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Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K, $1295
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  • New firmware

    • Added 720p50, 720p59.94 and 720p60 format support.
    • Improved sensor exposure sensitivity by 2 stops.
    • Added new gain setting range which now goes from -12dB to +12dB.
    • Added RAW SDI output feature. Refer to the user manual for information about capturing and unpacking RAW SDI video.
    • Added support for PTZ communication on Expansion port via VISCA. Refer to the user manual for protocol details.
    • Added support for PTZ commands in the Blackmagic SDI Control Protocol.
    • Added preview tally support for the front tally light.
    • Added tally indication on the HDMI display overlay.
    • Added indication to the user that camera is genlocked on the HDMI display overlay.
    • Added option to change camera frame rate via S.Bus.
    • Added option to toggle auto focus via S.Bus.
    • Added option to toggle record via S.Bus for external recorders.
    • Added feature to pass through remote record commands as SDI and HDMI record triggers for external recorders.
  • Hi Manu4Vendetta. Interesting test, but, I wonder about the aperture choice? Did you really use f14, or did you really use f7 to obtain the 'full frame equivalent of f14'? If you really used f14 on these u43 sensors, I fear diffraction may have muddied the results?

    See: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/sigma-19mm-f-2-8-ex-dn-a-art-m43-lens-review-18971

    "Sigma 19mm F/2.8 Micro Four Thirds Lens Front Angle

    Sigma 19mm f/2.8 EX DN Performance Sharpness in the centre of the image area is already outstanding at maximum aperture and the clarity towards the edges is very good. Stopping down the lens improves sharpness towards the edges further, with peak quality across the frame being achieved between f/5.6 and f/8."

  • @dlzn I'm with @IronFilm that the studio camera seems like an odd choice for the style of stuff that I've seen from you - in particular, the need to carry an external recorder doesn't seem super well-aligned with your run and gun style - and since you mentioned the camera fitting your budget, don't forget the cost of an external 4k recorder/batteries/media which will add about another $1000 minimum to the cost of rigging this up.

    If you don't care about 4K, consider a current model black magic pocket cinema camera - it makes a really nice image, is small/portable, can record raw to SD card, and I've seen them go on sale for around $500 new before so I have to assume that they're pretty inexpensive on the used market as well!

    If you do care about 4K, consider a GH4/GH4R. It'll cost about the same as this studio camera and it makes a nice picture. It'll also use all of the lenses that you currently use on your GH2 without any real surprises.

  • @dlzn that is exactly what I'm talking about as well.... the look of image itself, not the camera aesthetics! lol

    Thus my conclusion: I find it very strange why you'd want this camera?!?!?!

  • I'm not talking about the aesthetics of the camera but the 'look' of the image it produces compared to the 'video look' of a lot of DSLR's. @IronFilm

  • Taste?? What is there to like especially about its look.... generally the studio cameras are not praised particularly for their look.

    It is BMD's film cameras instead which get all their praise for pretty looking images out of the camera.

  • It is also taste. To me. And I'm considering it. Which means other options are welcome as well. (: @IronFilm

  • @dlzn, but you've got no internal recording, no raw, no film log, shitty dynamic range, and worse..... why on earth would you want one of the studio cameras??? When there are so many other better options :)

  • Because for me it is an upgrade, from where I'm at now to where I want to go. And considering that it fits within my budget, I would like to see how I can put this to use. @IronFilm

  • @dlzn , why are you excited??? It is of next to no interest to filmmakers, only mainly of use if you do that kind of studio work (or similar). Got an ATEM as well to go with it? If not, I'd suggest passing on this.

  • In that test dont I look anything special.

  • @dlzn

    Read their camera names and camera pages all is in bold big letters.

  • Apparently... What type of niches? @Vitaliy_Kiselev

  • So once again I'm one of the few people who is really excited about this cam then... @IronFilm

  • Just BM delays become bigger and bigger. :-)

    Plus they are now covering niches.

  • @dlzn probably because it is not at all a popular camera with filmmakers vs a BMMCC or even a BMPCC/BMCC

  • Hmm not a lot of test footage out on the webs...