The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC 4K) is a popular choice among filmmakers and videographers, known for its impressive image quality, advanced features, and compact design. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the BMPCC 4K, its key features, and how it can be used to capture high-quality video footage.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K Overview
The BMPCC 4K features a Micro Four Thirds sensor and can record up to 4K resolution footage at 60 frames per second. It has 13 stops of dynamic range, which allows for greater flexibility in post-production, and it can capture RAW footage in CinemaDNG and Blackmagic RAW formats. The camera also features dual native ISO, enabling it to perform well in low-light and bright-lighting conditions.
The BMPCC 4K has a rugged, compact design that makes it easy to carry around and use in various shooting situations. It has a large, bright 5-inch touchscreen display for monitoring footage, and it includes built-in ND filters to control exposure. The camera is compatible with a wide range of lenses and accessories, including adapters for popular lens mounts like Canon EF and PL.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K Crop
One consideration for those using the BMPCC 4K is the crop factor of the camera’s Micro Four Thirds sensor. The crop factor of the BMPCC 4K is 1.9x, which means that lenses will appear more zoomed in than on a full-frame camera. This can be an advantage for certain types of shooting, such as wildlife or sports, but it may require wider lenses for shooting in smaller spaces or capturing wide-angle shots.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K Lens Mount
The BMPCC 4K features a Micro Four Thirds lens mount, which is compatible with a wide range of lenses from various manufacturers. However, users can also use adapters to mount lenses with other lens mounts, such as Canon EF or PL. This allows for greater flexibility in lens selection and can be helpful to for filmmakers and videographers who already own lenses in these mounts.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K Lens Options
The BMPCC 4K is compatible with a wide range of lenses, from affordable consumer-grade to high-end cinema lenses. Some popular lens options for the BMPCC 4K include the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II ASPH lens, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens, and the Zeiss CP.3 XD lenses.
In addition to traditional lenses, the BMPCC 4K is also compatible with a range of lens accessories, such as speed boosters and adapters, which can enhance the camera’s performance and expand its compatibility with different lenses.
Usability
The BMPCC 4K is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use in various shooting situations. Its rugged build also makes it durable and resistant to wear and tear. However, the camera’s small size can be a disadvantage for users who prefer larger cameras for ergonomic reasons or those requiring built-in stabilization for handheld shooting.
Build
The BMPCC 4K has a high-quality build with a metal frame and carbon fiber polycarbonate composite body. It features a Micro Four Thirds lens mount and a range of buttons and dials for easy access to key camera settings. The camera’s built-in ND filters and dual native ISO are helpful features that can help filmmakers and videographers achieve the desired exposure and dynamic range.
LCD Screen
The BMPCC 4K has a 5-inch LCD touchscreen display that is bright and clear, making it easy to monitor footage and adjust settings on the fly. The show can be tilted up or down for easier framing and composition, and it features a high resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. However, the camera’s LCD screen is not as large as some other cameras in its class, which can be a disadvantage for users who require a larger screen for critical focus and composition.
Menu System and Ease of Use
The BMPCC 4K has a comprehensive menu system that can be accessed through the touchscreen display. However, the menu system can be complex and may require some technical knowledge to use effectively. The camera also has customizable function buttons that can be assigned to frequently used settings, which can help speed up workflow and make the camera easier to use.
Pros and Cons Over Other Common DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras
Compared to other standard DSLR and mirrorless cameras, the BMPCC 4K has several advantages and disadvantages. One of the main advantages of the BMPCC 4K is its advanced features, such as its ability to capture RAW footage and its dual native ISO. It also has a higher dynamic range and better low-light performance than many DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
However, the BMPCC 4K has a smaller sensor size than some other cameras in its class, which can result in a crop factor affecting the lens field of view. It also requires fast, high-capacity memory cards to handle the large file sizes generated by RAW footage, and its battery life is relatively short compared to other cameras.
Overall, the BMPCC 4K is a powerful camera that offers advanced features and high-quality image capture, but it may not be the best choice for all users, depending on their specific needs and budget.
Conclusion
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is a versatile and capable camera well-suited for professional filmmakers and videographers. It’s compact size, and advanced features make it a popular choice for shooting in various environments. Its compatibility with a range of lenses and accessories provides greater flexibility in lens selection.
However, it’s essential to consider the camera’s crop factor and lens mount when selecting lenses and to carefully evaluate your specific needs and budget before making a purchase. With the proper lens selection and accessories, the BMPCC 4K can be a powerful tool for capturing high-quality video footage in various shooting situations.
