nofilmschool » cinemacamera

First Look at the Micro 4/3 Metabones Speed Booster on the Blackmagic Cinema Camera

Joe Marine — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:45:15 +0000

Back in April it became clear that the Micro 4/3 version of the Metabones Speed Booster (the lens adapter that makes lenses wider, faster, and sharper), was going to be delayed for some time. While it still probably won’t be shipping for a while, the company has sent out some pre-production versions of the adapter, and we’ve got our first look at images from the adapter thanks to Philip Bloom, who recently got his hands on one. Check out his video below. (more…)

BMCC vs. Canon 5D Mark III: Did Blackmagic Just Get a Full-Frame RAW Video Competitor?

Joe Marine — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:13:25 +0000

Even though Blackmagic announced two more cameras at NAB, the original 2.5K BMCC is still shipping in limited quantities. While the company has been working hard to address the situation, an unlikely competitor has come along thanks to Magic Lantern: Canon’s year-old 5D Mark III. It is now the only DSLR to shoot RAW stills and video, and even though the hack is still in the early stages, it’s becoming clear that it will be a force to be reckoned with at this budget level. The guys over at cinema5D have been working with the hack, and they’ve now posted the first test comparing RAW video from the Blackmagic Cinema Camera and the Canon 5D Mark III. The results are interesting, to say the least. (more…)

Blackmagic Cinema Camera V1.3 Audio Improvements & New Issues, Optimization Update from juicedLink

Micah Van Hove — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:54:44 +0000

The latest firmware update for the current Blackmagic Cinema Camera only officially included one new feature, mainly for broadcast professionals who needed interlaced video in a TV environment. However, according to Robert Wolzak from juicedLink, it seems they also snuck in some audio functionality changes, but not without additional idiosyncrasies. Get all the details in the video below:
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First Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera Footage Released, Same Look as the BMCC in a Smaller Package

Joe Marine — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:24:28 +0000

Blackmagic announced two cameras at NAB 2013, but on the floor at the show, much of the buzz was not about the 4K camera, but actually the smaller Pocket Camera. Truly a first of its kind, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera with its Super 16mm-sized sensor will be recording ProRes and RAW 1080p footage in a package about the size of most mirrorless cameras, all for $1,000. I got to play around with both cameras a bit, but it’s always nicer to see a camera outside of the NAB show floor and really get a sense of what it’s capable of. John Brawley, who has worked closely with Blackmagic to develop their cameras, has posted the first footage from the Pocket Cinema Camera. (more…)

Cinema Camera Firmware Version 1.3 is Out, Plus a Conversation with Blackmagic President Dan May

Joe Marine — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:46:51 +0000

Blackmagic might have introduced new cameras at NAB, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t still working on support for the current 2.5K camera (which is still trickling out slowly but surely). Contrary to what most people think, research and development doesn’t necessarily interfere with anything they are doing to support the current camera, as it is normally different teams of people working on different things. The company has just released firmware update 1.3, which should be great for those who’ve wanted to bring the Blackmagic Cinema Camera into a broadcast environment. We’ve also got a video from Andrew Wonder that takes a little different approach to NAB coverage — check out the video below where he sits down with Blackmagic President Dan May to talk about the company’s philosophy and their new cameras. (more…)

Meet Switronix's Blackmagic-Ready Wireless HD-SDI Recon Micro & Hot-Swappable Battery JetPack

Dave Kendricken — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:02:12 +0000

When it comes to wireless HD monitoring solutions, companies like Teradek have some impressive offerings. That company’s Bolt, however, isn’t the only airwave-bound HD-SDI transmission system around. Switronix’s Recon is another such offering, with models including HDMI support and HDMI to HD-SDI conversion. Switronix has just announced a new addition to the Wi-SDI family in the shape of lighter-form factor Recon Micro, made more compatible with the smaller scale of cameras like the Blackmagic (pair pictured left). Switronix has also released details for a new modular battery power solution, geared towards anything from BMCC to Sony HD camcorders. If you’re looking into powerful, off-the-grid, untethered field shooting solutions, check the details below. (more…)

NAB Video: Blackmagic 4K and Pocket Cameras

Micah Van Hove — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 23:46:24 +0000

As we all know by now, Blackmagic has shocked again with their announcement of not one, but two new cameras at this year’s NAB. Get more intimate details in this video from our coverage partners over at FreshDV: (more…)

It's Official: Introducing Blackmagic 4K & Pocket Cinema Cameras for $4K and $1K

Micah Van Hove — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:48:47 +0000

Official word has just dropped from last night’s exciting announcement leak of two new cameras from Blackmagic Design: The 4k Production Camera and the Pocket Cinema Camera. Any skepticism on its legitimacy is now put to rest — it’s real alright. Read on for the full details and more info about the cameras from John Brawley. (more…)

Blackmagic Goes 4K with S35 Global Shutter Sensor for $4K, and a Pocket Cinema Camera for $1K!

Robert Hardy — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 06:51:18 +0000

We’ve all been speculating that this year’s NAB show would be a major one in terms of new cinema-style cameras at incredibly low price points. After Blackmagic Design shook up the cinema camera world last year, the market seemed destined for another company to swoop in an steal the BMCC’s thunder. However, a photo of two brand-spankin’ new Blackmagic Cinema Cameras has been leaked, and it’s definitely real. It appears that Blackmagic has done it again, and their thunder is locked down in a vault that would leave even Danny Ocean and his team of 13 stumped. Check out the photo below for the limited details that we have at this point. (more…)

12 Things to Think About Before Committing to the Blackmagic Cinema Camera for Your Film

Micah Van Hove — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:00:40 +0000

When news of the Blackmagic Cinema Camera dropped, I got that warm, giddy feeling. Everything I need in a camera and nothing I don’t! A few months of research later, I decided: this will be the camera I will shoot my feature film with. The quality of images this camera produces is superb. I love the dynamic range, the sharpness, the texture, and the richness in the blacks. I feel closer to shooting on film than I ever have. However, when it comes to peace of mind on set, it can leave a lot to be desired. There’s plenty of praises to sing, but I want to talk about some of the issues I’ve had with it, hidden expenses, and quirks to be aware of that are pertinent to the independent filmmaker. Click through for a list I’ve compiled after shooting two indie features with it, along with some comments from Dan May, the president of Blackmagic Design. (more…)

MFT or EF Blackmagic Cinema Camera? Philip Bloom Weighs in and Reviews the Micro 4/3 BMCC

Joe Marine — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 03:14:18 +0000

The Micro 4/3 mount Blackmagic Cinema Camera was announced back in September 2012, and just recently we saw that beta cameras were starting to ship to people around the world. Many have asked which camera they should be ordering (since they both sell for $3K and you can switch your pre-order to EF), and while we’ve done our best to answer that question (and more), it’s always good to hear the perspective of someone who has used both models. Philip Bloom reviewed the camera back in September, but he finally got an MFT camera to try out, and he’s posted his review online. Check it out below. (more…)

Micro 4/3 Blackmagic Cinema Cameras May Be Coming Soon to a Neighborhood Near You

Joe Marine — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:58:02 +0000

The Blackmagic Cinema Camera is still steadily shipping out, but so far they’ve only been sending out the EF mount cameras. The issue of infinity focus with those cameras was confirmed to not be affecting the shipping speed, so there is hope we have seen the last of the delays and shortages. If, however, you’re one of those who switched your order to the Micro 4/3 BMCC (or ordered separately), it looks like shipment could be just around the corner. (more…)

MFT BMCC and John Brawley Capture More Beautiful Footage, and SLR Magic 25mm T/0.95 is Shipping

Joe Marine — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 19:14:17 +0000

It may be a few months away from getting into the hands of us regular folks, but the Micro 4/3 mount version of the Blackmagic Cinema Camera has gotten plenty of work in a number of real-world situations thanks to John Brawley. While he’s been testing plenty of PL mount lenses on the camera (we’ve got some brand new footage below), he’s also been trying out of all of the manual MFT lenses that are currently out there, including those from Voightlander, and a brand new lens from SLR Magic, the new T/0.95 lens, which just may be a perfect go-to option for the MFT BMCC. (more…)

Blackmagic Cinema Camera, RED EPIC, and Arri Alexa RAW Camera Test Part 3: Overexposure

Guest Author — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:16:44 +0000

This is a guest post by Cinematographer Ryan E. Walters.

Welcome to Part 03 of Some Like It RAW, where I am comparing the Arri Alexa, Blackmagic Cinema Camera, and the RED EPIC. My goal for these tests is to explore how each of these cameras handle real world shooting environments. Part 01 explored how these cameras handle IR pollution. In Part 02, I tested underexposure. And here in Part 03, I’m exploring the world of overexposure and diffusion filtration. Continue on to watch the 10 minute video, read my summary, and get the downloadable RAW frames from each camera. (more…)

Blackmagic Solves Infinity Focus Issue with Cinema Camera, Will Require Hardware Fix

Joe Marine — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:21:34 +0000

There have been a number of reports regarding the Blackmagic Cinema Camera and getting proper infinity focus with quite a few lenses. Earlier in the month we showed you a few videos documenting the issue, and Blackmagic so far has been very responsive, telling us at that point that they were looking into the issue. We now have a solution straight from the company, and it looks like it’s going to be a hardware fix if your camera has already been delivered. (more…)

Blackmagic Cinema Camera, RED EPIC, and Arri Alexa RAW Camera Test Part 2: Low Light

Guest Author — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 07:37:37 +0000

This is a guest post by Cinematographer Ryan E. Walters.

Welcome to Part 02 of Some Like It RAW, where I am comparing the Arri Alexa, Blackmagic Cinema Camera, and the RED EPIC. My goal for these tests is to explore how each of these cameras handles real world shooting environments. Part 01 explored how these cameras handle IR pollution. In Part 02, I test the limits of low light levels, or underexposure. Continue on to watch the 11 minute video, read my summary, and get the downloadable RAW frames from each camera. (more…)

Blackmagic Cinema Camera, RED EPIC, and Arri Alexa RAW Camera Test Part 1: IR Pollution

Guest Author — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 19:59:37 +0000

If you’ve been using a newer large sensor digital cinema camera, you may have noticed that your image takes on more reddish tones when using increased neutral density filtration. This is related to the way many of these ND filters block visible light, but let in more infrared light which can pollute the image. We’ve seen a few examples showing what IR pollution can do, and today, we have a video comparing RAW cameras, specifically the Blackmagic Cinema Camera, Arri Alexa, and RED EPIC, and how each of them handles black cloth when using IR cut filters of different strengths along with increased ND filtration.

This is a guest post by Cinematographer Ryan E. Walters. (more…)

Exploring Issues with Infinity Focus and the Blackmagic Cinema Camera

Joe Marine — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 22:18:45 +0000

Some conversations have been appearing recently talking about infinity focus issues with specific lenses and the Blackmagic Cinema Camera. One of the biggest offenders so far has been the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 lens, which is one of the few faster wide options for the EF mount BMCC. Unfortunately, it seems that many people have replicated these issues, and a recent video posted online shows just how bad the situation can be. (more…)

Blackmagic Releases Cinema Camera Firmware 1.2, Includes Aperture Display, exFAT, and More

Joe Marine — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 05:00:05 +0000

While we got a sort of non-update a few weeks ago about shipping improving but not quite in full volume yet, it’s clear that more and more people are getting their cameras every day, especially those who pre-ordered very early. We knew this firmware update was coming, but now version 1.2 for the Blackmagic Cinema Camera has arrived without much fanfare — though anyone that has used the camera knows some of these features are incredibly important. Click through for more on the update. (more…)

Tutorials Galore: Dailies in DaVinci Resolve, CinemaDNG to ACES Conversion, Plus What's a LUT?

Dave Kendricken — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:29:11 +0000

Ever asked yourself, “What in the f#$% is a LUT?!” Or what a LUT’s relationship is with color space? Or what a color space is? If “yes,” not to worry — these concepts can be fairly confusing. Fortunately, engineering can and will work for you as an artist, so long as your understanding of it covers the fundamentals. And even if you answered “no” to all the above, you should still check out some of outstanding basic-breakdowns of these concepts below — including how to convert CinemaDNG footage into the Academy Color Encoding Spec color space (ACES) in Davinci Resolve, plus how to use that very program to generate dailies (like a boss). (more…)