Welcome to our community

Be a part of something great, join today!

Log in
  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

NAB 2018: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

Z-Cam E2 has very little on this camera other than 4K 120fps. Even the Terra 4K with a more professional body design and accessories doesn't look to produce images that can compete with what the Pocket 4K seems to offer despite having a similar sensor.

Blackmagic seems to have figured out how to make quality images and has definitely prioritized that over having the smallest possible cameras.
 
At 01:05 is part of graph and info about dual ISO. Few seconds later some new interior footage.

 
According to the DR chart at NAB it looked like an almost 2 stop reduction in dynamic range at the high ISO modes. With the more detailed graph we know see it's only a 0.8 stop reduction in DR which is much better.

Also this new camera has more ISO settings. Why have previous BM cameras only had one stop ISO increments (800, 1600, etc.) Is there a technical reason they haven't given more control?
 
Does anybody have tip for some article somewhere where is explained in which scenario is better use which iso according to latitude? (theoreticaly for any camera)... I am not DP so I know only basics about this. Thanks.

LRr1vU3.jpg
 
Last edited:
Hi Franta,

Dual ISO is interesting business on cameras that have this feature.

Based on that graphic you're gaining about 2 stops into the shadows at the cost of 1 or more stops of Total Captured Dynamic Range as you stretch into the Low Light Mode's range, similar to what the RED Gemini Sensor provides it appears, though Gemini has more DR overall.

So in a dimly lit situation where you might be crushing in your shadows and highlights aren't the biggest concern, this higher ISO range would be useful to both see more into those nooks and crannies as well as possibly having a cleaner image overall on darker scenes.

This is one of those "real important to test things". As often Dual ISO results in a slightly different noise character when stretching the ISO Range in either mode. On some cameras that use hardware based Noise Reduction via the Image Processor this is moderately less of an issue, though you are slightly impeding on captured resolution and possible recorded detail with that method.

Everybody will find where they are comfortable to work with this one. Based on what I see from that graphic I'm really curious what the image looks like at ISO 400-1000 and 1600-6400 in both modes.

All things aside, I'm really looking forward to testing out this camera and get to the bottom of it's strengths and weaknesses. I've got some MFT glass that's been collecting dust for a bit that could be put to good use for BTS and other applications.
 
What lenses works with optical image stabilization? Is there any small but good native lens for it that have ois that works great. Im interesting in something that would be like a 24-70 equalient on a helium.
 
Joel Arvidsson said:
What lenses works with optical image stabilization? Is there any small but good native lens for it that have ois that works great. Im interesting in something that would be like a 24-70 equalient on a helium.
Click to expand...

Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM.
 
There is a 12-100 F4 Olympus Pro lens and a 12-25 f2.8 Power O.I.S. from Panasonic that both have image stabilization.
 
Not to start a flame war on a the Red forum, but that Gemini test makes me that much happier that I sold my cameras and got out of the Red game. I'd be pretty disappointed if a $1000 camera outperformed my $30,000 + camera. Don't get me wrong, I still think Red's various offerings are great for certain things and rent them when needed. And clearly still best BM's offerings in many ways. But I also rent Canons and Arris and whatever else I want when I need/want to. If I own a camera again it will be something like the BM that costs less for a complete camera package than a Red mini mag, so I don't feel the need to try to defend it's flaws and shortcomings because of the massive investment I put into it. I can happily admit all of the flaws of a $1000 camera, and still get great images out of it and never stress about my ROI. And then rent the best camera for a given job when needed. Just my opinion...
 
It's good enough as a B-cam and it has a lot, but it sure is not an A-cam for 4k/UHD output. Gemini and scarlet-W destroy it in de-bayer quality so does the UMP 4.6k.
Down sampled to 2k it's pretty good.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top