Frequently Asked Questions - Updated 21st Jan 2017

To the best of my knowledge, the info in item #14 is correct:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19289

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"[Despite BMD's documentation, apparently the BMPC-4K camera's "live interlaced output" feature does not work -- period; hopefully it'll be fixed via a firmware update ASAP.] The BMPC-4K (and BMCC) can output interlaced video (25p and 30p in 50i and 60i streams) as a "live" SDI video output (menu setting), but not record interlaced to its internal SSD. BMPC-4K SSD recordings are always strictly progressive. Refer to the user manual page 32 "Connecting to Video Switchers". The BMPC-4K tech specs page on the BMD website is confusing. In the user manual on page 11 they spell it out more clearly: "1920 x 1080i50 output", and, "1920 x 1080i59.94 output". If you wish you can use popular NLE or other software slow BMPC-4K 30p footage down to 24p or 25p for a nice-looking, but subtle slo-mo effect."
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If anyone knows otherwise, please let me know.

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I have received my blackmagic 4k production camera 2 weeks ago. I must say i like it but i cant find the HD mode on my bmpc with the ability to shoot 50 fps or 59.94 fps in Full HD. The only two options in record mode are prores 4k and prores HD. There both going max to 30 fps on my display. What am i doing wrong cause the offical website of blackmagic says at the Tech Specs of the 4k BMPC that it can shoot in 50/59.94 fps. Please help me with this.

Kind Regards,

Willem Mollema

See page 32 of the current manual:

Connecting to Video Switchers
The SDI output allows you to use your camera as a television production camera. You can connect the SDI output directly to production switchers for studio work or to ATEM Camera Converters to convert your signal to optical so you can send it hundreds of meters to a broadcast truck for live production on location.
If you have selected to record in 25 or 29.97 fps and set the SDI overlays to Off, the SDI output will be set to 1080i50 and 1080i59.94 respectively. This allows you to work with most switchers, which only support interlaced high definition formats.

Rick Lang
Sent using Tapatalk HD

I do not know, maybe someone here already published such information. There is a way to determine how much video just recorded on the card. To do this, press the play button to play the last clip. Then stop playback and press the button to the next clip, and then displays the total duration of the video. Checked when operating in RAW mode. Firmware 1.6.1.

Now that SanDisk has created an SD card that can handle write speeds of 250MBs (SanDisk Extreme PRO® SDHC™/SDXC™ UHS-II Memory Card), is it possible for the BMPCC to increase its frames per second rate, for at least ProRes, to 120fps?

Now that SanDisk has created an SD card that can handle write speeds of 250MBs (SanDisk Extreme PRO® SDHC™/SDXC™ UHS-II Memory Card), is it possible for the BMPCC to increase its frames per second rate, for at least ProRes, to 120fps?

No, those cards are not supported. http://forum.blackmagicdesign.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=20455&p=126655&hilit=sandisk+extreme+pro#p126632

Sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong thread, but I noticed blackmagic's "Desktop Video Firmware Updater" is always running on my mac's activity monitor.

How do I kill this operation?

Now that SanDisk has created an SD card that can handle write speeds of 250MBs (SanDisk Extreme PRO[REGISTERED SIGN] SDHC[TRADE MARK SIGN]/SDXC[TRADE MARK SIGN] UHS-II Memory Card), is it possible for the BMPCC to increase its frames per second rate, for at least ProRes, to 120fps?

The cameras frame rates are not limited by the write speed of the cards. It's a culmination hardware limitations. To build the camera at such a low price point many compromises have had to be made. The sensor needs more cooling to shoot higher frame rates and the processor needs more bandwidth (which also generates more heat).

It's not simply a write speed of the card. This has been discussed at length. We will probably never see higher frame rates in any of the current cameras.

Now that SanDisk has created an SD card that can handle write speeds of 250MBs (SanDisk Extreme PRO[REGISTERED SIGN] SDHC[TRADE MARK SIGN]/SDXC[TRADE MARK SIGN] UHS-II Memory Card), is it possible for the BMPCC to increase its frames per second rate, for at least ProRes, to 120fps?

The cameras frame rates are not limited by the write speed of the cards. It's a culmination hardware limitations. To build the camera at such a low price point many compromises have had to be made. The sensor needs more cooling to shoot higher frame rates and the processor needs more bandwidth (which also generates more heat).

It's not simply a write speed of the card. This has been discussed at length. We will probably never see higher frame rates in any of the current cameras.

Actually the existing cameras can do more than 30fps. JB even mention in the past that as high as up to but no more than 50fps could be possible but as to date we've not seen it happen.
http://johnbrawley.wordpress.com/2012/06/24/blackmagic-cinema-camera-an-update/
Given the sluggish nature and broken promises of firmware updates the issue may not be because of hardware limitation but administrative ineffectiveness from the manufacturer to improve existing cameras.

As for overheating if the BMPC 4k can do 30fps with a global shutter it can handle 60fps on a BMCC CMOS sensor.

As for overheating if the BMPC 4k can do 30fps with a global shutter it can handle 60fps on a BMCC CMOS sensor.

You are certain of this are you? It might be a good idea to research your topic better because the two cameras do not even use the same sensor. You comparison is pointless.

Yes I am. Your refute is pointless.
Global Shutter needed more power and more overheating demanding more work from the cooling fan and reduces battery life. The BMCC battery life is 3-4 times longer then the BMPC 4k. If you don't believe in science at least do your maths.

This has been discussed at length. We will probably never see higher frame rates in any of the current cameras.

same was said (at length) about quite a few of the "announced" updates in the soon to be released BMCC firmware...

Oh I believe in science, trouble is your statement is completely devoid of any science. And what maths do you suggest I do? You gave no data.

Interestingly, the BMD specs for the cameras show an identical battery life of 90 minutes.

And if you are going to quote John Brawley, perhaps get it right. He said "The camera will never do more than 50fps. It might be able to do more than 30 at some point in the future." That's might be able to do more than 30, not will.

There were a number of things said back in June of 2012 which did not materialise either.

You neither understand science or even care to look at fact.
The BMPC 4K battery life averages 24mins. You probably never used one to find out and now you just made a fool of yourself in front of people who used it and sniggering at you

As for JB comments I qouted it suggest the camera can run upto 50fps but not in the initial iteration of the firmware. He said "might" because he doesnt work for BMD and don't make decision if or might they would release 50fps so no point digging at it.

I do not own a BMPC4K, but I don't have to

its this sentement that bewilders the heck out of me.
It can only exisist in the realm of 0's and 1's.

Its one thing to comment on an automobile in general, but how do you tell a Porsche 911 owner the ins ans outs of that car when you yourself to do not own/use/service/etc .. one of them?

your knowledge of specs mean very little when you spit(antagonize) them at the very people who own and use the item in question.

Keep this on topic. This is for FAQ, not for bickering back and forth.

Keep this on topic. This is for FAQ, not for bickering back and forth.

Where can i find old versions of Blackmagic Camera Utility Windows? it's my understanding BMPC 4K day one FW for some people seem to show Less FPN but after the updating to new FW FPN start showing

Where can i find old versions of Blackmagic Camera Utility Windows? it's my understanding BMPC 4K day one FW for some people seem to show Less FPN but after the updating to new FW FPN start showing

On BMD homepage go to "Support", then select the appropriate Computer Type, Product Series (Cameras) and your Camera Model, click "search". You'll find the latest Firmware / Utility download there, and next to it there is a link to "Archived drivers" - that's where you find all iterations of the Camera Utility.

Are there any wireless field monitors for the BMPCC? Can an android or iPad be used?

Teranex makes something like that but expensive.

so I heard now the 4k camera when its shot on raw is TRUE 4k is this TRUE? also in the 4k camera how much raw can I record on 480 gb drive?

What does "Improved support for Sigma MFT lenses" (BMPCC Firmware 1.8) add up to?
I wish they elaborated a little there.

so I heard now the 4k camera when its shot on raw is TRUE 4k is this TRUE? also in the 4k camera how much raw can I record on 480 gb drive?

By true 4K, I assume you mean 4K DCI, 4096x2160. The raw on the BMPC4K records 4000x2160 with firmware release 1.8. Tantalizingly close to using the full 4096 horizontal photosites on the sensor. How much you can record depends on the frame rate, but I'm calculating approximately 30 minutes raw at 30 fps assuming a compression factor of 1.5x like the BMPCC raw.

Rick Lang
Sent using Tapatalk HD

Perhaps this is an infrequently asked question... I just got my Pocket Cinema Camera, and am in the process of finding out my 'personal' exposure index, and would like to know, for the ProRes 'Film' aka 'log' representation, what is the value that an 18% (not to quibble on the exact percentage... or that the meter is not calibrated to that exact reflectance...) Grey Card, using a light meter, should produce when viewed in terms of % IRE?

I've found some threads on the topic for other cameras, some threads which seem to start out talking about 'how to calibrate', but haven't found a clear statement on what the relationship between the the log representation vs IRE.

One reference seemed to suggest 38% is what a log representation should yield for the 18% grey card.

John Brawley has previously stated (a long time ago... in a galaxy far, far away) the value is between 38 and 39%. The thread you found seems to support John's statement.


Rick Lang
Sent using Tapatalk HD

and would like to know, for the ProRes 'Film' aka 'log' representation, what is the value that an 18% (not to quibble on the exact percentage... or that the meter is not calibrated to that exact reflectance...) Grey Card, using a light meter, should produce when viewed in terms of % IRE?

38.4%

JB

Hi,

I have a Blackmagic Cinema Camera 2.5k EF, I would to know how to resolve the crop problem. Could I mount a lens adapter MFT and then, buy a Speed Booster MFT for EF lens? I've extremely need to resolve it.

Hi,

I have a Blackmagic Cinema Camera 2.5k EF, I would to know how to resolve the crop problem. Could I mount a lens adapter MFT and then, buy a Speed Booster MFT for EF lens? I've extremely need to resolve it.

You can't speed boost an EF mount

If I am not wrong, the BMPC 4K and the URSA have the same sensor. Can we expect soon a firmware update which includes 80fps in HD, 60fps in UHD, Prores 444 any many other things for the BMPC 4K camera?

If I am not wrong, the BMPC 4K and the URSA have the same sensor. Can we expect soon a firmware update which includes 80fps in HD, 60fps in UHD, Prores 444 any many other things for the BMPC 4K camera?

Having the same sensor doesn't mean that they both have the same internal system bandwidth.

Hello, Still no date for the Ursa Blackmagic mini 4,6K ? The delay may happen but we thank you for Informed

We want to buy a Micro Cinema Camera, therefore we have asked our Dealer several time about the delivery. Today on the 5th august he says to us again, that there is no release date communicated by Black Magic.

In this thread I read: Release in July, now ist August and there is no delivery of the camera in sight.

Could You please communicate the effective delivery date of the Micro Cinema Camera.

Could You please communicate the effective delivery date of the Micro Cinema Camera.

You must be new around here.

Since its very first camera, BMD has had trouble shipping new cameras on time. When they announced July availability, some on this board said, "which July?"

The delivery date will be posted on this forum when someone actually receives a camera.

Yeah, they'll inform you when there's something to inform. Quit asking.

I cannot stop the recording on my Black magic pocket camera once it heats up after 15 minutes of shooting.
I click record and it starts recording but when you click again to stop, nothing happens and it keeps recording!
Does anyone has a solution to this problem?
Thank you.

I cannot stop the recording on my Black magic pocket camera once it heats up after 15 minutes of shooting.
I click record and it starts recording but when you click again to stop, nothing happens and it keeps recording! Does anyone has a solution to this problem? Thank you.

I don't know why your BMPCC is having the issue you describe (it's not a FAQ), but confirm you're using a tested & recommended SD card listed here:
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/support/faq/43083

Also, install (or reinstall) camera firmware version 2.1, the most current version specifically for use with the BMPCC:
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/suppor ... al-cameras

If the above info doesn't lead to a solution, contact BMD tech support for your region directly:
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/support/contact/email
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/support/contact/phone

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Just checking the firmware update list and version 2.3 didn't include anything for the BMCC or BMPCC. Those updates are copies from 2.1.

is there any chance of knowing the runtime of my actuall BMCC as to find out how much hours of work it has done?

Might want to update the FAQ a bit as since then the Ursa Mini Pro came and also we are at Firmware 4.8
instead of the last update in the post >> 4.2 (21 December 2016).

I made a topic similair to this regarding to live broadcasting in the Live Production sub-forum.
Frequently Asked Questions - Live Production

I have a FEATURE REQUEST:

Programmable focus points. The camera can lock focus with the touch screen, but it doesn't REMEMBER the distance, and instead hunts around every time to find the focus again. We should be able to lock in a couple of focus-pulling options and have the camera return to that point with the push of a button, or touchscreen option. This is a "CINE" camera right? You don't have your camera hunting around to focus in the cinema. This should be an easy software solution, since the camera can already do the hard lifting. It just needs to REMEMBER the data and recall it at the operator's touch.

Let me ADD to the previous post:

A Focus Pulling Mode for electronic lenses could easily incorporate a slider across the screen to move the focus point from minimum to infinity. It could also maybe look like a dial, or have a choice of either/or. Then you could adjust focus on the fly with feedback in feet/meters of the current focal point distance. Etc.

Every time Blackmagic Design releases a new camera, it gets better and better. You can do 120 frames per second by setting the sensor to HD resolution.

Is there a way to focus zoom on the Pocket Camera? please help me

There's one other card that a few clients had fractional achievement utilizing it for crude, that is the 128 GB 80 MB/s Sandisk genius card. Be that as it may, it appears it is scarcely quick enough, clients report dropped outlines following two or three minutes when recording crude at 24 fps, and it doesn't appear to be quick enough for 30 fps by any means.

I do not know, maybe someone here already published such information. There is a way to determine how much video just recorded on the card. To do this, press the play button to play the last clip. Then stop playback and press the button to the next clip, and then displays the total duration of the video. Checked when operating in RAW mode. Firmware 1.6.1.

Wow, I haven't known that. I usually spent so many time to do that. Thanks a lot for sharing it.

Off topic....but I really hope that the next bmpcc will have a symetrical shape...the lens on the center and not this alongated dslr shape that even on the RS2 has some minor balancing issues. Please make the next one square or as much square as you like...'caz you can do it! Cheers!

Great summary Chris, thanks

Thanks for this thread!

The thing is the more I scroll down the FM update to previous version and see what BM fixed the more scared I get hahahah!!

I have a forum request. Can we have a clean up of the stickies or create some topline sub categories for things like old firmware updates?

I have a forum request. Can we have a clean up of the stickies or create some topline sub categories for things like old firmware updates?

+1

Does anyone have a list for approved SD Cards for shooting in raw on the BM Pocket Camera?