Camera Shipping Update: 2/8

That's it; I give up. I've ordered a Canon C100. Yes, I know it's not the same as a Blackmagic Cinema Camera, but it shoots HD video which is what I need, and it will take the EF mount lenses which I bought last summer when I naïvely thought my Blackmagic would be with me soon. I need a toehold in the world of large-sensor cameras.

In truth, the Blackmagic Cinema Camera is weird. It's as if no camerapeople were ever consulted during its early development. I don't know how much would have been added to its price by having things like proper XLR microphone inputs with phantom power, swappable batteries or an adjustable viewfinder like other cameras, but it would probably have been worth it. Nonetheless, it apparently produces fantastic pictures and it's amazing value for money, so I've been eagerly awaiting mine for over 10 months, since I ordered it last April.

I never really expected delivery in July 2012, as Blackmagic originally advertised. It soon became apparent that it had been announced prematurely, and the sensor problems which were blamed for the initial delay were frustrating and a bit confusing, but at least would-be customers around the world were 'all in it together'. The infrequent updates from Blackmagic seemed strangely distanced from things; it was perhaps unfair when someone said here that it was as if Cheech and Chong were in charge, but it raised a weak smile.

The final straw was, perversely, when the cameras finally started rolling out of the factory. Suddenly we weren't all in the same global boat; this forum made it easy to see that customers in America were taking delivery of cameras which they'd ordered at least six months after I did, perhaps as recently as January this year. Blackmagic is in a state of denial, unwilling to admit that there's a distribution problem and unable convincingly to refute it. I've got about as much idea now about when I'll take delivery as I did when I placed the order. My UK dealer has said it'll be at least another month, maybe two, maybe more - who knows?

I prefer to believe that this is down to blunder and inexperience rather than conspiracy, but from this side of the Atlantic it does look as if Blackmagic is treating some of us with disdain.

BMCC ProRes footage + Switronix battery system

I ordered my BMCC in Sweden in april 2012 through a BMD authorized seller

Just spoke with them and they told me they have heard nothing at all from the BMD
and received no information about incoming cameras.

Seems like BMD are just as *stealth with the suppliers as they are with their customers.
Cant help wondering if BMD couldn´t have dealt with all of this in a better way,
instead of alienating their customers.

*Please feel free to exchange this word with anyone you prefer.

+1

So I'm taking it nobody on the forum has got a camera in the past few days.

Really really sad, but i've given up as well. This is pathetic now. I've gone and bought a RED scarlet kit now. Costed more, but at least I know it's on it's way.

Really really sad, but i've given up as well. This is pathetic now. I've gone and bought a RED scarlet kit now. Costed more, but at least I know it's on it's way.

BMCC will eventually be out there

Cancelled mine back in October thanks to the BT Scarlets

Welcome core_haza to debtville

Question for Christine: Were shipments of cameras delayed at all by the recent flange distance issue?

Seems reasonable that they would have been, as Mr. Lam indicated that some recalibration was made. I ask because there seems to have been a lull in people receiving cameras in the last couple of weeks, based on the lack of people reporting that they received a camera. My perception might be mistaken, hence the question.

They have to modify all current production, recall shipped cameras, and priority service all cameras returned to them. You bet your booty it'd cause delays. Unfortunately, another delay story in the BMCC launch.

Cancelled mine back in October thanks to the BT Scarlets

Welcome core_haza to debtville

Damn Eric.. Now I now why you jumped when you did. I've just got the Scarlet and hey... Debtsvile ain't that bad when the red Temptress is in your sweaty hands and earning its keep!!

Stay sane everyone...

It´s been nearly 4 months since i ordered the camera.
Like most of you i never got an confirmation about when my MFT camera will arrive, so i´m thinking about getting some other camera.
What i find insulting is that in their website it still says "available in december" since months ago.. maybe they mean december 2015?
You can not play with the work of professionals.

Hi all.

We ordered the MFT camera last November. We will begin shooting a documentary next month and at this point we really need to know what are chances are for getting the camera in time.

We would appreciate an update re the MFT - at this point there are a few possible outcomes for us.

1. We receive an update that the camera will start shipping this month so we can decide to continue to wait;

2. We are told the camera won't start shipping until June or July or later so we'll cancel our order and move on;

3. We don't get any update and we waste more time waiting in this uncertainty. We are really frustrated with the company - if it's a case that it won't be shipped on time fine, but let us know.

Hi all.

We ordered the MFT camera last November. We will begin shooting a documentary next month and at this point we really need to know what are chances are for getting the camera in time.

We would appreciate an update re the MFT - at this point there are a few possible outcomes for us.

1. We receive an update that the camera will start shipping this month so we can decide to continue to wait;

2. We are told the camera won't start shipping until June or July or later so we'll cancel our order and move on;

3. We don't get any update and we waste more time waiting in this uncertainty. We are really frustrated with the company - if it's a case that it won't be shipped on time fine, but let us know.

If you've learned anything from this forum, it's that Black Magic does not and will not give you numbers/time frames.
If you ordered in November, your chance of getting your MTF BMCC (which isn't even shipping yet) by next month is slim to none.
Check the status of people who have ordered the EF mount from big manufacturers like B&H. They're a little over a month and a half into orders from the EF mount alone for people that ordered in April.
My guess is that BMD is going to bang out a bunch more EF mount BMCC's to put a bigger dent in the EF pre-order before they start shipping to people who ordered the MTF mount.

Also, don't plan your shoot around a camera you don't have yet. Many users have made that mistake in the past and screwed themselves.
Have a different camera lined up for your doc.
If you get your MTF BMCC (unlikely, but lets remain positive), splendid. But don't get your hopes up.

Really really sad, but i've given up as well. This is pathetic now. I've gone and bought a RED scarlet kit now. Costed more, but at least I know it's on it's way.

BMCC will eventually be out there

Cancelled mine back in October thanks to the BT Scarlets

Welcome core_haza to debtville

Haha thankyou I ended up going with a battletested RED One. Hopefully it pays itself off.

Really really sad, but i've given up as well. This is pathetic now. I've gone and bought a RED scarlet kit now. Costed more, but at least I know it's on it's way.

BMCC will eventually be out there

Cancelled mine back in October thanks to the BT Scarlets

Welcome core_haza to debtville

Haha thankyou I ended up going with a battletested RED One. Hopefully it pays itself off.

I could literally kick myself for not going after that deal.

I thought "Naa, I'll just order the BMCC, I don't need a Red One"

That was a terrible mistake and i'll never let myself live it down, lol.

Missing ETA by more than 6 months definitely not good for the reputation of BMD future releases. It is unintentional I am sure but poorly planned and overly optimistic. Lets face it, BMD is not going to come out and tell you, that you can't get your camera by year end. Lucky that Red Scarlet is an option. It is more expensive but you get what you paid for and 4k is better than 2k. The Red support is unbeatable. You never wait for more than 10 seconds on the phone. Wait for BMD to learn the business side before you deal with them further. I don't work for the Red, just like how they take care of their customers. If you are waiting for almost a year for a camera promised, just imaging if you have a problem with the camera.

Ordered in Germany on August 30th last year - no news yet.

Ordered at videoguys.com.au two weeks ago, as I'm going down under in 5 weeks anyway and got a "ready to disptach" notificaton today. (I'll pick it up at a friends house to whom it gets delievered in W.A.).

Still, as long as my friend doesn't have his hands on it, I can't believe that.

Hi all.

We ordered the MFT camera last November. We will begin shooting a documentary next month and at this point we really need to know what are chances are for getting the camera in time.

We would appreciate an update re the MFT - at this point there are a few possible outcomes for us.

1. We receive an update that the camera will start shipping this month so we can decide to continue to wait;

2. We are told the camera won't start shipping until June or July or later so we'll cancel our order and move on;

3. We don't get any update and we waste more time waiting in this uncertainty. We are really frustrated with the company - if it's a case that it won't be shipped on time fine, but let us know.

If you've learned anything from this forum, it's that Black Magic does not and will not give you numbers/time frames.
If you ordered in November, your chance of getting your MTF BMCC (which isn't even shipping yet) by next month is slim to none.
Check the status of people who have ordered the EF mount from big manufacturers like B&H. They're a little over a month and a half into orders from the EF mount alone for people that ordered in April.
My guess is that BMD is going to bang out a bunch more EF mount BMCC's to put a bigger dent in the EF pre-order before they start shipping to people who ordered the MTF mount.

Also, don't plan your shoot around a camera you don't have yet. Many users have made that mistake in the past and screwed themselves.
Have a different camera lined up for your doc.
If you get your MTF BMCC (unlikely, but lets remain positive), splendid. But don't get your hopes up.

''If you've learned anything from this forum, it's that Black Magic does not and will not give you numbers/time frames.''
Thats the problem with the updates...... (we are order n1 for MFT in our country) after the january update, we decided to wait couse at the time 3 months waitting it looks like will get us there.

''If you ordered in November, your chance of getting your MTF BMCC (which isn't even shipping yet) by next month is slim to none''
Again, That is what it looks like now, but at the time when we bought the MFT we were told by the Distributor and the Dealer that they will be certain that we will be able to get the camera by March.

''Also, don't plan your shoot around a camera you don't have yet.''
We dont plan to shoot arround any camera.... that makes no sense. You plan arround your subject, and thats the onlything it matters.....
Anyway I give it this moth couse that is what i wrote in my work timeline and we move into plan B after that.

I don't think the orders vs. camera shipments are as lopsided in reality

Ordered in Germany on August 30th last year - no news yet.

Ordered at videoguys.com.au two weeks ago, as I'm going down under in 5 weeks anyway and got a "ready to disptach" notificaton today.

Australia: Delivery in two weeks
Europe: Up to 10 months waiting and no sign of delivery

That certainly looks 'lopsided'.

Ordered in Germany on August 30th last year - no news yet.

Ordered at videoguys.com.au two weeks ago, as I'm going down under in 5 weeks anyway and got a "ready to disptach" notificaton today.

I ordered around the same time... what the..... ??? On their page it even says "in stock"!

So I guess the cargo ship that was sent to Europe really didn't make it and capsized somewhere?

Hehe, guess the videoguys took over the vessel before it left Melbourne harbour

P.S. Actually I orderd on a Saturday, 23rd, so payment was fulfilled on 25th of February and dispatch-notification arrived on March 5th, so actually 7 working days.

Maybe we should send a dive team to the bottom..

Indeed weird that they have it in stock while the world is waiting. Off course they are close to the source..

Maybe we should send a dive team to the bottom..

Indeed weird that they have it in stock while the world is waiting. Off course they are close to the source..

Maybe they're just ahead in time that amount of time the delivery takes to the world wide
destinations. Let's hope for that!

I´ve moved up from being number 21 in queue to number 8 between end of January and last week at BPM/Germany (and they expected another shipment of cameras late last week). So either a whole lot of people canceled their orders, or at least some cameras are shipping to europe - albeit slowly.

Indeed weird that they have it in stock while the world is waiting.

Blackmagic has said that it's sending the same number of cameras to each of its worldwide offices.

Population covered by the UK office (Europe, Middle East, South Africa) - 1175 million
Population of Australia - 23 million

Perhaps it's not so weird, when one office has 51 times the population of the other one.

I´ve moved up from being number 21 in queue to number 8 between end of January and last week at BPM/Germany (and they expected another shipment of cameras late last week). So either a whole lot of people canceled their orders, or at least some cameras are shipping to europe - albeit slowly.

Guess it's a combination of these two... I know quite a bunch of folks over here who have recently canceled their orders.

Well let's hope gmf is right and the OZ resellers were just a little sooner because of being so near to BM headquarters and that a larger batch is on it's way over the pond as well... we'll see :S

[Kristian Lam]

Indeed weird that they have it in stock while the world is waiting.

Blackmagic has said that it's sending the same number of cameras to each of its worldwide offices.

Population covered by the UK office (Europe, Middle East, South Africa) - 1175 million
Population of Australia - 23 million

Perhaps it's not so weird, when one office has 51 times the population of the other one.

Hi Nic,

We send the same proportion of cameras to each worldwide offices so if a region has order more camera orders, then more cameras will be sent to that region with each shipment.

For example, if there are 100 camera orders from Europe and 400 camera orders from USA and we have 200 cameras to send out, 40 will be sent to Europe and 160 to USA. Hope this makes sense.

Hi Nic,

We send the same proportion of cameras to each worldwide offices so if a region has order more camera orders, then more cameras will be sent to that region with each shipment.

For example, if there are 100 camera orders from Europe and 400 camera orders from USA and we have 200 cameras to send out, 40 will be sent to Europe and 160 to USA. Hope this makes sense.

Thank's Kristian, it's good to know. I believe the confusion arises from whether the amounts are "even" or "proportional" or "equal". Previously I thought we were told that the numbers were "equal" -so the same number of units to each region - but if you say they are proportional - then that is good to hear!

Hi Nic,

We send the same proportion of cameras to each worldwide offices so if a region has order more camera orders, then more cameras will be sent to that region with each shipment.

For example, if there are 100 camera orders from Europe and 400 camera orders from USA and we have 200 cameras to send out, 40 will be sent to Europe and 160 to USA. Hope this makes sense.

Hello Kristian, yes, that does make sense. Previous postings by Blackmagic people suggested otherwise:

"Camera shipments are being sent out evenly between the offices, and will continue to be shipped that way." - Grant Petty, 8th Feb 2013

"...each region is receiving approximately the same amount of cameras..." - Christine Peterson, 26th Feb 2013

It still doesn't address the unhappiness of Europeans who placed orders as early as April last year and are seeing American customers taking delivery of cameras ordered over six months later, or the Australian dealer who apparently has them in stock.

"Good, cheap or fast"...pick any two as long as you don't pick "fast".

I keep getting angry every time i see "available in december" at their website
Here in Europe it is called fraud on advertising.. a judge can stop you from selling until the trial gets clear... then they will see what is more slooooooow than this company... the trial!
i´m not joking.. i´m just talking about my rights as a professional consumer.. i got them! did you know it?
i might be putting down my reserve.. but not without filling before that a paper in the court
Mr Petty! i hope you have someone reading this.. get in touch soon!!

Fulgencio Martinez (AEC)
Active Member of IMAGO

something for you to read..
http://ec.europa.eu/justice/consumer-ma ... dex_en.htm

Haha thankyou I ended up going with a battletested RED One. Hopefully it pays itself off.

Just remember its you that makes the magic and not the camera

Hi Nic,

We send the same proportion of cameras to each worldwide offices so if a region has order more camera orders, then more cameras will be sent to that region with each shipment.

For example, if there are 100 camera orders from Europe and 400 camera orders from USA and we have 200 cameras to send out, 40 will be sent to Europe and 160 to USA. Hope this makes sense.

Hello Kristian, yes, that does make sense. Previous postings by Blackmagic people suggested otherwise:

"Camera shipments are being sent out evenly between the offices, and will continue to be shipped that way." - Grant Petty, 8th Feb 2013

"...each region is receiving approximately the same amount of cameras..." - Christine Peterson, 26th Feb 2013

It still doesn't address the unhappiness of Europeans who placed orders as early as April last year and are seeing American customers taking delivery of cameras ordered over six months later, or the Australian dealer who apparently has them in stock.

Sorry, that was my fault. I misinterpreted the word "evenly" to mean "equally." Kristian's information is correct. I've edited my post: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4916&start=200#p34124

Perhaps this question was missed, but I'm not the only one asking. It seems easily answered:

Was shipping delayed due to the flange distance issue? Yes or no.
If Yes, approximately how long and has shipping resumed?

Thank you in advance for letting us know.

+1

Yeah Jason, I was wondering that as well. Did production and shipping pause?

I misinterpreted the word "evenly" to mean "equally."

At some point, we really are going to need a BMD Dictionary.

I misinterpreted the word "evenly" to mean "equally."

At some point, we really are going to need a BMD Dictionary.

Forsaken: Adj; See: EUROPE

I misinterpreted the word "evenly" to mean "equally."

At some point, we really are going to need a BMD Dictionary.

Forsaken: Adj; See: EUROPE

It's your own fault for wanting a two year warranty.

It's your own fault for wanting a two year warranty.

haha!

maybe :-p


Now that it has been clarified that the distribution is done proportionally - it brings back the question as to why Europe seems to be receiving fewer units.... I don't know of any resellers that claim to have received as many as any US ones - and the major resellers, such as mine - who claim to be at the top of the list - have received less than 20 units so far. I'd have thought that if done proportionally - and indeed the EU distributor has to serve a wider area, and thus they would likely have more units on order - that there would not be such a huge discrepancy. Perhaps the problem is further down stream, and the EU distributor is dishing them out equally rather than in order of reseller's order time. I hate speculation too, I am by no means saying any of this is fact - I am just try to ascertain what the problem is.

Sorry, that was my fault. I misinterpreted the word "evenly" to mean "equally."

I think that most reasonable people would interpret "Camera shipments are being sent out evenly between the offices" to mean that each office is receiving an equal number of cameras, not a number proportionate to the orders placed. I'm very glad that we've established that's not the case.

Forsaken: Adj; See: EUROPE

Moving on, why is that apparently sensible distribution policy simply not working? It isn't a figment of the imaginations of a few whingeing Europeans who are making a fuss on this forum; we really are representative of the market generally. There are no American or Australian customers here complaining that Europe is getting all the cameras, as you might expect if we were all deluded.

[
Sorry, that was my fault. I misinterpreted the word "evenly" to mean "equally." Kristian's information is correct. I've edited my post: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4916&start=200#p34124

The interpretation I and everyone else have got from BMD till now really did say each region recieved the same number of cameras. I always knew the numbers didnt add up and that the US has more preorders than Europe and every other regions. Some people really did, now mistakenly, accept that each region got the same number of cameras and they think because more people in Europe had ordered causing numbers to spread out thinly between resellers as a valid reason.
Kind of scary that these folks find whatever explanation to defend a company

The fact is and remains true that the US has much more pre-orders than anywhere else and recieved more cameras than anywhere else. What is annoying is that the US may have recieved more in proportion than anywhere else that why resellers such as B&H and Adorama are filling July and January pre-orders while big resellers in Europe such as CVP are still scratching the surface of April 18th 2012 pre-orders

I misinterpreted the word "evenly" to mean "equally."

At some point, we really are going to need a BMD Dictionary.

Kind of reminded me of politicians using double speak to find a way out of a cock-up

Dude seriously no update?! March 5th and nothing? Get at it grant!

Heres your update:
"Mft version is ready to go"
4 months in a row
Have a nice day

Ok.. the waiting is over for me as well.. canceled my order here in Germany and Bit the bullet regarding import duty - got the last one on stock at Aussie Videoguys (via some very good mates in Australia as they of course will not ship/sell internationally)!

Any tips on getting it fast and cheap to Europe? *sigh*

Hey guys I just got off the phone with my reseller and they have my camera in hand...They gave me 2day shipping complementary so it should be at my door thursday . I almost cancelled too. Im very excited. Hang in there guys your cameras are coming soon.

preordered: with Hotrod Cameras June 15th 2012 and I was #7 in line.

A New Shipping Update Please!
A New Shipping Update Please!
A New Shipping Update Please!
A New Shipping Update Please!

Mr Petty.

Here in India, we are still have no information from the Blackmagic Design Dealers about the Camera Shipment.

I booked the Camera in December third week just after the confirmation on this forum about the production restart. But till date even calling many times to the dealer we have no information about the camera delivery date.

From almost one year we have just seeing the images of camera and getting good reviews but not the camera in real. Its not good on part of the company. At least company should inform the dealers about the approx. shipment date so that customer can plan accordingly.

We are getting informed on this forum as the company is producing good number of camera weekly but even then dealers in India till date (even after the three months of production started) have no information about the shipments.

It will be good if the company give some approx. time for the shipment of camera.



Thanks

Is there anybody from Europe who has got the camera? I ordered almost a year ago right after NAB and not a single word of delivery date. I'm seriously thinking of canceling my order.
It was a pretty good camera due to some flaws a year ago. Today there is a few more contestants with accuall cameras on the market!

Is there anybody from Europe who has got the camera? I ordered almost a year ago right after NAB and not a single word of delivery date. I'm seriously thinking of canceling my order.
It was a pretty good camera due to some flaws a year ago. Today there is a few more contestants with accuall cameras on the market!

Yes, I know some people in Spain who already have one, at least 2 in Barcelona and 2 in Madrid(EF model).

I think people who ordered MFT deserves a little more respect, about whats happening and the info stream. One month without any info is not nice(adding that the info yet have been "We're still shipping EF").