I really appreciate all your reviews, and they have really helped point me in the direction I needed to take to accomplish what I wanted to do. I thought about getting the BMPCC, but after watching (and reading) your reviews as well as testing out one a friend owns, I've since learned it is not the one for me. So I just want to say thanks for taking part of your free time (and I know it's a big part) to help all of us out in the ways you do. It means a lot to me, as well as to the community you have built up. Thank you. :)
An absolute wonderful review. Thank you for taking the time to make all three parts of the review and cover as much as you could. This really answers most of the questions I had about the pocket camera.
Pity there's not going to be a part 4. After a year and 9 months there were several software updates that addressed some of the issues you listed. It would be nice to hear what you think after all the updates.
Hi Phillip, I love your reviews and how you are able to cover everything we want to know. Very, very helpful. I've been considering one of either of the Blackmagics, but I agree that there are just enough flaws to keep me from pulling the trigger on them. I'd be very interested in seeing your thoughts on the Canon 6D, especially since it is at such a competitive price, and offers much of what the 5DmkIII has when it comes to video quality. And now that Mosaic Engineering has the anti-aliasing filter for it, I would propose that the 6D will be a very relevant option for many indie filmmakers. As for the Bolex D16, as mentioned below, I watched its test footage and was extremely unimpressed, especially for $3300. Though, I realize this is their first crack at a digital camera so I don't want to sound too harsh. But, it has serious red blooming issues-- to the point where the reds completely fall apart into strange blobs and ghost trails. I think the red issue plays into its unnatural color tones as well. It makes me wonder how much of it is a sensor issue versus its firmware. I would be very curious to see your impressions of it.
Phillip, the mini-series review on the Bmpcc was absolutely fantastic. Really, really opened up my eyes and knowledge and answered every question that popped in my head. Thank you very much. Still looking for my first purchase into filming. Getting as much info as I can. Maybe you can help point me in the right direction.
Extremely helpful and insightful. The way give your logic to the statements you make is fantastic. You have highlighted issues that I can now consider. Plus you describe the image issue that you find, which is important as I am watching this on TH-cam where all video looks crap. Thanks again for putting the effort to produce such great content.
Hello Mr. Bloom: I have just bought filmconvert through your adds and i would like to say it is brilliant. I really love the feel of the program and has sped up production greatly. I have noticed and would like to know if you find this as an issue. When I use filmconvert on my FS700 and 5dmarkiii it seems to have a noise issue. A little bit of crushing blacks too. Note i do remove the grain initially from its grain setting. but at times even in low iso it still seems noisy in a larger screen. My platform is Adobe and once FC has made the standalone for windows ill be able to see if it works better if that is my issue. I dont know if i am using the program incorrectly. Note: Its not a HUGE issue i was just wondering if its something that comes to the nature of editing footage and normal grain. Thank you for your work
Extremely happy with the camera, knew the flaws. I found it to deliver much more consistent images and Film Convert works so well with it. I'm using one or two C-mounts usually and my Gorillapod DSLR-version works as shoulder mount or virtually any other mount with this simple camera. So happy with it as the image of my 5DmkII often have caused me grief. Audio is the obvious weak point of this camera, the camera basically has to be paired with a Zoom H1 or something then audio is important.
Nice review. With all the extra's and items you need to make this camera work it wont be pocket anymore. And cost alot of money. It is just not a camera which you put in your pocket and have allways with u due all the limitations like battery addon size etc. I really hope that panasonic take the GF6 or something small and put in the GH3 video options and mic and headphone jacks. And make a compeditor for the BMPC. The M43 system with crop of 2 is just nice.
Interesting series of review. I have watched your 5D Mark III review as well as your shootout with the D800 & D4. I was wondering if (when you can that is) you might compare entry level full frame DSLR's such as the Canon 6D & the Nikon D610?
Good review, but I really don't get the improvement with the speed booster. It's expensive and besides of the fact it makes the image wider, I don't see any improvement in the image quality.
Seriously? First i can't call it expensive. It's dirt cheap considering what it does. Effectively gives you a faster, larger and more sensitive sensor. It's heinous and essential. Can't you see the difference in the shots?
Thanks for the reviews. I just watched all of them. I'm upgrading my primary camera and this helped me make my decision that this camera isn't for me. Your shots are great but I'm going to stick with canon. Cheers and nice work! ~Andrew
I laughed in the beginning with the Tom Selleck lip duster. Hey Philip; any chance you'd do a review on the 5d3 shooting raw? It's a bit of a hassle but the image is pretty remarkable. I read your blog back in May but that was pretty much around the time it started; there's been quite a few things polished with it by now and would love to have you take another look at it. PS I can't afford a 1DC.
Thank you! You made my decision a lot easier, I was trying to decide between this pocket camera and a Nikon D5300 dslr. The d5300 is about $200 less but I figured if I just need to spend a little bit to get superior video a few hundred would be worth it but from your review I'm going to need to spend a lot more then a few hundred with expensive sd cards and extra batteries!! And then the audio issue I would just want to put a rode mic right into the camera which as your review states isn't a good option with the pocket.
If you have time Mr Bloom please look into new Black magic cameras to review them! Btw what would you say is better value the cinema camera or this pocket camera?
"It could be a great camera, but it isn't." Couldn't have said it better myself after demoing it for a week. Thanks for all your hard work Philip Bloom! I personally appreciate it immensely.
God Bless your lovely mother Phillip, I bet she’s seen you run around with that camera more times than she’s had to clean your rump, lol. ...and thanks for the Phillip Bloom channel this is heaven sent.
Thank you so much for these videos. I do have a question - could you specifically explain your setup for that Venice shoot? That looked amazing. I am a novice, but I would like to emulate that look. Again, thank you for doing this series, it is the definitive review of this camera.
Another great review. I don't think I will get this until pro-res lite is supported and metabones brings out a speed booster for the EF lenses (since I own a 5D and 7D). I wonder if anyone out there is using an EF to F-mount on top of the metabones F-mount to MFT??? BMD would do well to make speed boosters themselves. That would definitately help a LOT in both usability for focal length and usability for low light. It would sell more cameras.
how is your angeneaux zoom on the Black Magic Cinema Camera 2.5k MFT? is the cropping very intense? do you know at which focal length the lens doesnt vignette anymore on that sensor? i have an Angeneaux 12-120 zoom, but the bmcc seems like a better option for me. the only problem is that the bmcc is not exactly a super 16 camera like the bmpcc, so i want to know if these zooms are still usable.
I've had the Bmpcc for quite some time without the speedbooster, but finally considering on getting one after seeing this review again. May just wait until the Aputure DEC Focal Reducer comes out! :-)
So this would be a C camera compared to what within the price range? I'm studying Post Production for film TV and CGI and I have purchased the BMPCC with 2x64GB 95mbs cards and 4 batteries for £830 with the intention of creating a show real of colour grading and creating film at the picture standard the camera gives with the codec. As a student I am reluctant to build a kit on this that wont be transferable to the next camera. The £400 speed booster takes me to 1200 with out any leses... how better will this all be compared to a canon with magic lantern after vimeo/youtube compression at the end of it all.
I really want to start making short films but really dont know whats the best equipment. Can you help me out with what I should start buying? I have a nikon d5100 but its not the look i want. This pocket seems perfect but are there other versions of the blackmagic that are better than the pocket?
Great pragmatic review. It's refreshing to see reviews that don't have that ridiculous fanboy mentality - ultimately it's just a tool to do a job. That said I think BlackMagic are awesome for making such quality devices accessible to so many. Long may it continue.
Phillip Bloom as always thanks for great info! I really like the look of the BMPC, but before I purchase it I need another GH3, which I really love SO MUCH. Just like you said it would be my C Camera. What amazes me is how many people who bought the BMPC and now selling it on Ebay and Craiglist lol! One person said they willing to trade for a GH3.
That is crazy, a BMPC for a GH3? A BMPC for a 5DMIII *maybe* but a GH3? I'm not knocking the GH3 however that just doesn't make sense to me, at lease a 5DMIII has a comparable retail value. Just the raw facts, a Super 35, 4K camera with global shutter at around US$4,000 for a good micro four-thirds camera at around $1,000?
I know what you mean Ryan, thought that was crazy too. I love the look of the BMPC , its just that I need a B CAMERA for the types of shooting I'm doing now. I do more wedding gigs then short film projects. Eventually ill get the blackmagic PC unless the GH4 (RAW) has something better to offer by the time I'm ready.
Ryan Portsmouth are you two actually talking about the same camera? Perhaps it's all these abbreviations because there is no way you could be! Lunerversal is talking about THIS camera, the pocket camera, correct? Whereas Ryan you have to be confusingly referring to the unreleased and nowhere to be seen 4K production camera, which will retail for around $4000. Surely the statement that someone wants to trade for a GH3 is not actually that strange considering the GH3 costs more than a pocket camera? Hopefully this clears up this odd confusion that was going on between you two! :)
This does appear to be a confusion as the abbreviations that are common in this space is as follows: - "BMPC" being the BlackMagic Production Camera - "BMPCC" being the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera A GH3 for a BMPCC is definitely more appropriate!
As a dslr guy, just curious if you think using my canon lenses on the pocket with an adapter is worth it. I certainly can't afford to get all new glass and I work on a glide cam so having the ability to go wide is a must. Anybody sporting this thing with canon lenses and still loving it?
+Benjamin Sarco bit of a contradiction, there are lots of third party adapters now (wasnt when that was posted), unfortunately the good adapters cost the same as the metabones speed booster,
Philip Bloom I have seen ALL your awesome videos on youtube and Vimeo. They are really good. I like your work. But when watching all your reviews, your convensions and meet ups.....I as viewer wonders why you are so much into photo cameras for your work. I mean photo cameras might have a full frame CMOS, but they aren't real video cameras. True you have made a video camera reviews, but I still feel the DSLR is more your prefered choise. I just ask why ? It's not ment negative. If I consider how much extra gear you have to use together with a DSLR....this isn't really a super choise if you see something you want to shoot with short setup time. External mic, tripod, lences, external montor,.... Yes I am commenting in the 3rd part of the black magic review....It's just something what I have asked my self many times when watching your videos.
How about this camera in a role, where instead of a portable consumer camcorder. Its used in a way, instead of buying like a 5dMK3 and some kit. The quality of this ay be a bit better at times, cant get as wide angle shots though, but its a more budget camera option. with the kit, it would still cost similar to a base 5dmk3+24-70mm The only issue is the batteries
+mainlymusicman Actually it's more perceived sharpness (I guess Philip didnt actually sharpened the image). Contrast between light and dark pixels make something appear sharp so does colour contrast. The milky LOG footage is so unsaturated and not contrasty that it appears less sharp though it technically isn't. The most sharpening filters work with contrast in areas where bright and dark pixels are close. If you don't believe just take a look into Alexis van Hurkmans "Handbook of Color Correction" which I basically just paraphrased.
Philip, I really enjoy your reviews, but let me just add something important. High end pro's (like you), that had the chance to work with awesome pro cameras like the RED or the ALEXA will not be that much impressed with the BMPCC, because if you want raw or a HQ codec you can use those cameras, and they have so much more features. But for enthusiasts like us, who dont have access to expensive cameras, having raw and ProRes HQ for that price is so cool. Please, remember us LOL Most of your viewers are not pros, they are only hobbyists. And we just want to play with the best possible stuff! Thanks for the reviews!
hey pecuf thanks for watching. Actually my favourite camera are still smaller cameras. The whole thrust of this review IS actually for the low budget filmmakers. There is no point in comparing it to high end cameras nor did I. That's why I mention ProRes HQ is overkill for this camera as low budget filmmakers are going to need to spend so much money on cards. Likewise for essential accessories. So all 3 parts are for you. Not for big successful DPs. I do mention how I see it fitting into MY workflow but I make it clear that's for me. This is NOT a hobbyist camera in my opinion. Not unless you are loaded. This is not cheap when you get what you need and there are far better options for lower budget filmmakers. I hope that makes sense. Thanks again :) P
Philip Bloom Hi Philip, "..and there are far better options for lower budget filmmakers." So all things considered, which cam would you recommend for lower budget filmmakers in this price range? The GH3?
IT IS GOOD CAMERA! very well done review - PB trademark :) .. yes this is and it is meant apparently to be C camera, but it is possible to have more portable / smaller setup with this camera and deliver that special high quality footage.
Hi Philip Thanks for another great review. I have a A7s and I'm happy with almost every feature but I can not ignore the filmic look of the BMPCC footage, they look fantastic and so film look compare to A7s and other cameras in the same range. First of all why does BMPCC look so warm and filmic? and is there any way to get same feel and look from A7s? Thank.
I have two questions for anyone who may know 1. Can that purple lens flare be removed in post? and 2. I want to make videos combining time-lapse and video, but I'm not happy with the time lapse from the bmpcc, what is the usual work around with this, for example if i use my Nikon won't the footage look strange or hard to grade? any advice would be great, i want to have astro time-lapse too, so kind of need to use a full frame camera.
This camera was a bit of a pain in the ass for me. I just use it for chroma key now. The battery is horrible, so is the rolling shutter, I like that it has less aliasing than my GH3, but it's not as sharp as the GH3 or the 4/3rds mount camera. What they should have done is create a micro 4/3rds camera with active mount, I would have bought that camera. I don't see the difficulty in doing it. I asked the Blackmagic guy about formatting cards and he it was so people didn't accidentally delete files, which no one who uses a professional camera does. I suspect the real reason is to do with licencing on the exFat and HFS+ files systems.
In the end it's not worth it for me. When considering the price of the additional batteries and lenses say a 50mm Eq and a 24-75 Eq I'd be spending close to the same amount I'd be spending on a C100. Wich is a camera that just works out of the box and goes well with my Sigma 17-50mm and my 50mm 1.8 and has all day battery life.
hello, On the Black magic cinema camera 2.5k EF Mount, this camera have 2.4 crop factor what type the lens can I use to give 20 0r 24 mm Full Frame? Its possible use sppedbooter on EF Mount?
Micro Doulo no you can’t put a canon adapter on a canon mount! Get the micro four thirds one then you can. Getting a wide angle on that camera is a nightmare. You need like a 10mm (multiply by 2.4)
Do you have any evidence that his camera produces aliasing? Edge artifacts like that should only be a problem if the camera is performing on-board re-sizing (because it will obviously be bad), which the Super16 sensor should not be doing.
Philip Bloom I'm sorry if you disliked my choice of words. It's a bad habit from arguing on the internet too much about digital video. "Examples," then? You said you saw it in some of your shots; could you, perhaps, post a screenshot? Having no anti-aliasing filter is neither here nor there. In fact, I wish a lot of cameras didn't because you're going to be able to do that much better on a computer than the camera is internally. Either way, my understanding of the BMPCC is that it shoots /natively/ at 1920x1080--there is no image scaling or re-sampling going on. If that's the case, there really shouldn't be any aliasing at all. Aliasing is only the result of poor down-scaling algorithms in cameras. You don't ever see it in DLSR stills, do you? Edit: here's a little explanation: nofilmschool.com/dslr/aliasing-and-moire/ Edit 2: After thinking about it, I realized that actually, the camera does down sample the /chroma/ in ProRes mode. Pictures I've see of resolution charts seem to indicate that the aliasing is restricted to the chroma. I'm interested in what those look like in RAW.
@@philipbloom I'm asking if there is some firmware to improve the BMPCC. I've just had one, but for example the camera cannot see my Sandisk extreme pro 128 gb ( read speed up to 170, write up to 90, UHS-I ). I tried with the lexar professional 1667x ( 250mb/s, 90mb/s, UHS-II ) and i can shoot in Prores but not in Raw video. Did you have some advice for me? Thanks
Here is an example. www.amazon.com/Rokinon-CV35-N-Aspherical-De-Clicked-Fixed-Non-Zoom/dp/B008X1C182/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1412163481&sr=8-2&keywords=Rokinon+cine+Nikon
Not to mention you have to add at least 400 dollars in Colorista and Filmconvert to make your video look like these or other Bloom clips- so take that into consideration before you buy anything.
I need help! I have a Blackmagic Pocket Camera and soon I will start filming my first wedding but I'm scared that this camera is not going to help, I'm thinking to sell my BMCC to buy a DSLR but I'm not sure, any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
In hilarious news cameras today are barely even better than this decade old camera. This has camera shoots better 1080p than any modern camera and has beautiful colour science. Record’s internally raw cinema DNG on cheap sd cards plus shoots ProRes internally too. Any short comings this camera has is basically the same short coming all cameras have except maybe the really bad audio. Everyone is just chasing after new gear and lost after 4/6k where 95% don’t even need it. Of course if you need autofocus for some strange reason well then get a Sony lol.
I really appreciate all your reviews, and they have really helped point me in the direction I needed to take to accomplish what I wanted to do. I thought about getting the BMPCC, but after watching (and reading) your reviews as well as testing out one a friend owns, I've since learned it is not the one for me. So I just want to say thanks for taking part of your free time (and I know it's a big part) to help all of us out in the ways you do. It means a lot to me, as well as to the community you have built up. Thank you. :)
I think this is the best camera in years, for students who really wanna learn cinemathography, such a great camera to improve your skills.
Agreed since they fixed the bugs its fantastic.
An absolute wonderful review. Thank you for taking the time to make all three parts of the review and cover as much as you could. This really answers most of the questions I had about the pocket camera.
Pity there's not going to be a part 4. After a year and 9 months there were several software updates that addressed some of the issues you listed. It would be nice to hear what you think after all the updates.
Hi Phillip, I love your reviews and how you are able to cover everything we want to know. Very, very helpful. I've been considering one of either of the Blackmagics, but I agree that there are just enough flaws to keep me from pulling the trigger on them. I'd be very interested in seeing your thoughts on the Canon 6D, especially since it is at such a competitive price, and offers much of what the 5DmkIII has when it comes to video quality. And now that Mosaic Engineering has the anti-aliasing filter for it, I would propose that the 6D will be a very relevant option for many indie filmmakers. As for the Bolex D16, as mentioned below, I watched its test footage and was extremely unimpressed, especially for $3300. Though, I realize this is their first crack at a digital camera so I don't want to sound too harsh. But, it has serious red blooming issues-- to the point where the reds completely fall apart into strange blobs and ghost trails. I think the red issue plays into its unnatural color tones as well. It makes me wonder how much of it is a sensor issue versus its firmware. I would be very curious to see your impressions of it.
They cut the price in half. All cons are now void.
Phillip, the mini-series review on the Bmpcc was absolutely fantastic. Really, really opened up my eyes and knowledge and answered every question that popped in my head. Thank you very much.
Still looking for my first purchase into filming. Getting as much info as I can. Maybe you can help point me in the right direction.
5:00 Those two girls were looking at you like you were a stalker.
.....brilliant , informative, honest and intelligent. Theres clearly a lot of hard work that goes into your reviews.Thankyou .
Extremely helpful and insightful. The way give your logic to the statements you make is fantastic. You have highlighted issues that I can now consider. Plus you describe the image issue that you find, which is important as I am watching this on TH-cam where all video looks crap.
Thanks again for putting the effort to produce such great content.
Hello Mr. Bloom:
I have just bought filmconvert through your adds and i would like to say it is brilliant. I really love the feel of the program and has sped up production greatly. I have noticed and would like to know if you find this as an issue. When I use filmconvert on my FS700 and 5dmarkiii it seems to have a noise issue. A little bit of crushing blacks too. Note i do remove the grain initially from its grain setting. but at times even in low iso it still seems noisy in a larger screen. My platform is Adobe and once FC has made the standalone for windows ill be able to see if it works better if that is my issue. I dont know if i am using the program incorrectly.
Note: Its not a HUGE issue i was just wondering if its something that comes to the nature of editing footage and normal grain. Thank you for your work
Extremely happy with the camera, knew the flaws. I found it to deliver much more consistent images and Film Convert works so well with it. I'm using one or two C-mounts usually and my Gorillapod DSLR-version works as shoulder mount or virtually any other mount with this simple camera. So happy with it as the image of my 5DmkII often have caused me grief. Audio is the obvious weak point of this camera, the camera basically has to be paired with a Zoom H1 or something then audio is important.
Nice review. With all the extra's and items you need to make this camera work it wont be pocket anymore. And cost alot of money. It is just not a camera which you put in your pocket and have allways with u due all the limitations like battery addon size etc. I really hope that panasonic take the GF6 or something small and put in the GH3 video options and mic and headphone jacks. And make a compeditor for the BMPC. The M43 system with crop of 2 is just nice.
Interesting series of review. I have watched your 5D Mark III review as well as your shootout with the D800 & D4. I was wondering if (when you can that is) you might compare entry level full frame DSLR's such as the Canon 6D & the Nikon D610?
Good review, but I really don't get the improvement with the speed booster. It's expensive and besides of the fact it makes the image wider, I don't see any improvement in the image quality.
Seriously? First i can't call it expensive. It's dirt cheap considering what it does. Effectively gives you a faster, larger and more sensitive sensor. It's heinous and essential. Can't you see the difference in the shots?
Thanks for the reviews. I just watched all of them. I'm upgrading my primary camera and this helped me make my decision that this camera isn't for me. Your shots are great but I'm going to stick with canon. Cheers and nice work! ~Andrew
I laughed in the beginning with the Tom Selleck lip duster. Hey Philip; any chance you'd do a review on the 5d3 shooting raw? It's a bit of a hassle but the image is pretty remarkable. I read your blog back in May but that was pretty much around the time it started; there's been quite a few things polished with it by now and would love to have you take another look at it. PS I can't afford a 1DC.
Hi Phillip! Will the Atomos Ninja 2 fix audio and storage problems? And would you recommend a glidecam or should I buy the wooden camera rig instead?
This camera Beats a lot of cameras out there still in 2021! Cinema DNG in your pocket! Real size Super 16, killer!
Thank you! You made my decision a lot easier, I was trying to decide between this pocket camera and a Nikon D5300 dslr. The d5300 is about $200 less but I figured if I just need to spend a little bit to get superior video a few hundred would be worth it but from your review I'm going to need to spend a lot more then a few hundred with expensive sd cards and extra batteries!! And then the audio issue I would just want to put a rode mic right into the camera which as your review states isn't a good option with the pocket.
If you have time Mr Bloom please look into new Black magic cameras to review them! Btw what would you say is better value the cinema camera or this pocket camera?
Is the BMPCC not worthy of being an A Camera because of it's outgoing quality? Or just convenience such work flow due to batteries and sd cards?
Phil, what are your thoughts about the BMPCC4k?
"It could be a great camera, but it isn't." Couldn't have said it better myself after demoing it for a week. Thanks for all your hard work Philip Bloom! I personally appreciate it immensely.
Really great review in these three videos. Nicely done. Baffles me that they wouldn't sort out the audio challenges. (Maybe they have by now?)
God Bless your lovely mother Phillip, I bet she’s seen you run around with that camera more times than she’s had to clean your rump, lol. ...and thanks for the Phillip Bloom channel this is heaven sent.
Thank you Philip for your great work and your independent reviews. Love it!
Thank you so much for these videos. I do have a question - could you specifically explain your setup for that Venice shoot? That looked amazing. I am a novice, but I would like to emulate that look. Again, thank you for doing this series, it is the definitive review of this camera.
DOH2012 my blog post might help you. It's been a long time since I' made it
Philip, did you use filmconvert to grade the footage of Kate and your family? Thanks for the work you put into reviewing this camera!
Another great review. I don't think I will get this until pro-res lite is supported and metabones brings out a speed booster for the EF lenses (since I own a 5D and 7D). I wonder if anyone out there is using an EF to F-mount on top of the metabones F-mount to MFT???
BMD would do well to make speed boosters themselves. That would definitately help a LOT in both usability for focal length and usability for low light. It would sell more cameras.
afraid not. impossible as canon glass needs to sit closer to the sensor than nikon glass.
For everyone asking here - The Microphone Mr. Bloom is using is the Rode Classic II.
can't wait to see part 4.
Why, in the whiskey shots, does the bokeh balls have what looks like water droplets in them. Is is it moist in the optics?
how is your angeneaux zoom on the Black Magic Cinema Camera 2.5k MFT? is the cropping very intense? do you know at which focal length the lens doesnt vignette anymore on that sensor?
i have an Angeneaux 12-120 zoom, but the bmcc seems like a better option for me. the only problem is that the bmcc is not exactly a super 16 camera like the bmpcc, so i want to know if these zooms are still usable.
Alex DC sorry no idea. I haven’t used this camera since this video 7 years ago!
Great Review as always Phil and despite your reservations on the camera, your vignettes are fantastic.
Thanks, Phil. So it's just not there quite yet. I am still hacking away with my HMC-150.
Another great review. Many thanks for taking your time to make it!
Beautifully shot.
I've had the Bmpcc for quite some time without the speedbooster, but finally considering on getting one after seeing this review again.
May just wait until the Aputure DEC Focal Reducer comes out! :-)
So this would be a C camera compared to what within the price range? I'm studying Post Production for film TV and CGI and I have purchased the BMPCC with 2x64GB 95mbs cards and 4 batteries for £830 with the intention of creating a show real of colour grading and creating film at the picture standard the camera gives with the codec. As a student I am reluctant to build a kit on this that wont be transferable to the next camera. The £400 speed booster takes me to 1200 with out any leses... how better will this all be compared to a canon with magic lantern after vimeo/youtube compression at the end of it all.
I really want to start making short films but really dont know whats the best equipment. Can you help me out with what I should start buying? I have a nikon d5100 but its not the look i want. This pocket seems perfect but are there other versions of the blackmagic that are better than the pocket?
Thanks for uploading here as well as Vimeo Philip Bloom, really appreciate it!
Great pragmatic review. It's refreshing to see reviews that don't have that ridiculous fanboy mentality - ultimately it's just a tool to do a job. That said I think BlackMagic are awesome for making such quality devices accessible to so many. Long may it continue.
Awesome love the review! Bolex super 16 digital coming soon :) are you looking forward to it?
Awsome part 3 review. Thanks
Thanks for your thoughts, looking forward to the MetaCanonbones release and your review of GTA5 eh!
Gret review series, thanks! I am still unsure if I will get one, but at least now I know what I will be dealing with!
Phillip Bloom as always thanks for great info! I really like the look of the BMPC, but before I purchase it I need another GH3, which I really love SO MUCH. Just like you said it would be my C Camera. What amazes me is how many people who bought the BMPC and now selling it on Ebay and Craiglist lol! One person said they willing to trade for a GH3.
That is crazy, a BMPC for a GH3? A BMPC for a 5DMIII *maybe* but a GH3? I'm not knocking the GH3 however that just doesn't make sense to me, at lease a 5DMIII has a comparable retail value.
Just the raw facts, a Super 35, 4K camera with global shutter at around US$4,000 for a good micro four-thirds camera at around $1,000?
I know what you mean Ryan, thought that was crazy too. I love the look of the BMPC , its just that I need a B CAMERA for the types of shooting I'm doing now. I do more wedding gigs then short film projects. Eventually ill get the blackmagic PC unless the GH4 (RAW) has something better to offer by the time I'm ready.
Ryan Portsmouth are you two actually talking about the same camera? Perhaps it's all these abbreviations because there is no way you could be!
Lunerversal is talking about THIS camera, the pocket camera, correct? Whereas Ryan you have to be confusingly referring to the unreleased and nowhere to be seen 4K production camera, which will retail for around $4000. Surely the statement that someone wants to trade for a GH3 is not actually that strange considering the GH3 costs more than a pocket camera?
Hopefully this clears up this odd confusion that was going on between you two! :)
Just realized he's actually refering to the 4k big camera. Its the Pocket Camera. Thanks Mr. Bloom.
This does appear to be a confusion as the abbreviations that are common in this space is as follows:
- "BMPC" being the BlackMagic Production Camera
- "BMPCC" being the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera
A GH3 for a BMPCC is definitely more appropriate!
Was that a lens adjustment at 5:56? The footage seems to swell slightly in and out.
As a dslr guy, just curious if you think using my canon lenses on the pocket with an adapter is worth it. I certainly can't afford to get all new glass and I work on a glide cam so having the ability to go wide is a must. Anybody sporting this thing with canon lenses and still loving it?
The lack of any decent or affordable adaptors to use canon glass it stoping people
Philip Bloom That's what it stoping me right now, any news of a decent adaptor for EF lenses? i can't afford a metabones
+Benjamin Sarco bit of a contradiction, there are lots of third party adapters now (wasnt when that was posted), unfortunately the good adapters cost the same as the metabones speed booster,
Phillip, keep up the great posts!!!
plus, like the stash, you have the full George Clooney thing going on!!!
Thanks Philip!
I actually saw this Last night on Vimeo, cool stuff
Phillip, i dont think you have the XA25 review posted on here, any reason for that?
i probably just forgot!
I’m first from Ukraine!And i have one question,will you do sony a7 or a7r review?Sorry if i made mistake.
Philip, how come, you hardly make any reviews on videocameras ?. Seems like most reviews are based on photo cameras used for video recording.
Really? How do you work that out? You are commenting in part 3 of a video camera review. C100, xa25, c300, fs700 versus 1DC and 5d3 in past two years!
Philip Bloom I have seen ALL your awesome videos on youtube and Vimeo. They are really good. I like your work. But when watching all your reviews, your convensions and meet ups.....I as viewer wonders why you are so much into photo cameras for your work. I mean photo cameras might have a full frame CMOS, but they aren't real video cameras.
True you have made a video camera reviews, but I still feel the DSLR is more your prefered choise. I just ask why ? It's not ment negative.
If I consider how much extra gear you have to use together with a DSLR....this isn't really a super choise if you see something you want to shoot with short setup time. External mic, tripod, lences, external montor,....
Yes I am commenting in the 3rd part of the black magic review....It's just something what I have asked my self many times when watching your videos.
+BMW 3 Series ability to change lens...
You are an amazing teacher. And I enjoy watching your vids. Keep up the great work.
How about this camera in a role, where instead of a portable consumer camcorder. Its used in a way, instead of buying like a 5dMK3 and some kit. The quality of this ay be a bit better at times, cant get as wide angle shots though, but its a more budget camera option.
with the kit, it would still cost similar to a base 5dmk3+24-70mm
The only issue is the batteries
I wonder what camera is being used at 11:36. The trees behind him look amazing.
I believe it was the Canon C100
I believe it too!
Which mic er you using for this video?
8:00 it looks like the graded footage is so much sharper. thats done with color grading?
+mainlymusicman Actually it's more perceived sharpness (I guess Philip didnt actually sharpened the image). Contrast between light and dark pixels make something appear sharp so does colour contrast. The milky LOG footage is so unsaturated and not contrasty that it appears less sharp though it technically isn't. The most sharpening filters work with contrast in areas where bright and dark pixels are close. If you don't believe just take a look into Alexis van Hurkmans "Handbook of Color Correction" which I basically just paraphrased.
Philip, I really enjoy your reviews, but let me just add something important. High end pro's (like you), that had the chance to work with awesome pro cameras like the RED or the ALEXA will not be that much impressed with the BMPCC, because if you want raw or a HQ codec you can use those cameras, and they have so much more features. But for enthusiasts like us, who dont have access to expensive cameras, having raw and ProRes HQ for that price is so cool. Please, remember us LOL Most of your viewers are not pros, they are only hobbyists. And we just want to play with the best possible stuff!
Thanks for the reviews!
hey pecuf
thanks for watching. Actually my favourite camera are still smaller cameras. The whole thrust of this review IS actually for the low budget filmmakers. There is no point in comparing it to high end cameras nor did I.
That's why I mention ProRes HQ is overkill for this camera as low budget filmmakers are going to need to spend so much money on cards. Likewise for essential accessories.
So all 3 parts are for you. Not for big successful DPs. I do mention how I see it fitting into MY workflow but I make it clear that's for me.
This is NOT a hobbyist camera in my opinion. Not unless you are loaded. This is not cheap when you get what you need and there are far better options for lower budget filmmakers.
I hope that makes sense.
Thanks again :)
P
Philip Bloom
Hi Philip,
"..and there are far better options for lower budget filmmakers."
So all things considered, which cam would you recommend for lower budget filmmakers in this price range? The GH3?
Stunning conclusion to your review, Philip...
Thanks for the updates.
I need your help on my new BMPCC.Its new and i fixed the lens on it but all the functions(focus and iris)are not working
What was the name of that song during the Venice video? It was beautiful!
IT IS GOOD CAMERA!
very well done review - PB trademark :)
.. yes this is and it is meant apparently to be C camera, but it is possible to have more portable / smaller setup with this camera and deliver that special high quality footage.
Hi Philip
Thanks for another great review. I have a A7s and I'm happy with almost every feature but I can not ignore the filmic look of the BMPCC footage, they look fantastic and so film look compare to A7s and other cameras in the same range. First of all why does BMPCC look so warm and filmic? and is there any way to get same feel and look from A7s? Thank.
I have two questions for anyone who may know 1. Can that purple lens flare be removed in post? and 2. I want to make videos combining time-lapse and video, but I'm not happy with the time lapse from the bmpcc, what is the usual work around with this, for example if i use my Nikon won't the footage look strange or hard to grade? any advice would be great, i want to have astro time-lapse too, so kind of need to use a full frame camera.
Philip, are you going to review the 5DMkIII with the Magic Lantern raw feature?
hi. covered on my blog late may. P
Philip Bloom I obviously missed that, I will search for it now. Thanks.
This camera was a bit of a pain in the ass for me. I just use it for chroma key now. The battery is horrible, so is the rolling shutter, I like that it has less aliasing than my GH3, but it's not as sharp as the GH3 or the 4/3rds mount camera.
What they should have done is create a micro 4/3rds camera with active mount, I would have bought that camera. I don't see the difficulty in doing it. I asked the Blackmagic guy about formatting cards and he it was so people didn't accidentally delete files, which no one who uses a professional camera does. I suspect the real reason is to do with licencing on the exFat and HFS+ files systems.
Thanks for a great review, as always! Loved the new MB SB!
at 7:27, which microphone is that to the left?
I see continuity didn't spot the furry caterpillar that got into shot.
Just wanted to add, great review PB.
I'm only looking to spend like 500$ tops on a lens for the BMPCC right now anyone have suggestions?
I'm really hoping you got this camera for $500 during the price cut.
Jesse Dampolo Oh i did haha been on back order for a month now. Just trying to pick out a good lens for starting out now.
Alex D Look into Rokinon Cine Lenses.
In the end it's not worth it for me. When considering the price of the additional batteries and lenses say a 50mm Eq and a 24-75 Eq I'd be spending close to the same amount I'd be spending on a C100. Wich is a camera that just works out of the box and goes well with my Sigma 17-50mm and my 50mm 1.8 and has all day battery life.
Thanks for the complete review!
hello, On the Black magic cinema camera 2.5k EF Mount, this camera have 2.4 crop factor what type the lens can I use to give 20 0r 24 mm Full Frame? Its possible use sppedbooter on EF Mount?
Micro Doulo no you can’t put a canon adapter on a canon mount! Get the micro four thirds one then you can. Getting a wide angle on that camera is a nightmare. You need like a 10mm (multiply by 2.4)
Wait,... what?
The camera isn't great in low light? I expected it would have been greater as common DSLR's with its large dynamic range. :/
DR doesn't really mean better lowlight, it means latitude between highlights and lowlights (within an image).
Do you have any evidence that his camera produces aliasing? Edge artifacts like that should only be a problem if the camera is performing on-board re-sizing (because it will obviously be bad), which the Super16 sensor should not be doing.
gosh that's a funny thing to say. Evidence? You mean apart from seeing it in my some of my shots?
You do know this has no anti-aliasing filter yes?
are you a lawyer? policeman? criminal? not sure I have seen the word evidence being used to ask about as image before! :)
Philip Bloom
I'm sorry if you disliked my choice of words. It's a bad habit from arguing on the internet too much about digital video.
"Examples," then? You said you saw it in some of your shots; could you, perhaps, post a screenshot? Having no anti-aliasing filter is neither here nor there. In fact, I wish a lot of cameras didn't because you're going to be able to do that much better on a computer than the camera is internally.
Either way, my understanding of the BMPCC is that it shoots /natively/ at 1920x1080--there is no image scaling or re-sampling going on. If that's the case, there really shouldn't be any aliasing at all. Aliasing is only the result of poor down-scaling algorithms in cameras. You don't ever see it in DLSR stills, do you?
Edit: here's a little explanation: nofilmschool.com/dslr/aliasing-and-moire/
Edit 2: After thinking about it, I realized that actually, the camera does down sample the /chroma/ in ProRes mode. Pictures I've see of resolution charts seem to indicate that the aliasing is restricted to the chroma. I'm interested in what those look like in RAW.
Can't you just use a usb battery to hook up to your camera, instead of using the generic batteries?
No. 12volts
Gracias, Phil.
I searched the credits thoroughly, what is the song at the opening of the review. That acoustic guitar song.
How thoroughly is thoroughly? The music is listed in the end credits and almost all in order.
so it must be the earth and everything in it? that would make sense cause google is making it a pain to find! lol Sorry to have bothered
Thank you for your awesome honest review.
cant wait for digitalrev!
Thanks for all the hard work shame about all the floors :(
Battery and card issues are silly these days
real shame
Your shots are inspiring.
Mr bloom where is your beard ? you look evil villain in mustache only with music at 4:15 fits it well
i am ;from Recife in BRAZIL SOUTH AMERICA i loved this review thanks for sharing that with us down here ...this part of the world .
Philip! I hope you see this cause Im a huge fan and I love your work! :D
Please are you in UK?
Hi! Is there some news about the firmware?
Gianlorenzo De Donno sorry what?
@@philipbloom I'm asking if there is some firmware to improve the BMPCC. I've just had one, but for example the camera cannot see my Sandisk extreme pro 128 gb ( read speed up to 170, write up to 90, UHS-I ). I tried with the lexar professional 1667x ( 250mb/s, 90mb/s, UHS-II ) and i can shoot in Prores but not in Raw video. Did you have some advice for me? Thanks
Maybe a part 4(k) after all?
Matthew Champagne nah...different camera different video!
PLS HOW DO I USE THIS POCKET CINE CAM WITH A SAMYANG. WHAT ADAPTER DO I NEED. THANKS
You could simply buy one with a mft mount, or you could look in to one by metabones.
Noah Reynolds yes i actually mean if am buying a metabones speed booster, Nikon G for bmpc, what samyang mount would i have to buy.
Just look for Samyang (or Rokinon) lenses with a Nikon mount.
Here is an example. www.amazon.com/Rokinon-CV35-N-Aspherical-De-Clicked-Fixed-Non-Zoom/dp/B008X1C182/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1412163481&sr=8-2&keywords=Rokinon+cine+Nikon
Noah Reynolds THANKS AND THIS WOULD FIT INTO WHAT METABONES SPEED BOOSTER FOR BLACK MAGIC POCKET CAM. I JUST PURCHASED THE LENS IN THE LINK. YOU ROCK!
Not to mention you have to add at least 400 dollars in Colorista and Filmconvert to make your video look like these or other Bloom clips- so take that into consideration before you buy anything.
I need help! I have a Blackmagic Pocket Camera and soon I will start filming my first wedding but I'm scared that this camera is not going to help, I'm thinking to sell my BMCC to buy a DSLR but I'm not sure, any help will be appreciated.
Thanks.
At 5 mins I was like *Bitch, you ain't never seen anyone film before?* lol
" i haven't even opened gta5" Im dying...!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lololol
60 minutes on one camera is good enough mate
In hilarious news cameras today are barely even better than this decade old camera.
This has camera shoots better 1080p than any modern camera and has beautiful colour science. Record’s internally raw cinema DNG on cheap sd cards plus shoots ProRes internally too.
Any short comings this camera has is basically the same short coming all cameras have except maybe the really bad audio.
Everyone is just chasing after new gear and lost after 4/6k where 95% don’t even need it. Of course if you need autofocus for some strange reason well then get a Sony lol.
Philip always looks like he can't decide whether he wants to grow a beard or not.
great work YOU helped me alot ! nice stach