Z CAM E2-F6 Pro Firmware 0.9.10 Released – Internal ProRes RAW, 6K up to 60fps

Firmware Update

by Johnnie BehiriToday

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Z CAM has released firmware 0.9.10 for the E2-F6 Pro, and it adds internal Apple ProRes RAW recording. According to Z CAM, the full-frame cinema camera can now record ProRes RAW in-camera at up to 6K 60fps. Until now, a RAW workflow on Z CAM’s E2 bodies meant an external recorder, so this update changes what the E2-F6 Pro can do on its own.

With firmware 0.9.10, the Z CAM E2-F6 Pro records Apple ProRes RAW internally, at resolutions up to 6K and frame rates up to 60fps. Z CAM’s product page now lists ProRes RAW HQ and ProRes RAW SQ as video encoders, next to ProRes 422 Proxy, 422 LT, 422 and 422 HQ. Z CAM describes the benefits as greater flexibility in post-production and a more streamlined professional workflow. The update is free to download from Z CAM’s resources page, and Z CAM has not mentioned a separate license for the RAW feature.

We first looked at the camera here when it came out in September 2022. ProRes RAW itself is not new to the E2 family. Earlier E2 models gained 12-bit ProRes RAW over HDMI through Atomos recorders, which we reported on at the time. On the E2-F6 Pro, Z CAM’s product page states that RAW over HDMI external recording is not yet supported, so internal recording is now the camera’s only RAW path.

The E2-F6 Pro at a glance

The E2-F6 Pro uses a full-frame CMOS sensor that measures 37.09 x 24.75mm / 1.46 x 0.97in, with 26 megapixels effective. Z CAM claims up to 15 stops of dynamic range and specifies dual native ISO at 400 and 2500. The camera has a Canon EF mount as standard, with optional M, MFT, PL, and LPL mounts. It records to CFast 2.0 or Z CAM’s ZBlade media, which Exascend makes for Z CAM in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities at $299, $499, and $1,099.

Outputs include 12G-SDI and HDMI, and the camera supports genlock. A V-Mount battery plate powers the body, and a 1000-nit, 1920 x 1080 touchscreen monitor attaches to it. The camera weighs 1.39kg / 3.06lb with the EF mount, and 1.68kg / 3.70lb with the monitor.

Updating the camera

Z CAM updates the E2-F6 Pro through the camera’s built-in web client. According to Z CAM’s support center, users connect the camera over Ethernet, set the ETH Mode to Direct, and start the upgrade under Settings > Maintenance > Others > Upgrade. Z CAM recommends a stable power supply during the process.

Price and availability

Firmware 0.9.10 for the E2-F6 Pro is available now as a free download from Z CAM. The Z CAM E2-F6 Pro with Canon EF mount and touchscreen monitor costs $4,299 at B&H. For more information, please visit the Z CAM website.

Does internal ProRes RAW make the E2-F6 Pro a more interesting option for your work, or do you prefer to stay with ProRes 422 HQ? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!