The Wide Open Camera BMPCC Review. Black Dot Issue and More.

Cameras
Posted by Admin on 04, September 2013 with No Comments
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The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera was one of the most highly anticipated cameras to be announced at NAB 2013. We got our hands on one of the few that actually shipped “on time”. The BMPCC feels solid, the buttons are easy to navigate and there is a 1/4″ mount on the top and bottom. The smaller S16mm sized sensor adds about 2.5X to your full frame lenses, so wides are going to be difficult.
We decided to just grab the camera and two Panasonic Lumix zoom lenses. The 7-14mm f4 and the 14-140mm f4.5. Not the best glass out there, par for the BMPCC $1K price point. We simply wanted to try and get the most out of this basic set up. We hit the beach with a cute gal in a bikini. Easy, right?
Well unfortunately we got attacked by the dreaded BMPCC black dot. We knew about this issue going into the shoot. So, we decided to have a little fun with it. Let’s hope the good folks over at Blackmagic are fixing this issue as we speak. Here is my take on the pros and cons of the BMPCC.
The camera is not quite ready for prime time. We have not  given up on Blackmagic just yet. The 4K BMCC is just around the corner, or is it?

A Huge Thanks! to EVS Online for the camera rental. Our kickass model Becca McCarthy and my right hand man Chris Collins.


 

Pros

Inexpensive $1K

ProRes Codec

Dynamic Range

Build Quality

 

Cons

Limited Manual Settings

LCD Monitor

Control Buttons Iris/Focus

Micro HDMI Mount

Battery Life

Can’t Format Card In Camera

Run’s Very Hot

Black Dot and White Orb Highlight Issues

 

 

 

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Jared Abrams is a cinematographer based in Hollywood, California. After many years as a professional camera assistant he switched over to still photography. About two years ago a new Canon camera changed the way the world sees both motion and still photography. He just happened to be in the right place at the right time.