SeldomSeenKid wrote:Hi All,
While trying to squeeze the best possible footage out of my iPhone13 for month, I slowly understood why it will never be even close to a real camera. So I decided to look for a cheap used camera and a few days ago I found a BMCC 2.5k EF for 350€. It comes with a cage and three 240GB SSDs.
Because this is my first camera I have some questions:* Which firmware is the latest. I checked the support page and it looks like 2.1 is the latest one, but I am not sure.
* Is there an affordable "all-round" lens you can recommend? I just need something to get started. I mostly shoot outside, animals, nature,...
* The battery is dead, which was to be expected, so I need an external solution. Something I should consider here?
* I have an HDMI field-monitor. Any chance to connect it to the TB output or do I need an SDI-HMDI converter?
I know, a lot of questions but I think this is the right place to ask.
Willkommen Michael!
I am trying to give you some useful answer to your questions.
Firmware:
The latest firmware is AFAIK 2.1 but anything beyond 1.9 is ok, in fact my old BMCC is still on 1.9.3
Lens:
Having a smaller sensor you should go with a pretty wide lens for starters. If you want a very cheap but nice lens fitting to the BMCC I'd recommend the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8
You have to look for a used one, as it seems they stopped manufacturing it as the EF mount has been on its decline for years now.
Battery:
I think someone on this forum found a replacement battery, you might try using the search function for this. But the internal battery only lasted for maybe 30 minutes, so you should look for alternatives.
One solution is this plate:
https://www.videodata.de/hedbox-hbp-npf.html
You can use it with two Sony NP-F style batteries to get combined 14.4 Volt
And this power cable from D-Tap to the barrel connector:
https://www.videodata.de/adapterkabel-a ... 0-5-m.html
The battery plate can be mounted onto something like this:
https://www.videodata.de/tilta-tiltaing ... -k1-v.html
which mounts via 15mm rods somewhere onto your camera cage. As I don't know how exactly your cage looks like I am only guessing if this is a viable solution. You might post some pictures of your camera.
Another solution is this:
https://www.newsshooter.com/2023/01/30/ ... -pd-power/
Monitor:
You can't use the TB port for viewing. It was only meant for connecting a scope software which is no longer available/working. Best to forget that port.
You could use a SDI-HDMI converter but then you have another device you need to power.
An alternative would be the Blackmagic Video Assist 5" 12G HDR and this cable:
https://www.videodata.de/blackmagic-cab ... 700mm.html
The Video Assist 12G HDR is very bright and viewable in daylight.
If you want to stay with your current field monitor then the Blind Spot Power Junkie 2 would be the way to go because it has USB-C power for a converter like that one:
https://www.videodata.de/blackmagic-mic ... zteil.html