I Bought the Most Annoying Camera Ever 

All of the music from this video came from Audiio Pro: audiio.com/partner?oid=1&affid=821&sub2=video (Use the promo code "Simon70" at checkout for 70% off your first year of Audiio Pro)

I just absolutely adore it when people stick with things that are a little crappy or have quirks, instead of throwing them away in favor of newer things without any quirks. Warms my heart!

I filmed my entire creative space tv series on these guys 7-8 years ago 😭 Tell ya what... I had to buy like 40 batteries and creatively cut in interviews when sometimes they would just shut off but boy the footage has stood the test of time better than any other stuff i did!!!

Sensor is 10 years old and still looks better than some mirror less cameras today. Blackmagic as a company is so appropriately named.

It's been 10 years since I bought my Canon 5D Mark III, my Canon 5D Mark 3 was my "camera" and now it's my "friend". I never even considered replacing my best friend.

I grew up watching your videos almost everyday. I believe we're at the same age. My life is going really hard right now, not sure if I can get through this time. It feels a little better to open RU-vid and watch you talk about filming.

I've used this camera before. for all its shortcomings, its been a camera that has a lot of potential. If you give it a chance, you can get a lot of great shots. The only real downside back when I used it was the audio and the battery (best option for me was the NP). Otherwise its a very solid camera

The old Pocket still has the MOST vintage filmic image of the BM cameras, similar to the Digital Bolex. It's really its own thing, its own look, and it is *lovely*, but yea... using it can be a pain. I've shot on a lot of cameras and the old Pocket footage always had a soft and imperfect feel to it that just felt more organic and less clinical. Good stuff!

Literally just picked one up this week and I’m absolutely loving it, I’m using the following gear with some custom parts. - Tilta BMPCC Cage (With a custom arca Swiss plate and nato top handle conversion) - Sennheiser G2 / Rode Wireless go on a quick release mount with a 15cm cable - Custom (can also use a standard) NPF battery adapter either mounted near the left side of the cage or on the left side of the top handle - Custom rosette mount for a left handed rosette handgrip on the left side (I actually don’t use this much as I like having my hand under the camera, this would be great if it was a battery / handgrip combo though!) - Modified K&F Nikon G to MFT adapter with 0.72x reducer optics stolen from a free FD - MFT adapter I found - I’m also using a SmalHD501 on the top handle with a super compact monitor mount. For those interested I’m using some Nikon primes as well as a 16-85mm F3.5-5.6, 17-55mm F2.8. I’m mostly using it as a handheld, tripod and gimbal cam and it’s such a compact rig that’s a dream to shoot with after coming from the original Ursa / mini and the BMCC. The image it produces is also beautiful and it’s great not having to worry about crazy 4k raw file sizes. For reference too, the camera was $350AUD inc the cage, the sennheiser G2 Lav kit was $50AUD with a homemade $3Lav mic, the Nikon G to MFT adapter was $34AUD, the NPF adapter was included and I’m using NPF’s that I got with other gear and my BMCC, I spent about $14AUD on the quick release, $10AUD on cables and about $12AUD on steel rosettes and 3D printing filament for some of the custom parts. (I’ve had the lenses for the last decade)

Love that you used the BMPCC! I’ve always thought it looks so film-like - more so than any other digital camera. My original pocket 6k has been great for professional work. After the newest gyro stabilization firmware update it’s great for handheld too. I won’t complain about having a “sharper” image, but it doesn’t have the organic feel of BMPCC, that’s for sure.

I LOVE the pocket OG

Lovely video Simon! I recently bought a Canon C100 - 10 years old now and about £800 - and I'm absolutely loving it! The built in XLR inputs and NDs, plus the fact the image is still beautiful (technically a 4k censor downscaling in camera to 1080) make it perfect for me. One battery lasts 5-7 hours too. Just stays out of my way and let's me concentrate on what I'm making which is what it's all about for me.

Glad that you could get it to work! I had the original Blackmagic 2.5k Camera, which felt exactly the same handling wise, but the image holds up until today, which only few cameras do!

Beautiful grading work. I can't wait to see the followup video!

I appreciate how much your channel focuses on making sensible financial choices and finding workarounds for "lesser" gear instead of pedaling that everyone needs a full-frame camera from the last year like everyone else. It's definitely a breath of fresh air in a sea of "is X good camera RELEVANT in 2022??" videos.

I follow your channel for years now, and it is a joy to see when a new video is posted. Congrats for this awesome rig of yours. Cheers from Brasil, mate!

It is a great little camera, closest to film you can get, this little BMPCC has been used on many Hollywood productions alongside the Arri Alexa, and when you see the footage it's easy to see why. If you edit in DaVinci Resolve you can switch it to Gen 5 color science (I think, if not then Gen 4) for an up to date look, also I find a good Celluloid LUT pairs beautifully with these BM cameras. It's good to see you're back with a bit of content, keep it coming!

Just picked one of these up with the same lens for travel videos and it’s an absolute game changer for me. Tons of limitations for sure and def not ideal but being able to whip this out of my pocket and get a beautiful shot without having to lug around a big camera and lenses allows me to stay in the present moment more.

I've been considering on getting the original pocket for a while, but for all the trouble of rigging it out, it's better to get the Blackmagic Micro camera. It has the same sensor as the original and a better battery life. Yes it has no screen, but if you intend on rigging it out as you would with the original pocket, it's not much of a problem. Anyway, great job with the incredible footage!

Nice to see how Accessories can change a camera from "meh" to "pretty good". I took some notes for my future film projects. Thank you very much for sharing :)

Man, I watched all your movies 9 years ago. And I saw your potential. And for any reason, I lost you on this youtube. Now, I found you again and I didn't recognized you at first. Looking now at your videos, I see your progress. Good job man!

Great overview! I would say that the "I could have rented the C70 for one week" is the best reason to buy the old BM? I am not opposed to renting if you have a specific need for a specific time, but you will make good use of this camera (and associated gear) for months or years. Unrig it and you have a pocketable solution. Use it for 5 years and if it still works, it might then become a backup camera or a camera for "should have brought a gopro" action filming for another 5 years. And all that for one week of C70 use!

cant believe ive been watching this guy from he was a lil kid, its been so good watching your videos when i just started using dslr cameras. thanks for all the help with dealing with issues ive faced getting into cinematography simon

Always love a new video from DSLRguide. Your voice is so soothing too.

I work at Adorama as a used camera checker and I always get so frustrated when these things come in lol. But wow, you've made it work pretty well!

Excellent video. I loved the results you got from it! The colours have stood the test of time. Thank you for your thoughts on this. 😊

brilliant video and determination!

great video simon! loved the storyline with building up the camera, kept me entertained throughout:)

ive watched your videos for years so it feels like I grew up with you. just saw this one after a long time of not seeing your videos. its always a good day when I watch my old youtube sensei's videos. thank you for all the years of wonderful content!

Beautiful footage!

I was wondering when i’m gonna see a video about BMPCC from you. Great job.. pretty much sums up my expirience with the Pocket (and propably everyone else’s). Some people argue about this being unreliable camera and complain about the batterry, screen, audio… etc. But the thing is (despite the mirorrless form factor) this IS A CINEMA CAMERA. Maybe not in the traditional way everyone is used to, but when you start treating it like one, suddenly most of the issues disappear. Yes, the body is small and it’s fun to use as true pocket camera, but you get the whole potencial just after you start rigging it/using external audio. The sensor is old, but gold. Some compare the image to ARRI or shooting on film, bcs of the highlight rolloff, colors and generally the amazing looking natural image. Yes, the moire is a big issue, but you can kinda work around it. And hey.. where can you get a cinema camera with true Cinema DNG for 400$.

Footage looks brilliant and pretty close to a film stock. You have always gotten the most out of everything you work with. Great stuff!

The colours from the BMPCC look outstanding

Very good encouragement video for newbies, fans of new equipment, dependent on the latest model, etc. 👍🏻 (I'll save it on a playlist, I'm pretty sure I'll need to see it from time to time...)

Love u so much Simon Cade. U inspired my film journey since 2017. Did u stop eating apples? ;)

I used to own an original pocket camera! That thing was a beast with all the rig goodies! Its so pleasing to see this kind of video. Today, I'm happily settled with a P4k and a speedbooster, rokinon primes :)

Very nice! Love how you put it together.

That grading is absolutely beautiful. Can't wait for that video !

such wholesome and warm video! bravo!

Thanks for helping me with learning cinematography early on in 2016. Some of my best memories of my film journey are of watching your videos. I now work professionally and continue to learn and LOVE cinematography.

The images are still so lovely from this little camera. Blackmagic Design for true digital film cameras always.

the look you can get from the original pocket is amazing! Love the colors and the organic feel

I totally relate to this. I've upgraded to a few other Blackmagic cameras since I bought the original pocket. I've considered selling it so many times, but I just can't seem to do it.

Always great to see you back Simon.

Such soothing visuals!

Simon you are a huge inspiration 🫡🫡🫡

I remember when you had under 20k now you are at almost a mil and doing fun videos like this i love it.

Yo this was the exact camera that we used in my film minor in college! It’s certainly not a vlogging camera and there are better cameras for filmmaking, but it isn’t bad and I appreciate you on sticking with it and making it work out:)

The footage still just looks so damn good. There really was something about the OG bmpcc, I still love it

Several years ago, you inspired me to give the T3i a chance rather than waste my budget on a newer, nicer camera. I've used it since then and learned so much from it. It's funny now that we're evolving our gear at the same time. Yesterday my a7s ii came in the mail and I'm ready for a new chapter. Thanks for being one of my favorite channels for all these years! Excited for what's to come.

Glad to hear it went well! For future shoots, the C70 with the 28-70f2 is a dream to film with. Docs or otherwise.

I love your simplicity. The way you made this video is inspiring and i just love it. Btw I can totally understand why the camera is annoying. Sometimes it just go on the nerves but you love it anyway ☺️

I own the BMPCC Og and I use it regularly as my B cam especially for narrative stuff. Key for me is to keep the rig light with probably a cage and a NPF battery adapter

omg this is like the best looking images ive ever seen with the bmpcc og !

Great video. One of my favorite cameras. Very low key as well. People do not seem to notice when you are shooting with it. I only wish it had a higher framerate than 30FPS.

The footage looks like an older French film… I LOVE THE LOOK OF THE FOOTAGE

I shoot my first short film on it and I loved the feel that this camera gives you when you make color interpretation. It just feels very cinematic and it got its unique style I really enjoy. In my experience very nice way to stab your footage is put this camera on something of gorillapod and bend one leg to your chest. Also i found panasonic 20mm 1.7 nice kind of all in one glass for it, but 16mm cab be even more multitask

Bruh! I love this little camera and wish I used it more. You did a great job!

strangely, I found the sponsorship part very informative and helpful! thank you :)

those shots look great!!!

I absolutely love these videos ❤️

You did the right thing buying this gem, the organic filmic look it produces is gorceous! I'm gonna keep mine for life even if I buy others.

Cant wait for the grade tutorial. I've been subscribed for years and whether it was the t3i or this, the combo of light, lens, and contrast look beautiful

Well said. Those colors are phenomenal, so filmic!

Beautiful video

Wow! I havent seen a video from You in years, but boy, have you grown! It is rare and pretty cool, that you didnt change your chilled style! Applause!

This camera came out 10 years ago...?!

I always enjoy your videos. Crazy how long I've been watching them.

In a world where every videographer I know wants the latest and greatest, thhis is refreshing to see. All the more reason I feel I still need to hang on to my Sony 6300 which has been a hell of a pain but with a few accessories, I have sort of become one with it. It's very hard to feel this way about a camera.

As an owner of the OG myself. If you want to learn the ropes, this camera is going to teach you. A camera that makes you work for it, is a blessing and a curse. The perfect cinema camera in my eyes. A beautiful one too

i got the OG bmpcc when it first came out back in 2013, and didn't have a real appreciation for it for the longest time, it even ended up at the bottom of my camera bag for years. but then i got an image stabilized lens (lumix 12-35mm) and a battery caddy and this little dude is out of the bag, and is nearly a daily shooter. i just love the silky smooth buttery images this camera produces. and with a npf battery i can shoot all day without even thinking about it. yeah this is a fantastic little camera!

Excellent episode, got the vibe of the old OG Dslrguide❤️

I have to chime in here (as I imagine several other people will) just to say that I have loved, still love, and will probably always love this camera. I started with one of them, at one point owned two, and I shot two features with them. Shooting CinemaDNG raw is still a great format choice, I found the NPF battery solution addressed the power issues, and I didn't mind the additional rigging when needed. In its most stripped down form, I had the camera with the loupe over the back screen, a small pistol grip, and a variable ND on the lens to cover almost anything that came up in really fast-moving situations. With the speedbooster and the Sigma 18-35/50-100 lenses, you could open to an effective f/1.0, where you could overcome the small sensor size for field of view, depth of field, and low-light issues. I've upgraded to the pocket 6k pro since then, but I still look at footage from the original BMPCC and love what it did.

the footage just looks great

OG pocket fanboy here. I use internal batteries and charge it with the smallrig npf adapter, that stays in my camega bag when travelling, you are not all the time using the camera and it stays pocket size. If you need it, you can screw it on the camera. Dont use cage. Minolta Md and Super takumar vintage lenses go really well with a MD-EF or M42 -EF adapter and the speedbooster in combination. If you need a low light lens go for the sigma 18-35 with the speedboster or the canon EF 50 1.4 beatiful and cheap lens. Stabilized lens i use the canon 24-105, it works well. Leica R lenses look beatiful on this camera, but some of them touch the metabones glass when reachin infinity, so i use then with Leica R-m43 adapters, the problem is wide lenses on Leica R are very expensive.

Oh man. That is an extremely challenging camera to use for a documentary. Haha. If you can lean into its weaknesses, of which there are many, it will reward you with some seriously stellar footage. But I don’t know if I have the stamina anymore to wrangle this little beast. I do miss mine some days though. BM really nailed the look they were going for in this camera, and have never really matched it with newer models.

No dropped frames! Motion looked totally smooth.

Nice informative video. Good work. Could you do more videos like this.. Adapt unpopular models like Sigma fp or similar cheap alternatives.

wow the footage from the camera draw many similar characters to 16mm film i love it

Watching RU-vid shooters use the most expensive cameras and prime lenses, it's cool to see a shooter who works with what they have. Or making the most with what they have. I'm a beginner and I shoot video/film with a Nikon D3200 crop sensor. I learned how to use this camera to its full potential! To the point, I actually found it to translate my style of shooting. I use a ND filter. Stacked on a Black Pro Mist filter. And Polarized filter. And it's super cool. I think the fact that I've come this far is the cool part. I'm goin to upgrade shortly to a tamron 18-400 soon though. I will have to buy new filter for that lens. That's why I haven't pulled the trigger yet. Lol... I have so much more growing to do with my kit lenses. I love this.

I can't believe the bought a new camera !!

I still have a bmpcc with the dedicated ef speed booster (bringing it to a 1.7x crop). dealing with ir pollution and short battery life are just a few struggles. however the image can be beautiful (I find it works weell with a small hd focus. that also provides power)

actually, the footages you got are so nice

Wow 🤩 Simon can use any camera and make it cinematic just like anyone of us can. You’ve inspired me since 8th grade!

the Imagequality is freaking amazing

Blackmagic used Fairchild sensors for this and the Micro Cinema Camera in order to give it a film-like look right off the sensor. ARRI wanted the same with their first digital camera. Unfortunately, the BMPCC OG came out when very little knew the benefits of ProRes 422 (HQ) and lossless compressed CinemaDNG, let alone LOG. Sony's NEX series likely gain more attention for about the same price. I guess you can say it was too far ahead of its time but not a bad buy.

:) love the BMPCC and still own 3 of them for multicam live shoots… very particular camera that does not want to make things easy. But eh, for simple run and gun, c70 certainly ought to be a easier beast to manage, or a GH5. this camera made with a Dual Gain Output Fairchild sensor years before Canon and did not even bother marketing the feature. And it pairs nicely with many tiny vintage Super16 lenses for the ultimate retro vibe (a set of 5 lenses in your pocket? No biggie!). This was the camera that made me like color grading and other more advanced features after transitioning from 5DmkII. but it kind of requires AC power and external audio solution if you plan to use audio at all. The ProRes out of it is really nice even at ProResLT compression, I’ve only used cinemaDNG for quick tests. On early firmware version I had really weird results together with Panasonic OIS and forever feared optical image stabilization completely breaking my footage, gave me the strangest visual errors I’ve ever seen like if one image was captured at maybe 2, 3 or 4 different lens orientations. Was your experience that your image stabilized lenses worked with this camera? Maybe they fixed something in later firmwares or maybe just some lenses are completely broken with it.

The original BMPCC is the epitome of prosumer. Yes it has many shortcomings, but give it half a chance and it'll surprise you. It's fun to set it up with vintage c mounts for a super small package.

Right when I saw the video thumbnail I knew it was the brilliant OG BMPCC lol. I still use it as my main and even shot a feature film on it. Definitely a camera that will make you learn how to be a filmmaker. From lighting to sound to various shot techniques to storytelling most importantly.

Nice Video. But when i used the bmpcc, it was just to thin-scinned for me. So I got a used GH5 instead. The beauty of this is the internal EVF and sensor image stabilisation. This is really nice for quick handheld shots and for interviews. The menus and buttons are really nice, so zooming in for checking focus, judging exposure and checking audio levels is easy. And the autofokus is Ok for easy shots, like a talking head shot. So it is nice for filming myself as well. The internal battery is quite good as well. I got a NPF Adapter and external screen as well, but rarely use it, bevause it adds extra bulk.

DSLR guide and “buying a camera” just doesn’t sound right together 😂😂😂

Your videos are Art

the lumix lens that you have works perfectly on the bmpcc , if you cant see much of the screen while focusing ,just press the auto focus feature on the camera.

I just got the Canon R7 mirrorless as my new Cinema/still camera I love it like I loved my T3i when I bought that in 2012. The R7 is small and light yet very powerful. The 18-150 kit lens isn't to bad for my first and so far only RF lens. I also have the adapter so I can still use my EF lenses as well. I unfortunately don't get to do much due to my health issues.bur it's alot lighter than carrying around my 90D with the 18-135 lens

I love how the video looks so much like film! Did you do that yourself or is that just how the footage came out?

Very good video. Another thing about buying used camera stuff is that you can sell it after the project. Sometimes even make money if you got a good deal while buying. So even is you "wasted" more money that renting the canon for a week, you can get the money back after re-selling. ! 👌👌

The only camera I use nowadays. It still holds up very well. Can’t see myself switching to another camera for years.

omg the picture from that camera is incredible

Great video. Love that you worked around the limitations. I still keep expecting you to bite an apple at the end 😬🍎

This actually felt very nice to watch. Serves as a reminder for me to buy my cage accessories for my r6. But awesome work my friend and in the end, the set up is worth it.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏