Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera with EF Mount

2013-10-07T21:00:00

Love this cam. I use for documentary and it is MUCH better than my 5d for workflow and ease of use. Sure I don't get unreal light, but a 80 buck led solves this.

Nick

2013-09-26T21:00:00

This camera is perfect for event videographers and indies but outside of that niche I can't say its by any means a perfect camera. Black Magic really tried to do something unconventional here and it shows both in the pros and cons. I would heavily research before getting this camera but if you can find it in your budget and can overcome a few limitations, it might be worth your time.

Dela G.

2013-05-27T21:00:00

I use this for my indie films. It has been a ton of fun to shoot test video with. I love the image quality and the film-like results. I have tried it with a variety of lenses, some canon lenses don't seem to work with it. the iris is not controllable. I will need an external batter solution for it when I do longer shoots. I acciently left it on standby in my camera bag for an hour. It got very warm and used up most of the battery. Make sure it is off before putting it away. I am very happy with this camera overall.

antoine d.

2013-05-20T21:00:00

Excellent camera. Brought it to school, and I was the envy to all my classmates.

TonyRomest

2013-04-29T21:00:00

As long as you understand and expect its limitations (rolling shutter, crop factor, etc.) this camera is awesome. It takes a little more money to get started, but for its price, it's a revelation.

Casey B.

2013-04-22T21:00:00

This amazing Camera has changed video/film making.Top quality imaging at an affordable price. The only limits are your imagination and abiities. The doors of perception are now truly open... A true gift from the gods of dreams.

DR M.

2013-03-25T21:00:00

This is no DSLR, but is likely to appeal to those like me who like making videos with DSLRs. Like a DSLR, this camera provides the sensor and the user gets to choose the lens to put in front of it. And like a DSLR, the image from the camera is more cinematic and less video-like than that of traditional (even high-end ENG style) video cameras. Unlike a DSLR, this camera is optimized for video/film. It is fine in somewhat low light, with its native ISO 800. But, it can't produce a good image in no light, compared to the decent image of the Nikon D800 and Canon 5D Mark II and III at, say ISO 3200. But, give it enough light at ISO 800 (which isn't difficult) and the image is far superior to any DSLR and many video cameras. The dynamic range is as promised. The ability to capture both highlight and shadow detail in the same image, without having to sacrifice one for the other, is great. The colors are just right in this camera. The first images I looked at on the screen from this camera were just spot on. Subtle tonal differences were apparent. Colors were true to life. But the best thing is having the 12-bit raw files available to adjust the colors to suit the look you want. The image holds up to aggressive adjustments in a way that compressed images just cannot. The compression artifacts just won't allow the image to be pushed and refined in the way that the raw images from the BMCC can be. The detail is there in a very natural way. No sharpening is needed, but the image can survive sharpening to give it even more pop. I've discussed the image, because that is the key to this camera for me. It is simply the best image I've seen from any cameras that I've had in this (and 2x) price range (including Canon 5D Mark II and III, Nikon D800, and Sony PMW-EX1). The costs come in workflow and handling. See published reviews on dealing with both raw and compressed (ProRes and DNxHD) workflows. From a handling point of view, the form factor is a bit clunky. It is heavy and doesn't lend itself to being easily hand held. It can be hand held, but it just isn't like hand-holding a DSLR. It begs for some support, such as a sholder rig or cage. Shooting with this is a different mindset than with a DSLR. Rather than adjusting ISO to get the exposure correct, the ISO should remain at 800 (even though you can choose 1600 and 400, and then expose as bright as possible with both f-stop and ND filters. The image will look too bright at first, but the exposure can be lowered in post-production. This maintains the best dynamic range, preserving the highlights and producing very clean shadows. Finally, a surprising bonus to me. The focus-assist functions work very nicely. The focus peaking is the most accurate that I've used (especially compared to the Sony PMW-EX1). Sharp focus was surprisingly easy to achieve by relying on the focus peaking. A double-tap to the screen zooms in on the image, while maintaining the focus peaking for extra assurance in focusing (even while recording!). It is image, image, image for me. I can work with/around any other issues that I consider quite minor. But, no matter what features or useability current DSLR and S35 video competition has, the image cannot match what I'm seeing with this camera.

JASON G.

2013-03-25T21:00:00

This Camera continues to amaze me.. the color space is so different from any DSLR it sets it apart from all other cameras in its class and price range. The bring you own lens to the party is perfect for this type of camera. What more could you ask for in the codecs (AVID DNxHD, Apple Pro Rez and RAW.

GARY C.

2013-02-10T19:00:00

I use this camera for all my productions. If I want an unparalleled image and I have the time for the workflow, I shoot 2.5k Raw, and if I don't have that much time for project turnaround I shoot ProRes which renders natively in many platforms. I will never pull my DSLR out for a project again. The image quality on the BMCC is so far superior to any DSLR. Nothing compares at this pricepoint.

STEPHEN W.

2013-02-04T19:00:00

I use my camera for anything that needs to be forever engraved in the digital world. I love to shoot, so for me the BMCC is ideal. It's an all purpose work-horse. Shooting in tight spaces? No problem. Wedding and special events? No problem. You name it, the BMCC's design allows the user to operate anywhere. Professionals and filmmakers alike will appreciate the flexability that shooting in RAW has to offer. You'll need loads of storage space and have a back up power supply and you're set. Either way, for 3K, you have to get this camera today!

GEORGE C.