Zcam E2 & F6 | Why YOU Should Consider Them | Long term review

The Zcams have out performed my expectations from day 1
In this long term review I go over why you should consider them as a first choice
when upgrading to something cinema focused
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments
Gear shown in the video :
Nisi ND: amzn.to/3ovDrTi
Zcam e2-f6: amzn.to/39nLWeu
Lumix S1: amzn.to/3boMDoh
Rokinon 50mm T1.5: amzn.to/2ZC4S7a
Mattebox: www.smallrig.c...
Smallrig M160: www.smallrig.c...
Smallrig COB Light : www.smallrig.c...
Cage : amzn.to/3cgdxQM
lens : amzn.to/3ppaLMT
Mic: amzn.to/3qUW5rM
Tripod: amzn.to/3pQf7zQ
-
GEAR WE USE:
Ronin S2: amzn.to/3gEpKQW
Drone: auteldrones.co...
Best SD Cards: amzn.to/3Eq5Baz
Card Reader: amzn.to/3CrNIra
Action Cam: amzn.to/3K3xZ5B
Audio Recorder: amzn.to/3wXNfNq
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. When you use these links you are supporting our work and our channel. Thank you :) !!
music by my good friend Karavelo
open.spotify.c...
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM : / cameragearlust

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Like for a decent unscripted review

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

I've been using backblaze for personal local drives, and also B2 for my new NAS. Love the peace of mind.

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Yeah it really helps you trust your backups

[@wagnercs]

Thanks for sharing. The only thing to not forget: consider the total cost of rigging a Z Cam. Specially on the E2 M4, you have to extensively test its image quality vs size, manual vs autofocus on critical events. I don’t see myself using one of these in a wedding yet.

[@JohnFultonCGL]

I've shot a few weddings on a m4 (e2). The total cost of rigging can be as low as a couple hundred dollars or less on top of purchase. However, yes you can spend thousands in rigging as well. As for af, I started filmmaking before auto focus was a usuable option in video so I don't miss it. Things I would consider for wedding films: batteries are very cheap and can last up to 5 hours on a charge. SSD recording is a cheap alternative for recording media. Dual native iso makes transitioning from indoor to outdoor very fast. Flexible framerate options help offset slow motion flicker in difficult indoor lighting.

[@wagnercs]

@@JohnFultonCGL Thanks for the response! I have a kinda difficult question (or maybe not): coming from a Sony (A7 iii and A6400, with Sonys f4.0 and Sigmas f1.4 lenses), into a Z Cam E2 M4: how would I rig it in order to make the transition easier? And regarding the footage quality, from Sony 4k 24p into Z Cam 4k 60p, would I miss anything? Or would I rejoice with the change? I understand that AF would be gone, but If the quality increases as well as the color correction and grading, I'm willing to give it a try. Oh, and is it possible to use my beloved Sony lenses? Again, thanks for all clarification.

[@JohnFultonCGL]

@@wagnercs so the first thing to factor in is that all the Sony cameras you have are only 8 bit. Where the zcam will shoot 10bit or 12bit(raw) which really makes a difference when grading. The m4 will do up to 120p in 4k so don't limit yourself to 60p. I would recommend just a cage, top handle and monitor to get started. The smallrig stuff is the least expensive, kondor blue is great. I'm a fan of shooting to cfast 2.0 cards and have had great results from the silicon power ones. If you have more questions you can also DM me on instagram @cameragearlust

[@WrittenDigitalWorld]

Awesome response I’m about to get the E2 and I was really curious about this details

[@DanielBasulto]

Love this, I personally run (1) E2-S6 for am A-CAM, (2) E2 for B/C-CAM. I couldn't agree with you more my guy!

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Yeah they’re a knockout combo. My hybrid is a lumix s1 which matches the f6 really well (same sensor). I want to try out the s6, thanks so much for watching and reaching out 🙏

[@spencertorok]

great review john! I guess i am one of the few who actually have always loved the zcam menus - everything seems straightforward when you need to find/change a setting.

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Thanks Spencer! Yeah I’ve always enjoyed it as well!!

[@jofasho2kool]

Excellent review! I think the f6 is one of the best cinema cameras out here

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Thanks! I really agree

[@tayo5302]

I do agree a lot with your statement at the beginning that a lot of KZbinrs really had the wrong Idea with their opinions. I wish someone like armando ferreira who actually knows how to test a cinema camera was able to play with a z cam.

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Yeah absolutely! He actually makes films and understands what professionals need in their cameras

[@KinsonLoo]

Now then you know that Mission Impossible is shot on Z CAM E2-F6. 🎉🎉🎉

[@JohnFultonCGL]

I'm excited to see it, it's a work horse of a camera

[@samuelguce]

thanks for this vid - I'm a week in to using the S6 - loving so far but bit of a learning curve from DSLR video

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Let me know if you have any questions I can help with! You can dm me on Instagram if that’s easier @cameragearlust

[@samuelguce]

@@JohnFultonCGL Thankyou muchly - I don't have insta but will get in touch if you have email?

[@JohnFultonCGL]

@@samuelguce [e-mail]

[@travelbagphotography]

Good review, thanks! I upgraded to E2M4 this year and just love it!

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Thanks, Im a big fan of the m4. Im happy yo have both though

[@travelbagphotography]

@@JohnFultonCGL Sorry, I just have the one E2-M4.

[@TheAlexGavrilov]

I Love ZCam

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Me too

[@ohio_dino]

Remember it took magic lantern to get canon and Panasonic to move on firmware updates

[@JohnFultonCGL]

I’m not even sure if it was magic lantern, but I’m glad they’ve all started doing it

[@dietmargerber3975]

Liked this video - I have a small production company that I am growing. Sony A7m3 set up atm and want to go to the next level. I film emotive corporate brand videos for social mostly and highlight videos. Looking at the E2 S6 atm but, I am very curious about its comparison in the field to the F6.

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Personally i would buy the m4 before the s6 based on it not cropping when shooting 4k 120. But the f6 is the best camera of the line. Hopefully i can test an s6 for a few more days and make a comparison🙏

[@frasertomsfilm]

I'm coming from 7 years of fs700! loved it but wanted to move on as things are starting to change rapidly and z cam is a cost-effective owner cam - I often get hired for gigs with rentals and for those I choose better camera's like ARRI. I think it's a great niche Z cam is in and I'm getting the S6 soon. My ONLY real bummer complaint, especially coming from the 700 is the crops on different frame rates!!! I'm sure I can live with it but ...mannn it's just so weird and then considering those crops it's like "am I shooting micro 4/3 equivalent now?" like if you do 120fps, what "format" is that? Tiny other complaint is the eND is cool, but always "on" - again coming from a 2012 cine camera that had it all up front. otherwise i'm stoked!

[@JohnFultonCGL]

I would get the m4 and use the zcam turbo mount instead of getting the s6 for that exact reason. No cropping at all. The fs700 is a beast but the m4 is better in a lot of ways, especially noise performance. The f6 has the most dynamic range but still crops after 48p.

[@frasertomsfilm]

@@JohnFultonCGL appreciate the comment but I'd rather the s35 sensor - slow motion is great but 24p needs to be a performer and I'm assuming the slow motion on the s35 would be at least equal sensor to the m4... I'd have to research that. I'm also investing in lenses and s35 I believe has the most option and I'll be doing that in PL mount. ready to pull the trigger on the tokina 25-75 PL and rock it on the z cam. Also one or more Meike primes for gimbal and just because. That's the plan anyway.

[@JohnFultonCGL]

@@frasertomsfilm yeah that’s a good plan! Especially when you’re renting an arri for the bigger spots. Have you looked at the global shutter s6? I would probably go for it if i was really serious about s35

[@frasertomsfilm]

@@JohnFultonCGL I have but 2 problems - 1. It seems to perform slightly worse which isn't surprising because a lot of global shutters have less dynamic range. Also if the shutter isn't causing issues, then no need for global to be a 'must'. I just had a job with the komodo and didn't notice a diff to be honest. You have to do whack camera moves (for the most part for it to REALLY matter. 2. The price is hard to justify, it's almost the same as the komodo! I know the F6 will perform better in low light and just a bigger sensor overall, but for the lens options and price I like the s6. I don't gig a shit tonne with my own gear anymore so no need to get too crazy with the purchases. I was looking at the canon c70 as well, even the fx3/6 but there's just something about many of the z cam features I like - really like the mount options too. I was thinking of grabbing a whole set of meike's on emount with a case for like 2.5 grand! but as I said earlier I really want PL cine glass so that would mean switching mounts which I probably want to avoid - especially DURING A shoot. I'm still researching, but very close!

[@JohnFultonCGL]

@@frasertomsfilm i love that you know what works for you! I could see global shutter helping on some of my shoots, But realistically i don’t find rolling shutter an issue 99% of the time. I’ve raised all the questions i can think of! You’re going to love your s6!

[@andrewriden8405]

How do you deal with focus on the gimbal? I heard auto focus on the z-cams were not to good.

[@JohnFultonCGL]

The Ronin s2(and newer models) has a focus motor with a wheel on the grip to pull solo. I’ve never even attempted autofocus on the zcams but I’m assuming it’s as bad as people say

[@andrewriden8405]

@@JohnFultonCGL Oh my thats right. I have that motor but I forgot it existed since auto focus on the fx3 is pretty solid.

[@tanke1818]

Great vid!

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Thanks man

[@FLAMENCO961]

I really want a zcam, but not being able to use zraw or prores raw on davinci is a deal breaker for me

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Yeah, i would love to see braw as an option. But honestly you might be surprised by how flexible h265 is, and prores is pretty similar in performance to prores raw

[@Lorefilmsnz]

Good news. Braw now available with Zcam if using the black magic video assist

[@jfilmzstudio3470]

I have the sigma 18-35 and 50-100mm can the f6 crop to a super 35 in 6k or 5k while recording in 24fps? Great video I subbed!

[@JohnFultonCGL]

It has a s35 crop mode. Also anything over 48fps will crop into the sensor as well, with the exception of 6k 60p 2:41 aspect. It's an incredibly flexible camera

[@jfilmzstudio3470]

@@JohnFultonCGL thank you!

[@SoundSpeeding]

@@jfilmzstudio3470 note that S35 crop mode won't do 6K

[@jfilmzstudio3470]

@@SoundSpeeding thanks for the feedback!

[@TASTEFULLY]

Thanks for your review!

[@JohnFultonCGL]

You’re welcome

[@veyepriyevreistwa4348]

What is better image Lumix S1 or this ZCAN E6. I own the Lumix S1 and have. to decide to buy all the cages Rig or make a camera switch before? And did you impair in to the Komodo 5k? Great video

[@JohnFultonCGL]

The s1 and the f6 have the same sensor, image is very comparable. The f6 shoots in higher bitrates internally which give it better sooc image. I really want to try the Komodo but i can’t just buy it for KZbin right now 😮‍💨

[@stuntlife4794]

Sick motorcycle shots!

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Thanks, i would definitely like to shoot some more

[@dreagea]

Shots look really good colors

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Thanks, pretty quick and rough color. But i figured that helps beginners with expectations

[@THelvenstine]

Great video John! I was wondering about the Zcam series specifically, and their HDMI latency. Have you noticed any major delays from what you're filming and what the monitor sees? Thanks!

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Great question, they’re a very low latency signal. I’ve used quite a few different monitors at all price ranges and none have struggled to feel perfectly organic. Even the wifi monitoring or usb-c to phone via the zcam app is a reliable option and quite enjoyable.

[@THelvenstine]

@@JohnFultonCGL My man, thank you so much for the quick answer. You're a legend!

[@JohnFultonCGL]

@@THelvenstine my pleasure

[@JKFLASH]

Nice Review.. Im a UK Based videographer DOP. but still not sure on the Zcam.

[@JohnFultonCGL]

What’s got you on the fence still?

[@JKFLASH]

@@JohnFultonCGL I use Bmpcc4k and the Braw is unbelievable. Zraw looks awkward.

[@JohnFultonCGL]

@@JKFLASH ahh yes, i would kill for braw. I haven’t bothered with zraw or prraw. I hope it will get braw support in the future but who knows. The 4k vfr is pretty great though

[@medusfilms3018]

Hey bro, I am really struggling right now with a camera body, I am about to buy a7siii, but I am not sure. I shoot weddings, music videos and product videos . I am looking for a camera for about 5000$ dslr or cinema, please can You recommend Your top 5 cams for this price.

[@JohnFultonCGL]

#1 zcam f6 #2 zcam s6 #3 a7siii #4 Lumix s1 #5 canon r5 All those cameras trade punches in what they excel at. The zcams will never overheat, ive had the a7siii and r5 overheat. The s1 has the best ibis, but autofocus isnt usable for complex video.

[@ArtMorera]

The A,B autofocus points in the app is sooooo clutch for a person that films themselves.

[@JohnFultonCGL]

I don’t have any af glass, but that sounds awesome

[@ohio_dino]

8:05 news is needed

[@JohnFultonCGL]

News?

[@Kawaiivisualcreative]

Great buddy, thank you!!,

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Thank you

[@15acontent]

Great review. Subscribed

[@JohnFultonCGL]

thank you so much

[@divisionoflabor3070]

For people on the fence with purchasing the F6 or S6, what would be your rationale to push them to the F6? I saw someone using MFT on an F6, is that something you've tried? I know the S6 can use MFT with pretty good results. Just want that lens flexibility.

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Theres definitely a bit more lens flexibility with the s6 since you can use mft glass as well as speedboosting to full frame glass. Personally I think the f6 has my vote between the s6/f6, I think it’s a better sensor all around. But if money is a big factor i would go for an m4 or s6 as they’re more similar than you might think

[@divisionoflabor3070]

@@JohnFultonCGL No, I think you're right about the sensor, just has bigger pixels and more dynamic range. I have a lot of mft glass, but honestly I think I'd just pick up the sigma 18-35 and get the f6. Thanks! We are truly spoiled with these cameras these days

[@JohnFultonCGL]

@@divisionoflabor3070 remember the 18-35 doesnt cover full frame. Otherwise I’d be right there with you.

[@divisionoflabor3070]

@@JohnFultonCGL Oh dang. What would you recommend for a zoom?

[@SoundSpeeding]

Do all the Meike MFT cine lenses cover the entire sensor of the E2-S6?

[@angelgcastro1]

Great video, subscribed!

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Thank you 🙏

[@jkdrake1]

Thanks for this. Does Zcam use BRAW?

[@JohnFultonCGL]

My pleasure! It doesn’t do BRAW (although i wish it would) but it does offer Zraw and proresRaw-with atomos recorder- i find that the 10bit is really robust though and i don’t often feel like I’m needing the 12bit raw

[@dwaynefoong]

1:03 how can you look at the monitor this close 🤣do you have built in diopter in your contact lens?

[@JohnFultonCGL]

I'm not really looking at the monitor, but it's also not that close. There's tons of situations where you put the camera in a position where you're not able to monitor perfectly, get the shot and move on

[@dwaynefoong]

@@JohnFultonCGL how'd you pull focus though?

[@JohnFultonCGL]

@@dwaynefoong my hand is on the lens still. Im sure I was checking the monitor still too

[@cineoitoum]

Where did you bought this hdmi cable?

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Kondor blue, i have the coiled hdmi cable also and i enjoy them both

[@fujifilmsfashionphotograph8738]

Hi sir im from India plz tell me f6 or f8 ibuy one

[@JohnFultonCGL]

Well i would say the f6 as it has more dynamic range and framerate flexibility than the f8. Plus its a bit cheaper.

[@sreedharjavuor6095]

Hi sr, did u take tis camara