(Part 2) Top 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

Amp Hours (Ah) is not a cross platform measurement of capacity. 5Ah for your phone is likely at a different voltage than the 2.6Ah LPe6 battery.

Amps*Volts=Watts

Watt hours is a true measurement of capacity because you can extrapolate the amps and volts.

What I use is an NPf 970 battery on a Blindspot plate with a 12v dc out to weipu 2 pin cable.

Companies get cute with what they quote as the "MAh capacity" of a given battery, but the Sony standard for a 970 battery is 6600MAh at 7.4v I believe, which is 48.84 Wh. I haven't really seen truly higher capacities than that despite what manufacturers say.

The Pocket 4k draws *roughly* ~25Wh of power (from my tests), depending on screen brightness, codec, frame rate, and attached accessories. So one of those batteries gets you perhaps up to 2 hours if you're lucky. If you need endurance longer than that, I HIGHLY recommend getting a VMount or Gold Mount battery instead of a battery bank, because it will allow you to expand to other cameras and lights in the future and they will provide much more power. You can get VMount batteries that go up to roughly 100Wh. These are professional cinema batteries the industry standard.


NPF batteries allow you to power other things like lights and monitors as well, plus they are small enough to gimbal mount or go handheld if you need to. Banks and VMount will be larger and heavier. That is why I chose NPF.

I use:

Battery (DSTE and Powerextra have been fine for me):https://www.amazon.com/DSTE-Replacement-MVC-CD1000-DCR-VX2100E-NEX-FS700RH/dp/B00M3P9YBQ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=npf970&qid=1572497795&sr=8-3

Plate:
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Junkie-NP-F-Blind-Spot/dp/B07NF14XW4/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=blindspot+npf&qid=1572498095&sr=8-3

Cable:
https://www.amazon.com/KONDOR-BLUE-Adapter-Juicebox-Blackmagic/dp/B07Y5S6S86/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=pocket+cinema+4k+power+cable&qid=1572498113&sr=8-7

So the electronic focus is somewhat of an issue because I have to do it by hand instead of using my follow focus rig, but imo the quality is superior to the old Nikon lenses I've collected by far. And I paid $475 for it refurbished. It retails for $900. It's definitely my go to if I don't know what the conditions will be and need to move quickly.

That said, Rokinon DS primes are by far my favorite and they are available as Nikon or Canon mounts, meaning you can take them with you as you grow. They would definitely be my first recommendation if you are getting serious.

I've been rocking this guy for a few months now. Great build quality, affordable and a very nice case. The fluid head on it is comparable to my mid-range Manfrotto, which is enough to deliver smooth pans and tilts.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01924TNF2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The photos make it look a little cheaper in build materials but it's 98% metal, leg tensioners are plastic but a very high grade strong compound. The entire thing feels and operates like a $1k tripod. Makes sure you know how much your set up weighs. Don't overload your tripod more than it's rated.

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 :)

Follow Focus is from Neewer -
https://www.amazon.com.au/Neewer-Cameras-Camcorder-Shoulder-Supports/dp/B00H7WFUVI

Gear rings are from Followfocusgears.com - love them, just had to heat it a little bit to expand and fit like a glove on the focus / zoom gears!

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 would recommend the Benro S8 fluid head tripod. It's $399 on Amazon. It will serve you well and it will last you forever. If you can't spend that much, the Benro S6 is a great alternative at $299.

Benro S8 Single Leg Aluminum Video Tripod Kit (A373FBS8) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HWO6ESY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NZLZCbZ84R1AX


Benro S6 Video Head and Aluminum Flip Lock Legs Kit (A2573FS6) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009KOO5IA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_P-LZCbTG620AS

Indy Mogul video mentions the Benro
https://youtu.be/_os_IfUUUI0

Benro S8 vs Manfrotto 504HD
https://youtu.be/dbCs7rcKyLE

Word. I hear ya. And thanks for the lens recommendations! Been looking at the Voigtlander lenses. I had a Voigtlander camera years ago. Such a tank.

My thing is that I’m looking for a compatible “smart” adapter.... Not a speedbooster at the moment. I don’t want to eliminate any crop factor. I use a lot of 200mm and 400mm... all manual. No autofocus. I like the crop factor even if it’s not full frame quality.

If and when the time comes for full(er) frame options... I’ll get a Metabones speedbooster. That seems to be what all the reviews are. The speedbooster vs the alternative. But I just need access to aperture in my camera.

So, seeing as how there’s no glass in the viltrox... do you know if there’s any compromise in image quality? Seems like there wouldn’t be. And I typically don’t care about build quality... as long as it gets the job done.

https://www.amazon.com/Metabones-Smart-Adapter-Thirds-Camera/dp/B014C1BF7O/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1543198677&sr=8-6&keywords=Metabones+smart

Vs

The alternatives.

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”

An important thing I should add is that I have a battery pack mounted on the BMPCC for a longer battery life, which adds quite a bit of weight. Battery. I was also hoping to go with a cheaper option before I can afford the next step.

IMHO I'd stay away from cheap follow focus/matte boxes and go with just the shoulder system.

I just got the PR-1, quality seems pretty decent. There's also Neewer and Polaroid rigs that are very affordable.

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.

Looks like this one:

Lanparte CP-01 Chest Pad (Black)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P9GJVU0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QR6PCbY3AWV83

https://www.amazon.com/Lanparte-CP-01-Chest-Pad-Black/dp/B00P9GJVU0/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=lanparte+chest+pad&qid=1554486208&s=electronics&sr=1-1-fkmrnull

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B071CFDBJ7/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here you go!

>https://www.amazon.com.au/Neewer-Cameras-Camcorder-Shoulder-Supports/dp/B00H7WFUVI

Probably a wide angle lens on a cell phone.

I bought this one open box for around $190.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01924TNF2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_aRGsDb3DDHQNQ

Have you tried this one?

Here's another, not sure if they ship to Europe though.

These would be the right ones? (Though may not go for Amazon based on fakes...) https://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-Extreme-SDXC-UHS-I-Memory/dp/B005LFT3UW/ref=sr_1_11?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1543354560&sr=1-11&keywords=sandisk%2Bextreme%2Bpro%2B64gb&th=1

It's within your budget, no? https://www.amazon.de/Benro-A373FBS8-Aluminium-Videostativ-mit-Kopf/dp/B00HWO6ESY/ref=sr_1_2?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&keywords=benro+s8&qid=1564001317&s=ce-de&sr=1-2

here is the full part list

Monitor: Lilliput A5

Batteries: Baxxtar Pro V Mount 95Wh

Cage: SmallRig 2203

Base Plate: SmallRig 1674

Top Handle: SmallRig 1638

Shoulder Pad + Rail Block: SmallRig 2077

Single Rail Clamp: SmallRig 1549

SSD Holder: SmallRig 2245

Cheese Plate: SmallRig 1598

Monitor Mount: SmallRig 1842

V Mount Plate: SmallRig 1846