go with the 8Sinn today

[@pauleporterdp]

Update: the issue of file recovery when loosing power has been fixed and there is also no audio gap anymore when you have splitted files.

[@financialliteracy_hr]

Thanks for the good content. A quick note, if I am not mistaken, Zcam already implemented a file recovery process so the file loss when the power is removed was fixed a while ago. Also the file splitting is still there, but I think I remember you can now simply putting together in any editing software. I think you should add a note to the description since this were issues holding some people back from getting this camera.

[@pauleporterdp]

Will check on that thank you.

[@TheAlexGivenGuy]

This is true. Can confirm. If your file becomes corrupt, just put the cfast card back in and the cam will repair it :)

[@KinsonLoo]

just select 60 min split duration.

[@dna8269]

F6 is an awesome camera and the best lowlight camera for under 10k IMO. You can shoot insanely high ISO's on that thing with minimal noise reduction. I "downgraded" to a BMPCC6K awhile back before the ProRes update etc, but definitely enjoyed my time with the F6.

[@pauleporterdp]

Thanks for your feedback and totally agree with you.

[@TimsWildlife]

Even the M4 is a low light monster.

[@ekphotography]

I was between the Zcam and the P6K but where I live I needed something for a project right away and the P6K was the only one available. After having it, I would never give it up unless Blackmagic made a square body or I would save and get a Komodo red. The colors from Blackmagic and Davinci are just way better than Zcam from what I researched and seen for my self. but surely the Zcam it is a good camera and comparable. The new P6K Pro is a no brainer just for the built in IR ND filters...

[@pauleporterdp]

Thanks for your feedback :)

[@tinman6182]

What do u mean when u say P6K PRO?

[@TimsWildlife]

Not true. I have both cameras and they're great. Just different.

[@ekphotography]

@@TimsWildlife I need up selling my P6K and got an FX3, have never looked back.

[@thebrothersthre3987]

Love almost everything about Z-cam. If they had BM color and BRAW they would be perfect.

[@pauleporterdp]

Yes BRAW would be amazing

[@najeefilms]

Color actually better

[@TylerEdwards]

I love a locking EF mount. Great content as usual man!

[@pauleporterdp]

Thanks Tyler really appreciate your words :)

[@dadknowsbest3329]

I’m in the same boat... been with Blackmagic for years and was holding off to see what they announced last week (6k pro) and now am going to sell my 2 BM cameras to get a Z-Cam 👍

[@pauleporterdp]

Nice. Do you get the S6 or F6?

[@dadknowsbest3329]

@@pauleporterdp I’d like the F6 but think I’ll start out with the S6. I’d have more glass for it anyways and am already dealing with the limitations of sensor size.

[@pauleporterdp]

The S6 looks really nice as well from the image

[@sludgybeast]

Just curious, there are obvious reasons form factor wise to switch over but in terms of image quality, do you think the zcam is superior? I really want to switch cause of the form and features but every video I watch, I find I like the bmpcc more and image is king.

[@Drone443]

@@sludgybeast Image quality is subjective so if you prefer the BlackMagic don't let anyone else tell you otherwise

[@staubig]

Great video Paul! Kinda slept on it to be honest until now, will defenitely consider ZCam now when upgrading. Too bad ZCams RAW workflow is so bad, would be a no-brainer for me otherwise..

[@pauleporterdp]

Yeah sadly that the zraw is not really useable :(

[@SteezWhizy]

​@@pauleporterdp It's useable if you convert it to Prores 444 in Media Encoder. With the ZRAW plugin Media Encoder detects ZRAW and with Prores444 you keep the 12 bit. Of course, we all hope ZRAW gets supported in zome major NLE, but this turnaround is great and I had amazing results with it.

[@Codywpreston]

Why shoot in log when you can shoot in Raw? Is the raw good as the Blackmagic?

[@NickVanHouse]

no zraw sucks. zcam user

[@Codywpreston]

@@NickVanHouse Oh interesting, so what is the best and most flexible way to shoot?

[@secondwaveprod]

Raw is linear data while log is a downstream process. You mean why shoot in a compressed format?

[@joshkiddfilms1295]

@@Codywpreston zraw is a nice looking codec and looks every bit as good as braw imo. It just is much more cumbersome as you have to use adobe or do a transcode to take it in resolve.

[@Codywpreston]

@@joshkiddfilms1295 what if I’m using Premiere though! Also anyone have any experience using Zlog on the S6??

[@Lorefilmsnz]

Hi guys, I'm looking for so E2 F6 footage to play around with grading before purchasing if anyone has any leads?

[@pauleporterdp]

You can ask in the Z CAM Facebook group there should be somebody who can help you ☺️

[@user-fza3]

Does it support auto focus

[@pauleporterdp]

Watch the video until the end. I talk about that

[@Drone443]

I am wondering how much media does it burn through. I will most likely be shooting UHD at 24fps in ProRes422 and I want to know how much runtime I can get out of a 256GB card. Cheers!

[@pauleporterdp]

Thanks for watching mate. In this Case you’ll get around 30 mins of record time. I mostly recorded in the same settings

[@campa_t]

Do you know if this camera is weather sealed?

[@pauleporterdp]

I’m not sure, but I was filming in pretty rough conditions like it was full of snow and also while raining. Worked just fine

[@TimHunold]

The lens cost is what turned me off to it. I'm using the m4 for a serious interview series and if it goes well, I will rent the f6 and use the m4 as a bcam. Your video makes me glad I chose Z Cam and not BM

[@pauleporterdp]

Thanks for your feedback :)

[@portblock]

I believe video and recording separate as some will record external and when video changes need to be made, no need to see recording info

[@pauleporterdp]

Thanks for your feedback

[@framejunky]

Do you still prefer the z-cam above the bmp6kpro with ND-filters. And how big are the file sizes, is Zraw much bigger then Braw?

[@pauleporterdp]

Hi mate, yes I still prefer the F6. Mainly due to the form factor. I don’t shoot ZRaw but yeah it’s much bigger than blackmagic Raw

[@HikingWithCooper]

It would be hard to go from the bm menus to the zcam’s… menu? Kind of tired of some of the bm issues though so it might still be a good trade.

[@pauleporterdp]

Ha ha yes the menu of BM is hands down the best in the entire industry

[@joshkiddfilms1295]

Nice review Paul! Really touched on a lot of the strengths of the F6. I think it’s been mentioned but now if you lose power, as soon as you boot the cam back up it will start a recovery mode to recover the file. Rarely have had to use it but did notice it the one time it happened. One of the positives I guess to come from the infamous scathing review. Haha

[@NickVanHouse]

Gerald did Zcam a favor

[@pauleporterdp]

Thanks for watching Josh and glad that you liked it. Ok will update the description about that. Thanks for the hint.

[@HareshMevada-mirrorandsmoke]

is there ND Filter ?

[@pauleporterdp]

Yes Z Cam offers an Electronic ND filter system That goes into the Mount. You can purchase it from their website as an accessorie

[@markjob6354]

What do you mean the audio on the the F6 is Okayish ? Can you elaborate a little more, please ?

[@alexandersmith6165]

It’s a scratch mic only. It recorded pretty well though, for a scratch mic.

[@markjob6354]

@@alexandersmith6165 Oh ? OK. I thought you were referring to the Microphone input. You need to say either "scratch mic," or "Camera's Mic input," to be clear.

[@pauleporterdp]

Sure, yes the preamps aren’t that great. So I would suggest recording sound externally

[@markjob6354]

@@pauleporterdp Really ? That kinda sucks :( You would think the camera maker needs to understand economizing on low end recording pre-amps is a false economy. No one really wants to tolerate bad sound.

[@pauleporterdp]

Yeah that’s true but on many Cinema cameras the audio is bad like Red Komodo and so on.

[@loudandclearmedia]

Awesome review Paule! I would love to hear your thoughts on the F6 vs Komodo. Also, is there NO way to shoot RAW at a higher framerate than 30p?...not even in 4K?

[@pauleporterdp]

Unfortunately not mate. Yes will do a comparison about them soon :)

[@TheAlexGivenGuy]

Pro res raw, yes, but obviously that’s not standard with the camera alone.

[@christopherjahn8559]

Thanks for this video. The F6 always interested me.

[@pauleporterdp]

I’m glad that you like it :)

[@dr.nathaliepruschenk7256]

Nice Review and the footage Looks really nice :)

[@pauleporterdp]

Thanks I’m glad that you liked it.

[@egyptiantower1659]

Hi friend Tarek Salman.Do you like it more than c70?

[@pauleporterdp]

Personally yes because of the codecs. But the c70 is absolutely a great camera

[@maxchadwick1052]

great review! simple and informative

[@pauleporterdp]

Thank you, glad that you liked it

[@stephanes.]

Soon the bmpcc will get the gen5

[@pauleporterdp]

I know this is great 😀

[@pauleporterdp]

Yes that’s a great update and will improve the colours even more

[@stephanes.]

@@pauleporterdp yes though I also prefer that square form factor :)

[@pauleporterdp]

Yes maybe soon they will do that ;)

[@alexandersmith6165]

Hey Paule, great content as usual 👌✌️ Do you have a link for the Npf battery, I think I’m going to use this one also on my F6.

[@pauleporterdp]

Hi Alexander, sure. These are the NPF Batteries I use: amzn.to/3qLFXGM

[@alexandersmith6165]

@@pauleporterdp Dankeschon sir 😊✌️

[@pauleporterdp]

You’re welcome ;)

[@richardsisk1770]

Thanks. Excellent.

[@pauleporterdp]

You’re welcome :)

[@Bigricky06]

Ok.....so now you going to sell your Zcam to get the 6k Pro? Awesome video by the way.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@pauleporterdp]

No I won’t ;) thanks for yourfeedback. But will definitely get a 6k pro for testing

[@willvazquez3218]

Great video as always!! But I strongly disagree with your decision, the Z-Cam image is not filmic. It looks nice, but very video-like. I think the full frame camera to own is the Sony A7SIII. Great autofocus and in my opinion, better color and more cinematic image than the Z-Cam F6,

[@pauleporterdp]

Thanks for your feedback. I didn’t say that it is filmic. Will do a comparison to my Komodo soon that is a good time to talk about how the image looks compared to other cine cameras

[@dna8269]

a7siii is far more video-ish than the F6.

[@thebrothersthre3987]

@@dna8269 Yeah A7S3 has sharpening and noise reduction that can't be disabled. Pretty "digital looking". The colors may be better though which also contributes to the look.

[@morningno4110]

BMPCC 6k Pro vs Zcam e2 s6? -Image quality -Color -Dynamic range -Low light -Record options Thank you so much.

[@pauleporterdp]

Both cameras are using the same Sony Sensor. Will check when I get the 6k pro

[@morningno4110]

@@pauleporterdp thank you so much. Can’t wait to see.

[@GirizdL]

@@pauleporterdp DaVinci's platform is much more universal in my sight, 'couse I've been using linux for long time. Could you say something that is the ZRAW as compatible with the software as the BRAW?

[@cloud5thave176]

I don’t see it as a upgrade

[@pauleporterdp]

Ok everybody is different

[@joshkiddfilms1295]

Cloud have you actually used the f6? Both are great cams and produce great images but there def a difference between the look of the full frame and the DR of the F6 when compared to p6k. Totally subjective which you prefer but I just think there’s something special to the look of the F6. Something right about the motion cadence. The rolling shutter of the p6k is a real issue.

[@cloud5thave176]

@@joshkiddfilms1295 the roll is horrible in the footage he shot ... I just feel like if he was just doing a video of just that camera cool but to compare I don’t get it it doesn’t seem better

[@savofilms28]

I Like your videos. Hope you got the time to reevaluate how gen5 color compares to zcam #skintones

[@pauleporterdp]

Will check on that when I get the bmpcc 6k in my hands.

[@godboy159]

I love everything about the ZCam cameras but the image quality. If there was Blackmagic imaging and BRAW inside the F6 I'd buy it in a second. But even looking at your footage there is something I don't like about it. Kinda video cameraish. I don't know what it is but even your BM footage in the beginning just looks so much better. I'm sure the average person won't be able to tell the difference but there's just something beautiful about Blackmagic colors and image processing. So I've bypassed getting the Zcam stuff. Image is everything IMO.

[@pauleporterdp]

Thanks for your feedback :)

[@pilsplease7561]

thats a narrowminded way of looking at it, honestly, audio quality matters far more than video quality.

[@godboy159]

@@pilsplease7561 What? That's a pretty moronic thing to say. Most of the time I don't even care about the audio the camera records. And when did I say anything about the audio quality?

[@godboy159]

@@pilsplease7561 Image quality is the main thing I buy any camera for... lol I mean it's a camera. Most of the technology and development goes into the image it captures. So weird.

[@mumtazkhan9042]

What if ZCam implemented pro-res raw in camera instead of zraw. Would that be useful to you?

[@pauleporterdp]

No since Resolve can’t open ProRes Raw ;)

[@Makta972]

Bmpcc footage looks way better than zcam. It's not even close IMO. A BMPCC6k PRO is a much better buy.

[@pauleporterdp]

Thanks for your feedback ;)

[@najeefilms]

Bmpcc 6k is over hyped, I rented both for a week. Not impressed unreliable aswell. Z cam all day baby

[@pauleporterdp]

Thanks for your feedback ;)

[@cloud5thave176]

U don’t give a reason it’s better

[@pauleporterdp]

From the image both are close. But as I explained at the end it’s more about the Form factor

[@YannParodi]

@@pauleporterdp i also think BM will Come with a 6k version of their BMMCC

[@pauleporterdp]

Yes this could be ;)

[@syncomposer]

yes, he did. Just watch till the end.

[@YoungGroup]

The Bild Quality 😂😂 Nices Denglish

[@pauleporterdp]

built quality 🙄

[@OtminBlackClaw]

The next video will be "Why did I sell my z cam after 1 week of use?", that's not an upgrade, that's a strange decision. $4000 camera which has useless zraw, terrible audio recording quality, file splitting where you can simply lose tens of minutes of your recordings without recovery, zcam has no plans to cooperate with Blackmagic to implement zraw support into resolve, 4k crop videos - uhm... So yeah, zcam e2 f6 is an expensive toy/hobby thing, not for advanced or serious work. To rent it - ok, fun to try, to buy it for $2500 - well, maybe...

[@pauleporterdp]

Luckily everybody is different. I’ll ask you before I post my next video what the title should be.

[@OtminBlackClaw]

@@pauleporterdp Paul, I’m not blaming and not making fun of you, don’t take comments too personal for yourself, I’m watching your videos and was surprised with such an “influencer style” title from a guy who used a lot of nice cameras. I think you can tell it too - ZCam cameras are not ready yet to be used professionally, am I wrong?

[@pauleporterdp]

Thanks, I think they can be used professionally. They also have been used in mission impossible and other movies. But sure it always depends on the type of work you’re doing. For me it fits very good and I think for others too but surely not for everybody