The Z CAM E2 series is one of the most exciting camera platforms in the professional cine and broadcast world – compact, powerful, and network-capable. Well-established in Asia and the US, the brand is now gaining new momentum in Europe through RIWIT. One standout feature: the ability to perfectly synchronize multiple cameras – for film production, motion capture, live sports events, or volumetric capture.
In this article, we explore the two synchronization technologies Z CAM offers, how they are used in leading projects such as Netflix Eyeline Studios and the world's top sports competitions – and what this means for productions in Europe.
Why Camera Synchronization Matters
In multi-camera setups, it’s essential that all cameras capture frames at exactly the same moment. Especially in demanding fields such as:
- Virtual Production / LED Stages
- Volumetric Capture
- Time Freeze / Bullet Time
- 3D- or XR-Live-Streaming
- Broadcast Sports Broadcasting and Event Coverage
Without precise synchronization, it’s impossible to accurately reconstruct movements, merge perspectives without artifacts, or ensure proper timing across video feeds.
Two Powerful Synchronization Options: Z CAM PixelLink & Z CAM EzLink
Z CAM offers two synchronization solutions, tailored to different production needs:
Z CAM PixelLink – Ultra-Precise Hardware Sync (Pixel-Level Precision)
Z CAM PixelLink uses a daisy-chained connection between cameras via the dedicated Z CAM E2 Sync Cable. It delivers ultra-precise pixel-level synchronization — meaning each camera captures the image at precisely the same pixel clock.
Advantages:
- Ultra-precise hardware synchronization (pixel-level precision)
- Required for productions where absolute frame and pixel-level matching is critical (e.g., scientific applications, ultra-high-end motion analysis)
Limitations:
- Approximately 140 cameras maximum, depending on total cable length and signal integrity
Technical Setup:
- Cameras are physically daisy-chained using the Z CAM Sync Cable
- No switch involved; direct camera-to-camera chaining.
- One camera designated as Master; all others as Slaves.
More Infos: Z CAM PixelLink Quick Guide
CAM EzLink – Network-Based Sync with Sub-Millisecond Precision
Z CAM EzLink provides multi-camera synchronization via a Gigabit Ethernet network, offering ultra-precise hardware sync with a deviation of less than 0.5 milliseconds.
While not achieving pixel-level precision like PixelLink, EzLink delivers sufficient accuracy for almost all professional multi-camera scenarios, including live events, volumetric capture, virtual production, and dynamic scenes.
Advantages:
- Ultra-precise hardware sync (deviation < 0.5 ms)
- No limit to the number of connected cameras (subject to network hardware capacity)
- Flexible setups via network switches (1G or 10G Ethernet)
- Ideal for: Virtual Production, Broadcast, Live Events, Volumetric Capture
Setup:
- Cameras are connected via Ethernet to an IEEE 1588-compliant Gigabit switch.
- Camera roles (Master/Slave) are assigned via GUI or HTTP API.
- Real-time system monitoring through LED indicators (Ready/Streaming/Error).
More Infos: Z CAM EzLink Quick Guide
Netflix Eyeline Studios: 75 Z CAM Cameras Capturing Volumetric Facial Performance
A groundbreaking project in volumetric facial capture: Netflix Eyeline Studios used a fully synchronized setup of 75 Z CAM E2 cameras to create highly detailed, relightable 3D facial models.
Objective: To capture dynamic human faces in motion, enabling realistic relighting under any conditions using AI-powered Stable Diffusion models.
Setup:
- 75 synchronized Z CAM E2 cameras using EzLink
- Integrated into a 360° LED-panel rig (OLAT technique: One Light At A Time)
- Diffusion model-based AI relighting
- Precise frame-by-frame timecode control
Learn more: DifFRelight White Paper (Netflix)
The result: photorealistic, dynamically relightable 3D facial captures with fine detail, including skin translucency, specular highlights, self-shadowing, and authentic expressions.
Video Bullet Time in Live-Sport: Z CAM EzLink on the Field
Live sports broadcasters worldwide have adopted synchronized Z CAM setups for dramatic effects such as video bullet time — where the action is "frozen" and shown from multiple moving perspectives.
Unlike traditional bullet time (which captures a still image from multiple cameras), Z CAM EzLink enables real-time video bullet time, allowing dynamic 3D movement around a living, moving subject.
How it works:
- Multiple Z CAM cameras (e.g., 24 units) positioned in a semi-circle or custom rig
- All cameras record simultaneously using EzLink synchronization
- Footage is interpolated into a flowing 3D sequence around the moving athlete
This cutting-edge approach was used at the world's top sports competitions, capturing stunning live-action sequences with unmatched dynamic perspectives.
Conclusion:
Z CAM Makes Multi-Cam Synchronization Professional, Scalable, and Accessible
Whether in Hollywood productions, live sports broadcasts, AI-driven volumetric capture, or immersive virtual environments, Z CAM PixelLink and Z CAM EzLink provide two distinct, powerful synchronization solutions:
- Z CAM PixelLink – For ultimate pixel-level synchronization where the highest precision is mandatory.
- Z CAM EzLink – For versatile, networked synchronization in virtually all multi-camera professional applications.
With the new distribution strategy through RIWIT across Europe, Z CAM is poised to become a major player in professional multi-camera production environments worldwide. The next generation of synchronized production is here — powered by Z CAM.
Interested in learning more?
Questions about Z CAM PixelLink, Z CAM EzLink?
Contact us at: sales@riwit.de
Visit: www.z-cam.com
Z CAM Multi-Cam Synchronization