Firmware 1.3 Out now at DVinfo.net

Chris Barcellos · April 18th, 2013, 10:43 AM

FIrmware 1.3 for the EF and presumably MTF Cinema Cameras has now been posted at Black Magic Camera. My initial interest was high until it was reported that only changes had to do with SDI output. On their forum, Christine Peterson, representing the company, said:

"Perhaps not the most requested feature for cinematographers, but now the camera's output can be sent to our ATEM switchers! Often requested in our Live Production forum"

When I asked Christine about plans for other updates that were part of the sale pitches for the camera, she responded:

"The team will continue to work on firmware updates. We typically don't share product roadmaps or planned updates, sorry!"

Duane Adam · April 19th, 2013, 01:45 PM

How are you feeling about your BMCC purchase so far Chris? I have their 4k on order but am curious about real life performance and quirks.

Chris Barcellos · April 19th, 2013, 02:38 PM

1. Camera is actually going to be just fine. As a "certified" DIYer, I have been able to rig it to do pretty much what I can do with my Canon 5D, T2i, and/or my Sony VG 20 and Nex 5n. It is definitely the heaviest of all of those, but still hand holdable, if equipped properly.

2. The firmware improvements most of us know can be done would make it more convenient.

3. The camera itself in its current configuration reminds me in terms of complexity of my first 35mm camera in the 1960's- the Argus C-3. Its seems to be built like a tank, and its not particularly sexy. It has very few controls available. The raw. and the two codecs with the film and video modes for each provide a basic selection of ways to record. It is clear that camera was and will never be intended for in camera grading. Its clear the camera output is meant to be graded in post.

4. With that, the images are much better than I have had in the past in terms of resolution and dynamic range. The Canon codec, even with the Cinestyle and other settings, can never come close to what is available even in the non-raw Prores file format on the Black Magic Cinema Camera. And exposure is definitely more forgiving.

5. For my purposes, I deal with the lack of a wider angle lens by adding a very inexpensive .43 wide agle adapter, to the front of my widest Nikon lens, and get decent results.

6. In hand holding, it is advisable to use a secure shoulder mount, and definitely also advisable to use a Canon lens with stabilizer. I have the inexpensive 18-55 that came with my T2i for that purpose, and it takes the wide angle adapter too.

7. The jello effect from rolling shutter is an issue you have to shoot around. Typically, I find that good shooting habits with shoulder mounts and such, and shooting at the 180 degree shutter will keep the issue at a minimum. This is the same as I found with the Canon 5 D and the T2i and the Sony VG20 and Nex 5n that I also use.

All in all, I am satisfied that this camera is definitely a step up in image quality and grading capabilities, and I am happy to have access to it.

Chris Barcellos · April 30th, 2013, 12:26 PM

Here is Robert Rozak's latest video on the BMCC sound issues. Indicates great improvements in sound handling, except that frequency response must now be addressed in post to a greater degree. I am also going to post this in thread about sound I started.

Blackmagic Cinema Camera v1.3 Audio Tests / Fixing poor frequency response in post - YouTube

April 18th, 2013, 10:43 AM	#1
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	Firmware 1.3 Out now FIrmware 1.3 for the EF and presumably MTF Cinema Cameras has now been posted at Black Magic Camera. My initial interest was high until it was reported that only changes had to do with SDI output. On their forum, Christine Peterson, representing the company, said: "Perhaps not the most requested feature for cinematographers, but now the camera's output can be sent to our ATEM switchers! Often requested in our Live Production forum" When I asked Christine about plans for other updates that were part of the sale pitches for the camera, she responded: "The team will continue to work on firmware updates. We typically don't share product roadmaps or planned updates, sorry!" __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

April 19th, 2013, 01:45 PM	#2
Duane Adam Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gilroy, CA Posts: 398	Re: Firmware 1.3 Out now How are you feeling about your BMCC purchase so far Chris? I have their 4k on order but am curious about real life performance and quirks.

April 19th, 2013, 02:38 PM	#3
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	Re: Firmware 1.3 Out now 1. Camera is actually going to be just fine. As a "certified" DIYer, I have been able to rig it to do pretty much what I can do with my Canon 5D, T2i, and/or my Sony VG 20 and Nex 5n. It is definitely the heaviest of all of those, but still hand holdable, if equipped properly. 2. The firmware improvements most of us know can be done would make it more convenient. 3. The camera itself in its current configuration reminds me in terms of complexity of my first 35mm camera in the 1960's- the Argus C-3. Its seems to be built like a tank, and its not particularly sexy. It has very few controls available. The raw. and the two codecs with the film and video modes for each provide a basic selection of ways to record. It is clear that camera was and will never be intended for in camera grading. Its clear the camera output is meant to be graded in post. 4. With that, the images are much better than I have had in the past in terms of resolution and dynamic range. The Canon codec, even with the Cinestyle and other settings, can never come close to what is available even in the non-raw Prores file format on the Black Magic Cinema Camera. And exposure is definitely more forgiving. 5. For my purposes, I deal with the lack of a wider angle lens by adding a very inexpensive .43 wide agle adapter, to the front of my widest Nikon lens, and get decent results. 6. In hand holding, it is advisable to use a secure shoulder mount, and definitely also advisable to use a Canon lens with stabilizer. I have the inexpensive 18-55 that came with my T2i for that purpose, and it takes the wide angle adapter too. 7. The jello effect from rolling shutter is an issue you have to shoot around. Typically, I find that good shooting habits with shoulder mounts and such, and shooting at the 180 degree shutter will keep the issue at a minimum. This is the same as I found with the Canon 5 D and the T2i and the Sony VG20 and Nex 5n that I also use. All in all, I am satisfied that this camera is definitely a step up in image quality and grading capabilities, and I am happy to have access to it. __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

April 30th, 2013, 12:26 PM	#4
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	Re: Firmware 1.3 Out now Here is Robert Rozak's latest video on the BMCC sound issues. Indicates great improvements in sound handling, except that frequency response must now be addressed in post to a greater degree. I am also going to post this in thread about sound I started. Blackmagic Cinema Camera v1.3 Audio Tests / Fixing poor frequency response in post - YouTube __________________ Chris J. Barcellos