Is The OG BMPCC Still Worth It? | 10 Years Later
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ม.ค. 2023
- Is the original Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (OG BMPCC) the best cinema camera?
Yes I know this references 2023 (a little clickbait) but the info is still good and the image quality obviously holds up!
This video goes deeper into the question of "should" you buy this camera, not does it still look good.
Any camera can be a "good" camera, you need to ask yourself and understand a few basic things about how you like shooting before buying anything.
I love the original Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. Is it still good?
Yes. Same as it was when it was first released. Buy one now before their price skyrockets even more.
Original Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera in 2024... the best budget cinema camera you can get.
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Link to my setup Powergrades - rb.gy/btmmb
I promise these are going to speed up your workflow!
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Hi, I'm Colin
I'm a creative director who's finding his way through the industry just like everyone else.
Let's talk creativity.
Instagram - @colinharrisproductions
Website - colinharrisproductions.com/
#bmpcc #blackmagicpocketcinemacamera - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
![[TH] 2024 PMWC x EWC Main Tournament Day 3 | PUBG MOBILE WORLD CUP x ESPORTS WORLD CUP](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3EM6gpHgLk4/mqdefault.jpg)
This is how I grade my footage - th-cam.com/video/Q3na_elj4ag/w-d-xo.html 🖌
This camera is the reason I can’t shoot anything below Cinema DNG. Once you dial in the WB and exposure, you transcode to ProRes 444 and edit to your hearts delight. Now you can use AI to upres 4K once you’ve finished color grading. The finished image is simply stunning.
100% agree! As much as BRAW is a time saver for edits, I don't think it looks nearly as good as the Cinema DNG files did out of the OG Blackmagics
that shit just looks buttersmooth 👍👍👍
Does shooting in Cinema DNG and then transcoding to ProRes 444 give you a noticeably better image than if you originally shot in ProRes 422 HQ? I'm guessing you have more color information for when it comes time to color grade? I always thought RAW on the BMPCC OG was just for covering your butt on WB and exposure; I never stopped to think that I could shoot DNG and lock in that higher color depth by transcoding to 444; thank you so much for mentioning this! Trying to figure out a workflow for a documentary and deciding between newer cameras and my OG Pocket - this is all the more reason to go OG, despite resolution. Speaking of that, what tool do you like to use to upres your final export to 4k? (or do you prefer to do it on the actual timeline?) Thanks so much to both you & Colin!
@@GregBeaton curious about the workflow as well.
Share you workflow
tl;dr: 10/10 best buy.
Let me tell y'all a story. I bought my BMPCC OG about a year and a half ago. And it's my first video camera at all. I was astounded by the image it could produce, the price (270 USD), and the size. So I go out to take a first shot and realize that I just can't hold it smooth enough to shoot anything handheld at all! I even don't know how cameras can be so shaky. So I find a cage, and then I also get a shoulder rig. and a few lenses. And it wasn't enough at all. But it was good to start. Then I get ND variable filters, as well as UV and PL filters, for the majority of my lenses. Everything on the camera screen looks too dark, so you need to trust a histogram more. Then you want to make normal walking shots, so I get a glidecam and practice with it for a few months. Oh yes, you definitely need to get a battery plate and a normal battery. As well as a microphone. and a tripod. It's a joke to call it a "pocket camera," because now I have to take a large backpack with all this sh*t to get the results I want. I'm currently awaiting my monitor as well as an anamorphic adapter. And folow focus. So I've spent more than $2000 in total. Because learning to shoot on this BMPCC turned me into a camera geek.
It's awesome. I definitely recommend it.
Oh yes also, buy a helios. It's just an outstanding combo.
🤣 that's the story I like to leave out about the pocket!
@@geleopagot And yes the Helios is an absolute game changer!
Damn man ... that road is somehow familiar to me, I know everything you write and I can only confirm your conclusion. In addition, it is possible to experiment a lot with this camera and adapt a lot of old, high-quality and interesting speed lenses for it.
@@ludekaschenbrenner8025 Pairing this with some old Canon FDs or any m42 lens is the best Super 16 emulation you can get!
I bought the original about seven years ago and was very happy with it. Then I switched to the bmpcc4K very quickly because I thought I needed more pixels. I never really managed to create films with the new camera that gave me emotional satisfaction. Meanwhile, for a year now i've been working exclusively with the original again because everything you said in your great video also applies to me. Thank you and I wish you a good production for your career.
Something about the image out of the camera just feels inspiring.
I love the OG. Own two of them and take them with me everywhere. Even if the footage doesn't always see the light of day, I find that it is the closest to shooting film while still having the comforts of digital that we take for granted. Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely! It's such a freeing camera to basically set it and forget it and just shoot!
Bought 2 of them when BMD had a half off sale on it and the BMPC 4K so I bought one of those as well. I LOVE the Pocket. It is always my go-to camera.
You got a great deal on the camera!!
Subscribed. Can’t wait to see your journey. Thanks. Ed
I'm a filmmaker and a TH-camr still using BMPCC. In fact I've shot a feature film with it throughout 2022 (will release a trailer on my channel in a few weeks) and I love using it and grading it on Resolve and can say that it is so much better than even 10-bit 4:2:2 H264 (I think it's not that much about chroma subsampling and bit depth but more about bitrate). BUT, resolution disadvantage shows itself especially on wide shots. And it has some moire problems. And some dynamic range/highlight rolloff issues.
Agreed but for what it is, it's a great camera
I got mine roughly a year ago. It's tough to work with in the begining, but so rewarding to learn more about it and get better each time. I like the simplicity of it and the amazing video quality.
Ya it can be tough at first but you realize over time that it makes you a better shooter! I feel like I learn each time that I use it.
Hope you'll make more of these BMPCC OG videos. I love this camera!! This vlog is terrific and inspiring for us BMPCC OG users. Your love for the camera is so apparent on your face when you talk about the camera. :) Thanks for making this one! I too love the simplicity of this camera!
You're too kind! I love to connect with others who love the OG BMPCC as well.
I'm working on bringing my Micro Cinema back to working condition for sets. The image quality from those Fairchild sensors cannot be beat, especially for those skintones!
I've owned several of these. And I think you said it perfectly. It's an incredible camera for personal projects or stylized shoots. There's something so special about the image it produces. But I would never build a production business around it. Even though I've used it as a B and C cam on hundreds of productions.
Absolutely! 100% agree with not building a proper production around it. Way too many things to deal with and could go wrong.
Well done dude, this is one of th best videos of the BMPCC modern reviews and a personal reminder to get it of the closet and try to shoot something
Thanks for watching and glad you dig it! It's just a fun camera to shoot with despite all the flaws.
Excellent, excellent video! Thank you for the confirmation, inspiration and encouragement when it comes to this camera. I recently messed up and damaged the HDMI connection port on the one I’ve had for sometime, smh. Thought I could just go ahead (and will) working with it in addition to the bmpcc 4Ks and 6K I have as well. But I decided to go ahead and search for another and successfully found one at Adorama in Excellent E-plus + condition. I figured that I will need that external monitor at times. So anyway again I thank you and really appreciate what you shared about slowing down in order to get the shot right and how it will increase personal technique, style and growth. And not feel less than or inadequate doing so. That’s what I personally got from you and this. Salute and thanks!
I feel your HDMI pain. The one I bought used a few years ago came with a busted port. I've just gotten used to squinting really hard to see the screen in daylight.
I swooped one up for 350 with a lens last summer. I may eventually grab a P4k as well, but will never sell the OG. For now I am thoroughly enjoying the process and working on getting better at lighting and framing. The images out of it are outstanding.
That's a fantastic deal on the cam!
Love Black Magic! I have 2 of the 6k Pro that I use for short films and filmed a feature movie last year. Combined with Cine Lenses awesome and the ease of use just outstanding. Plus Davinci Resolve Pro.
Absolutely! They make some incredible cameras
I have the 4k and the OG.
The OG is my run and gun / pocket set up. I carry 4 extra batteries and it's good enough. 2-3 batteries for a full day is good enough for me because I only shoot in 10-15 second bursts with around 30-45 minutes with a 1900mAH battery. I keep it bare minimum with IBIS lens and variable ND filters. IBIS lens and Variable ND filters are must haves.
Although it's recommended to stay at native 800 ISO, I stay at 1600 because of the run and gun nature. Low light situations aren't the best. The audio is horrible.
However, for how small the setup is, this camera is extremely fun to use. In good lighted situations, it nails that old cinematic film look that other cameras can't do. I think this camera makes you more creative too.
This is my A cam for 10 years. I just got me a bmpcc 4k for less than a month and I didn't used for professional work yet. The day my BMPCC4k arrived, i had the opportunity to shoot with it the next day but i didn't, for security reasons. Instead, i used my BMPCC OG. And man, I thought i was using the 4k already... the image was so beautiful i thought i was using a modern cinema camera. I have the new 4k version but i'll still use the pocket og professionally, that's for sure!
It's such a beautiful image out of that camera! Plus it scales up well so you can easily make it 4k
Great review! I own the 6k Pro as well as an a7iv. As much as I probably don't need this camera, something about the colors and picture feels so refreshing. I'm tempted to pick it up.
If you can find one for a good deal I say buy it! Such a fun camera to shoot with!
Selling mine in mint condition in the original box for 700
That's a good deal. I bought mine for $500 with 3 batteries that refuse to charge and a busted HDMI port.
👍🏾👍🏾YESSS!!! Excellent Work, Colin! Instant Subscribe. I still have mine, and love it. Cheers
Awesome! Thank you!
@@ColinHarris Very Welcome, my Brother! :)
Hello! Could you tell me which memory card to use in this camera? I can't find any compatible ones.
Perfectly "said". I made money with my OG when they first came out. Still own it and love it too. Carry on.... nice film.
They are such solid cameras even to this day! Love 'em
Love your video. I have a couple of them . I want to start using cine prime lenses with them to experiment a bit. What do you recommend to do not get black edges, meta bones adapters? Big thanks
I have a metabones and a viltrox that came with the camera when I bought it. Both work really well and give you that wider field of view
Grat job! 🙂The "OG" is still beast! 🔥
Absolutely! Still one of the best images out of a camera
Any recommendations for a small IS lens for this? I’ve had one of these for years, but I don’t do a lot of video (more stills photography), so it doesn’t come out of its bag much.
I have a Metabones speed booster so I can use my EF lenses, which is fine, but it’s really bulky that way, and I like what you’re saying about a walkaround video cam. That’s part of why I bought it on the first place, and then things started getting out of hand. 😂
Yep this camera has a tendency to go from a "pocket" cam to a full on cine cam real quick 😂
I like the Panasonic 12-35. It's not the widest but gives you some stabilization that you can smooth out further in post. Still not a "pocket" cam but definitely small enough to carry around!
Your audio is outstanding, great EQ
Thank you! Appreciate it
Very helpful video!
Thank for watching! Glad you got something out of it!
Hi Colin. Love your productions. You should talk more about your work and what goes into production. Found you with the BMPCC. A little underground gem. Ed
Thanks Ed, appreciate the support! Got a lot planned I want to do with this channel and I'm glad you're along for the ride
I liked the video, do you have a video talking about the camera's video settings, I bought one, I can't record in raw, without letting the video get bad with the high exposure, if you can, make a video editing the file in camera RAW
Will do! I have a bunch of clips I filmed a few weeks ago I can film a whole editing/grading video
I own two OG's and I'm obsessed with the images that come out of the camera. I'm still on a quest for the best small battery option. I love your footage from Italy. What do you use to grade it like that? Would you consider putting out a grading video?
Thank you 🙌 I use Resolve to grade most of the time then maybe some small tweaks in Premiere. And yes, I'll add a grading video to the list of future videos!
For simplicity I shot on Canon for years, until I bought a Lumix GH4, which looks great, almost as this one, but shoots 4k. Too bad it can’t record uncompressed (unless you have an Átomos recorder, but that breaks the run and gun concept). I even shot in a RED Scarlet and hated it because of its weight. Now I have a BMPCCP6KPRO and even though it’s fantastic, I still wanna have an OG. Need one. That’s how good it is.
Yes! We have a very similar story, started on Canon cameras (5d series, C100) then moved to Panasonic (GH5 which I still think that camera is fantastic) then most recently my team uses the 6kPro. But anytime I shoot anything on my own, I ALWAYS reach for my OG BMPCC. I can't get over how good that image looks.
Great video. :D I sold mine a few years back. But still, with all hiccups I really miss it.
It took me a long time before I finally pulled the trigger and bought one, I wish I bought one YEARS ago
HELLZ YEAH !!!!!!! TIMELESS !
Absolutely! 🙌
Hope to see more OG contents from you.
Working on a grading tutorial now. Thanks for watching!
i think for someone that just starting shooting videos, its better to start from camera with a lot of limitation like this or canon/sony entry level cameras. it tought us about how to film better, how to prepare for a shoot, how to understand your gear better, and also to appreciate the gear you have when you upgrade.
I couldn't have said it better myself! Some people say start with your phone, but if you're serious about video/photography I think you need to start with an actual camera to learn the ins and outs of basic operation. If you can make beautiful images on a decade old camera, you can make beautiful images on a brand new RED or whatever else people want to buy now.
I really love those cameras for lower resolution work, but they are no longer supported, at least from what I understand. My first one pretty much fell apart, mechanically, and my second one quit working as well, with an electronic problem relating to the camera talking to the lens; it was over-heating too... It's a shame. The main issue I had was that the display is so small and has such low resolution. Other than that, the Cinema DNG 10 bit capability just rocks! For a higher resolution camera, the Ursa mini pro G2 is pretty great, and the newer Ursa with Gen 5 color... The Ursa, at least to my eye, has the best color and all around picture quality short of getting into something like a Red. As much as I like the various Japanese cameras, at least for me, the color response just doesn't look as natural as the Blackmagic cameras or the Red.
.... and the unbalanced internal audio recording issue plus the synching the external audio with the visuals recorded with this beloved camera. I have one of earlier units with bad SD card port or a messed up mainboard causing the internal RAW recording impossible. If I find a brand new one I'll buy it in 2023
New ones are super hard to find! If you happen across a stash let me know haha
Also I love BMD products and workflow
The workflow, especially on the more recent cameras is incredible!
Trying to find the right camera for a podcast room. We rent the room by the hour and are typically shooting 2 to 3 Guest at a time. I heard the black magic was great because it worked with so many of the pieces of equipment that we use. Getting ready to work with it this week. What’s your favourite glass for the BM?
I swear by the Panasonic 12-35 but any micro 4/3 lens is a great addition to your kit.
All thanks to the Fairchild Sensor.
Surprisingly I only learned about those sensors this year when I really started learning more about the camera. Such a well designed sensor
I have to ask: if I were to get myself one of these, what would be a good prime lens choice ? Whats your choice ?
Good question... Personally I would invest in a Panasonic 12-35 instead of the prime, I like the added stabilization in that lens. If you really want a prime though, I'd go for something like the Panasonic 14mm f/2.5. It'll give you roughly a 35mm FOV
Can we shoot slow shutter speed videos with it ? Like shooting at 1/8th 1/15th second ?
The slowest you can get is 360º shutter angle. Roughly 1/20th second
@@ColinHarris thanks! 🙏
Get this camera with a Kowa/Navitar 6mm 1.8 lens, and you also have a great tiny wideangle kit.
Sounds like a great little set up! Never tried it with any c mount lenses, any others you suggest?
How well would this match as a B or C cam to a BMPCC4K?
You can get them to match pretty well in Resolve. I'm sure you can get them really close in Premiere as well. Maybe I'll try that as a follow up video!
Is it good for stills or it’s particularly for cinematic videos? Thanks
No stills just a great video camera!
How did you grade the footage shown in this video? I see several different types of film emulation here, and some of them look absolutely fantastic.
I graded the footage in Resolve. There's a few LUTs I generally build my looks around but nothing fancy. Most of them I pre-built into a power grade that I'll apply across the whole project.
@@ColinHarris Thanks for the response ! Do you remember the node tree for the shots at 03:52 and 04:33 ? I see some non-halation glow on that first shot which is beautiful. Holy moly those are some gorgeous shots, I'm impressed !
Thank you! Most of those shots had a black pro-mist filter in front of the lens so when I added my grade those highlights really started to bloom. I'll have to go back into the project and look at my node tree. I'll aim to make a follow up video on my grading process at some point soon!
@@ColinHarris Ahh, yup that would definitely do it ! Off hand do you remember which strength Pro-Mist you used? Quarter, eighth, etc? And I just subscribed to your channel, so I'm definitely looking forward to that next video.
@@joecal2360 Appreciate the sub my friend! I have a 1/4 strength and shot most of that footage with the Panasonic 12-35 (stabilization SAVED my life 😂) So on the longer end of that zoom I was able to get a bit more glow.
Has it a clean HDMI output for external recording? Can't find any info...
It outputs 10-bit uncompressed HD 1080p from their specs but I've never used it. I've always shot internal
@@ColinHarris thanks! I consider using it with the ATEM MINI PRO
I took out my Bmpcc after 4 years today and the cables are missing. As I'm trying to find out where to buy it and I realize that this camera is now called the "original" bmpcc.
Yep this thing is the OG!
I have one and I love my BMPCC OG
Nice! What's your favorite piece you've shot with it?
I've had this camera for about five years. It's the only digital camera I've ever owned but I agree with everything said. Still after 5 years a third of what I shoot is unusable (too light, too dark, too shaky, badly focussed), but the 2/3 that remains looks great. I grade it with Cineprint 16 and it gives you the best impression of 16mm you could get without actually shooting in 16mm. I cannot tell the difference, if you'd told me the footage in your video was shot on a 16mm I would have believed you.
It's such a beast of a little camera that loves to fight you every step of the way!
Lately, I really like the way the image turns out, if you process the video from the camera through the Filmbox plugin, it turns out as if you are shooting on a real 16 mm film) I plan to conduct several experiments on my channel.
Filmbox is cool! I played around with it but now typically stick with my power grade setup
What are your favorite lenses for this camera? Really great video. Thank you for making.
I mainly run with the Panasonic 12-35 so I get a bit of stabilization. Otherwise I adapt some of my vintage lenses when I use it for the less 'run and gun' stuff.
Also, I was born and raised in Seattle so your channel definitely made me a bit nostalgic!
@@ColinHarris No wayyyy! Love this city. Thank you for the info on this camera. This is sucha huge help I feel I need it in my life
Yes it is I own three bmpcc and one bmcc 2.5k and they rock
Yes they do! That's quite the kit you have there!!
@Burnin are colors and image quality are the same on the 2.5k and the pocket cameras?
@@kptalteamtv6084 From my experience yes they are VERY similar. There may be subtle color shifts but you can match them in post pretty easily.
I absolutely despise the BMPCC, the extremely specific SD cards, the ridiculously small power barrel size that has to be adapted, the batteries that last 10 minutes on the long end, mega crop factor… but god damn do I regret selling it.
This is the absolute BEST review for this camera. It's a pain to use but damn is it fun!
Best things is Raw and size and most importantly the image is special
Almost went for this one...., then got a Canon 5D MIII instead.
I got it for the cinema dng raw codec.
One of the best codecs!
@@ColinHarris I had the bmpcc 4k and I picked up a few pockets when blackmagic decided to remove that codec from the bmpcc 4k. Braw is nice but you can push cinema dng even further then you can push braw in post.
You are a psychic; instantly paused the video and went on eBay!
😂 I would have done the same!
@@ColinHarris I appreciate you video, a second hand original Black Magic is putting within range, what I couldn't otherwise afford. Do I need to learn about cameras beyond White Balance? So be it.
@@Tore_Lund The best way to learn is get out there and film something. Find what works and what doesn't! If you need any tips or advice please reach out!
Get the Blackmagic MICRO Cinema camera instead and all is well…60 fps, full hdmi, faster read out so less rolling shutter.
The bmpcc needs to be rigged out anyway so mine as well go for the BMMCC instead!
Very true if you're rigging it out! I just don't like having an external monitor with me when I take my BMPCC on a trip or location scout.
Owned this camera for years. You need to rig it out, doesn't have to be huge. If you don't rig it out it's almost useless
100% agree. Almost impossible to use without some added pieces.
I have one
How do you like it? You shoot with it a lot?
@@ColinHarris just got it today for $300 with lens and cage and metabone
@@makeitlastmedia That is a FANTASTIC deal! Can't wait to see what you create with it 🎥
or sigma fp
Never used one but I'll take your word for it.
maybe its the lens im using.. I used a olympus 12mm 2.0 and just did not like the image that came out of it. Check out my footage and let me know what you think.. on my channel.
Checked out the Philly footage you have. To me it looks a bit like the lens is stopped too far down. Did you use ND with it?
@@ColinHarris no filter. Cloudy day 400 180/ 24. Those were the settings. It’s great indoors with proper lighting. Just in debate about this camera and my workflow.
@@Eyekonproductions Totally get it. It's not a camera that's an easy 'grab and go' it takes time and patience. I'll admit some days it's not worth the hassle
Literally impossible to get today sadly
Wow I just looked it up to see if there were any on eBay and yep, you're right. Hopefully they start to pop back up at a reasonable price!
Something people don't like to hear: This camera is old, unusable by itself, and in desperate need of a refresh. Steer clear. It produces nice images but is at this point an atrocious package that needs more baby sitting and support than an actual baby.
A BMPCC (REAL POCKET CAMERA NOT A BRICK SIZED CHUNKYBOI) 2023 version with better battery life would be amazing!
I hear you but I'm curious what you mean by "unusable by itself?" I'd certainly never say "steer clear" of this camera. I think if you know what you're getting into then this is a still a fantastic piece of gear for anyone.
It all comes down to how you use it though!
@@ColinHarris It cannot be used by itself as a "pocket camera." if you took everything off of it except just the lens, how much could you really use it for? How long is the battery life? If you need to rig it out to start even taking it places, just get a bigger camera from the get-go.
I get it. Ya definitely not usable for any extended filming but I use it a lot with just a pancake lens and an internal battery for location scouts. Honestly comes down to what you expect out of it and how you use it. Thanks for the watch!
Its a brilliant camera nothing better in the last ten years
Agree 100% 👆
it shoots at 24fps
Yep. Sometimes I like to shoot at 30fps to sort of cheat a slower dreamy look
@@ColinHarris gotcha, I got confused when you said it doesn’t shoot slower then 30fps. You meant it doesn’t shoot faster then 30fps to create a smoother slow motion. Thanks for the comment btw :)
Oh ya I see what you mean. Ya sometimes I can ramble on about cameras and my words get all choppy haha. Thanks for watching!
2023 year .. they steal doing videos about Bmpcc)
As long as people are watching... they will continue to be stolen
20 years??????? you mean 10 years!!!
Hahaha wow can't believe I missed that! I knew something looked off about that title
Check out some BMPCC footage - th-cam.com/video/XwhfKf4SMv8/w-d-xo.html
Your voice and profanity usage is nauseating, but good info.
This is the best f*cking comment I’ve ever f*cking received.
You look like Ted Bundy 😄
I always thought I was more of a David Koresh look-alike.
‼First and foremost - you are referring to 'people with cameras' as filmmakers. They are not. Repeat after me - THE ARE NOT FILMMAKERS. Don't call wannabe pseudo-creative unts, filmmakers, they're not. They're ankers with cameras, that's all.
Well "People With Cameras" doesn't make for a punchy title