A Decade Later: The Enduring Appeal of the 2013 Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera in 2023 

I remember. We've actually talked before. Your movie is the reason I bought an OG.

I do agree with this review and @elliotzanderweaver COSMOS feature film was so inspiring to me, that I decided to buy one and use it as a documentary camera. Never regreted. Even having the 6K Pro or an A7 IV, this camera trully brings something “organic” and special look (S16) to any shot. Again, thanks for sharing and inspiring others. Best whishes

I have 3 pockets, OG, 4k and 6k Pro. I'm not one of these OG loyalists that swears in blood and piss that the OG is somehow more "special" than the modern versions in terms of look and feel. With a little know-how and technique, you can get all 3 models to match damn near indentical in this context. You mostly have to mitigate the sharpness levels of what having more resolution brings to the table. This is also true of the older Alexa models vs. the newer models. A filmic image is a softly graduated image, not to be confused with blurry or out of focus. The debate between Cinema DNG Raw and BRAW is pretty nonsensical imo. For me, I find myself reaching for the OG mostly because it's just an easier setup to use, especially out in the field. But there are times when the newer models have clear advantages over the OG. The right tool for the job.

@@matthewhartman7176 Hi there, I agree with your insight on the special look that the OG has (in this case, kinda doesn't have) over newer iterations, thanks for sharing. However regarding BRAW, to be fare Blackmagic's license for the raw DNG format was expiring and laying it off would lower the price of all of their cameras. There are probably more reasons that we the public don't know about. I believe in the grand scheme of things, its help push the industry forward in many ways. Better and more competition, lower prices, incentivizing other brands to get their act and play together; the whole rodeo. Yes it could have been a paid option to have DNG as a paid firmware upgrade to those who really want/need it. But perhaps it would just complicate things for the company, among other things. I wouldn't believe that such an upgrade would come cheap, but really probably very expensive and only a few users would choose to buy. But that's what I think and feel of the situation. Cheers! - 🐧

What would you say are the differences between the oh and 4K in terms of dynamic range and the way the cameras both render skin tones if you set them to gen 4 colour?

@@malypavel25 Out of the box, obviously there's more pixels in the 4K/6K than in the OG. This is both an advantage, and at times disadvantage depending on your workflow and personal aesthetic tastes. More pixels can both make sensor pattern noise less pronounced, but it can also make your image sharper in pixel edge contrast than you might want. This is also a factor with the differences between the older and newer Alexas and REDS. You have to say that quietly in your head as to not upset the folks who spent a fortune on their kit. Dynamic range, 13 sum stops, even 12 stops of effective DR is plenty of range for most applications. If you're shaping/controlling your light, which as a cinematographer you probably should as it's part of the craft (cinematographer and operator are two different things) you can even get away with about 2 stops less than that. If you're concerned about having more DR than you're likely just indiscriminately pointing the camera at stuff without curating the frame, say like in doc work, and certainly in ENG where DR is probably the most crucial factor. It's important to understand all the beloved classics that we chase to emulate, shot on film have an effective DR of 5-6 stops. Ever seen, even by one stop underexposed celluloid film? You'd much prefer digital FPN I would guess. The DR of the OG and the modern pockets are on pretty equal footing. The differences are minimal technically, and effectively equal. Skin tones: Now here is a real meaningful difference. BMD color science between its older iterations and newer iterations are visibly different. TBH, the latest iteration is by far the best as it creates more of a LOG profile, which better protects luminance IRE values from clipping. That being said, some folks find it difficult to color grade, but that isn't the fault of the science, that's simple user error. With a little know-how in Resolve this is stupidly easy to address. Something that often gets left out of the conversation is the subject of "motion cadence". Some people feel this is important and others call it a complete placebo. I'm a bit agnostic, really. In my experience, all the BMD cameras I've used seem to produce a painterly motion aesthetic about them, not all that different than an Alexa. This goes beyond the simple metric of 24/25FPS and 180 / 1/48 because you can put a Sony/Panasonic side by side a BMD using those same metrics and visibly see that the BMD looks more "cinematic" in the way it renders motion. Some people feel that OG produces more of this painterly effect under the Fairchild sensor vs the newer Sony/BMD tuned sensors of the newer Pockets. I call total BS. I don't think the differences are here, I think the difference is pixel edge contrast that more pixels inherently bring to the table. As soon as you train this edge sharpness down in Resolve, low and behold all 3 Pockets match beautifully. Again, know-how. The world of cinema has always presented a softer, more painterly image. Ultra-sharp/high def is the signature of broadcast video, not film. Film is about emersion, not antiquity. If you're looking for an out-of-the-box solution, "cinema" cameras aren't the best option out there. That's by design. In the cinema world it's about capturing raw acquisition with the implicit purpose of training the image in post as part of its ecology. If you need a more "point and shoot" experience, with quick turnaround, you're far better off with a mirrorless hybrid. You'll save years of your life and avoid the need for therapy and a financial advisor. As matter of subject interest, I recently (July 2023) did an advertisement for my GF's Wellness business. We did a test run using all 3 cameras and using two different lens packages. Modern Panasonic and Canon FDs. My GF doesn't know the first thing about cameras, DR, BMD, Pocket cameras vs other cameras, etc etc , so this was a teachable moment mostly for me. Upon her blind preferences, she chose the OG with the Panasonic lens set up. For whatever reasons known intimately to her, she felt a connection to that acquisition over the others. See, it's more important to connect with your audience than compare d*cks on set with other tech nerds who often worry about stuff that doesn't actually move the needle forward in practical life. Although, this works well to move product off shelves, damn your retirement fund. Also, 1080 is still a very respectable acquisition. If you MUST upscale, that's simple to do with acceptable results in Resolve as well. Cinematography/videography is not a lazy man's sport by any means, although modern tech has made it less offensive.

@@matthewhartman7176 This guy's a genius! = D Great insight man, thank you. I shall keep this for future reference and inspiration. Cheers! - 🐧

That's the beauty of filmmaking - always something new to learn. It's amazing that your camera has been with you through all that. Keep shooting and keep learning!

@@howlandneal yes sir! Thank you for creating and sharing this piece 🙏🏽

I’m scouring through internet to try and find out if anyone’s camera has issues with the charging port. Mine does not charge anymore. I got five batteries and plenty lenses for it and now it’s about to become paperweight…

@@MOYAHORROR I haven't had that issue yet, or the hdmi port issue. That's tough cause when everything works on the camera it's a great experience but when those issue happen not so much. Hope you are able to get it fixed and get back to using it.

You should be learning about those things as a cinematographer regardless of what camera you own or use as those aspects you listed is what the craft itself is actually about. The camera isn't "cinema". Cinema is the craft and technique using a record box to capture it.

100%!

100%! Viltrox, too. That's what I use. 😎

Hey! That's awesome that you got your hands on the BMPCC OG and for such a good deal! It has its own unique charm, and it's cool that you've been wanting it for so long, I did too! Have a blast with your new gear and hope to see some of it on here.

It's a great little camera, have fun using it and learning new skills. You'll find it easy to use other more modern options after mastering the essentials with this one.

@@howlandneal muchas gracias crack y mucha suerte con tu contenido

So true, it's such a nice little camera companion.

Yeah so true, it's really a subtle thing - I still can't believe it's 10 years old now!

Same, it can make a terrific little rig if used appropriately.

Thank you so much, Will! I appreciate the work you put into the new cage and accessories for the OG!

Also where did you get the cage or is there another compatible one in stock somewhere? I saw some others using a universal cage or eos m cage...

Thank you!

@@howlandneal Very welcome!! Had to re-watch this, Awesome Review!! Best Wishes to you, Brother. 😎

Thank you so much! I'm going to make a grading process video for it since it seems to be a pretty common question on this video.

Can't wait!@@howlandneal

Thanks Robert! Nice catch! We're very close by in Northborough.

Glad you enjoyed it!

Thank you!

Yeah those HDMI and 12v ports are super fragile aren't they. I used to own the BMPCC4k too. They're great tools!

I bought a cage and a Lockcircle HDMI port extension and that problem is pretty much solved.

The Micro Cinema camera can do a 3:1 DNG raw which I don't think is on the OG pocket and also 50/60fps, but the downside is accessing the menu with the button layout on the side of the front of the Micro. I wouldn't give up my Micro, but they certainly could have been a little bit more thoughtful when coming up with the layout.

Pretty cool that you're still using your BMPCC though, despite all the issues. Stay cool in that Texas heat!

You definitely can! But you'll need to use a lens with image stabilization, like the Panasonic 14-42mm or 12-35mm.

Thank you!

I used Topaz to upscale all of the BMPCC footage but applied Dehancer film grain, halation, and bloom to a majority of the film photography footage for a specific look.

Definitely! That is an awesome wide angle for the BMPCC.

BMPCC is a little beast!

Thank you Hugo!

@neil I would really like to know if you recommend a powercrade to get similar results 😅

It's funny because I used the Beast Grip 1.33x anamorphic lens for cellphones, it mounted directly to my little 14-42 zoom lens.

Haha that’s wild man, I can’t believe it We just ordered the new Laowa 1.33x to put in front of our SLR Magic APOs mounted on the .58 ef speedbooster A lot of glass, but I have a good feeling about this combo

I did yes! I applied Dehancer on some of the clips, especially the film photography clips.

I would choose the Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Video Head with MT190X3 Tripod Legs, or something similar. I've used that tripod for many years and it's great for these lightweight cameras. Easy to find them used online too.

@@howlandneal thanks heaps!

I prefer to use the Panasonic Leica lenses, especially those that have stabilization and a good zoom range. Panasonic 12 to 35 mm F2.8 and the Panasonic 35 to 100 mm F2.8 cover a huge range and are widely available.

Hahaha, yes. He did a great and per usual, hilarious take on the OG. Long live the Toneh!

With the lenses I'm using, it doesn't require cropping, just stretching the image in post to get the right aspect ratio.

@@howlandneal what lenses are you using ? I have various scopes and fmj so curious

@@howlandneal Which leneses ? I have various 2.0 Scopes with FMJs and in order to get it right you have to crop in a bunch

I use the Godox monitor GM55.

@@howlandneal you can get away with a more common 7v if you take the battery out.

I love powering it this way! It's the Godox GM55 5.5" Monitor.

@@howlandneal thank you so much. Love the video

@@lawes88 Thanks!

Really? Whys that do you think? I have one and was just considering selling it lol. The battery life is just awful! But RAW footage is great

@@soundsidecolour Because its one of those cameras that is totally unique, especially with the look you can get out of it. Also, the form factor is excellent. The battery is awful for sure, but they are cheap enough just to load a few and take it out shooting. I don't think you should sell it but its up to you. I've kept mine and use it all the time for random days out grabbing cinematic shots and compiling short stories.

@@thedigitalemotion you're right, I think the reason why I fell out of love with it was because of the battery and the grading that was required and how it's not always a simple one to pick up and go but it still works and is a very solid piece of kit. Maybe I'll keep it and look towards getting a more solid rig with a battery solution for future use. I have a Fujifilm x-e4 now which is also semi rare due to its limited run but I love it for its quick ease of use and small body. Good to have both I guess!

@@soundsidecolour Sounds like a good idea! I think you'd regret selling it, I really do. If in doubt, just watch a few more of these videos about how good it actually is, you'll soon be pleased you kept it! Happy shooting! :D

@@thedigitalemotion thank you for the motivation, I will keep it! Glad I came to this video! Have a good summer and enjoy the Olympics if you're watching :)

Oh, ok.

@@howlandneal i had to laugh on that.