Any less excited about the Pocket Camera?

We can add the "blooming shutter" issue to the list as well. That could be a pretty big one.

Out of curiosity, what is the cooling system in the pocket like? I would have imagined passive at that size.

As I mentioned, It's thermoelectric.

jb

Out of curiosity, what is the cooling system in the pocket like? I would have imagined passive at that size.

As I mentioned, It's thermoelectric.

jb

Sorry, I must have missed that. Very cool! (No pun intended.) Didn't think of using Peltier in a camera.

We can add the "blooming shutter" issue to the list as well. That could be a pretty big one.

So all up here are the issues with Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (BMPCC):

1) Cannot format card in the camera
2) Cannot delete clips on the card in the camera
3) No audio meter
4) No Raw, and no ETA for Raw
5) Horrendous battery life (45 to 55 min)
6) No battery charge indicator on the camera when charging
7) Heating issues have been reported in earlier posts
8) Blooming Sensor Issue (As pointed out by josephrose)
9) Need high end SD card and even then on a 64G you can only record max 50min on Pro Res (maybe 35 min Raw when it comes out)
10) No included battery charger
11) At least one camera so far (Cheesycam's) had faulty/noisy internal audio (Reportedly fixed)
12) We've seen real life examples and comparisons of the extreme crop factor (Not a major issue)

So all up here are the issues with Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (BMPCC):

1) Cannot format card in the camera
2) Cannot delete clips on the card in the camera
3) No audio meter
4) No Raw, and no ETA for Raw
5) Horrendous battery life (45 to 55 min)
6) No battery charge indicator on the camera when charging
7) Heating issues have been reported in earlier posts
8) Blooming Shutter Issue (As pointed out by josephrose)
9) Need high end SD card and even then on a 64G you can only record max 50min on Pro Res (maybe 35 min Raw when it comes out)
10) No included battery charger
11) At least one camera so far (Cheesycam's) had faulty/noisy internal audio (Reportedly fixed)
12) We've seen real life examples and comparisons of the extreme crop factor (Not a major issue)

This is a pretty simplistic view of the camera.

Most of what you've raised aren't "issues". They are part of the design spec. It's hardly that they're new or unknown...

For example to complain about needing high end SD cards when you're recording a high data rate format like ProRes is pretty silly don't you think ? You buy this camera precisely because it records ProRes and soon RAW. The data rates demand a certain spec of media. You're complaining about what the camera is designed to do.

Heating issues ? Where ?

Crop factor ? The camera is designed to replicate a format that's been with us for many years, super 16 of which there are many many lens options. Crop factor's aren't' really that relevant again, when the spec is that the camera is designed from the outset to have that sensor size.

This is also a real names forum too.

jb

So all up here are the issues with Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (BMPCC):

1) Cannot format card in the camera
2) Cannot delete clips on the card in the camera
3) No audio meter
4) No Raw, and no ETA for Raw
5) Horrendous battery life (45 to 55 min)
6) No battery charge indicator on the camera when charging
7) Heating issues have been reported in earlier posts
8) Blooming Shutter Issue (As pointed out by josephrose)
9) Need high end SD card and even then on a 64G you can only record max 50min on Pro Res (maybe 35 min Raw when it comes out)
10) No included battery charger
11) At least one camera so far (Cheesycam's) had faulty/noisy internal audio (Reportedly fixed)
12) We've seen real life examples and comparisons of the extreme crop factor (Not a major issue)

This is a pretty simplistic view of the camera.

Most of what you've raised aren't "issues". They are part of the design spec. It's hardly that they're new or unknown...

For example to complain about needing high end SD cards when you're recording a high data rate format like ProRes is pretty silly don't you think ? You buy this camera precisely because it records ProRes and soon RAW. The data rates demand a certain spec of media. You're complaining about what the camera is designed to do.

Heating issues ? Where ?

Crop factor ? The camera is designed to replicate a format that's been with us for many years, super 16 of which there are many many lens options. Crop factor's aren't' really that relevant again, when the spec is that the camera is designed from the outset to have that sensor size.

This is also a real names forum too.

jb

These are simply issue, some major some minor, it has been reported by users, i suggest instead of stressing beyond BMD extend take the time and read the posts by the people whom made it. All i have done is compile the list. having said that try to be helpful, we are here to be helpful by addressing the concerns in hope that BMD would fix them.
P.S i dont understand why some people take it too personal as soon as issues are presented with the camera then again i guess some people have their dignity for sale for $995.
Enough said

These are simply issue, some major some minor, it has been reported by users, i suggest instead of stressing beyond BMD extend take the time and read the posts by the people whom made it. All i have done is compile the list. having said that try to be helpful, we are here to be helpful by addressing the concerns in hope that BMD would fix them.
P.S i dont understand why some people take it too personal as soon as issues are presented with the camera then again i guess some people have their dignity for sale for $995.
Enough said

It's not personal. You're being defensive if you say that some are taking it personally. I like it to be correct.

I just don't think it's fair to list "overheating" as an issue. I asked you where the link to overheating was and you've ignored it. As far as I know, not a single BMCC or Pocket has ever overheated. Ever. Though it gets often reported as being "hot" that's not overheating which on many other cameras means it won't roll.

Listing a fundamental design parameter like the need for high speed media is self evident. You might as well list no viewfinder. No high FPS. No HDSDI output. No build in top handle. No weatherproofing. No accessory power outputs. No pro audio connections. No pro ext power connectors.

I can generate a whole list of shortcomings with that kind of mindset.

It's just not a list of issues. It's mostly a list of dislikes. which is fine to post but many of them are fundamental to the design assumptions of the camera or are already known issues.

jb

John Brawley,

Your thoughts on the blooming that is showing in the Pocket footage. There is a thread on this, not sure if you seen it? Forgive me if you have already touched on this issue.

Thanks

John Brawley,

Your thoughts on the blooming that is showing in the Pocket footage. There is a thread on this, not sure if you seen it? Forgive me if you have already touched on this issue.

Thanks

I think it's a bit early to comment. I haven't really seen it in my own use so I don't think it's a fundamental problem, but it's very very difficult to judge through the internet what's really going on with a lot of footage.

It does seem to happen in highly overexposed areas. (as opposed to not far overexposed)

jb

These are simply issue, some major some minor, it has been reported by users, i suggest instead of stressing beyond BMD extend take the time and read the posts by the people whom made it. All i have done is compile the list. having said that try to be helpful, we are here to be helpful by addressing the concerns in hope that BMD would fix them.
P.S i dont understand why some people take it too personal as soon as issues are presented with the camera then again i guess some people have their dignity for sale for $995.
Enough said

It's not personal. You're being defensive if you say that some are taking it personally. I like it to be correct.

I just don't think it's fair to list "overheating" as an issue. I asked you where the link to overheating was and you've ignored it. As far as I know, not a single BMCC or Pocket has ever overheated. Ever. Though it gets often reported as being "hot" that's not overheating which on many other cameras means it won't roll.

Listing a fundamental design parameter like the need for high speed media is self evident. You might as well list no viewfinder. No high FPS. No HDSDI output. No build in top handle. No weatherproofing. No accessory power outputs. No pro audio connections. No pro ext power connectors.

I can generate a whole list of shortcomings with that kind of mindset.

It's just not a list of issues. It's mostly a list of dislikes. which is fine to post but many of them are fundamental to the design assumptions of the camera or are already known issues.

jb

John the ones that you are referring too are simple ergonomic shortfalls not issues, but not being able to format the card in the camera, not being able to delete clips are issues specially in the 21st century, whether you like it or not they are issues. its like going to pizza hut and taking your own knife to slice the pizza,
The Battery life, Audio meter and recently the blooming sensor issue (also has been found in your own footage by other enthusiasts) point out to poor design. don't get me wrong i love to have one but not with all the issues. Again my efforts is to address the issues so BMD can pick them up and fix them. After all thats why they didn't go for mass production and delivery in the first place they knew the camera had issues.

John the ones that you are referring too are simple ergonomic shortfalls not issues, but not being able to format the card in the camera, not being able to delete clips are issues specially in the 21st century, whether you like it or not they are issues. its like going to pizza hut and taking your own knife to slice the pizza,
The Battery life, Audio meter and recently the blooming sensor issue (also has been found in your own footage by other enthusiasts) point out to poor design. don't get me wrong i love to have one but not with all the issues. Again my efforts is to address the issues so BMD can pick them up and fix them. After all thats why they didn't go for mass production and delivery in the first place they knew the camera had issues.

There is no battery life issue. The tiny batteries last 45-55 minutes, BMD quoted an hour. Thats close enough really, and probably reasonable considering the tiny batteries the tiny camera takes. If you want more battery life, you have a socket you can connect an external supply to, be it mains, V-lock or whatever.

Audio meters were known before the camera came out, same as most of the other issues. These are same for BMCC, and more a question of usability than a specific 'issue'. All can be worked around, and were known.

So the only potential issue is the sensor, which hopefully we'll get confirmation of soon and a fix.

John the ones that you are referring too are simple ergonomic shortfalls not issues, but not being able to format the card in the camera, not being able to delete clips are issues specially in the 21st century, whether you like it or not they are issues. its like going to pizza hut and taking your own knife to slice the pizza,
The Battery life, Audio meter and recently the blooming sensor issue (also has been found in your own footage by other enthusiasts) point out to poor design. don't get me wrong i love to have one but not with all the issues. Again my efforts is to address the issues so BMD can pick them up and fix them. After all thats why they didn't go for mass production and delivery in the first place they knew the camera had issues.

There is no battery life issue. The tiny batteries last 45-55 minutes, BMD quoted an hour. Thats close enough really, and probably reasonable considering the tiny batteries the tiny camera takes. If you want more battery life, you have a socket you can connect an external supply to, be it mains, V-lock or whatever.

Audio meters were known before the camera came out, same as most of the other issues. These are same for BMCC, and more a question of usability than a specific 'issue'. All can be worked around, and were known.

So the only potential issue is the sensor, which hopefully we'll get confirmation of soon and a fix.

Ryan if you are really pedantic about the word we can call it Deficiencies. whether they were known or not, they exist and its better to address them for consumers to be informed.

Ryan if you are really pedantic about the word we can call it Deficiencies. whether they were known or not, they exist and its better to address them for consumers to be informed.

I don't even think they're deficiencies necessarily. They certainly won't be deficiencies for everyone. The people who always record their audio into a separate recorder, for instance, might prefer not having the distraction of audio meters on their screen. People who plan on using mains power or V-locks might not want to pay extra for an external battery charger. You might also want to check footage on a computer before formatting the card?

These cameras aren't going to suit everyone, and BMD were never going to make everyone happy. I kind of like the way you can build their cameras up to suit your requirements. You don't over pay for features you don't need. BMD have been upfront about all of these, we just have to wait for raw unfortunately.

-...., not being able to delete clips are issues specially in the 21st century,

You can't delete clips in Alex and Red ether. Now what? Are the industry standard cameras, who shot everything from Game of Thrones to House of Cards and Skyfall are not 21st Century cameras that have "issues"? Welcome to the pro world, where you are not deleting clips in camera, because there is a reason for that.

Complaining about the need of high speed media for a high data rate codec, is so wrong on so many levels, that I don't know what to say.

Why don't you buy a 5D and call it a day?

if you cant distinguish between deficiencies and necessities i wont waist my time with you,
but for you only frank, if i want your advise on how to boil an egg i will sure pay a visit to your small creative blog.

No need to make it personal.

jb

if you cant distinguish between deficiencies and necessities i wont waist my time with you,
but for you only frank, if i want your advise on how to boil an egg i will sure pay a visit to your small creative blog.

No need to make it personal.

jb

No need to be what was it? Defensive mate after all I'm quoting yourself.

It's not personal. You're being defensive if you say that some are taking it personally. I like it to be correct.

Convey my message to frank when you talk to him to join this post next time.

if you cant distinguish between deficiencies and necessities i wont waist my time with you,
but for you only frank, if i want your advise on how to boil an egg i will sure pay a visit to your small creative blog.

No need to make it personal.

jb

Convey my message to frank when you talk to him to join this post next time.

Bit out of hand here. Clearly you don't like the restrictions of these cameras, no need to make personal attacks when people don't agree with you.

This is also a real names forum.

What is apparent is that a handful of so called professionals have been receiving camera's from BMD for their marketing schemes although genuine concerns and deficiencies along with issues have been raised these individuals have been trying to dismiss it which is really disturbing since real professionals do not get bought for $995 or just for the sake of getting cameras. but then again if they want to really review the camera and address its issues like so many are in the "Blooming sensor issue" thread then BMD will not send them future products.
More issues are likely to arise specially with the blackmagic pocket cinema camera and to the dismay of these individuals concerns will be addressed and I'm sure BMD will welcome it.

What is apparent is that a handful of so called professionals have been receiving camera's from BMD for their marketing schemes although genuine concerns and deficiencies along with issues have been raised these individuals have been trying to dismiss it which is really disturbing since real professionals do not get bought for $995 or just for the sake of getting cameras. but then again if they want to really review the camera and address its issues like so many are in the "Blooming sensor issue" thread then BMD will not send them future products.
More issues are likely to arise specially with the blackmagic pocket cinema camera and to the dismay of these individuals concerns will be addressed and I'm sure BMD will welcome it.

JB is a beta tester, and has had one for months helping BMD test. He hasn't been 'bought for $995'.

Frank, who you seem to have no issue insulting for being nothing more than a professional, doesn't even have one judging by his posts on here.

I'm just a punter. I haven't been 'bought for $995'. I ordered mine from my local dealer as soon as it was announced, and handed over my own cash for the privilege. I've waited in line like everyone else, just got lucky and got one early.

I'm going to do the requested tests tomorrow, but also a bit hard to tell whether it's an issue with the camera or the operator without knowing how the footage was shot. There are multiple explanations, you just seem to have picked the one that suits you the best, and is also the most extreme.

Have you even ordered one of these cameras? You've been a member here for a week and all your posts seem to be bashing BMD and looking for issues? I'm not sure what you're trying to achieve here?

What is apparent is that a handful of so called professionals have been receiving camera's from BMD for their marketing schemes although genuine concerns and deficiencies along with issues have been raised these individuals have been trying to dismiss it which is really disturbing since real professionals do not get bought for $995 or just for the sake of getting cameras. but then again if they want to really review the camera and address its issues like so many are in the "Blooming sensor issue" thread then BMD will not send them future products.
More issues are likely to arise specially with the blackmagic pocket cinema camera and to the dismay of these individuals concerns will be addressed and I'm sure BMD will welcome it.

JB is a beta tester, and has had one for months helping BMD test. He hasn't been 'bought for $995'.

Frank, who you seem to have no issue insulting for being nothing more than a professional, doesn't even have one judging by his posts on here.

I'm just a punter. I haven't been 'bought for $995'. I ordered mine from my local dealer as soon as it was announced, and handed over my own cash for the privilege. I've waited in line like everyone else, just got lucky and got one early.

I'm going to do the requested tests tomorrow, but also a bit hard to tell whether it's an issue with the camera or the operator without knowing how the footage was shot. There are multiple explanations, you just seem to have picked the one that suits you the best, and is also the most extreme.

Have you even ordered one of these cameras? You've been a member here for a week and all your posts seem to be bashing BMD and looking for issues? I'm not sure what you're trying to achieve here?

Just one thing Ray, I never mentioned any names, thanks for identifying them though.

Just one thing Ray, I never mentioned any names, thanks for identifying them though.

Thank you for the contribution to the forums. Your thoughtful and well formed posts are much appreciated.

Just one thing Ray, I never mentioned any names, thanks for identifying them though.

Thank you for the contribution to the forums. Your thoughtful and well formed posts are much appreciated.

Thank you for noticing, likewise.

[Terry Frechette]

Locking this thread since it has gone off topic.