Blackmagic Forum

When the new Blackmagic Production 4K Camera is out and available for purchase, I'll be planning on my first purchase of a professional video camera.

I had a few questions about my list of necessary equipment for the BMC such as:

1) Blackmagic Production 4K Camera
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/964119-REG/blackmagic_design_blackmagic_production_camera_4k.html

2) Ikan IB-LD160S V-Mount Battery (160Wh) (4x)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/903305-REG/ikan_IB_LD160S_Professional_Battery_with.html
-Are 4 of these batteries enough or too much for the BMC?
-Would I be okay with 2 batteries or better stick with 4?
-How long will one battery last?

3) Movcam V-Mount Bracket & Converter + D-Tap Cable for BMC
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/839207-REG/Movecam_MOV_306_0209_BATTERY_BRACKET_FOR_V_MOUNT.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/918778-REG/zacuto_pt_bm_zac_18_right_angle_d_tap.html
Is this a good/correct battery mount and cable for the BMC?

4) SanDisk Extreme 480Gb SSD (2x)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/977626-REG/sandisk_2_x_sandisk_extreme.html
-How much recording time will I get off of one 480GB SSD with RAW?
-Is two enough, or too much?

5) SmallHD AC7
http://store.smallhd.com/Store/AC7-SDI-OLED-Field-Monitor
-Do I need an external monitor? Or is the back screen sufficient for indoor/outdoor use?

6) Cineroid EVF4RVW
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/894123-REG/Cineroid_EVF4RVW_with_Retina_Display.html
-If the back monitor or an external monitor is not great for outdoor use, I'l need an EVF

Is there anything else that is essential that I am missing? Not including baseplate, lenses, mattebox, tripod, etc. But the main accessories to use the camera.

Really nice camera, but it is too much expensive, $3998

We don't yet know how much power it'll use. The specs seem similar to the BMCC. Battery requirements will depend on what you are running off the batteries (EVF, Monitor, Camera, Mic Preamp/Mixer, etc)

The DP4 does not have HDSDI input so would need a converter. Probably better off with an EVF that has HDSDI.

The screen on the BMCC is ok but I would not rely on it outdoors and there is no practical way of shoulder mounting the camera and seeing the rear screen. I use my Alphtron EVF all the time on my BMCC and sometime add my smallHD DP6 to the rig.

Moved to Cinematography...

adamroberts wrote:We don't yet know how much power it'll use. The specs seem similar to the BMCC. Battery requirements will depend on what you are running off the batteries (EVF, Monitor, Camera, Mic Preamp/Mixer, etc)

I know its not out yet. But Im comparing it to the older camera as if the specs were the same.
If running just the camera, how long does one of these 160Wh batteries last? Im trying to determine how many Id need.

adamroberts wrote:The DP4 does not have HDSDI input so would need a converter. Probably better off with an EVF that has HDSDI.

Oh, I see. Good call. I just realized there is no HDMI out on the BMC.
I guess I'll go with the Cineroid EVF4RVW instead

ddirector wrote:I know its not out yet. But Im comparing it to the older camera as if the specs were the same. ...

You can do that if you like, but you might be wasting your time & money. Better to wait until the camera is closer to shipping and then make final purchase decisions after you actually have a camera in-hand.

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ddirector wrote:I know its not out yet. But Im comparing it to the older camera as if the specs were the same.
If running just the camera, how long does one of these 160Wh batteries last? Im trying to determine how many Id need.

In addition to what Peter said, a better point of reference might be the Switronics PB70. It's a 70 watt-hour battery pack and powers the BMCC for around 4 hours, if I remember correctly.

Some random opinions;

- The number of batteries is a function of recharge time vs discharge time on sets with AC power. If you can charge 'em fast, then two should do. Personally I use 3 x IDX 7's for a loaded up BMCC.

- The battery plate has a bunch of lemo based regulated voltage conversions. If you need the lower voltages, then get it. If you are just using 12v stuff then you can find cheaper/better at Wooden or Viewfactor.

- I like to have 3 SSDs, hate to be held up shooting if the DIT falls behind on a transfer/backup.

- Yes, you will want a monitor and/or EVF. IMO, the built in screen is only for running the menus.

- Only buy an HD-SDI based monitor or evf. No need to cart about an HDMI converter.

For background, I shoot a BMCC with TV-Logic 5.6 monitor and EVF, RedRock Wireless Focus and MB, all powered by IDX Endura 7s. I only do narrative film, on sets with power nearby.

Anyway, just my opinion.

If on the 70Wh battery it lasted 4hrs. On the 160Wh it should be about 8hrs. Or 16hrs for two batteries.
So, two batteries may be enough for now. Unless if the 4K Raw eats up way more battery than the current camera.

If that's the case, id rather get more media SSD cards.

Thanks

Don't forget the Red 4K power consumption is a little under 60WH, so a 160WH battery lasts just over 2.5 hours.... So definately wait.....

jfiberoptic wrote:Really nice camera, but it is too much expensive, $3998

It's very hard for me to understand where a statement like this comes from.

Just use your smartphone, then, and be done with it. Good luck.

5) SmallHD AC7
http://store.smallhd.com/Store/AC7-SDI-OLED-Field-Monitor
-Do I need an external monitor? Or is the back screen sufficient for indoor/outdoor use?

The on board monitor is just barely OK. An external HD SDI monitor is FAR superior and will give you much greater confidence.

Personally, I would not go for an OLED right now. Let the technology mature more. Currently, as you shift your viewing angle off axis, the color hue shifts. If this is just for the camera operator then fine, but if several people are viewing at the same time, each will see a different hue and over time as the screen ages the color will shift.
The amazingly deep blacks look fantastic and seductive, but very few people will be able to see that again on their current LCD screens. I think for the moment going for a high quality IPS LCD panel is the best option for now. I just bought the Ikan D7 and it's great. I'm sure the Small AC7 is also great, but the IKAN is a bit chaeaper.