New firmware

• Added record start/stop trigger on HDMI output.
• Added HDMI timecode output support.
• Added indication to the user that camera is genlocked in the HDMI display overlay.
• Added option to change frame rate settings via S.Bus.
• Added option to change codec settings via S.Bus.
• Added option to toggle auto focus via S.Bus.
• Fixed issue with a small vertical pixel offset between HDMI output and RAW recording on Micro Cinema Camera.

Just trying to point out that this cam was a great concept, but fell short with no global shutter as promised, cumbersome adapter cabling and late delivery. I flew this on a custom built X8 that was really designed for heavier loads. And while the SBUS setup allows to control and map nearly all camera control. That's instantly makes it a 2 man setup up. You need a separate cam op with a separate radio to actually control everything (i.e. exposure adjustments) since nearly all radios top out at 14-16 channels. For me personally, it wasn't viable to run this in a 1 man setup effectively. So while you're question isn't easy to answer in just a simple dollar amount due to all the variables to consider (and there are a ton). I'd guesstimate you're looking at $3-4k min to get this up in the air safely and effectively. And that's going the 2nd hand copter route. New would probably be north of $6-8k. The main reason you don't see it being used more in commercial work is that there are many other options with the bulk being either lower end or much higher end both in equipment and day rates. This one kind of got lost in the middle. Plus DJI is pretty much dominating the RTF market at the moment.

Cheapest and flying cameras that can shoot RAW/Prores probably don't belong in the same sentence. Reality is that if your clients truly need footage shot in these formats, then you're primary concern isn't the cheapest way to fly the camera. There really isn't an off the shelf solution for it. At the time, most pilots flying this cam were mounting it up on custom built rigs they already had (myself included). I only had it for a couple of months. Between the cumbersome adapter and more expensive workflow, it turned out to be not a good solution for my business. If you want cheap, look into the new Phantom 4 Pro. Complete solution can be had under $2k once you factor in extra lipos, tablet, case, etc. I've been using one on smaller gigs and it's an amazing piece of kit for the money. This doesn't of course included the cost and time involved in getting certified and insured. It's pretty insane to think about how far the tech has come in just a couple of years.

As of today, whats the cheapest drone w gimbal solution that can fly the micro cinema camera?

@filthy - you are spot on, I can't say it better.

@woobirdy - what is the "x5s"..?

Edit: All right - it is a fancy DJI gimbal/camera.

On youtube you just find samples. On eoshd they talk about fpn and a work around in Davinci Resolve. That doesn't sound usable for me. As far I do remember Philip Bloom did 3 reviews(answering updates in firmware) on the bmpcc to be finaly happy. What I'm missing is someone trying to use this beauty and sharing it's failures.

any serious reviews out there?

http://cheesycam.com/custom-mods-for-blackmagic-design-micro-cinema-camera-w-diy-remote-handle/

Sweet rig

wow £1k on amazon....cvp.com £762, think i'll wait a bit longer