Z E1: World's smallest micro 4/3 camera

This 24 frames per second 4K camera is the size of a GoPro, but with an interchangeable lens system. It's a really neat design idea for a super compact MM/3 system. This little camera is the brainchild ofJason Zhang on Kickstarter that acutally worked on GoPro development.

“After spending years in the camera industry, I realised that most companies are much more interested in cutting costs of their current products than investing in developing new ones and listening to what people want," said Jason Zhang, engineer and creator.

The E1’s micro four-thirds lens mount can handle a wide range of AF (auto-focus) lenses available from brands such as Olympus, Panasonic Lumix, Leica and Sigma. It also supports a variety of existing MF (manual-focus) lenses. In lieu of bulky DSLRs, E1 allows users to travel with an arsenal of lenses to capture the highest-quality footage possible.

E1’s advanced focusing technology allows for continuous autofocus in both photos and video. By using different sensitivity settings, it ensures that users will not lose track of a subject while filming. And for users who are traditionalists and prefer to pull manual focus, the E1 offers an intuitive platform, featuring an automatic, on-screen zoom preview for crystal-clear focus.

Z's proprietary applications for iOS and Android, are already available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. These apps provide users the ability to control, live stream and manage content via their Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 4.0-enabled devices.

Users can leave the camera in standby mode and remotely power the E1, whether it's powered on or off, a feature not available with most other camera models. Once powered on, users can control and trigger the camera without physical contact. Furthermore, monitor and control your camera indefinitely by providing a direct AC power source.

The lightweight magnesium housing can take all Olympus and Panasonic MFT lenses. Z got the rights to use Olympus technology in the developement process. The E1 is Wi-Fi 802.11N, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Ambarella A9 image processor equipped. Easily capture cinema-quality 4K 4096x2160 video at 24 frames per second or ultra-high definition video 3840x2160 at 30 frames per second with H.264 compression. Advanced 3D noise filters using motion compensated temporal filtering (MCTF ) technology reduces noise and jitter. This should allow for good low-light performance with the camera’s ability to shoot at up to 102,400 ISO while maintaining high image quality, up to 6400 ISO. Additionally, there is a 3D noise filter actively removes ghosting and blurring. The ultra-low 200-300 millisecond latency allows for easy streaming and seamless content downloads to any Android or iOS device, which makes an exceptional experience for capturing documentaries or shooting live events. A videographer can mount the E1 from the ceiling prior to the event using a standard tripod mount accessory. Aftermarket accessories area easily added in a snap to the E1’s standard 1/4”-20 tripod mount. Drone pilots can remotely configure the camera without having to land it. This feature provides ease for travel. Users can power it on remotely and download content to a connected iOS or Android device, all the while it is inside of a backpack or pocket. Advanced users can customize the functionality of the E1 to amp up its potential than previously imagined through the open platform, I/O port and available software development kit (SDK), available in two levels. A quick look on eBay lists the E1 at just over RM3,000 including shipping.