Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4k G2 | Menu System

[@TheMhankel]

Hi Will, thank you for the video! Got the camera last week and today I received your cage. You did some awesome work putting this cage together! The camera feels so good now. Best regards Marc from Karl Storz Endoscopy

[@corsawerks]

Stoked… Just bought 3 of these guys for dedicated on board cameras for our GT3 Racing series. These are going to be fantastic.

[@KonorSacks]

hopefully they can survive baja and life in a trophy truck, i got one to record and stream our races

[@manincastle]

Can't wait for more content on this camera!

[@WillvonTagen]

Coming soon!

[@chrisbogart687]

I have an original BMMCC that I use and will not pick up one of these until they implement Bluetooth like in the BMPCC 4K. The simple reason is that with the new Nucleus Nano II Hand Wheel Controller - I can control the BMPCC 4K remotely and also the BMC app on the iPhone. Such a sweet capability that it has spoiled me from manually having to touch the device.

[@AltCine]

Thank you Will. Im so interested in buying this and might bite the bullet today. I complain a lot about Blackmagic but thats only because of the body. This camera has limitations for my use (not studio) but I really like the design and actually something I can use with a little tweaking and custom parts.

[@WillvonTagen]

Do it 👍🏻 Haha, and thanks for watching :)

[@blender_wiki]

The camera is a "studio" camera; just set the ATEM number and control it remotely. If you don't use it for the primary purpose, don't complain about the absence of features. We bought three of these cameras, and they are almost perfect. The only issue is that it seems impossible to find a cage for this camera at the moment, and we had to build a custom one. Most people don't know that the camera support USB hub and you can attach an ssd end Ethernet at the same time (and other devices too).

[@WillvonTagen]

Agreed! I really don’t have complaints, just excitement of what could be as a fan of the older camera. By the way if you need a cage, I have produced a whole cage system for the Micro. It’s CNC machined from aluminum and is great quality. You can find them on my website (www.willvontagen.com/category/bmmcc) and a full overview on my channel here. I ship worldwide. Thanks for watching!

[@francischeefilms]

The older cage from smallrig for the BMMCC HD (ie the RS port one) -if u can find them 2nd hand, fits exactly this new model, the only prob is that smallrig also discontinued it, can't figure out why?

[@Lubarsky_]

Can you recommend any model definitions that you have already used?

[@tubeman1983]

I want to see a full review of this camera. Also how you'd rig it up as a cinema camera. And finally I'd love to see some footage. Thanks 👍

[@WillvonTagen]

Coming soon!

[@BY-nc2br]

Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@Lubarsky_]

Hi At 6:22 do you change the white balance through the camera menu? I can't find this section on the camera itself is it some new firmware or how did you do it?

[@horizontalmedia]

Just ordered the cage from you, can't wait to rig it up !

[@AirButterflyDrone]

Hi , thanks for your very useful explanation … I have a question I’m fpv drone pilot and I would like to use this camera on my drone… So I would like to know if this camera record even the gyro data information same like the black magic pocket camera video file . This because after recording the video (we fpv drone pilot) we need to pass the video file through the gyro program in order to get a better and smoother video results. So please… if possible for you check if the video file have got the gyro data information as well?

[@WillvonTagen]

Hi! Yes, it does have gyro 👍🏻

[@av_prod]

Thanks for this video, I'm ordering a pair of theses for my small livestreams on the road, very excited to see that the image is awesome as you say.

[@Loftikaz]

hi, do you know if it remembers the settings when the battery is removed for a while.

[@WillvonTagen]

Hi! Yes, the settings are remembered by the camera even after prolonged battery removal 👍🏻

[@MovieAngelsMilano]

HI; I follow you from Italy. I would like to purchase this camera for "food" productions to be installed for azimuth filming. Currently my workflow with the two BMPCC 6K pros is in Proress 1920x1080 at 25fps. Does this camera currently allow me to enter these settings? Thank you

[@WillvonTagen]

You would have to record to an external monitor like the atomos or video assist to get ProRes. The ssd only records BRAW. But I think it would serve you very well in that way.

[@MovieAngelsMilano]

Thank you! The reason for Proress is that for “light” productions I use Final Cut ProX for editing. How could I manage the BRAW format within FCProX? And with which of the compressions available?

[@EmeraldAudiovisual]

I pre-ordered one mid September and it seemingly finally has shipped. Looking forward to play with that.

[@UrosGuitar]

Too bad about Bluetooth, but still a lot of things to be excited about! Quick question, does this camera not have the one tap autofocus option on mft lenses like the Pocket OG and 4K?

[@alxpalumbo]

Hey Will, can’t seem to find this info anywhere - does this camera allow custom shutter speeds like the pocket 4K? Specifically to get slow shutter drag effect. Thanks!

[@ohiorivervalleyhomestead]

Will, do you think the Handgrip for the ursa mini would also work with the micro g2?

[@Ranger7Studios]

So, can you record externally with a monitor? You said something like the Atmos Ninja can record a proxy. So what's to stop you from using that proxy as long as you have a clean feed. Also, won't the Atmos Ninja just record through the camera lens, even if you don't hit record on the actual camera? This is what is confusing to me. I keep hearing that you can't record to an external monitor, only to be told that you can.

[@WillvonTagen]

You 100% can record to an external monitor-but not BRaw. If you want BRAW it needs to be to an ssd. Also you can trigger the recording with the record button or pressing record on the monitor. Pressing record on the camera will trigger the recording to both the ssd drive as well as the monitor vs just recording to the monitor.

[@basharatali9946]

When are you going to do a comparison review of it with other bm cameras comparing image quality color science etc? We are waiting..

[@WillvonTagen]

I appreciate the enthusiasm 👍🏻

[@punpun9972]

wowow, this camera totally slipped under my radar!

[@aiiirlife9273]

Cheers for the review. Question, we are looking for a compact 4K camera for live streaming at clubs (low licht), events, and festivals. Would recommend this camera? Is the autofocus any good? Thx

[@WillvonTagen]

There is no Blackmagic camera with good auto focus--that isn't something to put much attention into. So if autofocus is a must for you, then this isn't a good camera for your needs. It is quite good in low light--depending on your definition of good, I find it to be, though. I hope to have some test footage up soon--just been trying to recover from being sick. Thanks for watching!

[@aiiirlife9273]

@@WillvonTagen Cheers for your response and get well soon. On the test footage you will create, can you focus on the autofocus to get an understanding of at what level it is? We will shoot crowds in day and low light so we need to find a compact camera that will work for our use case.. Thx!

[@ludovicavice3496]

Better go with some ptz systems or a couple of fx30 but in a crazy lighting environment like a club, any AF will have a hard time, even one advanced as the fx30.😅

[@aiiirlife9273]

@@ludovicavice3496 Panasonic Lumix S5 II?

[@aiiirlife9273]

@@ludovicavice3496 Panasonic Lumix S5 II?

[@Eyekonproductions]

Will, I am traveling to India. I was looking for something inconspicuous to grab some travel footage . What do you think of using this camera for the footage vs the Bmpcc og ?

[@WillvonTagen]

If you want to stay inconspicuous I would 100% suggest the OG. Adding a monitor to the Micro will draw a lot of attention vs using the screen on the back of the OG. It’s a lot easier to go unnoticed 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Eyekonproductions]

@@WillvonTagen okay, case settled. I had the OG in mind, but I was just debating, but that is what I’m gonna take.

[@allen_bernardo_jr]

Is there a way to set the camera lens info if that theoretically should impact the gyro stabilization? I imagine it wouldn't be fun trying to input the focal length with just those buttons lol but I've heard that entering lens info for manual lenses could help with gyro data when it comes to resolve stabilization 🤷🏻‍♂

[@maxolivermurray]

What’s with the 3.5mm jack? How do you go about recording audio with this set up?

[@maxolivermurray]

Or with a cinema rig build

[@AndyLSB]

I’m very interested in this camera, I would like to know more about the IQ and the DR, if I’m not mistaken it’s using the P4K sensor right ? If not then how does it compare, because I’ve been waiting for this camera since it was announced but I don’t know if to get it or just get a used P4K for under a grand, I know they’re different cameras for different uses but I would prefer the more compact Micro.

[@MahdiAhmadAhmadi]

Great vid Will👍 Quick question, do you get the HUD if you’re using just a regular display? Or does it have to be specifically the BM assist?

[@WillvonTagen]

Thanks! Yes, the HUD is visible regardless of what monitor you use. The video assist is mostly useful if you want to play back clips as it also serves as a proxy recorder. But really you can use any monitor.

[@chrisbogart687]

The proxy to the Video Assist excites me. I have three of them that I use. You glossed over how to set it up to automatically record to the Video Assist.

[@Bobbylopezcreative]

Have you tried using canon lenses with a metabones to see if stabilization works?

[@WillvonTagen]

Yes, but the lenses I use have stabilization built in so I don't use the Gyro in that case.

[@SaaSSensei]

any tips on how i could set this up for talking head videos and operate it all by my own?

[@washbuns]

any idea if you can use the 12g connection for settings control like you could with the breakout cable on the micro cinema?

[@andrew_nayes]

So the regular GUI of BlackMagics cinema cameras are not present here? Only the corner menu? Are there ways to get the menu interface from the cinema cameras?

[@alifnor]

This camera is on my list after I sell my S5. Would love to mount it on a motorcycle/helmet. What's the best way to do so? Magic arms maybe? Thanks Will!

[@WillvonTagen]

There are probably a few ways to go but I believe it can be easily done :)

[@Annonymousoctopus]

Hey Will, what is the field of view of lenses when compared to full frame?

[@WillvonTagen]

It’s MFT, so a 2x crop compared to FF. But it’s very easy to get high quality, wide MFT glass.

[@Annonymousoctopus]

@@WillvonTagen Thank you!

[@simonc4764]

Pity it cant use WiFi to communicate with the VA or use the VA touch screen menu selection for the camera.

[@ereceeme]

Does this camera have a screen to see the menu options?

[@Cineformation_ByTfive]

Can you not control menu settings via the video assist monitor?

[@richardweddle3408]

Thanks for this! Would you say it can make a good cine camera?

[@WillvonTagen]

I do! I can’t wait to rig it up and put it to the test :)

[@tubeman1983]

I look forward to your videos using this camera as a cinema camera... 😄👌​@@WillvonTagen

[@crank_FPV]

Bro are you the owner of xlcs or just back them? I got the whole kit for the g2 and looove it. Got the locking body cap even yesterday I loved everything so much. Either way nice content man

[@WillvonTagen]

Haha, yes XLCS is my company. Sort of an accidental startup but I’m really enjoying the work. So glad you are happy with the cage, I appreciate the support 👍🏻

[@singleseater3316]

Is it possible to take DNG stills with this camera?

[@WillvonTagen]

No, it’s not.

[@RhondalynMack]

I’m ready to see footage and some graded footage because its going by this camera or the sigma fp

[@WillvonTagen]

They are pretty different cameras. MFT will have better, affordable lens options for you-which I think is a better advantage than full frame.

[@fearward3]

thanks for the quick review of the menus. How disappointing though that they persisted with that button menu system (and no bluetooth to circumvent it) - it prevents this camera from having any outdoor run 'n gun / gimbal potential. Such a pity but I suppose BM know their market.

[@WillvonTagen]

Not sure I agree. The record trigger may be the only real bummer but that’s not the worst. The menu is so much easier than the old one.

[@fearward3]

@@WillvonTagen In a studio with the camera on a stand and the menu buttons facing you: yes, it is easy to operate. Outside, in the dark, in the cold with gloves on, holding the gimbal rig in one hand and trying to find the 'arrow-forward' button and not the 'arrow-back' button.. let's be honest, it sucks! I've shot a couple of feature docs with its predecessor (BMMCC) but it was only possible by using the One Little Goat Remote to cycle quickly through ISO, shutter angle, WB and REC trigger. This BM button system is useless - it is impossible to build up muscle memory to adjust them blind as they are all the same size and tiny. And this is its ultimate flaw for me: the buttons are always facing away, and hidden from the operator, meaning that you have to find them and operate them blind. Do you remember trying to get a scart cable into the back of hard-to-access old tvs? This is from that same dumb world. It can also be really difficult to access these buttons when rigged up with cage, monitor, gimbal, focus motors and all attendant cabling etc. If you do turn the camera around to see the buttons then you also have to turn your monitor 180 degrees to see the menu changes you are making!! Oh god... a terrible design from 10 years ago is still a terrible design today imho.

[@cibj88]

@@fearward3 totally agree. I’ve been using these cameras in a gimbal with wireless tx and not having a wireless way of control is really annoying. Touch screen implementation of the menu through a video assist has t0 be the way forward.

[@JamesChats]

Ghost hand at 1:21?

[@WillvonTagen]

Hahahah. Yes! I had left a coffee cup on the table for part of the video so I cropped it out but there must have been a portion where I drifted over. Great catch! 😂😂

[@mauriceniceros7021]

Is not really clear how do I change the iso and aperture from the camera.

[@kcluview]

Can a usb hub connected to it and have a USB WiFi adapter for controlling the camera via wifi and connect a USB SSD to record?

[@WillvonTagen]

Unfortunately no. There is no way to connect or control the camera via WiFi and the usb c cannot be split.

[@kcluview]

@@WillvonTagen That's a bummer. Thank you taking the time answering my question.

[@xWood4000]

This is a real deal breaker. And even if it was split it would be way too bulky

[@ereceeme]

can a tablet be used to view the menu?

[@gersonbenjamin6194]

Does this micro studio support remote control: zoom and focus demand throught Atem MIni Pro?

[@mrshaheedmalik]

How do you set the lens data on this camera?

[@WillvonTagen]

I’m still figuring out the Gyro stuff. TBH I never even used it with the pocket 4K either.

[@mrshaheedmalik]

@@WillvonTagen I tried it and I can't enter the lens data but some how Resolve already has the gyro data.

[@benjaminwei5044]

Can’t I control the Cam via Ethernet. Can’t make it happen and also can I attach a Bluetooth do dongle? It’s absurd how difficult it is to change settings with the on cam bottoms.

[@jimbawb]

Thanks for the video Will. I noticed the headphone jack is missing?! Is that correct or is it hidden somewhere?

[@WillvonTagen]

Hi, there is not a headphone jack-just audio input. I’m not sure I would say it is missing, the earlier micros didn’t have it either. You can monitor sound from the video assist, though.

[@jimbawb]

@@WillvonTagen Thanks for the confirmation. I'm sure the previous Micro cameras had a headphone jack under the SDI ports?

[@jimbawb]

* I've discovered it was just the previous Micro Studio camera, not the Micro Cinema camera that had headphone jack...which is more puzzling?!

[@Smarthalayla]

rolling shutter?

[@theycallmeick9026]

Am having issues pulling footage from an ssd onto my computer/into DaVinci, HELP!

[@hufman9807]

They really missed the opportunity to monitor and control over wifi/bluetooth app. Zcam just released the Z CAM E2N with the same sensor and same price, but with solid android and iphone support. You can mount the camera anywhere you want, then open the app and see a live preview while adjusting settings directly from your phone.

[@Rak500]

I doubt Bluetooth would arrive with a software update. Unless it has a dedicated BT hardware on the motherboard, I doubt an FPGA FW update would correct that. I can't see any reason for BT to not be activated on release. They've done it before on other cameras, and specs seems to indicate this is the same sensor/intelligence as the Studio Camera 4K and to an extent the P4K, so I really can't fathom why they would lock that, especially since they've had a fair amount of time to correct/prepare the release the cam after it's been announced in september last year...

[@mrshaheedmalik]

It could have the hardware but the menu might not be finished. It happened before like Resolve for IPad. If this is a complete Pocket 4k in a Micro Studio body, then they would just need to update the firmware.

[@AdityasinghSisodiya]

Can you make some video dedicated for genlock for this camera

[@airfilm_it]

it could be interesting to add the "auto gain" with a selected range value...

[@TheWalkingGhostChannel]

i was just ready to buy this, but since doesnt have playback is a NO

[@mrshaheedmalik]

That menu seems way better than the original one.

[@WillvonTagen]

Definitely!

[@RoyHernandezphotographer]

Is there any way to toggle zoom in to the screen to check focus?

[@georgitushev]

All my BRAW files look like black screen in Brawplayer and Davinci Resolve can not open them. My video stabilization software Gyroflow also crashes. I tried two different Samsung T7 Shields

[@WillvonTagen]

Have you tried installing the Camera 8.4 update to be sure everything is up to date? Sometimes these don’t always ship with the latest updates.

[@georgitushev]

@@WillvonTagen when I connected the camera to the PC and power it up and launch the Blackmagic Camera Setup app is telling me that no camera or accessory found :/

[@WillvonTagen]

Is the camera connected to DC power (plugged into the wall)?

[@georgitushev]

@@WillvonTagen yes sir 👍 now I am realizing that the app will not recognize any camera and tell me what I need but I have to download the specific update first for the specific device and register it! Partiall success with Davinci 18.6.4 it does open the files!!👍

[@georgitushev]

@@WillvonTagen I managed to update the Davinci , The Raw Player and the camera, files open and play now. Only Gyroflow software is shutting down every time when I try to open the Micro Camera Braw files in it.

[@LiveMyJourneyTom]

Thanks for this first look video. Great work. It’s a shame they didn’t really improve on the controls from the micro. It would make so much difference if they included a small d-pad or at least a clicky dial.

[@DigitalCreations2012]

The camera ( arrived today ) is making a .braw file on an a freshly formatted Samsung T5 1tb but it won't play in Braw :( Braw thumbnail is showing instead of random thumbnail from file .File sizes changing with different test recordings.... user error?

[@WillvonTagen]

Another viewer had a similar issue, I would look through the comments for @georgitushev and follow his experience. Most likely you need to update everything (BRAW player, Resolve, Camera etc.)

[@DigitalCreations2012]

@@WillvonTagen Thank you Will for directing me to George's reply. All up and running now. Looks a great cam for my intended car shots.

[@JonasStuart]

This is on my list for 2024. Bit of a pain about the playback. Does it have false colour and focus assist (did I mis something?) Be great if they had a few extra buttons for playback and three presents. I'll probably still get it though. If the image is like my P4K (without DCI of course) it would be a great buy for the money. Looking forward to more of your content on it Will.

[@mrshaheedmalik]

You have to use the focus peaking and false color of the monitor you use.

[@tofu10FPV]

how to playback footage from the camera? cannot find it anywhere?

[@Clausmollerpetersen]

Do you need a Black Magic monitor or would any monitor display the menu?

[@mrshaheedmalik]

Any monitor.

[@WillvonTagen]

Any monitor will work 👍🏻

[@maxolivermurray]

Honestly I don’t even mind the lack of camera control, I think it works just fine as you say. However, lack of playback is a huge oversight. I get we’re not rewatching every clip, but you atleast want the option to. I don’t like this idea of recording proxies to an external monitor in order to play back. I currently have a PortKeys LH5P II and I don’t know if this even allows that, meaning I’d have to buy an entirely new monitor just for playback, seems silly.

[@maxolivermurray]

Thanks for the video btw!

[@mercury2mercury]

Blackmagic said “here the box camera yall wanted so bad” 😭😭😭 I was interested in using it as a run n gun when I saw it was announced. Using a lil eyepiece on it handle/tripod as a grip. Hmmm.

[@DigitalCreations2012]

Gyro?

[@WillvonTagen]

Yes, it has gyro 👍🏻

[@offshoretom]

@@WillvonTagen can you set the lens data such as focal length manually to use lenses without electronic contacts and get good gyro data?

[@EmeraldAudiovisual]

@@WillvonTagen that's great news. It wasn't clear from the get go, if it would have gyro.

[@laikknowsprodukcja4226]

How the hell do i change the ISO?

[@WillvonTagen]

This should be explained in the video.

[@kurtnelle]

I want to know what the web API looks like. Can you hook up a USB to ethernet adapter, navigate to the IP and show us the web API. No Bluetooth and no API (like they promised) would be a deal breaker.

[@mrshaheedmalik]

Web search for Blackmagic Camera Control. It shows it all in the manual. This camera uses the Blackmagic Rest API.

[@kurtnelle]

@@mrshaheedmalik BlackmagicCameraControl.pdf

[@contentviewerjun]

no video playback is so weird

[@WillvonTagen]

It is.. we’ll see if that ever gets changed.

[@WassimJelassi]

a cage, a battery with 12v output and a monitor and this tiny camera could be used outside a studio

[@LandonHallMedia]

Such a strange little camera. Not really sure if its cheap enough compared to the bmpcc4k or bmpcc 6k g2 to justify its lack of features. I think i would still perfer spending a little more for much more versitile cameras even in a studio setting. I do really love this about black magic tho. All their cameras come in at such a great price its confusing 😂. I do think it almost fits better adapted into their cinema line up. Like if it was purpose built for shooting on gimbals and being controlled remotely, it would be an amazing camera for like a car mount , or a cinema drone, or high risk camera situation that you wouldn't want to put your expensive rig in.

[@xWood4000]

That is what the cine version is used for. Unfortunately BM said that they won't be making a new one because they're merging the lines. But really without BT and a card slot they're just discontinuing the cine version:(

[@ludovicavice3496]

It seems both its users totally missed the point of this camera and bmd totally missed a great sale opportunity 😅 people were asking for a box camera but bmd released a studio camera that resembles a box 😂 which is definitely not meant to be used as a cinema camera like the p4k 😅😅😅

[@billyoung9538]

This... sucks. Without bluetooth or an expansion port like the original the potential ways to control it become nearly pointlessly limited. They need to either give it USB APP control, which is dumb because they only have 1 USB port which is going to be used by most for drive connection so implies this should have had 2 USB ports, or they need to allow the Video assist to control this VIA either HDMI, SDI or both. If this doesn't get some expansion option to control it and more resolution record modes this things going to be a dumpster fire of a product, and it shouldn't be.

[@WillvonTagen]

I don’t think it sucks. The HUD is very easy to control settings. Obviously a remote for triggering record would be great when putting this camera in an action setting or flying it somewhere but as far as changing settings it really isn’t that big of a deal. You can change iso and framerate faster than you could with the original pocket. I think we’re all just too used to touch screens at this point.

[@mrshaheedmalik]

The camera has a SDI in port for control.

[@Rak500]

This camera implements the new BMD Rest API, so it requires an ethernet adapter, but you can have control via the network. I've been testing a USB-C hub that allows for both network, storage and even Zoom and Focus Demands on the CC6K, so this might work on that camera, but I can't see why it wouldn't.

[@billyoung9538]

@@mrshaheedmalik name anything other than an ATEM that can control it for when one wants to take it out in the field and that could potentially be an option; however, any SDI option, like the Video Assist is going to jack the price of using it up past other options. While better than nothing if they go that route it's a poor and unproven solution for those after a box camera.

[@billyoung9538]

@@WillvonTagen I have the og micro and a one little remote light. I have zero issues controlling the camera about 10 times faster than this, and I have bluetooth remote control. While a lot of people gripped about the octopus itself the expansion port solved pretty much all use ability issues I had in the field. This new camera has no equivalent option at this point. So unless Blackmagic produces a wired controller of some form this camera has a worse user experience in my opinion.