Black Magic BlackMagic

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Over the weekend I spent a day shooting with a new BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera out at Monterey, CA. This time around I was prepared with 6 batteries and over 200GB of space with compatible SDHC cards. Needless to say, my time spent with the camera was much more pleasant than my very first experience. The video below is an example of the footage straight from the camera along with an image that had basic contrast + saturation added.

The shots were mostly handheld, with an LCD ViewFinder (not yet released product) attached to help me with focusing and while working in bright daylight. An LCD ViewFinder is a must have with this camera! Below is the same video without the ProRes crop.

I had a pretty decent idea of the lenses I wanted to take out with me, so I settled on just the Panasonic 20mm F/1.7 pancake, Panasonic 12-35mm F/ 2.8 OIS, and Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye. BMPC users on a budget should really look into the Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye and the 12-35mm F/2.8 as part of their everyday kit. The fisheye doesn't look overly distorted and offers a decent wide view angle for cheap money, while the Panasonic 12-35mm F/2.8 OIS is a great overall lens that will offer fairly stable shots completely hand held.

 Suggested Micro Four Third Lenses for Pocket Cinema Camera

7-14mm Pocket Cinema Camera
7-14mm F/4 		12-35 BlackMagic Pocket Lens
12-35mm F/2.8 		35-100mm Panasonic Pocket Cinema Camera BlackMagic Lens
35-100mm F/2.8 		Rokinon 8mm Pocket Cinema Camera
7.5mm Fisheye 		514tmtNtqvL._AA160_
45-150mm

Canon-vs-GH3-vs-BlackMagic-Pocket-cinema-1
find-price-button BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera - via DVEStore.com

Canon-vs-GH3-vs-BlackMagic-Pocket-cinema-1
find-price-button BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera - via B&HPhotoVideo

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Here's a little review on another new and affordable Stabilizer Vest System for lightweight camera setups to medium sized cameras. This is the Came / Laing X-15 Vest+Arm matched up with the Laing P-04 Hand Held Stabilizer.

The Laing products have been around for quite some time, and I hear about RED Camera operators using the larger Laing stabilizers as an affordable option for flying heavy camera systems. The kit I have here is pretty heavy duty, each part feels very solid, and the entire bundle comes with a nice padded carrying bag.

Laing-Came-Carry-Bag Laing-Vest-Arm-Kit-X-15-P04

The Laing P-04 Stabilizer handle matches up perfectly with the small post on the X-15 ISO Arm. If you're thinking about trying to match this up with a Glidecam, just be aware that the standard rotating post is pretty short. The bottom weights can shift forward/back on the sled, the bottom post is adjustable, and the Gimbal can be positioned vertically along the post. It's pretty much got every adjustable feature available.

Laing-Stabilizer-Vest Laing-Gimbal-Adjustment-Balance

The top stage has a quick release cheese plate and features all the fine tuning knobs you'll need to balance your camera. Just be aware that the top stage may require a bit of cork to keep your camera from shifting it's position.

Lower-Sled-Laing-P04 Laing-P04-Top-Stage

The Laing Stabilizer Vest can be adjusted to fit taller or smaller frames, and the Arm is mounted to a quick release socket block. Velcro straps adjust the vest very nicely and buckles are used to climb in and out of the vest.

Laing-Socket-Block Adjsting-Laing-X-15-P-04-BlackMagic

The X-15 ISO Arm can easily be dialed to support an even lighter setup than my Canon 5D Mark II + Sigma 20mm lens, but can also be dialed up to support heavier camera setups than the BlackMagic Cinema Camera. Hopefully that gives you a general idea of the weight range it supports to see if it will work with your current equipment.

Laing-Canon-5D-BMCC-BlackMagic-Stabilizer Vest BMCC-Cage-BlackMagic Design Laing X-15 Stabilizer Vest Kit Review Video Sample

I can say for DSLR Video Shooters or even BlackMagic Cinema Camera shooters this vest is good. Actually for the price you could consider it to be very very good. Is it as good as the real Steadicam brand? Well, with my lightweight DSLR camera setup I felt the arm wasn't totally as smooth as my Steadicam Merlin ISO Arm, but results were much better once I mounted a heavier camera system like the BlackMagic Cinema Camera. On it's own, the Laing P-04 Stabilizer works excellent, but it seems adding a bit more weight to the X-15 Arm and Vest will yield better performance from the arm.

For more information about the Laing X-15 Vest Arm and P-04 Hand Held Video Stabilizer System, you can find more details on the following eBay product pages (click here).

Came-Laing-X-15 VestLaing X-15 Arm VestVest-Stabilizer-Laing-X15-P-04
find-price-button Laing X-15 Vest w/ Laing P-04 Hand Held Stabilizer

Laing P-04 Stabilizers available now on eBay

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I just recently received two BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Cameras earlier today. So I decided to unbox one and start shooting around, but noticed some very odd lines in the screen. When I played it back on my screen the lines were very apparent. They are so prominent even focus peaking picks up on the vertical lines. Here's a video explaining the issue.

I'm not new to this camera, in fact I shot for an entire week with a previous BMPCC. I looked through every setting, but because of the weird colors it is reproducing I can't imagine it being related to a simple setting in the menu. My fear is this camera has a bad sensor and just needs to be sent back and replaced. Or maybe i'm just a complete idiot and i'm just missing something.

I really want to love this camera, and was so excited that two of my orders arrived, but the hoops I have to jump through keep adding up. What do you guys think about this issue?

Here's a sample video from the camera and if you look closely you can see the vertical lines. You can also download the original video from Vimeo to playback in full ProRes on your system by (clicking here).

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Double rainbow two BlackMagic Pocket Cinema cameras Cheesycam

Well if there are any questions about whether the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera pre-orders are actually shipping, here's the order I placed on the first day they became available. I've also caught several Tweets of others who have already received their item as well. I was lucky to have spent some time with camera to be well prepared for these new shipments, so it will be easy for me to get started shooting as soon as I unbox these bad boys... Or maybe I should just give one of them away??

Canon-vs-GH3-vs-BlackMagic-Pocket-cinema-1
find-price-button BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera - via DVEStore.com

Canon-vs-GH3-vs-BlackMagic-Pocket-cinema-1
find-price-button BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera - via B&HPhotoVideo

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If you didn't catch some of the recent announcements, here's a quick run-down on a few great Sponsored Product Giveaways currently going on. These are officially sponsored by brand names such as Dynamic Perception, the DVEStore, Varavon, Benro, P&C, and many more.

One of the most exciting and generous contributions this week is from Dynamic Perception who is currently offering up a tricked-out Stage One Motorized Slider Bundle!. This is an upgraded kit which includes (2) 20" carbon fiber extensions, upgraded with the Quick Change Motor System, 2 swappable DC motors, and a real-time video controller the AT2. The AT2 controller makes this motorized system very intuitive to use as opposed to programming a module for timelapse.

stage_one_motorized_slider_bundle_tu_201c6278f91149dae18166a90b9ea5bc Stage One Motorized Slider Bundle
A complete Stage One Motorized Slider Bundle ( including 2 20" carbon fiber extensions) upgraded with the Quick Change Motor System, 2 swappable DC motors and the real-time video controller the AT2. It's a pretty tricked out setup sure to make any time-lapser very happy.
Simply add camera, support and creativity; The Stage One Complete bundle adds to our other bundles and includes the rest of the ingredients to start shooting. (Continue Reading..)

Reference Links:
https://dynamicperception.com/products/stage-one-complete-motorized-slider-bundle
https://dynamicperception.com/products/quick-change-system-1-motor-bundle
https://dynamicperception.com/products/at2-motion-controller

Other current and upcoming Sponsored Product Giveaways include a Varavon Multifinder-Uni, BlackMagic Design Intensity Pro from the DVEStore, a Fhugen GH3 Cage via P&C, a Benro Video Monopod with S4 Video Head, a Slidecam 9000 Camera Slider, and a K-Tek KE110cc Audio Boom Pole with internal XLR cable.

varavon_multi_finder_uni_tl_2ffe5ee591be28ab43cf9cae5391d911 MULTI-FINDER UNI
The Varavon Multi Finder LCD Uni Viewfinder is a multi-functional viewfinder designed to better utilize the LCD monitor of a DSLR when shooting HD video. It provides a universal mounting plate, the LCD viewer and a loupe with eyecup that combine to create an adjustable yet stable viewing system compatible with numerous DSLRs. (Continue Reading..)

bmd_intensity-pro_tl_a6b37867b19f8e011b684df18e53f6bd Blackmagic Design Intensity Pro
Want to view your project out to an HD monitor? Want to capture an HD video? Add the incredible quality of HDMI and component IO (Input / Output) to your computer. Simply. Easily. Affoardibly. The Intensity Pro is with out a doubt the best value in HD capture cards in the known universe. (Continue Reading..)

honu_cage_gh3_tl_eca6adeecfe478f814f6d744009f2f50 FHUGEN HONU CAGE - {GH3}
The Honu Cage - {GH-3} is designed to wrap around the GH-3 camera body as closely as possible while locking into it by fastening to the bottom of the camera and on the top via the HotShoe Lock™. This double fastening system ensures a rock steady mount of the camera even under demanding situations such as using a follow focus. (Continue Reading..)

benro_aluminum_monopod_s4_head_tl_3453aaf7a61c72c3efad9b4dce6cd441 Benro Aluminum Monopod with S4 Head
For the pro on the go nothing provides solid support, flexibility and portability like a Monopod. The BENRO A48TBS4 pairs a matched S4 Video Head with the A48TB Video Monopod with 3-Leg Folding Base and Travel Case. Each Benro Video Monopod Kit is based on an eighth-generation design of single leg tubes and twist leg lock mechanisms. (Continue Reading..)

varavon_slidecam_s900_tu_c265a6d2f417f0a523423439eee11fa8 Varavon Slidecam S900
The Varavon Slidecam S 900 is a camera slider that supports up to 42 pounds. The track is 3 feet long and just under 2 inches wide. The slider can be used for horizontal and sloped tracking and dolly shots, or with available support, you can configure the slider track vertically to get a crane effect. (Continue Reading..)

k-tek_ke110cc_boom_pole_tl_efd79a7e5065001dfc0c51e9212d52f0 K-Tek KE110cc Boom Pole
The K-Tek KE-110CC Avalon Series Aluminum Boompole provides a moderately priced, lightweight boompole solution for ENG, EFP and other field recording applications. Its sturdy aluminum design is tough enough to endure the rigors of road use while remaining lightweight and travel worthy. (Continue Reading..)

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Now that more people have received the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera, there are dozens (if not hundreds) of comments and questions about solutions for poor battery performance.

At the time, I had just a few days to work with the camera and needed to come up with a quick solution, so I ran over to the electronics store and fashioned up a DIY adapter cable to work with my Tekkeon MP3450i batteries (love these things).

[Note] Tekkeon may already sell an adapter tip to fit the BMPCC directly. I had no time to test.
Tekkeon-Battery-Tips-Adapter-Cable

I wasn't quite sure how long each battery would last, but during a full day of shooting I only needed one battery (and it wasn't even drained at the end of the day). I'm not saying this is a perfect solution, but it's one that I had to work with and can guarantee it does work quite well while we're still waiting for other affordable solutions from companies.

Tekkeon-1 Tekkeon-2 Tekkeon-3 Tekkeon-4

Tekkeon-5 Tekkeon-6 Tekkeon-7 Tekkeon-8
Click Images for Larger View

Here are a few images on how I created a cable with a female connector to one side, and the correct male barrel on the other. This charges the battery inside of the BMPCC as well as powers it. The next time I have a chance, i'll actually do a full test on actual run time.

tekkeon-mp3450i
find-price-button Tekkeon MP3450i 5-12V Battery Pack

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Planning on purchasing a BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera? Or maybe you decided to go with a Panasonic GH3, or the new Panasonic GX7. These cameras (especially the Pocket Cinema Camera) have quite a crop so I suggest looking into some wide lenses.

Here's a deal on a lens that I highly recommend for such cameras with a crop - The Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye. Typically this lens will run for $299 dollars and you can see that here (via Amazon) and also here (via B&H).

Right now for the next few days the Bower branded (same exact lens) 7.5mm Fisheye Lens is just $199 + 4% Rewards saving you more than a cool hundred bucks. Deal ends in a few days.

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find-price-button Bower 7.5mm Fisheye Lens for Micro Four Thirds BlackMagic Pocket Cinema / GH3

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If you caught my recent video shot entirely on the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema, you'll probably find quite a few wide angle shots. That's because I tried very hard to include only native MFT lenses especially the Panasonic 7-14mm & Rokinon 8mm Fisheye.

For anyone looking to adapt non-MFT Lenses (without a speed booster) to the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera, here's what it will look like through a full frame Canon 5D Mark II, Panasonic GH3, and BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera.

[Note] In the field of view test, some of the images may appear soft, this is not the fault of the camera. The Rokinon 85mm on a BMPC will be at an approximate 240mm focal distance, and with a Variable ND filter on the lens, things go soft. It's best to use good quality static ND Filters.

In other parts of the video a Canon 70-200mm F/2.8 was used throwing it somewhere close to the 600mm focal range. Since an ND Filter was not used, results were much sharper from the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera.

Judging from the distance of the 5D Mark II, the tripod was quite a distance away. Using the Rokinon 35mm and 85mm lenses, you can tell there is quite a crop factor to the smaller BMPC - more than you would get from a GH3. The BMPC has even more crop than from the original BlackMagic Cinema Camera. That's something to keep in mind if you plan to work in tight spaces. Invest in the right glass, or look for a Speed Booster / Focal Reducer (found here on eBay).

Products Used

Canon vs GH3 vs BlackMagic Pocket cinema 3
Canon 5D Mark II 		Canon vs GH3 vs BlackMagic Pocket cinema 2
Panasonic GH3 		Canon vs GH3 vs BlackMagic Pocket cinema 1
BlackMagic Pocket Cinema 		Rokinon 35mm GH3 Pocket Cinema BlackMagic Canon 5D Mark II III
Rokinon 35mm 		Rokinon 85mm GH3 Pocket Cinema BlackMagic Canon 5D Mark II III
Rokinon 85mm

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I know this very particular Pocket Cinema Camera I have in my hands may have some weird internal noise, but when using an external mic it actually sounds pretty darn good. Yesterday I had a few hours to play with the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera, but I decided to try something different.

I had a Rode VideoMic Pro connected to the Pocket Cinema Camera and BOTH Audio & VIDEO were captured from the HDMI output directly to the Atomos Ninja 2. I did not use an SDXC card in the camera. I also only wanted to use Micro Four Thirds lenses instead of adapting larger Canon/Nikon lenses.

BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera
(somewhere in this mess is a Pocket Cinema Camera)

First problem, I have no spare batteries for this camera. Any current Pocket Cinema Camera owner will tell you how poor a single battery is. You'll be lucky to get 20 minutes of run time out of it. So I DIY'd my own battery cable to connect to my Tekkeon Battery Pack as an external power source. I was able to run all day and my Tekkeon didn't even take a hit. So that's why I needed rails to mount my battery.

I didn't have enough SD card storage, so I decided to bring out the Atomos. With a 240GB Solid State Drive, I could capture hours of footage. Plus I was curious how capturing from the HDMI would turn out.

Rode VideoMic Pro Atomos Ninja Atomos Ninja HDMI Recorder 10 bit 422 BlackMagic Pocket cinema
It looks ugly I know. Believe me, I never want to use this camera in this configuration, but I am waiting for extra gear to use this camera.

Now that I had all of this extra weight, I added a Top Handle with an LCD Mount. The rig was heavy enough that I needed to bring out a heavier duty tripod. In the future, I simply plan on just stocking up on a dozen batteries so that I don't have to mount a power source to the camera. If I can get enough SDHC / SDXC media cards, then I can get rid of the Atomos Ninja.

Without all the extra junk, I can get rid of the rails, carry a smaller Tripod, and finally make it a truly pocketable Cinema Camera. Moral of this story - get a lot of batteries and SD cards if you want to stay pocketable.

Pocket Cinema Camera Pocket Cinema Camera BlackMagic Design Atomos Ninja Rode Videomic
Shooting Parrots with Panasonic 45-150mm

So here's some footage I shot yesterday while making plenty of mistakes. Focusing was difficult on the LCD Screen especially in bright daylight. I tried to rely on the built in Focus Peaking feature (green lines) but I can tell many of the shots were out of focus.

The on screen Zebra lines helped let me know what was blown out, but there was no indicator if the shadows were being clipped. At times I would use the false color feature on the Atomos to help judge, but even that screen in daylight was difficult to use. An LCD View Finder or external EVF will definitely help when working with this camera.

Panasonic 7-14mm Rokinon 8mm Fisheye
I couldn't use my ND Filters on these Lenses. Panasonic 7-14mm & Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye

I carried two very wide lenses a Panasonic 7-14mm & Rokinon 7.5mm fisheye. These lenses are sharper at a wider aperture, but because these don't come with a threaded mount, I could not use an ND Filter. I tried stopping down the aperture to F/22 but in the end the footage was very soft. I guess to use these lenses, you'll need to carry around a Matte Box.

Micro Four Third Lenses for Pocket Cinema Camera

7-14mm Pocket Cinema Camera
7-14mm F/4 		12-35 BlackMagic Pocket Lens
12-35mm F/2.8 		35-100mm Panasonic Pocket Cinema Camera BlackMagic Lens
35-100mm F/2.8 		Rokinon 8mm Pocket Cinema Camera
7.5mm Fisheye 		514tmtNtqvL._AA160_
45-150mm

The Audio in this video was from a Rode VideoMic Pro (no preamp) directly into the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera (set to 0). The audio was sent over the HDMI and recorded into the Atomos Ninja 2. I thought it sounded pretty darn good for no preamp. If you see closeup footage in the video that's typically from the Panasonic 35-100mm F/2.8, or Panasonic 45-150mm. The wider shots are on the Panasonic 7-14mm and Rokinon 8mm Fisheye. I definitely need more practice working with this camera.