BMMCC in 2023 - Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera Review

[@whatisagent5629]

Great video. So true on many points of this camera, but it's what I own so I just make it work. 24fps, Super16 and 1080 will work just just fine for me for a while. I'm gonna concentrate on Story, Lighting, Cinematography and earn the need for a better camera.

[@WillvonTagen]

Thanks for watching and good luck!

[@kineticfix]

I just shot a feature on it. Works great, especially with the Fairchild made sensor. It's like mini mini Alexa. Keep it!

[@disicaray5495]

@@kineticfix how?

[@sergioknuf]

@@kineticfix where is the link

[@BloomfieldProductions]

@@kineticfixbuddys got no link to a feature film

[@greenpix]

Your 2016 BMMCC that you sold me is still going strong by the way! Filming puppetry and miniatures with this and the studio. great compact camera to throw anywhere on stage. It is actually also perfect for recording shows and performances. Used it a lot for wide shots when recording theatre as well.

[@WillvonTagen]

Awesome! So glad to hear it man. I was thinking about that as I was making the video-seemed like you had a good plan for using it. Glad she’s still doing good work! 👍🏻

[@chrisbogart687]

I own two BMPCC OG’s, a BMCC MFT 2.5, and finally a BMPCC 4K. I keep going back to the OG’s for their size. Sill, there was a need for the BMMCC yet I held off until I finally found a nice package at a nice price. I have a use for it, but I was not going rush out and buy the first one I found. Patience is a virtue and going in with eyes wide open thanks to your review, It is a long time coming but it is a welcome addition to my collection.

[@WillvonTagen]

Thanks for watching! Patience really is key in buying these cameras. A lot of folks complain about the markups but I still see OGs selling for under $300 if you watch the marketplace long enough.

[@chrisbogart687]

@@WillvonTagen I know - I got the BMMCC with a 8Sinn cage, Metabones Nikon to MFT (I have a bunch of Nikon lenses), and even the Rokinon 8MM MFT lens which was one of the few I didn’t have. But finding one with a good cage was a big challenge since finding a suitable new one is a bigger challenge

[@chrisratchford8153]

I love mine! I have the OG and Pocket 4K but reach for this one first when I can use a tripod or slider. I have LUMIX lenses as well but prefer the look of vintage lenses because they aren’t as clinical. I usually shoot with the BMPCC-specific Metabones speed booster with either Contax Zeiss MMJs or Super-Multi-Coated Takumar lenses. I rarely need to go into the clunky menu system because I leave the ISO at 800, shutter angle at 180, RAW 3:1, etc. I just adjust the aperture manually and also use a variable ND to dial in exposure. I wouldn’t use this camera for run and gun but it’s a great camera for learning cinematography and working with RAW footage in Resolve. I have a super minimal setup with a Smallrig cage, top handle and a swivel mount for my monitor. It’s not a perfect camera but I think it’s really great for practicing! I just uploaded a short practice video several days ago if you want to see what the Takumar 28mm looks like (with the speed booster). Thanks for the informative video!

[@WillvonTagen]

It is a great tool for learning, I totally agree. Thanks for watching!

[@oscarlizarraga8395]

I have a question, can i use the ef to mft metabones speedbooster 0.64XL on this camera?

[@chrisratchford8153]

I think you have to use the Metabones BMPCC .58 Speedbooster. I think the .64 EF to MFT could touch the sensor due to the length of the rear element. I never wanted to risk it so I never tried it. I use that .64 on my Pocket 4K but I always use the specific BMPCC Speedbooster on my BMPCC and Micro.

[@fmphotovideostudio7037]

Hi. I also have a question! Can you load luts on the micro? Thank you.

[@an_o_ia]

when i saw/ used this camera it was "love on the first look". I don't have one myself yet but in the future i hope i can buy one for my FPV drone

[@WillvonTagen]

Definitely a great camera even today 👍🏻

[@realmichaelbloomfield]

Please do a review on the new Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K G2 (Announced by BlackMagic on Sept 14, 2023)

[@WillvonTagen]

Working on getting one right now 👍🏻

[@YarHarFD]

I just took mine out of the bag for some battle in the coming weeks. Haven't used it for years. It's been a part of so many rigs and setups and I think that's what makes it so great. The battery issues are hilarious to non-camera people. You need so many batteries and adapters and cords it's just ridiculous just to get it to work. It's also a little annoying to color. Can't complain about the film-like softness and 13 stops though.

[@WillvonTagen]

The battery for the micro is much better than many others from BMD, but still not as long lasting as needed by most.

[@YarHarFD]

@@WillvonTagen I have a sony npf 970 on a plate with a dc port that powers camera and monitor. Lasts a long time. With 3 of those and lpe6 as backup I've done whole days of single cam.

[@chrisbogart687]

Thanks for the education on this camera and you have saved me $$$ because now I know that I only need to find a stripped down camera because I have everything else, lenses, batteries, monitor, and the Kingston SD cards. I have two OG’s, a BMCC, and Pocket 4K. This would fit in nicely for some special uses I can see for it. But why try to rig it up to be something it was never intended to be? That educated me as to how to really use it for it’s intended purpose. Thanks for helping us who love the classic BM cameras and are not into chasing pixels and who needs these cameras fully cover. I enjoy using them and love the cinematic image they produce.

[@WillvonTagen]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@ny_thep]

this its very interesting for a top down profesional camera... looks very light

[@christopherduran9926]

I don’t know man, I’m really loving this camera so far. We just put some stuff up here under the name Plum Tree Cinema, would love to know what you think!

[@panos5366]

Couldn’t agree more with what you said about low light performance…a camera isn’t supposed to see I’m the dark…so don’t be afraid of the dark in your shot…if you don’t want it light accordingly…I totally see why some people need the low light capabilities on like a Sony a7siii but this is cinema, if you want it light it.

[@WillvonTagen]

Exactly. Thank for watching :)

[@verebellus]

i was at a concert and saw this camera on a huge crane and it actually worked a charm

[@WillvonTagen]

Nice!

[@nowayhen4098]

This camera is Amazing! Using it on fpv drones , perfect with 60fps ❤️ great video! A new sub here.

[@WillvonTagen]

Thank you! I would love to see this guy in full effect on an FPV Drone

[@nowayhen4098]

@@WillvonTagen got a Short video here. Its by No means perfect, but the weather has been so bad for so Long Now , and still need some testing and fine tuning ☺️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3XLdqice6uXmq8

[@ubacow7109]

The camera is in dire need of a refresh 2023, they could easily stick a 4k MFT sensor in it. it already accepts MFT lenses so it might as well get the sensor as well given that it has cooling already.

[@WillvonTagen]

I’m looking forward to NAB 2023 to see what they bring!

BM just announced what you wished for 🎉

[@topicruben]

Awesome video, man! I’m also a BMPCC user (got the 6k Pro), and relate with the image quality of these cameras. Waiting for Blackmagic design to release something new soon! Thanks 🙏

[@WillvonTagen]

Agreed, thanks for watching :)

[@ayneSFilms]

To me bm micros always being more like camera modules I can build around. Still love this idea

[@GregStonham]

I've just put a bid on a used one for use as a desktop streaming cam. Put one of these on a Rode PSA boom arm and you've got a fantastic desktop streaming option with an Atem.

[@hbp_]

Thanks for the hint about Kingston cards. I was struggling to find any cards that would work with my og last year and I had to use a BMD VA for recording. Btw. BMD just recently discontinued both micro cameras. If anybody wants to buy either model, now is the last chance to buy an unused one. Or you can hope they'll come up with a new model later this year.

[@WillvonTagen]

You are so welcome!

[@TLFILMS]

Discover you with this video, new sub! Perfect for car mount that's sure! (im director specialized in automotive, love Blackmagic in general)

[@Supercon57]

Those product shots look clean af

[@WillvonTagen]

Thank you!

[@MessianicJudaism]

I just want to use it as an overhead Birdseye view camera for my wife's cooking show she would like to do. I don't know anything about lenses. I could use some help there. 😊

[@WillvonTagen]

The best lens for what you described is either a Laowa 9mm 2.8 or 7.5mm 2.0. They are MFT mount, sharp, fast, wide and very compact. Also fully manual. They are between $250-300 on eBay.

[@DanielTuriman]

I love the footage using this bmmcc

[@WillvonTagen]

BMD for the win ;)

[@robertkettmann4986]

Great Review!

[@WillvonTagen]

Thank you very much :)

[@hugomalpeyre]

love the director's style @ 16 sec ;)

[@WillvonTagen]

Hahaha, we found some sweet track suits for sale that day 😂

[@balmofilms]

Wow, thanks for the updated review! I'm looking for an affordable onboard camera system, and the first thing that came to my mind was the BMMCC. Now I'm using my a7r3 but the Drift cars are so shaky and hot that I'm afraid It can end up braking, and I want something simplier...

[@Whattsuptday60]

The car shots were sick, I feel like this would be a great camera for podcasts, live streams, and webcams, do you think it would be a good idea to use for live streams?

Get the studio version for live streams. Its designed for that. I have two of bmmsc4k and done many live streams with them.

[@mariosanjorgearaujo7387]

About the cables you can buy or make a breakout box, much smaller.

[@richardweddle3408]

You may want to reconsider your assessment when the new Micro Cinema 4K G2 comes out by January 2024.

[@briceeasterphotos]

I NEED this rig build list

[@WillvonTagen]

I need to update the video soon 😅 I am about to release a new cage for the micro so maybe that will be the appropriate time

[@ernesto_guevara_che]

that video like motion that you mention is actually because this camera has global shutter which is great, and image was for my taste unbeaten in hd world. i sold it few years back and i regret it.

[@bedenegative]

I don't think it does have global shutter, has faster read out then og up above 10ms...I think

[@ernesto_guevara_che]

@@bedenegative it has, look it up 🙂

[@WillvonTagen]

The BMMCC was originally supposed to have a global shutter (that was part of the initial hype) but when released it only had a rolling shutter. The BMPC 4K has a global shutter and I believe that is the only one of the 1st gen BMD cameras to have one. Thanks for watching!

[@jeremyleonbarlow]

There really aren't many film stocks north of 500 ASA, so finding a useable one north of 1600 ASA would be doing something.

[@dlprod11]

I love all your videos and respect your info & knowledge. What are your thoughts on the Sigma 18-35?

[@WillvonTagen]

It’s a beautiful lens but I think the canon 16-35 with image stabilizer is a better fit with the camera unless you have a rock solid rig. But the F1.8 is pretty ;)

[@salawuoluwasegun3754]

Now, most of reviewers get thing mix up. This camera is a special purpose camera for its size. Use on car dash board for car shoots ,on drones and some of the uses you mention in 14:35 forward. It’s not built to be used as a regular camera. Just for special purposes only. So listing those things things you said u don’t like about this camera is kinda misleading since the camera is not originally meant to be used that way

[@WillvonTagen]

I agree and also disagree--only because I feel if that was the case they wouldn't have called it a "cinema camera." Not that it isn't cinema quality, but the "cinema camera" title had been used for 2 previous BMD cameras--and they are intended for normal, cinema style production. So I think if BMD hadn't planned on it on fitting that niche they could/should have named it the 'Blackmagic Action Camera' or something to that degree. But you are also correct in your assessment, and with so many camera options it really isn't a big deal and the camera IS great as an action cam :)

[@mrshaheedmalik]

​@@WillvonTagenit's literally called micro cinema camera. It's an action cam.

[@MactacFPV]

I really, really wish BlackMagic would refresh the micro cinema camera. The new micro studio sort of fills that gap, but I need internal recording.

[@mrshaheedmalik]

After getting the Studio 4K G2, internal recording isn't that important. Just insert a USB thumb stick into it.

[@MactacFPV]

@@mrshaheedmalik 2 problems with that - 1) thumb sticks are not nearly as reliable as ssd or internal storage; and 2) I need a solution without external stuff sticking out since it's in a rough environment. That's why I was looking for the micro cinema cam.

[@definingslawek4731]

How much does it weigh with that 9mm lens ? I was hoping maybe it would be something I could carry on my smaller fpv drones instead of a GoPro but I suppose not, as a 5 inch might not cut it and when going significantly larger I suppose why not just full cinelifter plus Komodo

[@WillvonTagen]

I am not sure on the total weight, sorry.

[@sean_benton]

This is very informative

[@Cymatic18]

Within 48 seconds? 😂😂😂😂

[@ElusiveFrame]

It's like a pro GoPro. I was shocked when you held it. It's so small! Do you superscale the footage to 4K? 🤔

[@WillvonTagen]

Haha, it is tiny! If I am doing a 4k output or putting it alongside the BMPCC 4k I will do an upres but for standalone I find that HD is usually good enough.

[@FrameVoyager]

👀

[@_20nine_]

I upscale both cameras regularly

[@mysisterskeeper3347]

Great camera, but I bought the Zcam E2C because it's cheaper and does 4K internally, and I can use my cell phone as a monitor. I still want a BMMCC, but I realized that the HDMI port is on the wrong side. Most external monitors have the HDMI on the opposite side, so with the BMMCC you need a longer cable dangling behind the camera. When they finally upgrade the BMMCC, I hope they move the HDMI to the opposite side, or else make an App to be able to use a cell phone as a monitor.

[@deegees73]

I used to own BMMCC. Two big reasons why this camera was better than the OG Pocket that you didn’t mention were: No rolling shutter and no (or significantly reduced) overheating due to better ventilation. And I think you are wrong about the sensor-it wasn’t the same as the OG Pocket. Having said that, I agree with everything else you said, which is why I ended up selling it. But it is a little beast of a camera.

[@matthewhartman7176]

I don't know bro, your crash cam footage of your muscle car seemed like it had that "Fairchild" motion cadence to me. Placebo?

[@mrshaheedmalik]

That's the sensor.

[@matthewhartman7176]

@mrshaheedmalik Right. But he said that particular camera lacked that "bmpcc feel". I'm not sure I agree. Seems pretty similar to my eyes.

[@Eyekonproductions]

I was thinking about getting this but I am going to opt to get the 2.5k

[@WillvonTagen]

I think that was a smart choice. Also I have a cage for a 2.5k listed on my website if you need one 👍🏻

[@birthright94]

Hi! Can you recommend any parfocal zoom MFT/C mount for BMMCC? Something that has at least 5x zoom?

[@afilmaniac]

Great video! Is kingston selected 512g card as good as 128g for Bmpcc Og?

[@WillvonTagen]

I've had success with it :)

[@FlyingJackalope]

How is the cage design coming along?

[@WillvonTagen]

It’s about done. I haven’t ordered a production run yet as I am working to get the Pocket cage to market first 👍🏻

[@FlyingJackalope]

@@WillvonTagen I get it. I cant seem to find affordable channels for production runs. I tend to just design 3d printed parts and connect them in ways that make them as strong as possible. I did create most of a cage this weekend. Its a top and bottom that borrows the 3mm screw holes on the back so once it is on it is really on tight.

[@FlyingJackalope]

@@WillvonTagen I have come up with a couple of great power solutions for this to keep the footprint small and I also found a company that makes a side mod for power and rec/stop via LANC. Wish I could email you or something to share some stuff.

[@TimeCodeMechanics]

Hey, did you shoot both films on the OG BMPCC?

[@WillvonTagen]

Hi! No, I only shot "Heritage" on the BMPCC. Almosting It was on a Red Epic.

[@TimeCodeMechanics]

@@WillvonTagen Cool! I'll check it out!

[@davidrothschild8913]

For someone who has zero video experience and no color grading experience would you recommend the BMPCC OG?

[@WillvonTagen]

I would if your goal is to truly learn how to use a camera. If you’re just wanting quick and easy footage the learning curve might get to you-but I think it’s a great intro camera for people wanting to learn to shoot properly.

[@victormultanen1981]

I like the footage

[@WillvonTagen]

Thanks!

[@FlyingJackalope]

So what do you use for a monitoring out for the OG Micro?

[@WillvonTagen]

Just a simple hdmi monitor will work fine 👍🏻

[@FlyingJackalope]

I posted that question too fast. What rec 709 out do you use?

[@christopherduran9926]

@@FlyingJackalopeshoot in film, monitor in video

[@mariosanosan]

2023..hummm i see what you did there!! 😉

[@WillvonTagen]

Hahaha, same Info/new year. My thoughts on it have not changed in the interim 😉 I will be doing a full “Blackmagic roundup” in the near future comparing all of them (OG/Micro/2.5 and both 4ks) so keep an eye out for that!

[@lamar7of9]

Thank you

[@WillvonTagen]

You are welcome!

[@RastaHenkie]

Blackmagic needs to remake these actually small pocket cameras. Same for there thunderbolt devices really need HDMI 2.1 2024 version. There's a huge potential for small entry level cinematic cameras even just at 1080p 60.

[@mrshaheedmalik]

Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K G2.

[@stadiaboylivestream8560]

Do you think the bmpcc is better for do you think the blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera is better or are they the same in image quality and motion

[@WillvonTagen]

I prefer the BMPCC, but I don’t know if you can technically declare one better than the other. The Micro is newer and has some more desirable technical features but I don’t care for the form factor. Also I think the motion looks slightly more “video-like” but I have no scientific evidence for that. The pocket is an easier and more convenient camera, and they perform almost the same.

[@stadiaboylivestream8560]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this, one thing I would really like to see and I’ve never seen anybody else do this, but comparing the micro cinema camera versus the pocket cinema camera in one video, and maybe you could shoot the same scenes and maybe we can see if they will give you the exact same results and see if the motion would be the same, wishing you the best sincerely, Ben.

[@sthubbins4038]

Yeah, I mean, she’s a wonderful, horrible camera. It IS my go-to cam (I also have the OG Pocket, the BMPC4K, and the BMPCC4K, so I’m obviously a Blackmagic maniac). This video is great, but I’ll add a few cents. Yes, it gets big when rigged up, but to be fair, I have to rig up both my OG Pocket, and my Production 4K as well. Both have monitors unusable in daylight, so I need to add at least a 5” monitor to both, as well as a cage, to protect the incredibly easy-to-break (and unfixable) HDMI port. Both need external mics, so I have to mount my little Sennheiser MK400 mini-shotgun to both, and of course the battery is miserable on those cams, so an external battery mount. At the end of the day, my OG package is only slightly smaller than my Micro. But YES, the Micro control system is as DISASTER, so you have to get a little external controller, like the One Little Goat, which makes it usable. The other benefit of the Micro is that the processing of the same sensor is cleaner than the OG, so low-light has much fewer dead/ bright pixels if you really have to bring up the exposure in post. The downside is, the image is “cleaner”, so you lose some of that pretty halation you get on the OG. But it”s a look, one you can’t remove from OG footage if you want, but you can add it in Resolve to Micro footage. So, if you love that look, it’s easier to get on the OG, but you’re committed to it. All of this is solved by the BMPCC4K, which is a joy to shoot with… but produces flat, unremarkable footage. I really wish some genius would figure out how to put the Fairchild sensor into a modern camera case, but alas. Anyway, GREAT video, and great channel! Well done!

[@WillvonTagen]

Thanks for all the input! I agree... I would love to have the look of the OG with the usability of the 6k Pro. We will see what NAB will bring this year.

[@adityachaudhary554]

Do you use black magic camera for talking head videos ?? If yes then which one

[@WillvonTagen]

I use the BMPCC 4K to shoot my KZbin videos. I’ve also used the OG for interviews. There’s no problem using them in any situation you would use any other camera for-I think it depends more on your workflow.

[@mowglihiphop]

What is the OG you hold up that is so small?

[@WillvonTagen]

I don't understand what you mean.

[@rüzgarınadı]

menu navigation is not problem

[@WillvonTagen]

It could be worse.. but could also be a lot better.

[@cineffect]

Did you mean that image quality of OG BMPCC is better than this one? I never thought of that. Actually though this had a faster sensor readout, less rolling shutter.

[@WillvonTagen]

It’s not scientific by any means-just my own observation-but I always found the footage from this to have more of a „video“ feel some how compared to the OG and 2.5k.

[@cineffect]

Thank you for pointing it out, I will have to check myself, was thinking about purchasing one, but looks like I will opt for the BGH1.

[@ZacktheFilm]

I can imagine a use case where the BMMCC is used on a gimbal with a monitor mounted near the handle. Otherwise...yeah I'll stick with the OG 😅

[@WillvonTagen]

😅😅😅

[@sergioknuf]

So you think the Og has more film look then the micro?

[@WillvonTagen]

I do. Not sure what it is but I’ve used both quite a bit and always liked the look of the pocket better than the micro.

[@sergioknuf]

@@WillvonTagen yeah im trying to figure out why the micro is a bit sharper.

[@sergioknuf]

@@WillvonTagen what about in between the OG and the 2.5k cinema as far as more film looking.

[@christopherduran9926]

I’d say the Micro is exactly that, somewhere between the 2.5k and the og

[@jessejardine]

What is the best BM camera for a new baby?

[@WillvonTagen]

For filming a baby? Or for a baby to use?

[@jessejardine]

@@WillvonTagen filming a baby! Or just go iPhone 14 pro

[@studio-filo]

deperate moires... i really hated it.. :(

[@JohnnyWalter-h3u]

6999 Kuhlman Meadows

[@wolffhügel]

Good Video... but Panasonic BGH1 ist Super Best...!!!

[@nooddles12]

fanboy, fangirl. no problems here.

[@sdufg]

ergonomics. they are everything. hello SONY. helllllooooooo...another stupido. canon is all you need to know. for ergo anyways.