Introducing Blackmagic Production Camera 4K

Good morning from Las Vegas!

For your convenience, here is the full text of the press release for the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K:

Blackmagic Design Announces Blackmagic Production Camera 4K
Professional 4K production camera features large Super 35 size sensor with professional global shutter, EF mount optics and high quality ProRes 422 (HQ) file recording

NAB 2013, Las Vegas, USA - April 8, 2013 - Blackmagic Design today announced Blackmagic Production Camera 4K, a new high resolution 4K digital film camera with an innovative large Super 35 size sensor with professional global shutter, combined with precision EF mount optics and high quality Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) file recording for only US$3,995.

Blackmagic Production Camera 4K will be demonstrated on the Blackmagic Design NAB 2013 booth at #SL218.

The latest high end televisions and video projectors support Ultra HD, which is four times the resolution of regular HD video. The Blackmagic Production Camera 4K shoots to high quality compressed CinemaDNG RAW and ProRes 422 (HQ) files in 4K, giving customers a complete solution to shoot the most amazing high resolution music videos, episodic television production, television commercials, sports, documentaries, news stories, interviews and feature films.

The new Blackmagic Production Camera 4K also supports the new 6G-SDI video connection out so it can be used on live video production.

Blackmagic Production Camera 4K has been designed with portability and durability in mind. With standard connections and an internal battery packed inside a beautiful machined aluminum design, the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K will easily handle the rigors of location work. A high resolution LCD display shows settings such as shutter speed, color temperature, aperture and timecode in an easy to read status strip. The built in capacitive touchscreen offers direct access to menus with a touch of the finger and allows changing settings such as recording format, shutter angle and more. The touchscreen also allows users to enter important metadata that is compatible with popular video editing software including Final Cut Pro X.

With a large Super 35 size sensor, cinematographers get familiar framing and behavior from the lenses they already own. This camera sensor features a global shutter and its large size allows minimal crop factor so cinematographers get nice wide angle shots from their wide angle lenses. When working in HD customers can use the high resolution images to reframe and zoom into shots without any quality loss.

With the built in EF compatible lens mount there is a wide choice of optics to take advantage of the large Super 35 size sensor without cropping. Cinematographers get the choice of the world's most amazing optics from leading lens crafters like Canon, Zeiss and more, with full electronic control. The EF compatible lens mount means customers are not locked into a specific lens and even professional cinema lenses with EF mount with professional rails and follow focus accessories can be used.

The Blackmagic Production Camera 4K easily captures 4K in compressed CinemaDNG RAW and ProRes 422 (HQ) using the built in high speed SSD recorder. Once the shoot has wrapped, the disk can be connected to a computer for editing or color correction of the shots straight from the disk, which can be formatted in either HFS+ or ExFAT for Mac and Windows compatibility. In addition to the regular CinemaDNG RAW format, Blackmagic Design will also implement a QuickTime wrapper for the open standard CinemaDNG and companion codec, allowing the camera to record in a format that allows RAW editing in popular editing software.

The wide dynamic range of the Super 35 sized sensor can be mapped into the quantizing range of the file so you can color grade shots to allow greater detail in highlights and shadows. When working fast, the customer can also record to regular Rec. 709 video files.

Blackmagic Production Camera 4K uses standard connections, so customers do not need to worry about sourcing custom cables. The camera features 6G-SDI output that can be down-converted to HD or used for amazing quality Ultra HD video. In addition, the device includes a built-in Thunderbolt port and UltraScope software for real time waveform monitoring. For audio you get 1/4” jack mic/line inputs plus 12V to 30V DC input, a 3.5mm headphone socket and LANC remote control. And with a built-in uncompressed audio recorder you can eliminate post audio synching altogether.

“Customers have been asking us to design a camera with global shutter and a large sensor. With the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K we have delivered that, plus the high resolution needed for the latest Ultra HD production work,” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. “This is a very exciting camera and it produces amazing looking pictures that we are sure everyone will love. It’s going to allow Ultra HD programming to be simple and easy!”

Blackmagic Production Camera 4K Key Features
• Large high resolution 4K Super 35 mm sized sensor with superior handing of image detail.
• Professional global shutter for smooth pans and image motion.
• Wide 12 stops of dynamic range allows capture of increased details for feature film look.
• Compatible with extremely high quality EF mount lenses.
• Built in SSD recorder allows long duration recording onto solid state disks.
• Open file formats compatible with popular NLE software, such as Apple ProRes and compressed CinemaDNG 12 bit RAW. No custom file formats.
• Features all standard connections, including jack mic/line audio in, 6G-SDI output for monitoring with camera status graphic overlay, headphone mini jack, Thunderbolt, LANC remote control and standard DC 12 power connection.
• Built in touch screen LCD for camera settings and metadata entry compatible with popular video editing software including Final Cut Pro X. 
• Supports Ultra HD and 1080HD resolution capture in 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97 and 30 fps.
• Includes UltraScope software for live scopes via the built in Thunderbolt connection.
• Includes DaVinci Resolve color grading software.

Availability and Price
Blackmagic Production Camera 4K will be available in July for US$3,995 from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide.

Hello, I have a few questions about this camera, first off congrats I think you guys own the industry now!

1. For compressed raw, does it also shoot non compressed DNG. Is the quality the same, and can it be keyed or would it have the same blocking issues as Prores or avid dnxhd.

2. I like many were hoping for a mount close to the sensor to have better mounting options like the Emount. This is mainly because of the SPEEDBOOSTER. A speed booster on this camera would be...oh my I cant even explain it. Its almost good enough to chop off the other and try to rig a mount if there are no options for this in the future.

3. I didnt check frame rates but Im sure I missed it.

4. I want one of each darn it.

Hello, I have a few questions about this camera, first off congrats I think you guys own the industry now!

1. For compressed raw, does it also shoot non compressed DNG. Is the quality the same, and can it be keyed or would it have the same blocking issues as Prores or avid dnxhd.

2. I like many were hoping for a mount close to the sensor to have better mounting options like the Emount. This is mainly because of the SPEEDBOOSTER. A speed booster on this camera would be...oh my I cant even explain it. Its almost good enough to chop off the other and try to rig a mount if there are no options for this in the future.

3. I didnt check frame rates but Im sure I missed it.

4. I want one of each darn it.

I am also wondering about Question 1

3. I didnt check frame rates but Im sure I missed it.

• Supports Ultra HD and 1080HD resolution capture in 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97 and 30 fps.

1. For compressed raw, does it also shoot non compressed DNG. Is the quality the same, and can it be keyed or would it have the same blocking issues as Prores or avid dnxhd.

It's visually lossless, a very slight compression. Should be keyable.

1. For compressed raw, does it also shoot non compressed DNG. Is the quality the same, and can it be keyed or would it have the same blocking issues as Prores or avid dnxhd.

It's visually lossless, a very slight compression. Should be keyable.

What about the file size difference between a 2.5k frame shot in CinemaDNG and a 4k frame shot in compressed CinemaDNG?

I just realized I had another question, would the firmware on the 4K also record a smaller 2K?

This is an awesome news!
However how can we believe that the 4K Camera will be really released in July as announced? (I'm very interested but my shooting starts in August…)
Could you give us some clues on how you'll improve your production capacity in order to avoid that the issues of the BMCC production process come again? What make you confident with this date?
Thank you.

Any idea when the QT wrapper for RAW will be available for the 2.5K BMCC? New firmware update on horizon?

Very important...why no dnxhd???? Its better and more versatile then prores and no pc users will by this if you exclude people who actually have decent computers instead of hipster notebooks.

I have read that this camera can do 4K prores, is there any chance to have 2.5k Prores on the current version of the BMCC ? i will be very useful


Thanks


Pierre

This is an awesome news!
However how can we believe that the 4K Camera will be really released in July as announced? (I'm very interested but my shooting starts in August…)
Could you give us some clues on how you'll improve your production capacity in order to avoid that the issues of the BMCC production process come again? What make you confident with this date?
Thank you.

We don't anticipate any delays. That said, anything can happen, so I wouldn't give you an absolute guarantee if your job is on the line. Right now, we're working to improve shipping capacity and trying to fill BMCC EF orders as quickly as possible.

Do you think I cn use this for live shows with an ATEM 1/ME? Curious about what the quality would be like.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

any software update for the old BMCC
like Audio Meter

Sorry if this has already been asked, but as an owner of the original BMCC EF Mount, seeing that both the Pocket Camera and 4K Camera will have a compressed CinemaDNG for RAW, will this "Quicktime wrapped" compressed raw be coming to the current BMCC? In the form of a firmware update, etc? Thank you for your time...

Does the original BMCC have any advantages over the BMPC?

Does the original BMCC have any advantages over the BMPC?

It's $1000 less.

Does the original BMCC have any advantages over the BMPC?

It's $1000 less.

...and has one stop more latitude.

Changed my order from cinema to production.

Could you guys put up 1 frame of the DNG even of something in front of the sky. I just want to make the right decision on this one. Want to try a luma key or something on it.

Hello Christine,

Can you give us anything tangible with regards to the MFT model shipping? You mentioned that you guys were still working on ramping up EF shipments, and now there is this wave of info on the two newer models, but an update on the MFT is still nowhere to be found.

Given the light-loss trade-off with the global shutter on the Production camera, along with the fact that some of us already own some pretty decent MFT glass, I think it's safe to assume that there are many of us who are still looking forward to taking delivery of their MFT models.

Thanks...

Does the original BMCC have any advantages over the BMPC?

It's $1000 less.

...and has one stop more latitude.

less ISO sensitivity, acc. JB (below the Pocket text) http://johnbrawley.wordpress.com/2013/0 ... e-orginal/

Is there an upgrade path? I waited 8 months for the first one now its outdated in 1 month :-/

Couldn't find it anywhere, but does the BMPC support 1080p as well? Or is it all 4K and would have to downres for projects that just require 1080p?

Couldn't find it anywhere, but does the BMPC support 1080p as well? Or is it all 4K and would have to downres for projects that just require 1080p?

Shooting Resolutions
3840 x 2160, 1920x1080.
Frame Rates
3840 x 2160p23.98,
3840 x 2160p24,
3840 x 2160p25,
3840 x 2160p29.97,
3840 x 2160p30,
1920 x 1080p23.98,
1920 x 1080p24,
1920 x 1080p25,
1920 x 1080p29.97,
1920 x 1080p30,
1920 x 1080p50i,
1920 x 1080p59.94i.

Is the screen the same as in BMCC? Is it same high glare screen?

This is an awesome news!
However how can we believe that the 4K Camera will be really released in July as announced? (I'm very interested but my shooting starts in August…)
Could you give us some clues on how you'll improve your production capacity in order to avoid that the issues of the BMCC production process come again? What make you confident with this date?
Thank you.

We don't anticipate any delays. That said, anything can happen, so I wouldn't give you an absolute guarantee if your job is on the line. Right now, we're working to improve shipping capacity and trying to fill BMCC EF orders as quickly as possible.

WHAT ABOUT THE MFT´s?

Is there an upgrade path? I waited 8 months for the first one now its outdated in 1 month :-/

+1 for an upgrade path!!!

Is there an upgrade path? I waited 8 months for the first one now its outdated in 1 month :-/

+1 for an upgrade path!!!

I would gladly pay $1000 and send our camera in for a sensor upgrade as we did from Red One to MX

Yeah, Is there? 9 Months and 6k spent and now I have two cameras that are semi outdated less than a week after I finally received them. Also, does the new camera have the same form factor? Will all my accessories work?

Thanks,

E

Also is the droped frames issue fixed in this camera or does it still suffer from same illness?

Also is the droped frames issue fixed in this camera or does it still suffer from same illness?

That's a problem of the SSD, not the camera.

However: I LOVE IT UNSEEN and I WANT ONE (ore more)! Can't wait to see and try it out!

PS: Written directly out of the B747s BC Wireless Internet - on my way from Germany to NAB Las Vegas.

I want one, However; my 2.5K has yet to ship ordered in August of last year why should I believe you this one will ship when it's suppose to? I lucked out with the one I have but will lighting strick twice?

Thanks!

Couldn't find it anywhere, but does the BMPC support 1080p as well? Or is it all 4K and would have to downres for projects that just require 1080p?

Shooting Resolutions
3840 x 2160, 1920x1080.
Frame Rates
3840 x 2160p23.98,
3840 x 2160p24,
3840 x 2160p25,
3840 x 2160p29.97,
3840 x 2160p30,
1920 x 1080p23.98,
1920 x 1080p24,
1920 x 1080p25,
1920 x 1080p29.97,
1920 x 1080p30,
1920 x 1080p50i,
1920 x 1080p59.94i.

Is low-light performance much better than BMCC due to larger sensor?

Curious on the name. Why "Production" Camera" and not consistent with the "Cinema" Camera?

Curious on the name. Why "Production" Camera" and not consistent with the "Cinema" Camera?

Honestly I think has to do with what they see it being used for. The CC has a bigger DR, which is what indie film makers love. The PC is jacked and ready for the coming changes in TV. 4k is gonna be the selling points on all TVs in a few years just like 1080p was. Also the new sdi output is all ready to go for live production. The cinema camera Algorithum was written with film in mind, they even created a BMD film codec for davinci. With the PC they went to a new family of sensors which alsoeans they lost the "look" of the original which is something film geeks (like myself) love about it, not to say they won't get it, but from what I've read it's not the same but damn close.

Does the original BMCC have any advantages over the BMPC?

It's $1000 less.

I think you will lose more latitude than you think with the compressed DNG.

Exactly the camera I've been talking about. I'ts a shame it's the same design though, I think it's clumsy for production, but 4K RAW, 12 stops, Global Shutter etc. is too good to be dismissed because of clumsy design choices.

The only thing I wonder is why it's not possible to shoot at higher frame rates at lower resolution? Should be working, shooting at around 60P with a timebase of 25p at 1080p

The other thing I wonder is if there is any aliasing at UHD native resolution? Most sensors work best after a debayering process, this is why Red chooses 5K and now with the Dragon 6K. It's meant to optimize the quality of UHD or 5K, not to be native 6K. So for the BMPC, does it alias? Or does the the UHD native resolution work good as is?

Hi Christine,

On your sticky note about BM 4K camera it says "Includes DaVinci Resolve color grading software" when in the tech specs of BM production camera on the BM website says "DaVinci Resolve Lite grading software". So, which one will be included lite or full version?

Hi Christine,

On your sticky note about BM 4K camera it says "Includes DaVinci Resolve color grading software" when in the tech specs of BM production camera on the BM website says "DaVinci Resolve Lite grading software". So, which one will be included lite or full version?

The production cam gets the full software, the pocket cam only gets lite

First time poster. I realize no one put a gun to my head to make me pick up my BMCC Thursday of last week (4/4/13) but I can't help but feel a little... I don't know duped. I paused for a brief second after getting the phone call I had been waiting on for 8 months, but thought with one camera barely delivered, and one fully not delivered it would be a poor PR move for them to essentially render my camera obsolete less than 4 full days later. But I was wrong! Both that they wouldn't do it, and that people would be upset. Should I return the camera pay a (relatively) hefty restocking fee and start the wait for Nessy all over again or do I buy a 700 dollar Tokina 11-16mm lens to get near the feeling I already have with the 24-70mm Cannon L I already have? I guess I am just venting. Again no one made me do it I guess, but isn't customer service about doing for your consumer more than what is expected or necessary? Don't know what I hoped to gain from this post, four days later just feeling under informed and a little duped is all...

Feng. Your camera has 1 stop more latitude than the 4K. It's a different product and aimed at a differwnt market. Just be glad you got one unlike moat of us that are still waiting! BMD are not trustworthy... this shouldnt be a surprise to you considering the BMCC 2K debacle.

No one travelling at NAB with an SSD? stick it in the camera and record something, lets see.

First time poster. I realize no one put a gun to my head to make me pick up my BMCC Thursday of last week (4/4/13) but I can't help but feel a little... I don't know duped. I paused for a brief second after getting the phone call I had been waiting on for 8 months, but thought with one camera barely delivered, and one fully not delivered it would be a poor PR move for them to essentially render my camera obsolete less than 4 full days later. But I was wrong! Both that they wouldn't do it, and that people would be upset. Should I return the camera pay a (relatively) hefty restocking fee and start the wait for Nessy all over again or do I buy a 700 dollar Tokina 11-16mm lens to get near the feeling I already have with the 24-70mm Cannon L I already have? I guess I am just venting. Again no one made me do it I guess, but isn't customer service about doing for your consumer more than what is expected or necessary? Don't know what I hoped to gain from this post, four days later just feeling under informed and a little duped is all...

I wouldn't sweat it, these 2 new cameras are a different breed and in no way make the 2.5k version 1 obsolete. For one thing the BMPC 4k cam only has 12 stops of DR as opposed to 13+ from the BMCC. Also the pocket cam shoots to SD cards limiting it to HD resolutions only.

Each camera has its strengths and weaknesses and their places. These 2 new cameras are fantastic and a great addition to the blackmagic family of cameras but so far as I can tell, do not come close to making the BMCC obsolete. Besides, still, where can you find another camera that offers all the BMCC offers for only $3000? You still can't

PS: Resolve 10 will be a free upgrade and the word is that bmd is trying to streamline the future firmware updates to be the same across all 3 cams meaning you will be getting most of the same (if not all) features on the BMCC that the BMPC and pocket get.

Great job Blackmagic!!! Thanks for making cinema camera more affordable!

I looked at the specs and I saw that the 4K cinema camera will only be shooting ProRes HQ when the camera is ready to ship and it will support compressed DNG further down the road with a firmware upgrade, am I right? I guess including Raw format on 1920x1080 and 2K will be really useful as shooting Raw at 4K requires allot of data storage.

First time poster. I realize no one put a gun to my head to make me pick up my BMCC Thursday of last week (4/4/13) but I can't help but feel a little... I don't know duped. I paused for a brief second after getting the phone call I had been waiting on for 8 months, but thought with one camera barely delivered, and one fully not delivered it would be a poor PR move for them to essentially render my camera obsolete less than 4 full days later. But I was wrong! Both that they wouldn't do it, and that people would be upset. Should I return the camera pay a (relatively) hefty restocking fee and start the wait for Nessy all over again or do I buy a 700 dollar Tokina 11-16mm lens to get near the feeling I already have with the 24-70mm Cannon L I already have? I guess I am just venting. Again no one made me do it I guess, but isn't customer service about doing for your consumer more than what is expected or necessary? Don't know what I hoped to gain from this post, four days later just feeling under informed and a little duped is all...

Another first time poster here. Will pick my camera up tomorrow, and i'm also a little confused about how to feel about all this. Whatever the future may be with these new 2 cameras, can't say i wouldn't be happy with a sensor upgrade for $1k - can't refuse 4k, super 35 and global shutter

[quote="WHAT ABOUT THE MFT´s?[/size]

I can't believe it... the pocket camera with MFT and the 4K flagship camera with the EF mount... WHY?????? I want to cry... And when a 4:3 film mode????

I wouldn't sweat it, these 2 new cameras are a different breed and in no way make the 2.5k version 1 obsolete.

You wanna bet?