• 43 Comments

•

blackmagic micro cinema camera rigged
Micro Cinema Camera Rigged for Hand Held Shooting

If you're not a fan of the new BlackMagic Design Micro Cinema Camera, this video is most likely going to bore you. So you may want to skip this post. But if you're currently shooting with the BMMCC (and as obsessed as I am), i'm pretty sure you'll find this post super helpful - especially the part where I share a little of my DIY Remote Handle setup.

First let's talk a little about 'Why this BlackMagic Design Micro Cinema Camera?'. Simply put, it's under $1K and offers RAW video up to 60p. And it's incredibly tiny! No other camera offers this, and I love the color science. But it's not an easy camera to operate handheld as there is no screen and the menu is deep for changing small settings.

Originally frustrated with the handling and controls of this camera - my combination of parts and custom button mapping has allowed me to just grab this camera and shoot. It's now a camera I can enjoy shooting with. There's obviously no right way to rig a camera, and this is just how i've assembled it for my personal taste. For those asking, the 15mm rod above my BMMCC is held in place with a Pico Plate (below).

kamerar pncgear pico plate 15mm
15mm Pico Plate - 10% OFF Use Coupon Code: Cheesycam

If you're looking to really run small, you can opt for using native Micro Four-Thirds lenses (instead of my Full Frame Rokinon Cinema lenses) or even the Veydra MFT Cinema Primes. You can also shrink your monitor down with something lighter, thinner, and smaller like the SmallHD 501. That would really make this BlackMagic Design Micro Cinema Camera a super portable system.

micro cinema camera size compared to panasonic dvx100a
Rigged BMMCC size compared to Panasonic DVX100a

There are some benefits to using the BlackMagic Design Video Assist as a monitor though. I can set the internal recording to RAW, but if I decide to shoot in a lower format like ProRes, I can do that from the BMVA (without having to change in camera). Or I can record simultaneously RAW (in camera) and ProRes LT (in BMVA) for some quick proxy files to share or have a backup.

By the way, the Video Assist monitor doesn't add any controls with it's touch screen. It simply works as a Monitor and an HDMI Recorder. You can't communicate with the BMMCC.

Obviously they wanted to use small batteries on this camera to minimize the weight for Drone use, but I'm very happy with my Sony to Canon LP-E6 mod. It's a great way to add extra run time without adding an external battery system like a V-Mount. And I would hate to have to use their breakout cable which is a mess, and then have to input a 12V source. With my mod, it feels like i'm just using a bigger Canon battery, and i'm still using 7V.

The battery mod also allows me to power both camera and one extra accessory at 7.4V using my SWIT battery. Instead of using the 12V input on the Video Assist monitor, i'm using a Canon LP-E6 dummy battery to use basic 7V. (I really did put a lot of thought into this setup).

Hopefully the video explained how i'm creating changes in the camera in a way you can understand. When you join the two wires together from the analog PWM input, it sends a signal to change a setting. This works on many of the options, but not everything. For some items (like iris, focus) you'll need true PWM. The other 'con' if you will is that you can't go backwards. Not really a big deal as it's still much easier than diving into the menu for every small change.

I really wish BlackMagic Design would expand these PWM options to include changing FrameRates and changing from RAW to ProRes. That would really complete this camera, and many companies can create simple remote handles to control almost every aspect. They allow the use of S.Bus which means you can expand even further from the 4 basic analog inputs and control up to 18 more settings through a single channel input.

In any case, i'll stop rambling and hopefully this post has been helpful to other BMMCC shooters. If you're thinking about picking one up, it would be great if you consider DVEStore.com as they were the ones who put this camera into my hands to study, spend countless hours on, and share this information with you guys.

blackmagic_design_cinecammichdmft_micro_cinema_camera_1428959948000_1137292
VIEW-ITEM BlackMagic Design Micro Cinema Camera RAW ProRes 60p

Oh and BTW, i'm far from done. I'm already designing an entire rig around this camera based on my setup, including a remote handle to operate some of the settings i've show in this video. A complete rig that will allow other BMMCC shooters to just add a camera + monitor and start shooting with similar ergonomics as a camcorder. So if this is something you're interested in seeing, simply like or share this post. It will let me know if it's something I should spend some time on.


• 2 Comments

•

I'm not one of those guys who'll preach that you should be shooting your next movie on an iPhone, but like many other people I take more photos and videos through my Smartphone than with any other camera. Whether it be for personal use, or for keeping up with this blog, I use my smartphone camera everyday.

I'm sure many of you have tried cheaper wide-angle and fisheye lenses which just ends up with crazy distortion and overly soft images. But if you're serious about maintaining the quality from your Smartphone, this new Ztylus Z-Prime Lens Kit (sent over for me to test) promises to offer excellent optics.

The Ztylus Z-Prime Lens Kit offers two different high quality lenses. A Telephoto lens which gives you more zoom, and a wide angle which is especially handy when shooting in Video mode as the iPhone really starts to really crop in. The wide angle lens here is not a fisheye, it's rectilinear with little to no barrel distortion.

ztylus on instagram#Ztylus images on Instagram

Now I don't think I need to share any of my boring image samples because you can see thousands of Ztylus examples already on Instagram (found here). While there's many options for lens adapters, if this is a lens kit you think you might be interested in, they've provided me with a Special Coupon Code to offer up an Additional 20% OFF current price on these particular Z-Prime Lens Kits.

Coupon Code: CheesycamZ-Prime

 

As far as I know, this is currently the biggest discount available for the Ztylus Z-Prime Lens Kit. I know it's not for everyone, but it might be worth sharing this article with your friends and family who are serious 'iPhoneographers' as they might appreciate this limited time discount.

You can find more information about Ztylus Smartphone Cases and the Z-Prime Lens Kit over at their website (here).

wide-angle_01

•

The Azden SMX-30 is a unique Video microphone as it physically has two microphones built into one body. There is a directional shotgun microphone for focused mono sound, and a pair of microphones spaced 120 degrees apart used for a wider stereo pickup. When it comes to video microphones, you would typically carry two different microphones.

Originally I thought the dual microphones may have been just a gimmick, but the Azden SMX-30 really does sound good when used in either mode. The system also includes some features found in more expensive video microphones such as +20db Gain Booster (preamp), -10db Pad (attenuation), low pass filter, and a sturdy shock mount.


Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

I'm not going to dive into scientific data on this mic as I personally don't feel I need to. For me personally I think it sounds darn good (comparable to other mics), build quality is great, and most of all it's features make the SMX-30 very practical.

Being able to switch between stereo and mono on the fly is incredibly handy when switching between capturing focused dialogue (i.e. interviews) or ambient sounds of the environment. That makes this a great mic to have when traveling.

With an auto power on/off setting, you never have to accidentally record video with no sound and you don't have to worry about powering your mic off before packing it away in a bag. You can get additional information over on the B&H product page (here)

azden shotgun microphone dualazden smx-30 video microphone
Learn-More-sm Azden SMX-30 Stereo Mono video Microphone

You may also check pricing for this product with:
Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama | DVEStore | EBAY

 

• 24 Comments

•

The Canon LP-E6 batteries were designed to fit inside of Canon DSLR cameras, so they don't really come in larger capacities. Sony batteries on the other hand come in a variety of capacities if you want extra run time. Well I wanted extra run time on the new BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera but didn't want to use the ugly and huge break out cables that is required for running external power.

Now I don't recommend this for people who don't really know what they're doing when it comes to batteries and soldering, but if you have the basic knowledge this little MOD can give you extra run time on your new BlackMagic Design Micro Cinema Camera. The dummy battery and Sony Battery Plate are very basic and once you open them up, they just have two wires inside (red + black).

Once you merge those two plates together, you have a working adapter that sends the 7.4V voltage from your Sony NPF-970 battery to a Canon mount. Now Sony batteries come in different capacities so I don't necessarily have to use the bulky one in the video, but it's a good idea how much power I can run if I really wanted to.

sony battery charger
VIEW-ITEM Sony Battery Charger

canon dummy battery lp-e6
VIEW-ITEM Canon LP-E6 Dummy Battery

Before I merged my two parts together, I added some heavy epoxy putty on the inside to make it more solid. I also plastic welded (melted the two parts together) along the sides. It's a pretty solid adapter and the wires are glued inside so they don't move. Now I like to experiment, but if you guys decide to try this out, just know you're doing this at your own risk...

blackmagic_design_cinecammichdmft_micro_cinema_camera_1428959948000_1137292
VIEW-ITEM BlackMagic Design Micro Cinema Camera RAW ProRes 60p

You may also check pricing for this product with:
Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama | DVEStore | EBAY

 

• 7 Comments

•

Just testing some different color grades using RAW footage from the new BlackMagic Design Micro Cinema Camera. This was shot in compressed 3:1 RAW on a Sandisk Card in 60p and then conformed in FCPX. I originally thought you couldn't shoot RAW in 60p on this camera, but that was because I was trying Full RAW. If you set it to RAW 3:1 (compressed RAW), then you can definitely do 60p.

The camera is a bit quirky without an LCD screen or Grip, so you need to add a few things to it to make it functional. But in such a small package it's amazing to get 60fps 12-bit RAW Video for under $1K. No other camera offers this. I can only imagine the quality people will get flying this on Drones (as it was originally intended for). Or even just used for car mount projects as this camera is tiny but packs incredible quality.

A photo posted by Emm (@mrcheesycam) on

The BMMCC is very sharp, but my images in the video (above) are soft because I forgot to bring a good ND Filter and needed to stop the Panasonic 20mm lens down to F/16 (max). This lens is typically sharp around F/2.2 or so, and stopping it down (from bright daylight) really makes the images soft (Most lenses will be softer when at it's widest aperture or stopped down). I'll have to go out and shoot again, this time with a better lens and ND filter.

Obviously the ‪#‎BMMCC‬ ‪#‎Blackmagic‬ ‪#‎MicroCinema‬ camera is not designed to be as sensitive in low light as the Sony A7s, but at ISO 1600 it's not too shabby. As long as you can get your exposure set properly and push everything down in post, noise shouldn't be too much of an issue. It's when you shoot underexposed and then decide on trying to push up the Shadows, Mids, or Highlights that you'll see a big problem. Instead you should be setting your exposure so that your know in post you will be pushing down your Highlights, Mids, and Shadows. If you can't set your exposure, you'll have to light your scene. Personally I think I would stick to ISO 800 as much as possible, but here's a test at ISO 1600 where I felt I was still shooting underexposed, and you can see some of that noise.

BTW, if you have a decent set of headphones or speakers listen to the Stereo Audio recorded by Azden's new SMX30 which is two microphones in one! So handy to be able to switch from a directional microphone for focused sound, or to Stereo to capture natural ambient sound. Unlike a mono audio track, you can actually hear the people walking from one side to the other, or cars driving by.

blackmagic_design_cinecammichdmft_micro_cinema_camera_1428959948000_1137292
VIEW-ITEM BlackMagic Design Micro Cinema Camera RAW ProRes 60p

You may also check pricing for this product with:
Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama | DVEStore | EBAY

 

•

Varavon's offering up to 70% OFF on select items on their website. They offer a wide variety of camera products from Camera Cages, Cable Cam systems, Gimbals, Sliders, Battery Solutions, and more. They also offer many accessories such as their Magic Arms, 15mm rails, clamps, grips and handles. You can browse their website at https://Varavon.com

varavon sale on website

• 36 Comments

•

Here's a quick overview video of the new CAME-TV Mini 3. This is the third version of this little gimbal. The first CAME-MINI required tools to balance your camera, while the MINI-2 was very similar in build to the original version with the exception of tool-less adjustments. The new MINI-3 Gimbal has been completely redesigned, but keep note that it is still geared towards carrying a similar sized camera and payload as the other CAME-MINI systems.

The most important performance difference is this new model finally has Encoder Hardware built in. Encoders have made a huge difference in how SBGC gimbals operate, and it's something I highly suggest looking for when shopping for one. You should have more stability as well as longer more efficient battery life.

The new top handle can be removed from the gimbal frame and sectioned into 3 pieces (similar to ARGO design). Since the battery is now mounted behind the camera (not inside the top handle like MINI/MINI2), the Mini-3 Gimbal frame can be used without the top handle. In fact CAME-TV is advertising a version that can be mounted under a Drone and comes with a special vibration mount adapter called the MINI-3-AIR (seen here).

CAME-MINI2-AIR Gimbal for Drones
Learn-More-sm CAME-MINI3 AIR Gimbal with Vibration Mount

Similar to CAME-TV's ARGO Gimbal, the CAME-MINI 3 comes with a wireless joystick, gimbal stand, Hardcase, Battery, Charger, Built in 5.8Ghz Wireless Video Transmitter (SD), and a few other accessories. Inverted mode is done by rotating the handles over the side (not over the top like Ronin). It should automatically detect the inversion, so there's no need to power the system Off and restarting the system inverted. This makes it much faster when changing your shots from low mode to eye level tracking shots.

CAME-TV CAME-MINI 3 Mini 3 gimbal encoders
Learn-More-sm CAME-TV CAME-MINI 3 Gimbal 32 Bit SBGC w/ Encoders

So for those who are wondering if this CAME-MINI 3 gimbal will be suitable for you, I would highly recommend you get familiar with the types of cameras and lens combinations people are having success with. You can see many of those examples of CAME-MINI gimbal videos submitted by customers (found here).

• 11 Comments

•

After a few years, I thought it was time to retire some of my old Sony NPF-970 batteries. You start to notice that they won't hold a charge as long, and taking them out in the field was always questionable. After shopping around, I stumbled on to the SWIT S-8972 Batteries. The only Sony NPF style battery I know with a built in meter! I can't tell you how something so simple could really make life a whole lot easier.

SWIT batteries for sony NPF-970 DC output meter 2

Ok, so the battery meter is huge in my book, but there's more to the SWIT S-8972. It also offers a DC output allowing you to simultaneously power another device. Do you even know how many video devices there are that could benefit from this? Maybe you've got a monitor that runs on Canon LP-E6, but now you can optionally power it with the SWIT. An LED light? Audio recorder? Or how about taking a Sony Dummy battery and using the SWIT as your power source to power your Sony A7sII A7RII (or compatible sony camera).

swit sony battery dc out battery meter

In any case, you could buy cheaper batteries and i'm sure they will last a good while. But for a few more bucks, I find the built in Battery Meter and 7.4V DC Output is worth the extra cost. You can find the SWIT S-8972 product page (here).

swit battery meter dc outswit battery for sony npf series l series meter dc out
Learn-More-sm SWIT S-8972 47Wh Sony Replacement Battery with Meter and DC Out

You may also check pricing for this product with:
Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama | DVEStore | EBAY

 

• 5 Comments

•

If you're shooting with a micro four thirds camera, the Panasonic 12-35mm F/2.8 is in my opinion a must have lens for run-gun with your camera. It's also a very popular choice to use when flying your camera on a drone, or with the smaller handheld gimbals.

It's (equiv 24-70mm) focal range offers decent wide to medium zoom with a constant F/2.8 aperture and offers decent image stabilization. Not the most cinematic lens, but if you had to travel with just one lens for your M43 camera this is it. Right now this lens is discounted an additional $300 OFF, which is the cheapest i've ever seen it. A must have lens in the bag, don't pass up this deal as they state limited QTY at this price.

Panasonic_H_HS12035_Lumix_G_X_Vario_1366749735000_865111
Learn-More-sm Panasonic 12-35mm F/2.8 with Power O.I.S Image Stabilization