Microphone cable questions and a surprise!

1. Am I correct that for a balanced connection I need to use a cable with an XLR to 1/4 inch stereo phono plug?
2. What are the best brands for the best sound quality?
3. MY CAMERA IS BEING DELIVERED TOMORROW!! Yes, it's really true and I decided to buy the camera two days ago! Don't hate me, I usually get stuck waiting and waiting after everyone else has gotten their new toys. But this time around, there it was, staring me in the face: "Blackmagic Cinema Camera in stock, one left" listed on G & G Technologies HD camera web page that I just stumbled onto by dumb luck. One fast click and a few numbers tapped in and it was mine!

I feel like renting a convertible and hiring a few bikini models to drive in circles around Silvercup Studios here in NY while I ride in the back hoisting it high above my head! Not to gloat, just proud that a dream has come true that I now have a real motion picture tool that won't penalize me for lack of funding. Yes, the DSLR started it all, but now we're cooking with gas!

I hope the rest of you that have been patiently waiting, will get yours very soon. If any of you live in Brooklyn, NY, you're welcome to stop by and take a look. And if you need a shooter with a BMCC, let me know!

Best,
Benton Collins

Hi Benton: Congrats!

Monoprice XLR to 1/4" TRS mic cables are available in several lengths, are relatively inexpensive, and are average quality:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subde ... id=1024403

Higher-quality, more-expensive cables are available from a variety of sources, including B&H.

You might consider getting cables with right-angle 1/4" TRS connectors if you need something that "sticks out" less from the side of the camera.

Enjoy your new cam, and post some snapshots of & videos shot with your BMCC after you get it.

What will you primarily be using your BMCC for?

Cheers.

Well, I'm happy for you and everything...G & G Technologies seems to be legitimate...please check back in when you actually have your camera. I noticed at their site that they claim to have fulfilled all of their preorders and are now accepting $750 USD to get on their list.

I must say WTH BMD!!??? G & G isn't on your authorized resellers list and they have a BMC to sell over the counter while my dealer that is on your authorized resellers list hasn't heard a thing from you? WTH!?!?!?

I'm happy for you Benton that you have your BMCC! One of the lucky few!

But I also have to join Marc in asking BMD why folks are actually getting the cameras from retailers not on your list of approved re-sellers? I've had a BMCC bought and paid for from B&H since forever ago! WTH! Indeed! One would think every camera leaving BMD would be heading to fill a pre-order at one of the approved re-sellers until every camera pre-order has been fulfilled. Thing is.. most of the re-sellers haven't a clue when they'll see camera one..

Something stinks here.

1. Am I correct that for a balanced connection I need to use a cable with an XLR to 1/4 inch stereo phono plug?
2. What are the best brands for the best sound quality?
3. MY CAMERA IS BEING DELIVERED TOMORROW!! Yes, it's really true and I decided to buy the camera two days ago! Don't hate me, I usually get stuck waiting and waiting after everyone else has gotten their new toys. But this time around, there it was, staring me in the face: "Blackmagic Cinema Camera in stock, one left" listed on G & G Technologies HD camera web page that I just stumbled onto by dumb luck. One fast click and a few numbers tapped in and it was mine!

I feel like renting a convertible and hiring a few bikini models to drive in circles around Silvercup Studios here in NY while I ride in the back hoisting it high above my head! Not to gloat, just proud that a dream has come true that I now have a real motion picture tool that won't penalize me for lack of funding. Yes, the DSLR started it all, but now we're cooking with gas!

I hope the rest of you that have been patiently waiting, will get yours very soon. If any of you live in Brooklyn, NY, you're welcome to stop by and take a look. And if you need a shooter with a BMCC, let me know!

Best,
Benton Collins

imagesCAC7Q62U.jpg (9.51 KiB) Viewed 16964 times

Thanks Peter for your mic cable suggestions. I ended up going with Mogami gold ($48 for 20ft thru Amazon) as it had a reputation as being the best or at least among the best for sound quality. To answer your question: "What will you primarily be using your BMCC for?" I am aiming for commercials, music videos and short films. I come from a background in advertising still life and am moving into the world of motion. I have a few sample videos posted on my web site: bentoncollins.com

To Marc, Bill, Tom and others wondering WTH is going on with this camera being available for general purchase out of a waiting list.

I spoke with G&G this morning and asked the same question. G&G Technologies had placed a very large order with Blackmagic for this camera many months ago. They too had a waiting list of pre-orders, which were slowly being filled on a piece meal basis. They had just delivered a camera to the last person on their wait list when this new one showed up from Blackmagic. Being that they had no one else on their wait list, they posted the camera in stock and available on their web site. I could barely believe my eyes when I saw the listing because I knew how slow this camera was being delivered and that EVERYONE was on a wait list! This was a case of pure luck (or divine intervention! : ) But the fact remains, someone was going to buy this camera. I'm lucky that it happened to be me! The good news is that the camera is being shipped (slowly but surely), so hopefully it won't be much longer before everyone on a wait list has theirs. I'll do a follow up when I get the camera in hand, that's when I'll know it's for real. My next task is bringing my computer up to speed to handle this beast!

Be well!

I spoke with G&G this morning and asked the same question. G&G Technologies had placed a very large order with Blackmagic for this camera many months ago. They too had a waiting list of pre-orders, which were slowly being filled on a piece meal basis. They had just delivered a camera to the last person on their wait list when this new one showed up from Blackmagic. Being that they had no one else on their wait list, they posted the camera in stock and available on their web site. I could barely believe my eyes when I saw the listing because I knew how slow this camera was being delivered and that EVERYONE was on a wait list!

Again, not a personal statement at you Benton...congratulations on getting your hands on a BMC. BUT G & G Technologies, Inc. is not on BMD's authorized resellers list and should NOT have received ANY BMCs ahead of the handful of dealers who ARE on the BMD authorized resellers list. I preordered in April and prepaid in July with an authorized reseller who hasn't received camera number one yet and has had precious little communication from BMD. They won't even hazard a guess about when they might get some BMCs in and start shipping to their preorder list. So again, WTH BMD!!??

Authorized Resellers
Adorama

Markertek Video Supply

MelroseMAC

Omega Broadcast Group

Snader & Associates

Video Tape Products

Abel Cine Tech

Biway Media

BKW

I will say that Blackmagic SHOULD check with each company before they ship to make sure it will go to someone who has been waiting. In a perfect world this would be fair, but delivery is probably just based on the number of units ordered and for them to check with each dealer about their wait list before they ship would add a layer of complication that they surely don't need or want. The one I'm getting just slipped through the cracks and I would bet it's the last one that does!

G & G Technologies, Inc. claims on their Website to have fulfilled all of their preorders and are now accepting $750USD deposits to get on their w8ing list. My point is that they are not an authorized reseller in the US and should not have received any BMCs at all before the authorized US resellers I listed above. This begs an explanation and I sure hope we get one.

From the G&G Website:

We just sold out of our first shipment. We filled all our orders with customers who had a deposit and we are once again taking a 25% ($750) deposit towards our next shipment.

Obviously, they neglect to say how many BMCs were in their "first shipment". This could be a marketing ruse to drum up some cash ($750) quickly. It could be that BMD just hasn't kept their list of authorized resellers updated. But my reseller has been on the authorized list since April when I placed my preorder...I got their name off the BMD list.

Maybe BMD are releasing cameras in alphabetic order and are up to the B's for Benton ?

I completely agree with you Marc! G&G should have been listed on BMs autorized dealer list. G&G told me that they received and have delivered about 25 units so far and all of them on a wait list. (Except the one I bought)

Maybe BMD are releasing cameras in alphabetic order and are up to the B's for Benton ?

LOL!!

I completely agree with you Marc! G&G should have been listed on BMs autorized dealer list. G&G told me that they received and have delivered about 25 units so far and all of them on a wait list. (Except the one I bought)

WTH BMD!!??

I was told that the 25 were not all in the same delivery. This is over a period of some time. A few here a few there.

I was told that the 25 were not all in the same delivery. This is over a period of some time. A few here a few there.

So they got a few deliveries? That's odd...

I live in NY. If they had another, I'd drive out there right now and get it. Congrats on your cam though. Post some stuff you shoot if possible!

This is the first time I've ever preordered something like this. Makes me wonder if I should have or not...

G&G recieved 25 BMCC's?????
SERIOUSLY!! WTF BMD????

B&H is at the top of your list of resellers and they have no clue when they are getting any cameras!!!

Hi Marc: If it's true that G&G isn't on BMD's dealer list, and they've allegedly received multiple BMCCs (any BMCCs, really), I'd say it rates something more severe than the question, "WTH, BMD?"!

Instead, I say, "WTF, BMD?"



P.S.: When I try to check BMD's website just now to see if G&G is on their dealer list, the BMD website is down again. This is like the 4th time BMD's website has been down in the past several months. (Both with & without a hyphen "-" between "blackmagic" & "design".) Not impressed.

Hey guys,

G&G actually is an authorized reseller, they just aren't on the front page of our Resellers page. To find the full list of resellers in your region, select your Location from the drop down menu, then click "View more."

Our team is currently reaching out to G&G to make sure there is no miscommunication happening around camera volumes.

Christine.. Has G&G recieved several shipments of cameras as they reported to Benton? Can you see why this is quite disconcerning?
A little "view more" second page retailer is not only able to fill all their pre-orders but has a spare camera to sell over the counter to someone that hasn't even pre-ordered, while I've paid in full for the camera what seems ages ago, and I can't even get an answer from your main reseller when they will expect ANY shipments?

That's just not right.. I'm really getting pissed
Please don't take this personally Christine.. I'm not angry with you at all..
I just got off the phone with B&H this very minute and they just told me they've only recieved a few cameras.. and the back order is at LEAST 4-6 weeks.. and I MIGHT have my camera by then.. it's really frustrating beyond words.

Hey guys,

G&G actually is an authorized reseller, they just aren't on the front page of our Resellers page. To find the full list of resellers in your region, select your Location from the drop down menu, then click "View more."

Our team is currently reaching out to G&G to make sure there is no miscommunication happening around camera volumes.

And in plain English. "We're phoning them to keep quiet about our very immature and silly business dealings that make NO sense."

Christine if you guys dont want miscommunication then START communicating! And the TRUTH this time.

Resellers order off BMD and we order off resellers so I imagine BMD are just fulfilling the orders in the sequence they came through in, from the resellers and not the customers....at least that would seem reasonable.

Then we the customers order off our respective chosen reseller but BMD would have no idea which individuals ordered when and the resellers certainly won't be sharing that information with each other.

Might seem odd that someone gets a camera today that they only ordered yesterday but is possible the reseller was one of the first to place an order with BMD.

Hey guys,

G&G actually is an authorized reseller, they just aren't on the front page of our Resellers page. To find the full list of resellers in your region, select your Location from the drop down menu, then click "View more."

Our team is currently reaching out to G&G to make sure there is no miscommunication happening around camera volumes.

When I preordered back in April, there wasn't a "view more" button on your authorized US resellers page. I selected a Texas based reseller from that list (keep it in the family with the sales tax exemption on cameras) and put my $280 deposit down. I paid it in full by check at the end of July in case it shipped and I was not here to pay for it (I was doing a lot of traveling back then).

Instead of shutting G&G up, try explaining this here on this forum. How could BMD let this happen? Is this what you consider good business practice? What about fair distribution from the US distributor? Have they received any cameras or have you been skipping them? Last word from the US distributor IIRC was that they hadn't received ANY cameras. Has this changed? BTW, WTH is VERY strong language from me...for what that's worth...not very much apparently.

You might be right Andrew.. but is it right that G&G get's several shipments of reportedly 25 cameras.. and B&H (which I would imagine has an order of magnitude more orders) only manages to get a 'few' cameras?
It appears that G&G has some sort of fast track to the BMCC's.

the question now is.. should I cancel my B&H order.. wait for the refund.. then order at G&G? or has the G&G fast track been shut down because of a slip of the tongue from a salesman about camera volumn.... Hmmmm...

I'm pissed

I for one wouldn't waste my time and energy 'reacting' to any of this stuff.

Anyway, if I was a small reseller and on the day BMD announced them, was the first to place an order with BMD for a bunch of cameras, regardless of my companies size, I would expect to have them delivered first.

I for one wouldn't waste my time and energy 'reacting' to any of this stuff.

Anyway, if I was a small reseller and on the day BMD announced them, was the first to place an order with BMD for a bunch of cameras, regardless of my companies size, I would expect to have them delivered first.

First you would have had to get on the authorized resellers list to have had any hope of being the first to place an order with BMD. And IIRC, the game plan back in May was to ship equal amounts of cameras to all of the authorized resellers via the US distributor. BMD is making this up as they go along, aren't they?

And as far as time wasted 'reacting', you just did. I just don't understand an apologist's reasoning in the light of such inequity. I'm angry and I want an explanation...sue me.

Or maybe "reaching out to G&G to make sure there is no miscommunication happening around camera volumes," means that someone isn't being truthful about how many they received, whether it be G&G or the third party... but I love the conspiracy theories being presented.

I had a look at their website and what I read suggests they have been an Authorised Reseller for a while.

I wondered how long it would take for this topic to go off subject! If ever there was a topic that deserved it, it's this one.

BMD please give us some truths in light of this situation AND update.

I completely understand why people are getting upset over this, I would too if I had been waiting for months on end. I'm trying not to feel guilty for catching this hard to get camera that just fell from the sky in timing with my steps, which feels a little like catching a grand slam baseball in a crowded stadium. Should I have not caught it? With all the dealers out there, is there an easy way to find out who among the waiting world was truly the next in line for this camera? I fully expected to wait in line like everyone else and was prepared to do so. I was and still am shocked by this stroke of chance.

Two years ago I had placed a pre-order with Fotocare for a Canon 60D. Over a month went by with no delivery in sight and all the while I was seeing that the camera had came in stock by B+H, Adorama, etc. and was being delivered. I had to give up on Fotocare (and a $125 rental purchase credit) walked into Adorama and bought the camera over the counter. Unfortunately, this type of pre-order inequity is apparently not uncommon and is often part of the purchasing experience.

I don't balme the manufactures because they don't keep the wait lists, the dealers do. Should they ask a dealer everytime they ship an order if it's going to someone on a wait list? Probably, that would best if it's practacal. Theorerticaly, I could have placed my pre-order with G&G a few days before that lone camera went up on their site. And presto, my pre-order would have come in in just a couple of days! It's a complex issue and a bit of the luck of the draw too.

Peace.

Wow I really hope you open the box and find the camera hasno sensor;) Only joking grats to you man

I don't balme the manufactures because they don't keep the wait lists, the dealers do. Should they ask a dealer everytime they ship an order if it's going to someone on a wait list? Probably, that would best if it's practacal.

Benton, any of us would have grabbed the camera too...none of this ire is directed at you...you lucky dog!

My point is that BMD does keep the authorized resellers list. They haven't said if there is a w8 list of resellers, i.e., one is ahead of the other and will receive 25 cameras before another on the authorized resellers list gets 10, but it looks like that is the case. IMO, they should have let us know back in April if there were preferred resellers that were at the top of the shipping list. That's information many of we gamblers would have liked to be privy to.

I tried the "view more" button to see the rest of the list but it doesn't seem to be working right now...

I don't balme the manufactures because they don't keep the wait lists, the dealers do. Should they ask a dealer everytime they ship an order if it's going to someone on a wait list? Probably, that would best if it's practacal.

Benton, any of us would have grabbed the camera too...none of this ire is directed at you...you lucky dog!

My point is that BMD does keep the authorized resellers list. They haven't said if there is a w8 list of resellers, i.e., one is ahead of the other and will receive 25 cameras before another on the authorized resellers list gets 10, but it looks like that is the case. IMO, they should have let us know back in April if there were preferred resellers that were at the top of the shipping list. That's information many of we gamblers would have liked to be privy to.

I tried the "view more" button to see the rest of the list but it doesn't seem to be working right now...

Probably updating the information:) BMD are closely becoming my most despised company to deal with. The only thing now that would make me happy is for BMD to send out camera's to everyone that has come to the cinematography thread and has placed a preorder. Simple as that. And within the week.

The irony of all this is that if it weren't for BMD's own forum and other forums like this, no one would have ever known about my freak purchase! Which begs the question; Is ignorance bliss?

Is customer ignorance BMD bliss? Let's hope not.

The irony of all this is that if it weren't for BMD's own forum and other forums like this, no one would have ever known about my freak purchase! Which begs the question; Is ignorance bliss?

I see what you're saying but what's your point? The fact remains it HAS got out. Don't waste anymore tIme on this forum You have your camera, go enjoy it! I can't wait until I don't have to come here again. I hate it now... begging and searching for truths that do not come.

My point is that in retrospect, In this particular case, I probably should have kept my good fortune to myself. I was so excited about scoring one and sharing, that I lost sight that it might be upsetting to others who have been waiting. Unless the information I have given here results in the members of this forum getting theirs sooner than latter (something I would be very happy about...BMD??), all I have done is caused anger. Yes, I know it's not directed personally at me, but it has stirred anger nonetheless. Right now I can't reverse things, so I'll move on and go enjoy my new camera as Costa has suggested. OK, this thing is heavy as hell!! I don't think I'll be vacationing with this!

My point is that in retrospect, In this particular case, I probably should have kept my good fortune to myself. I was so excited about scoring one and sharing, that I lost sight that it might be upsetting to others who have been waiting. Unless the information I have given here results in the members of this forum getting theirs sooner than latter (something I would be very happy about...BMD??), all I have done is caused anger. Yes, I know it's not directed personally at me, but it has stirred anger nonetheless. Right now I can't reverse things, so I'll move on and go enjoy my new camera as Costa has suggested. OK, this thing is heavy as hell!! I don't think I'll be vacationing with this!

No you did the right thing. We need more people to come forward and tell their story. We wont get any real information from BMD. The more people that come here to prove BMD's incompetence, the better:)

I just find it great, that the camera is finally shipping!

I just find it great, that the camera is finally shipping!

Yes but to the wrong people.. no offence Benton:)

I just find it great, that the camera is finally shipping!

It has been "shipping" since early September IIRC. Have you forgotten?

Wow. What a terrible system. A lot of criticism of the Scarlet launch, but at least then everyone received their cameras fairly, based on when they ordered.

Wow. What a terrible system. A lot of criticism of the Scarlet launch, but at least then everyone received their cameras fairly, based on when they ordered.

Agreed. Without a doubt a complete mess. Who makes these decisions at BMD? Does anyone? What is going on? Where are the shipments? Why did a relatively unknown company get 25 BMC and a company like Creative Video only receive a ONE UNIT FFS? Where are the updates as promised? Are camera's being delivered to people that pre-ordered first? Can BMD screw up any more than they have done so far?

I only know an answer to the last two questions. Guess what it is? No and YES.

It's was easy for RED to control the timing of who got their cameras since all purchases are factory direct. BMD sells only through dealers and does not have direct control over the timing of who receives any product they make. Herin lies the core of this problem.

It's was easy for RED to control the timing of who got their cameras since all purchases are factory direct. BMD sells only through dealers and does not have direct control over the timing of who receives any product they make. Herin lies the core of this problem.

What? They have both control over sending 25 cams to ONE relatively unknown company? Who sent them... a camera fairy?

BMD sells only through dealers and does not have direct control over the timing of who receives any product they make. Herin lies the core of this problem.

I feel the core of this problem is between the authorized resellers and BMD. My authorized reseller hasn't received anything at all and they have been an authorized reseller since day one of the BMD list. If BMD treats the authorized resellers fairly, then it is up to the authorized resellers to treat their customers fairly. My problem is with the manner in which BMD is treating their authorized resellers. Ship 10 to Austin and let us know about it. If I don't get mine a week later, I'll plan a raid on Austin and direct my ire at them instead of BMD.

Initially I jumped on this thread to clear up the question about whether G&G was an authorized reseller. They are, and have been for a while.

G&G has updated their website regarding the camera. They have not received anywhere near as many cameras as was claimed on this thread.

Initially I jumped on this thread to clear up the question about whether G&G was an authorized reseller. They are, and have been for a while.

G&G has updated their website regarding the camera. They have not received anywhere near as many cameras as was claimed on this thread.

Sorry but I don't believe you. Wish I could but I do not believe a thing that you guys say anymore.

Have they cleared their preorder list with one left over to sell over the counter? Yes or no...without thinking about it.

Here's their update:

We are once again taking a 25% ($750) deposit towards our next shipment.

And here's what was there originally:

We just sold out of our first shipment. We filled all our orders with customers who had a deposit and we are once again taking a 25% ($750) deposit towards our next shipment.

Have they cleared their preorder list with one left over to sell over the counter? Yes or no...without thinking about it.

Only thing transparent about this company is their lies.