BMPCC 4K | what you really need to get started!

[@CodyRobertEly]

“It’s just a happy coincidence” lmao, that got me

[@phils7108]

I started with a half cage on the Pocket 4k, from Smallrig. Very good for a minimal rig. However, it attaches with only one screw on the bottom, which gets problematic with a larger rig: the camera will move slightly when operating the follow focus wheel. With some lenses it even happens to jump the ring. Therefore, for larger rigs, a cage that attaches with two screws is needed. I like the olive green cage that is also shown in the video. It has the cold shoe on the right side instead of the left side, so the microphone does not interfere with the left side where cables, a side handle, the follow focus are. And for the external SSD, the Smallrig side handle that integrates the T5 is really well designed.

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

Yeah, you don't want only one point of contact holding your camera in place. The more the better. The 4k can wriggle in the full cage even with a screw on top and one on the underside.

[@Rawvisualsmedia]

I just bought one, finally. Great info to help me get started!

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@mvillaluz1162]

Thank you!

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

You're welcome!

[@valdeslo]

I likes the minimalist style of your video….good and useful information as well.

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

Thanks so much!

[@RDRvideoprod]

I have a BMPCC 4K. The T5 suits fine for shoots where I'm on a stationary setup like an interview. I use my SD card for run and gun and handheld setups where I don't need to record long takes.

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

Good tactic

[@BK42Cycles]

Your videos are excellent! I am searching for a new cam and your videos are helping a lot.. tks Christopher

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

No problem, mate. I happy they are helping.

[@carsxnwhite]

What would you say is the next best speed booster?

[@mylifepart2]

the price difference between the full cage and half case is very small...so IF you really need a half cage then thats cool otherwise might as well take the full cage size...also another thing is when y start mounting many things on...there is a stress level somehow on the camera IF using a HALF cage...so full cage is better so that you take the stress off the camera body so to speak...it all depends on how you might plan to rig it out... i think a full cage is best...although the half cage does look very smooth and stylish

[@SimplicityForGood]

this was a really nice video, I am considering this camera or the smaller one, the 1080 pocket camera... I got a GH3 today from 2013 and three lenses.. will these photograpic lenses for the gh3 come useful for the micro third pocket cameras if I switch over to Black Magic cameras? or should I sell both the gh3 and all lenses and start over? and if so, what lens for a student that wanna do handheld short movies as a one man band is best to look for? I like the poetic style of soft pictures and filming.. please advise ! happy to have found this video

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

Out of this camera (BMPCC4K) and the original pocket I'd recommend this one, it's probably a better investment. The OG has very poor battery, doesn't shoot BRAW and doesn't have 4K. As for the lenses I don't know because I don't know what lenses you have. If you want to shoot handheld films them stabilised lenses would be the way to go - if you have that then I'd stick with them, at least to start with.

[@SimplicityForGood]

@@ChristopherMichaelLaw alright, thanks for getting back! am checking Ebay now for cameras! Are there any pros of the OG except for price worth considering ? And if you wanna go live streaming, does all BM cameras handle that today by the ATEM Mini? and is this the only way to live stream? Maybe is a bit too advanced for a student wanna do live stream KZbin videos? or maybe is great? thanks for getting back! 😃

[@Thedudemannn]

Great video brotha, quality content as usual ! You deserve more subs!

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

I appreciate that! Thank mate.

[@vinodsrivatsava]

I personally use an ssd if there is an option and never sd cards, if your route it the right way it never catches, it's a cinema camera so you shoot for a long time so an ssd and a v mount battery are no brainers, i shoot raw 4k and then you can do a lot more in edit

[@dmp0x]

with my 4k, i have a smallrig handle where i can slide my T5 SSD drive right in there and it's completely hidden. yep still a wire but it's mostly out of the way.

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

Yeah, I think I’ve seen that. It’s a side handle for the left? Less chance of the wire snagging for sure.

[@bluefilmsltd]

And what rig is this?

[@mvillaluz1162]

Hello, Chris. I'm new to filmmaking. Is the cropping factor really important? Can you give examples?

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

It's both important and unimportant. With modern sensors it's less important than it was 10 years ago. Having a larger sensor will make some things easier, you can get a shallow depth of field, were the background is out of focus, easier and for the most part a bigger sensor will work better in low light. But it's not impossible to match the "full frame look" with smaller sensors. If your've very new to filmmaking I wouldn't worry about it too much, Id concentrate on framing and getting a good exposure... and of course the only thing that truly matters - story. If you want to learn more about crop sizes I would watch a few youtube vids, particularly, photography ones related to sensors size and crop, to find out what people mean.

[@Claymoretrax]

Great info!! Thank you, sir.

[@matejperdik]

Big like for look of your videos.... nice mood and colours

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

Thank you, mate! Cheers!

[@doogyob]

I'm really enjoying your videos. Thanks, Christopher. I just started using the 1TB T7 SSD (1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2). I usually record in 4K BRAW 5:1 @ 30fps and have had no problems. The T7 is twice the speed of the T5 and (at the time of writing) a third of the cost. Tilta makes a T7 holder. But, I'm using the T5 holder with a shim.

[@fedorbrockmann1698]

Still no problems? I‘m considering to buy two T7‘s because T5‘s aren’t available anymore where I live. I’ve heard people have problems with the T7 though. Would love to hear your answer!

[@doogyob]

@@fedorbrockmann1698 I run T7s in 2 BMD cameras (BMPCC 4K/Studio Camera Plus)...with no problems at all. Just fyi...on March 1st, Blackmagic Design Support published their list of recommended SSDs for their new Studio Camera line. The T5 did not make the list. However, the T7 did. It's recommended for 2160p Blackmagic RAW 3:1 up to 60 fps. The T7 is also recommended on their more general 'recommended drives' list.

[@fedorbrockmann1698]

@@doogyob Okay, I‘ll order one or two of them then. Thanks a lot, that was really helpful!

[@fedorbrockmann1698]

@@doogyob Oh also where can I find this list?

[@fedorbrockmann1698]

@@doogyob Found the list! Do you use normal T7s or T7 shield? The list only says shield

[@huberbert]

I like your videos, and your sense for humor. Two suggestions: your black background is color banding so much after KZbin compression (or even before, I don't know). Some minimal soft light for the background could help. And please get a boom-mic, we all want to see your hands free from this handheld ZOOM(bie).

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

Thanks mate. Both great suggestions. The banding is definitely from KZbin, but I'll try your fix. I've never really watched my videos back on KZbin so that's my bad. And yes, I can't stand holding the mic, it strangely stops me from thinking. It's all work in progress but hopefully I'll get both fixed in the next couple of videos.

[@LEscaladeCaragol]

I miss a word about IR pollution when using ND filters. To add an IR filter over the ND is a must for me. Above all, nice video.

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

Yes, an IR filter is probably useful, too. I wouldn't say it's essential to get started, though. Probably depends how sunny it is where you live. What brand of IR filter do you use?

[@LEscaladeCaragol]

@@ChristopherMichaelLaw K&F Concept HMC. I'm not an expert on these things. I found it on Amazon at a reasonable price. Why? I used to hicke with a black jacket. I used my Pocket 4k with a variable ND filter and, before using the IR filter, the jacket showed a strange red or purple cast. So I learned that some indesirable thing was happening. Best wishes!

[@Dragonkill-music]

do you know if Panasonic 14mm F2.5 lens will fit that camera without adapter ?

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

If you’ve talking about the Panasonic G-Serie 14mm F2.5 II ASPH then yes it should fit the Bmpcc 4k without an adapter

[@p.1238]

Hey, what’s V mount battery can you suggest ? Could you send a link ? And thank you for your video !!

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

I like the Moman 99 mini V mount batterie because they're nice and small and have a number of outputs on them. amzn.to/3shGtCp not sure if they are available in every country.

[@p.1238]

@@ChristopherMichaelLawthanks! Is there also a certain charger that you use ? D Tap ?

[@asando6432]

here is what you need to know: my BMPCC4K bricked after 7.9 update. any suggestions?

[@tubeman1983]

Hi! :) What do you think about the broadcast G2? I would love to hear your opnion on that camera and I would love you to review it in depth :)))

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

I don't know a lot about it. I've never used it. I'd love to review it and many other camera but getting my hands on them is the problem - maybe Blackmagic will notice me in the future and i can get a loaner

[@stefanofilmmkr]

Is the Sony Tough SD ok for recording 4K60 at 3:1 BRAW?

[@ahmedabdallah2684]

Do you have a problem with sony tough g sd cards being a little bit bigger than other sd cards? Does it get stuck sometimes or you feel it scratch the inside of the sd card slot?

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

I can’t say I’ve ever had a problem like that with them.

[@Cracky003]

Amazing! In one year literally your entire storage section is completely wrong. CFast is cheaper than v90 SD now, and with the Samsung t5 discontinued it's much more expensive than any other option, and there are *only* mounts for the t5 for cameras so it is the only hard drive you can use with a camera.

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

where are you finding Cfast cards that are less than v90 SD cards?

[@Cracky003]

@@ChristopherMichaelLaw Amazon. Often the SanDisk are comparable (+/- a few dollars) prices, but the "Pixel flash" cards are much cheaper, and despite the less reputable brand, the format ensures higher speeds than what even great SD cards are doing. For the speed the budget cFast cards are cheaper per gig than Sabrent or even Kingston V90 SD cards. Since this is KZbin, I will also clarify. Highly reviewed off brand Amazon cFast cards are not one's go to for professional work. And it would be insane to suggest that. But they are definitely fine for someone who is not being paid to document events of any kind.

[@OregonCoastVideo]

you must shoot very short clips to use SD Cards.. ? I use a 2 TB SSD and create almost a terabyte for a few hours of a show.

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

That's true. I don't shoot massive long takes. When you say a show, are you letting the camera roll for a few hours straight?

[@OregonCoastVideo]

@@ChristopherMichaelLaw yea i do Events. like Musicals, Concerts etc. So yea, I need to shoot an entire event usually without stopping.. I run a 2tb Juggler drive for this.. So Far its been great.. i wish Cfast was more affordable.. But at 2TB i woudl need a Loan :) Nice work on your Channel here .. Lovin my 6kPro. kzbin.info/door/Lp7PcKMKKI0PKjyrB0g04Q

[@Otocol]

pls set your mic to mono.... otherwise excellent vid

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

Thanks and yeah the voice track is now set to mono.

[@noncatholiccatholicrat6309]

Does anyone know where to find one of the Sony batteries he uses at 8:30 ?

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

I got it from Amazon.

[@thammerhammer3543]

Still worth in 2023/2024? Only for short film and documentary

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

I'd say, it is.

[@WaheedAkhtarWahid]

Another solution is to use a power bank instead.

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

Yes. In fact some of the new v-mount batteries by companies like smallrig are almost like a cross between a v-mount and a power bank.

[@WaheedAkhtarWahid]

@@ChristopherMichaelLaw Yup, you are absolutely right.

[@ManlyHK1]

I've been looking for an answer about BMPCC, and I hope you can help: this seems a very unfriendly camera, and it's just digital, and expensive, why an earth would an ordinary video film making want to buy/use a BMPCC instead of say a Sony Vlog cam? I am starting a small accessories company and need to produce short promo videos for my products, ideally with cinematic vibe. Does the BMPCC give a more true cinematic feel like film than "ordinary' video cams? I need to justify such an investment. Hope you can help! BTW I have only basic video cam experience, not a pro.

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

If you have little experience of video I wouldn't recommend the Blackmagic cameras. They are great cameras but they wont hold your hand. They are aimed at people who have a good understanding of filmmaking or who have the time to learn. Think of it like a race car vs a normal car. In the hands of a good driver the race car will be faster around the track but if you're just learning to drive then a normal car with power steering and parking assist and automatic gears would make life much easier. I'm not sure what you mean by a Sony Vlog cam, I would look for a camera with good auto focus, image stabilisation, the ability to change lenses and a socket for a microphone. Something like the Sony a7 mark iv.

[@ManlyHK1]

@@ChristopherMichaelLaw Thanks so much for the great advice. By Sony Vlog cam I meant the new ZV-E10. I read good things about the affordable Sigma 18-50 F2.8, but worried about the lack of image stabilisation. What's your advice?

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

@@ManlyHK1 I can't really recommend a camera I've never used and I've never used a ZV-E10 or a Sigma 18-50mm. The only thing I can say is see if you can borrow one and test it out. See if it fits the style of shooting you want to use it for.

[@PTFWWDB]

worst battery performance in the history of tech, maybe on par with the Sega Game Gear handheld console, charge takes a minimum of 5 hours to film for maybe 30 minutes

[@ChristopherMichaelLaw]

🤣 Loving the Game Gear reference. I was never lucky enough to own one (I sure did want one) so I can neither confirm nor deny it’s as bad as a BMPCC4K

[@PTFWWDB]

@@ChristopherMichaelLaw I've used the 6k a lot lately, is 4k better or worse? we have the freaking belt pack that plugs into DC power you have to be tethered to this sucker but I like the camera more and more the more I learn exposing with it

[@vanyakapetanovic4018]

BMPC is the opposite of "everything you need". You need a lens (that doesn't come with it), you need a stabilizer (that you don't get), you need speedbooster to get that frame to open up a bit (that you don't get), you need wifi ( that you don't get), you need a battery pack (that you don't get). All you get is a hype. Seriously Sony A7 s III kills their entire line. BM is all about that hype.

[@RDRvideoprod]

You're talking about a camera on a different price point. The A7siii is a better camera, sure but it's also $1000 more. > you need a stabilizer BMPCC cameras (4K and up) already have gyro metadata in them which can be stabilized in Resolve 18. > You need wifi I don't hear filmmakers gripe when a camera doesn't have a wifi. It's the least of their concerns. > you need speedboster. Yes, if you want to use EF lens on a BMPCC 4K. The rest I agree. The battery life on those small things are abysmal, and the performance on the shadows leaves much to be desired. The only thing I really like about BMPCC is the ease of editing when shooting on BRAW.

[@vanyakapetanovic4018]

@@RDRvideoprod Thank you for a thorough reply. I am actually really torn between getting BMCC 6K or Sony A7S III and its annoying to see how BMC would be great if it didnt cost double the price once all add-ons are added

[@RDRvideoprod]

@@vanyakapetanovic4018 If I had the money, I would go for the A7SIII haha. Even with BRAW, shadow performance isn't that great unless you expose your picture ETTR.

[@vanyakapetanovic4018]

@@RDRvideoprod Thank you for your advice. I will most likely go with Sony although BMCC hype is real and almost got the better of me:) I am buying used anyway so price will vary but yeah Sony will be more expensive but considering amount of stuff I need to add to BMCC to make it work it would cost the same if not more.

[@kiranbhujbal4504]

@@vanyakapetanovic4018 Sony A7s iii is best camera for run and gun shoot because it's easy to operate on gimbal. It has one of the best auto focus. Its low light performance is on par with BMPCC 4K. On other side BMPCC 4K has BRAW which you can edit on low spec computer. Its footage is cinematic and you can do colour grading as per your taste. If you want to do narrative projects like short films or feature films then go for BMPCC 4K. Also I would suggest if you want to be a cinematographer then only go with BMPCC 4K.

[@alexokiya]