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Z Cam camera explained

The Z Cam has been integrated into GlambotApp and tested with the Z Cam E2 and E2-M4 cameras. Both are powerful tools for professional videography. They can record at a maximum frame rate of 160 at 4K and 240 FPS at Full HD. In quality terms, using a Z Cam yields the best quality videos from GlambotApp.

Connection and setup

Connect Z Cam to GlambotApp without a router

To connect the camera to your device you will need an Ethernet cable.

  1. Turn on the camera and connect an Ethernet cable to it.
  2. Make sure your Z Cam network ethernet mode is set to “Direct” (“Menu” > “Connect” > “Network” > “ETH. mode” > “Direct”). Note down the camera ETH. IP.
  3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your hub, then place it in your device.
  4. Head to the iPad network settings, tap on “Ethernet” and select your current “Interface”. Verify “Configure IP” is set to “Automatic”.
  5. Open the GlambotApp app, tap on the bottom left hamburger icon and tap on “Cameras”.
  6. Turn on both the “Use Z Cam in session” and “Detect IP automatically” toggles. The camera will quickly connect. (If it doesn’t, disable the automatic IP detection and set the Z Cam IP from step 2.)
  7. For a better experience, we recommend turning on the “Liveview” option for the camera as well.
Connect Z Cam to GlambotApp with a router

If you’re interested in connecting the Z Cam via a router, follow the steps below. Connecting through a router expands your connectivity options, enabling you to link the camera, a robot, and our internet-free Sharing Box using Ethernet cables, for instance. You’ll require a router and an Ethernet to USB-C adapter or a USB hub with a built-in Ethernet adapter. Steps:

  1. Turn on the camera and connect an Ethernet cable to it.
  2. Make sure your Z Cam network ethernet mode is set to “Ethernet” (“Menu” > “Connect” > “Network” > “ETH. mode” > “Ethernet”). Note down the camera ETH. IP.
  3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your router.
  4. Open the GlambotApp app, tap on the bottom left hamburger icon and tap on “Cameras”. On the “Current IP” input field, set the Z Cam IP from step 2.
  5. Turn on the “Use Z Cam in session” toggle. The camera will connect.

Once the connection between your device and the Z Cam is established, you will notice a “Settings” button appearing below the slot. Simply tap on it to access a modal screen that lists all the Z Cam settings that can be modified. Any changes you make to this menu will be automatically applied to the Z Cam. In the upper right corner of this screen, you will see a graph button that takes you to a new screen. This screen allows you to digitally automate the zoom and focus of the Z Cam, allowing you to achieve the Kardashian effect. This effect involves starting the recording with a zoomed-out view, then gradually zooming in on your desired target at a specific recording point while maintaining focus. To configure this effect, follow these steps:

  1. Provide the initial zoom value.
  2. Specify the desired focus at this level of zoom.
  3. Determine the exact second during the recording the zoom-in action should take place.
  4. Introduce the final zoom value.
  5. Set the focus at the final zoom level.

This functionality offers an enhanced level of customization for your videos. When combined with the robotic arm, it unlocks a virtually limitless range of possibilities.

Requirements

  • A Z Cam E2 or E2-M4 camera. Note that the E2-M4 model does not come with a power supply.
  • A CFast card with a minimum of 64 GB capacity and good read and write speeds for your Z Cam.
  • A lens that is compatible with your Z Cam model.
  • An Ethernet cable and an Ethernet adapter for your iPhone or iPad. We recommend using a USB hub that includes an Ethernet port, so you can connect a Sharing Box as well.
  • (Optional) A router with at least 3 ports for a wired-only setup.

Troubleshooting

If you’re having trouble with the FPS speeds on your Z Cam, let us clarify its video settings:

  • To record at high-frame speeds, you’ll need to use either C4K 2:1 or a resolution of 1920 x 1080.
  • Set the output FPS to a value equal to or lower than 30.
  • The Variable Framerate will indicate the target FPS of our recording. Set here the highest value you want to reach. For 160 FPS for 4K and 240 FPS for 1080 (Full HD).
  • If you’re unsure how to achieve the mentioned values, we recommend clearing your Z Cam settings and starting over. Please note, GlambotApp will reinstate the app’s configuration to the Z Cam if you leave it connected. Disconnect the Z Cam first, clear the Z Cam settings and, then, connect the camera again to GlambotApp.
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