As we discussed a few weeks ago, there's nobody better than a filmmaker to invent the tools we need to make the things we want to make. Filmmaker Phil Lemon was inspired by the DIY spirit of a tutorial from CheesyCam to learn to solder so he could build the remote of his dreams for the Blackmagic Cinema camera, and now he's willing to share it with the rest of us.
With the remote, users get a new interface for the menu system and can more easily stay on top of ISO, shutter angle, white balance, and record start and stop.
The Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera is a bit different from other cameras. Capable of Cinema DNG Raw and ProRes internal recording for under $1,000, it overs great value for money, but its ergonomics were designed with remote image capture in mind. While it is useable as a handheld or directly operated camera, the native buttons aren't always as definite as you would like in a field camera, and the menu system isn't efficient enough.
With the remote, users get a new interface for the menu system and can more easily stay on top of ISO, shutter angle, white balance, and record start and stop, as well the ability to add a record tally light.
One little remote rigged for use.Credit: One Little Goat
Unfortunately, while the unit is reprogrammable, it can't be programmed to control focus, iris, and zoom. I suspect that has more to do with the limitations of the buttons—which appear to be toggle-based—than any limitations in the camera, which is open to outside FIZ control if working with the right lens. But even without lens control, the remote still looks like it would be a great addition to a Blackmagic Micro Cinema package.
Available from One Little Goat directly for $55.
Tech specs
12-month warranty
Control ISO, shutter speed/angle, white balance, and record start/stop
90° cable adapter
15mm clamp for rigging
DC power pass-through
RCA video output
LED record indicator
HD15 port for additional cable lengths.
