Best products from r/bmpcc

Hi /u/Katherine911 - apologies for taking so long to get back to you. I'll try to answer your questions one at a time:

> Recommendations regarding rig? Comfort is preferable

I would start with an [inexpensive cage] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/SmallRig-1773-Professional-Blackmagic-Cinema-Cage/dp/B01JGDENAE//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) and [pistol grip] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/JJC-HR-DV-Remote-Handle-Pistol/dp/B00MRNP2LA//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) plus the [one little remote lite] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0778KLTKT/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) controller to make the camera easier to control.

I use this same pistol grip with my BMPCC. It is simple, straightforward and light-weight.

> Monitor...I think I don't need anything like Focus or VA.

I agree - but you don't want a no-name brand with a Sony battery plate either. I recommend the [£266.74 Ikan VL35 monitor] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ikan-Monitor-Canon-LP-E6-Battery/dp/B01M9C8HYE//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21). The VL35 comes with the same battery plate as your camera - and it is a compact 3.5" - a perfect size for the BMMCC.

> I am going to spend the next few days learning either Davinci Resolve or Premiere Pro. From what I have read resolve is better for grading and allows for metadata with BM camera...your thoughts?

I use Resolve a) because it is free and b) because it is the best color grading NLE on the market.

> Audio...know nothing about this...Rode/lavs/Zooms/Tascam...which ones? I would prefer to use the in built jack if it doesn't cause hissing or its fans aren't noisy. If I have to go with external systems, I would prefer something compact and inexpensive.

For what you're doing, I recommend an [inexpensive preamp] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/saramonic-smartrig-AUDIO-MIXER-Channel-Black/dp/B0716NNXF4//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) instead of an external recorder - plus a [dual UHF lav] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Lavalier-Microphone-Transmitters-Interviews/dp/B072FPKQ6K//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) to mic your talent wirelessly.

Dual system sound and synchronizing your audio in the edit is probably more trouble than it's worth.

> Lenses...I have got several good Nikon lenses for my stills that I plan to use with a metabones speed booster. But still am interested in what lenses you have found to be best with this camera? Also are there any cheaper alternatives to metabones speed booster? The Nikon lens I have used a lot in the last 6 months is 50mm F1.8, interested if anyone has used it with BM cameras?

You'll need wide lenses because of the camera's 2.88x crop. A Speed Booster helps, but the [Metabones Nikon to micro 4/3 0.58x] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Metabones-Nikon-BMPCC-Speed-Booster/dp/B00HZYNGNM//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) is very dear. If you want to stick with your Nikkors, I recommend the [£74.99 Viltrox Nikon to micro 4/3 0.71x focal reducer/adapter] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Viltrox-NF-M43X-Adapter-Reducer-Aperture/dp/B0773G4SRC//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=hybrcamerevo-21) instead of the Metabones - combined with your widest Nikon glass.

> Also what are your hacks for making it work in low light outside when you are kinda challenged because of its low light performance.

I use a Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 on my Blackmagic camera in low light and it works a treat. Your Nikon 50mm f/1.8 will work even better with a focal reducer/Speed Booster

> anything I am missing?

I can't think of anything - I'll message you if I think of anything else.

Again, hope this is helpful!

Hi /u/sanityrepresent - I own the BMPCC , and with the right setup, it can be a good, inexpensive first camera. But first you have to fix the few things that make it a challenge to shoot with out of the box, e.g. the tight crop, the "iPhone-like" ergonomics, the dim LCD and the short battery life.

Crop

You absolutely need a wide angle lens to shoot indoors with this camera. I have an old Olympus 11-22mm f2.8-3.5 with a Panasonic DMC-MA1 adapter that gives me a full frame equivalent 32-63mm. But it was expensive. If I was starting again from scratch, and couldn't afford a Speed Booster, I would get a [used Nikon mount Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 for about $400] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2FLenses-%2F3323%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3Dtokina%2B11-16mm%2Bnikon%26rt%3Dnc%26LH_BIN%3D1) and an [inexpensive Nikon G to micro 4/3 adapter] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TROEBM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003TROEBM&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) (this is the adapter I use for my Nikon lenses).

Ergonomics

Yes, you can buy or build a shoulder mount - but that can be expensive and/or time consuming. I built my own for less than $200 and I love it ([here] (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QW78g2jQbeU/U2mZ-aV32NI/AAAAAAAAIzg/E4d9v8aCmME/w963-h543-no/P1080600.JPG)'s a photo - I'll post the parts list if you like), but it turns out I don't use it much.

Instead, I use a [$24 pistol grip with a trigger] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&icep_item=221603818145&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg) - just like my old Super 8 cameras from 40 years ago. With the right stance, it works great to keep the camera steady and is a lot less hassle than my rig.

You will also need a [$10 cold shoe] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJFBUCQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HJFBUCQ&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) if you want to mount a mic, light or recorder on top of the camera.

LCD

It is very difficult to see the LCD outdoors (or even indoors, in a brightly lit room). The best solution for this problem is an LCD Viewfinder. I bought a Kinotehnik LCDVF BM ([$118 at B&H] (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013082-REG/kinotehnik_lcdvfbm_blackmagic_pocket_2ea_mounting_plates_soft.html), [$159 at Adorama] (http://www.adorama.com/LCDVFBM.html?KBID=66297)).

With the pistol grip and the LCD Viewfinder, this camera becomes a joy rather than a pain to handle. Here is a pic of my setup: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-f3hbYYV_y8o/VHDp77GMxoI/AAAAAAAAJF8/xnHRvNcCm5o/w724-h543-no/P1020575.JPG


Battery

I started out by buying a bunch of spare batteries, but that was unmanageable, so I am getting a [$70 belt clip adapter for my Sony camcorder batteries] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LPJ1FJ0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00LPJ1FJ0&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20). If you don't have any of these batteries laying around, you can [buy them for $10] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007Q9PWQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0007Q9PWQ&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20). They have twice the capacity of Blackmagic batteries and cost less. I would get at least two of them plus a [$17.50 dual battery charger] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&icep_item=321347920244&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg) (I have one of these for my Sony batteries and they work great).

With this setup, you will have an easy to shoot with, affordable, RAW/10-bit ProRes Super 16 camera with 13+ stops of dynamic range for about $1675 all in.

Good luck!

HCR

I've had great success with the Anker 2nd Gen Astro Pro. At 15000mAh, it's truly an all-day battery. And it should be, as 15000mAh is nearly 19 times the stock battery, and over 12 x the Wasabi Power EN-EL20 aftermarket batteries that I also use. Upon receiving the Anker, I ran the BMPCC for a 7-hour bench test before deciding "that's good enough", and turning it off to go to bed - ha! I've also taken it on several shoots, and never had to worry about how long I left the camera on. The only fiddly bit is that you still need to rely on a a non-locking barrel connector (I had previously wired up my own adapter from parts), and that doesn't make for the most reliable connection. But, if you keep an internal batt in the cam at all times, you're protected.

The Anker's also big and flat, making it less than optimal for rigging. I used it at the back of a DIY run-n-gun rig, but I'd like to have a smaller option for more stripped-down scenarios.

I had a few Sony NP-F style batteries, and hoped that at 7.4v they might run the BMPCC with an inexpensive battery plate, but no such luck. If you want to use NP batts, which are a great, small form factor, you need a battery holder that steps up the voltage to 12v. Ikan makes one they charge up the nose for.

Hey... not too much to ask at all -

​

Here are the links to the battery mount and cable I am using. Here is the one similar on Amazon that has the correct cable attached but this is not the setup I have.

​

Here is the smallrig mount that is on the Crane 2 that my battery mount is attached to.

​

I have also mounted this SSD case directly on the crane 2 under the camera and it works perfectly since the ssd and crane move together so you can use a short USB-C cable.

​

Hopefully that helps. Good luck setting your up. I'm loving it!

Your biggest issue is that the center of mass is way off which is going to wear out your arms faster than if your camera body was directly mounted on top of your shoulder pad. You want to have the bulk of the weight of your rig actually resting square on your shoulder.

If you counter weight your rig correctly it should actually center itself without you holding the handle bars, (obviously don't shoot this way) especially with that long and heavy lens you have. This should be the first adjustment you make. This change would allow you to shoot for hours as opposed to minutes at a time. Gravity + time will tire out the strongest among us.

As far as lens shifting that is actually normal on a longer lens and a non-locking mount. You'll want to look into accessories like:

SMALLRIG Lens Mount Adapter Support for Metabones, Compatible with BMPCC 4K Cage - 2247 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KXVBBN3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SDAYDbJTKH87N

SMALLRIG Universal Lens Support with 15mm LWS Rod Clamp for Diameter 50mm to 140mm Lens - 1784 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GZRS9XG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dCAYDbDQSQ9PT

SMALLRIG Universal Lens Support Bracket Quick Release with Rod Clamp Lens - 2152 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4OL102/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_cp\_apa\_iAs\]](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4OL102/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_iAs])

As far as your monitor situation, I would honestly go the EVF route, especially when shoulder rigging it outdoors. It's a more expensive solution but it will save you a ton of stress and decrease the likelihood that you miss focus on a shot in the bright sun. I tried the 7" field monitor solution but it just didn't get the job done well and it added more front heavy weight to the rig, which meant I had to counter weight the back and then I had a very net heavy rig.

I also highly recommend the Tilta Nucleus Nano follow focus system. It's affordable, dependable, and it's wireless, which opens up a ton of mounting (or non mounting) possibilities, which would consequently allow that matte box to get closer to the lens. I think otherwise you're going to continuously struggle with the manual FF obstructing the matte box. Because the wheel has to be in proximity of the gear ring, you're very limited on where you can place the wheel on your rig. The Nano throws that issue right out the window.

A cheaper work around would be to get a lens hood for your lens so it extends out a bit further and can butt up against the donut in the matte box. I have actually used a set of step up rings in the past to accomplish a similar feat.

I have a Ronin S that I will be using with it most of the time.

Do you have any experience with this?

I imagine I will still something like a smallrig cage with a support attachment for the adapter like this:

https://www.amazon.ca/SMALLRIG-Adapter-Support-Metabones-Compatible/dp/B07KXVBBN3/ref=sr_1_6?crid=E1XEPA28PCZT&keywords=smallrig+cage+bmpcc+4k&qid=1559242116&s=gateway&sprefix=smallrig+cag%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-6

https://www.amazon.ca/SMALLRIG-Blackmagic-Design-Pocket-Cinema/dp/B07KLYGGV7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=E1XEPA28PCZT&keywords=smallrig+cage+bmpcc+4k&qid=1559242116&s=gateway&sprefix=smallrig+cag%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1

Then I'll have to figure out how to balance it lol

I wouldn't expect a USB-C charge to work fast enough to make it that usable but there are dummy to USB charger adapters on amazon for the GH5 to power it from a USB power bank. It gives me about a 5.5 hour life from a 10,000 mah power bank, up from the 1.8 to 2 hours from a standard battery. I can't find an exact kit for a LP6N, but I think you could use that GH5 kit and a dummy battery for the Canon and link them up? Check all your voltage before you go trying it though!

There are Sony NP battery to Weipu taps that you can use also and those are a simple solution as far as size and weight to battery life. The one below is ok, works fine but it's screw connector is totally stupid, I drilled out the threads to use it properly.

Weipu to NP plate

USB bank for GH5

Yes :) here they are:

Handle: link

Mounting plate: link

Manfrotto Quick Release Plate : link

Follow focus: link

Rods(16" & 6") link

Handlegrip: link

Lens support: link

Shoulder pad: link

Rod clamp: link

Cold Shoe mount: link

To hold the battery I used this rod clamp: link and this plate: link

Battery: link

To connect the battery to the BMPCC 4k I used these cables and the charging cable from the camera to make an adapter: link to cables

Magic arm to hold the monitor: link

Samsung SSD 500gb: link

SSD holder: link

Monitor: link

HDMI cable: link

BMPCC 4k cage: link

I'm using the Sigma 18-35mm (Nikon) and the Viltrox 0.71X Lens Mount Adapter: link

I think that's it :)

Did some research on the NP-F batteries, looks like they last about 2.5-3 hours EACH camera only, so both can run the camera only for 5-6 hours.

I also got 2 of these NP-F Powerextra batteries. They are a little more expensive at $22 each but they have a built in meter, 1 USB and 1 DC port that's great for powering a monitor if you don't have a D-Tap to DC cable..

Powerextra Multifunctional Battery Pack Power Bank with USB Output for Sony NP-F970, NP-F975, NP-F960, NP-F950, NP-F930 Battery and Smart Phones https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M189SS0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RDvADbCWWKRHH

Hi /u/Namisaur - I have the BMPCC and I use three types of handheld rig, depending on the situation - the stabilizer/steadicam, the pistol grip and the shoulder rig. Depending on what you want to do, I recommend:

• Stabilizer - [Flycam Flyboy III - $64.28] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IVIDLF4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00IVIDLF4&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20). Here's how to balance it - plus some sample footage: http://youtu.be/n9pOgtHGj4M
  
  
• Shoulder Rig - [Photography & Cinema PR-1 Shoulder Rig - $250] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2WTNZE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00A2WTNZE&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20). If you don't want the hassle of balancing a stabilizer, this is the best value-for-money shoulder rig on the market.
  
  
• Pistol Grip - [Photography & Cinema Pistol Grip - $20] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0073Z49AM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0073Z49AM&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) plus [Pro-LANC start/stop control - $73.95] (http://www.prolanc.com/products.html). You'll have to velcro or glue the start/stop button to the pistol grip - but this is the simplest and least expensive handheld solution for the BMPCC.
  
  Hope this is helpful!
  
  Bill

I have had good luck with the following items. I am getting around 4 hours out of it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M189SS0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006733DB2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FEU8YEE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This. This is the easiest/cheapest way to go. This plate and take your pick of battery capacity from this brand, DSTE.

The NP-F 970s last about 3-4 hours depending on conditions and the much smaller NP-F 550s last over an hour, up to 2, again, depending on conditions.

I found using a cage for the BMPCC like this was helpful for attaching it. It’s definitely not a perfect solution but absolutely one of the cheapest. The biggest fault I’ve found would be that the Battery plate gets absolutely no feedback from the camera, so it constantly drains the battery until you physically unhook it from the plate, even when not charging/powering the camera.

I’ve also heard great things about this battery/power solution from a lot of guys who use the BMPCC and BMCC but haven’t used it myself. I can confirm that a 12v usb battery bank will also do the job, I use the same cord from my battery plate to connect it but you can order them separate simply by searching amazon for “BMPCC Cords”

Yes!
I use this combination as a battery solution:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3TWBXI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A1SDRS5D54HY4U&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MMZRKWK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=AGNG3CODDNL8&psc=1

When I'm using it with the Ronin S, I rig it on the side using 1/4" accessory I picked up from amazon.

I know some people use a Sony battery plate that they'll attach to their top handle or something. (I've attached a Canadian link, I'm sure you'd find more on US eBay or Amazon. The search term I used was Sony NPF battery adapter BMPCC.)

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01EFSUK98/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_504_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=TRWJG3SS4Z3Y0WGB3M50&dpPl=1&dpID=61l6dmcnhQL

There are NPF plates that output 12V. I'm using this one, but I recommend getting the tilta plate or any with a metal case. Using an NPF 970, I'm getting about 2h30m plus an extra 20-30 minutes with the internal LPE6 battery (I use this 20-30 minutes l window to swap in a new NPF battery)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01EFSUK98/ref=psdcmw_13535461_t1_B01DLKW5LM

Just get the 2-pin power connector that BM is selling and solder it to a 12V NP-F battery plate. It's the cheapest solution.
Link to the connector, scroll to the very bottom.

Battery plate

Battery

Charger.

Just get an NPF adapter and a couple NPF batteries. It would probably cost you around $60 and accomplish the same thing with a much smaller footprint.

https://www.amazon.com/SmallRig-Battery-Plate-Adapter-BMPCC/dp/B01EFSUK98

https://www.amazon.com/DSTE-Replacement-MVC-CD1000-DCR-VX2100E-NEX-FS700RH/dp/B00M3P9YBQ

https://www.amazon.com/Wasabi-Power-Battery-Charger-NP-F730/dp/B00FPZY0BK

One of those batteries will keep you going for several hours.

SMALLRIG DV Battery Plate Adapter for BMPCC/BMCC/BMPC - 1765 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EFSUK98/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DtFRCbXNV24KD

DSTE 2X Replacement Li-ion NP-F970 Battery for Sony DCM-M1 MVC-CD1000 HDR-FX1 DCR-VX2100E DSR-PD190P NEX-FS700RH HXR-NX3 Camera as NP-F930 NP-F950 NP-F960 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M3P9YBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_auFRCbXZTK8MB

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F372617342876

This setup is like $70 and it gives you 6 hours of power

The SLR Magic 8mm is a MFT native lens with a 16mm focal length equivalent for under $200. That’s my next lens.
Amazon:
SLR Magic 8mm f/4.0 Ultra Wide Angle Lens for Micro Four Thirds Cameras https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0752698WM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.EZPCb2AKMMEJ

B&H:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1322738-REG/slr_magic_slr8m4_8mm_f_4_lens.html

Here is the Amazon link. $45. I'm linking this via my phone so hopefully it works. Runshuangyu Movie Blackmagic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMZRKWK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The items in this rig:

1. Small rig half cage 2254
   

• SmallRig Top Handle with Cold Shoe 1638
  
• SmallRig NATO Handle for Samsung T5 SSD HSN2270
  
• SMALLRIG HDMI and USB-C Cable Clamp for BMPCC 4K Cage 2246
  
• SMALLRIG Articulating Arm - 1497
  
• Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II
  
• Feelworld F570 5.7"
  
• Hoya 58mm alpha Circular Polarizer Filter
  
• Senal MC24-ES Short Condenser Shotgun Microphone Kit
  
• KONDOR BLUE 14" Mini XLR Male to XLR Female Audio Cable
  
• Samsung T5 Portable SSD - 500GB
  
• Powerextra Multifunctional Battery NP-F970
  
• Short USB C Cable
  
• Short HDMI cable
  
• Alvin's Cables Power Cable
  
  Everything is powered off the Powerextra NP-F970 Battery.

I got one of these and it was a game changer for my BMPCC - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EFSUK98/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

You could probably mount this on the gimbal handle and just run the cable to the camera, probably solve your problem in one go.

I ended up going with this combo.

2 PowerExtra batteries

npf adapter (has 12v bm power + dc port for dummy battery)

2 Telesin LP-e6 batteries with charger + sd reader

anker multi usb charger (60w) to charge the Powerextra batteries and whatever else needed.

​

I also picked up the smallrig cage. ill pick up the tilta later one along with a matte box so i can start adding some 4x4 filters to the collection.