Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera with Micro Four Thirds Lens Mount

CUSTOMER REVIEW



It is hard to part with this baby and I am using it everyday. Power keeps on running out but battery is very inexpensive so I bought a few. There are some draw backs on in-camera fuctions, such as no format option, audio, histogram, exposure meters and a dozen of tools that are normally in most cameras. Since Blackmagic is not a major player like Sony, Panasonic, Nikon and Canon, they may not have enough man power but I think these upgrades will come with the new firmware. It is an excellent pro video camera, easy to lug around and gets the job done. Its ISO performance is not comparable to the 5D in low light but under adequate lighting or outdoor it's sharper with more detail than a full frame. Anyway since the sensor is a small super 16, I didn't expect lower noise at high ISO. Still sensors in general have better ISO performance but they are prone to have moire issue and lower dynamic range. Even the Red Epic has noise problem in low light and I am hoping it will get much better with the new Dragon. There are an abundance of Micro 4/3 lens available for this camera but a wide lens is hard to find, only the Panasonic aspherical 7-14mm is wide enough. Anything wider will be a fisheye lens. I tried the Olympus 9-18mm and when framed in 9mm, it was comparable to my 24mm on the 5D. I have not measured it with a protractor but I am guessing the crop factor is more like 2.5 despite what was claimed. The BMPC may not be a consumer camera but I can't imagine any pro or enthusiast wouldn't want one in the bag. However, even for a rookie that can change with a bit of training. I must say when I first received it, I was a quite frustrated. It took a while to figure out the memory chip must be reformatted to exFAT with a PC and then I ran into problem playing back the clips. If it had been shipped with a quick start guide, it would have saved me time. It was a PITB so I will be focusing more on the initial setup which hopefully will make your life easier. I will be updating the feature and video quality review when I have more time.



The following are what I feel should have been labeled on the box when it was shipped

1. Only 94 mB/s or higher speed memory chip can be used. Otherwise you may get dropped frames even if it records. I have tried Sony and Sandisk Extreme Pro, both worked fine. I am sure most people get this one just by Googling.



2. The one that really got me was that you need to reformat the card with a PC and the format must be exFAT, not other formats. I've found this information extremely difficult to find online and hidden in the manual. I thought the camera was broken, the error message NO SD will not turn off and the record button won't work. Finally after some major tinkering, I reformatted the card and everything started to work beautifully. This is normally a no brainer for a consumer camera or any pro camera so it caught me off guard.



3. My next problem was that none of my video players would play the clips and I have tried a lot of them, not even my Vegas Pro would import the ProRes .mov format. I tried downloading DaVinci Resolve 9 on Blackmagic-design website. It was free but the bad news was, I couldn't get it to open or import a file. I have loaded and reloaded it on 3 of my PC and only one worked after hours of tinkering. This is a major manufacturer's oversight as they could have made it much more user friendly and transparent to the user.



4. The next puzzle was that the video appeared washed out. I later discovered the reason was because it records in log format. Blackmagic adapted this format because it is easier to grade color during post editing. After I color graded the footage, it had more detail than the 5D Mark III. The 13 stops of dynamic range seems to be as advertised.



Video quality

Rolling shutter feels to be a bit better than the Canon 5D. I can pan the camera faster now. It does not show in Youtube that well due to the compression. It is as expected, the sensor is dedicated to video not still. Oh, it does not take still photos, it is not designed for that. The BMPC handles moire quite well. Check out the unedited footage in Youtube by searching "Turbo Ace Matrix Quadcopter and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera unedited aerial footage". For in-depth review of the video quality, try using the Google Chrome browser and set resolution to 1080p.



Benefits

The dynamic range of 13 makes the video sharper with more detail than any of the DSLR including my 5D.

More noise shows in low light condition with the same ISO compared to the 5D. Again that is expected from a smaller sensor.

It is much smaller and extremely light weight compared to the DSLR

After color grading the video is extremely sharp but you can't replay instantly and expect great colors.

A very nice selection of Micro 4/3 lens at great savings. I recommend the Olympus 9-18mm zoom.

Price is unbelievable for the quality it produces

Apple ProRes comes in handy for editing

Solidly built, it is mostly made of metal

Auto focus does work somewhat and it comes in handy under sunlight. It is a bit slow but not a big deal as I shoot mostly in manual.

Battery is a Nikon 7.4V EN-EL20 Type Lithium-Ion easily obtainable at great price.



Disappointments

It is hard to find a wide lens due to the smaller sensor

Shortage of functions in the camera, no in-camera format, not a big deal for me.

No dial, makes it cumbersome to change exposure.

Run time is short and requires constant battery change. I wish the battery is twice the size because it isn't heavy anyway.

30fps is max, hope there is 60fps someday.

No exposure or histogram so you will need a light meter. But at 1/3 the price of a 5D, I can't complain.

Not user friendly, takes a while to get everything working

No audio meter but that may change with the new firmware

Wish it has the more popular mini HDMI port instead of micro. Micro HDMI is not as popular and it was painful to find a small right angle one to work on my Matrix quadcopter.



Finally, do I recommend this camera and should the average Joe buy it? Only if you really care about video quality and have the patience to put up with the initial setup. The final production quality is stunning so it is well worth it for me. Blackmagic has excellent technology and provides tremendous value but lacks in customer interface and proper documentation. In the end, it delivers the quality I want and that is why I am giving it a 5 star. I only had the camera for a few days and for those who wish there is more in-depth coverage of video quality, please bare with me as I will be adding them later. I will also be doing more Youtube reviews and post them here for your reference. Great work Blackmagic and thank you for watching.



Specifications



*Super 16mm Sized Image Sensor

*Active Micro Four Thirds Lens Mount

*13 Stops of Dynamic Range

*Records Full HD 1920x1080 CinemaDNG RAW

*Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) at 220 Mbps

*Compact Design (5" Long and 12.5 oz)

*3.5" LCD Display with 800x480 Resolution

*Uses SDXC and SDHC Memory Cards

*EN-EL20 Compatible Rechargeable Battery

*HDMI, LANC, 3.5mm Audio Input and Output



Camera

Sensor Size 12.48 x 7.02 mm (effective)

Effective Resolution 1920 x 1080

Dynamic Range 13 stops

Lens Mount Active MFT



Recording

Recording Media Removable SDXC and/or SDHC cards (exFAT or HFS+ format)

Recording Formats Lossless CinemaDNG RAW

Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) (QuickTime MOV)

Recording Resolution 1920 x 1080

Frame Rates 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 30p

Bit Rate 220 Mbps using Apple ProRes 422 (HQ)



Interface

Video Output Micro HDMI type D (x1)

Digital Audio Output 2 channels, 48 kHz and 24 bit (embedded in HDMI output)

Analog Audio Input 3.5mm stereo mini jack (x1)

Analog Audio Output 3.5mm stereo mini jack (x1)

Remote Control 2.5mm LANC (x1) for record START/STOP, iris control and focus

Computer Interface USB 2.0 mini B port (for software updates and configuration)

Power Input 0.7mm DC jack for power and battery charging (x1)



Display

Display Type Integrated LCD

Display Size 3.5"

Display Resolution 800 x 480



General

Built-In Microphone Integrated stereo microphone

Built-in Speaker Integrated mono speaker

Mounting 1/4"-20 UNC thread (x1, on top of camera)

1/4"-20 UNC thread (x1, tripod mount on the bottom)

Supported Software Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, Nuke - The Foundry, Adobe Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve

Operating System Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or later

Windows 7 or later

Power 12-20 VDC

Battery Type: EN-EL20 compatible, rechargeable lithium ion battery

Battery Life: approx. 1 hour of continuous recording time

Charge Time: approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes when the camera is off and approximately 2 hours when in use

Operating Temperature 32 ~ 104° F (0 ~ 40° C)

Storage Temperature -4 ~ 113° F (-20 ~ 45° C)

Relative Humidity 0 ~ 90% non-condensing

Dimensions 5.04 x 1.49 x 2.6 (128 x 38 x 66 mm)

Weight 12.52 oz (355 g)



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Samsung NX2000 20.3MP CMOS Smart WiFi Compact Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 20-50mm Lens and 3.7" Touch Screen LCD (Black)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have tested my new Samsung NX2000 for 2 weeks and its overall performance and picture quality is not bad, actually very good. I was shopping a DSLR like mirrorless compact camera that provide light weight, changeable lens and good picture quality camera. I have two choices either Sony NEX5T (just released this month) or the Samsung NX2000. Believe me, you won't find too much reviews and details info on the website because both cameras are new. Some info and spec I found on line actually was incorrect and the reviewers did not really done a hand on review. Most of them were just review the camera spec sheet and criticize its good and bad. I concluded Sony NEX5T is a better mirror less camera than NX2000 but its price tag still consider steep when adding up the optional lens, accessory flashlight. It will cost more than a grand. If budget is also a factor of consideration, the NX2000 can fit in perfectly. The NX bundle lens kit cost less than $800.

So far the operation and picture quality of the NX2000 are pretty good. Its APS-C sensor definitely can react to more lights. The high ISO performance is very good below 6400 without noise. It is still tolerable if higher than 6400. The noise reduction from this camera is very good. The contrast AF is not bad, believe me it is not fast but really not bad. The 8fps continue shoot was surprising fast and perfect for motion sport. 20-50mm kit lens without image stabilization performs pretty well and the 50-200mm zoom lens with OIS is excellent.

Pro:

Price fits budget buyer who wants good quality picture and changeable lens compact camera.

Easy and clear in camera menu and touch screen with less button (I consider less button is a pro but some user don't)

Fast 8fps continue shooting with high accuracy to catch the perfect moment.

Big APS-C sensor gives better quality pictures. Combines with the high ISO low noise reduction, this camera can shoot without flash.

Many optional Samsung lens to choose ( I prefer buying the 16mm wide angle lens too)

Con:

Contrast AF not Phase detection (the speed is still acceptable to me)

No optional EVF, it is very difficult to see the screen under sun light. Samsung, how can we take a good photo under the sun light when the LCD screen is totally invisible by the reflection. I think Samsung needs to consider an option EVF that can be attached to the hot shoe like Sony did on the NEX.

Battery life is also unacceptable. I highly suggest purchase 2 or 4 for back up and you need a aftermarket wall charger.



Update Oct 1 2013: After continue usage of this camera, I found out the LCD screen under the bright sun light is really a problem. Although I can adjust the LCD brighter to make it easier to see, it will drain the battery faster. Samsung really needs to make an optional EVF to attach it on the hotshoe as soon as possible. I don't mind to spend couple hundreds to buy an optional EVF for this camera but seems Samsung is not listening to the feedback of the consumers. No tilting LCD panel + no optional EVF made the outdoor bright light shooting not too much fun.



Update Dec 4 2014: When I keep using this camera everyday on street, indoor, outdoor sport and car show, this camera continues give me the good quality result. I have no idea why some people gave one or two stars on the review. Some said the price on Amazon is more expensive than Costco then gave one star to the product. It seems it is not fair to this product. Some complained the auto focus is slow, I know this camera doesn't have a super fast AF focus with phase detection, but the speed is not too bad at all. The point & shot cameras are no way to compare. Remember this camera is not P&S, it is a DSLR like mirrorless camera. If you don't know how to use the M,A,S,P mode and its setting, you either don't buy this camera or go to take a photography lesson. Because I am sure if you can't take good pictures with this camera, it is either your skill or haven't learned the full function of this camera.



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GE MWF SmartWater Compatible Water Filter Cartridge - Refrigerator

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have a GE two door refrigerator and use to buy original filter cartridges but after some research I bought these filters and they are great for less price. Water tastes good and happy to use these filters.



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Koolatron Multi-Purpose Adapter 110AC to 12 Volts DC ( Model AC-16)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I purchased a Koolatron cooler and noted that the manual stated that non-Koolatron AC/DC adaptors should not be used and would void the warranty. Rather than take the chance with my old adaptor from a different brand electric cooler, I decided to order a new one. Koolatron offers its adaptor at its web site and I just about ordered it, but then compared Amazon's offering. The identical adaptor at Amazon is half the price of the one through Koolatron. I've used it a number of times and it works fine. It also has about twice the wattage capability of my old adaptor. One caution: the cooler cools or heats depending on how the adaptor or DC plug is connected to the cooler cord. Tell everyone who might use the cooler about this. I failed to tell my wife, and she thought she was cooling a load of food, when, in fact, she was heating it. Big mess.



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D810 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body

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GoPro HERO3+: Silver Edition

If you missed the boat on the last iteration of GoPro's HERO3, don't fret, you waited for just the right amount of time. With the HERO3+ Silver Edition, you'll find a reduced size and weight, faster Wi-Fi, enhanced low-light quality, a reduction in distortion, and a battery with 30% longer life. Good things happen for those who wait. Compared to the last HERO3, the HERO3+ Silver Edition has been reduced in size by 15%, and the camera weight was also reduced by 15%. In fact, the HERO3+ now tips the scales 2.21 ounces. The camera body retains the black backing treatment, and the front still boasts GoPro's accessible and progressive user interface. The new housing also enables the camera to be waterproof up to 131ft/40m. The lens makes features the same flat design with a waterproof housing. It's what GoPro calls a six-element aspherical lens. What does this mean? Simply put, the lens has been designed to operate evenly across more light conditions than ever before. For the camera nerds; it's an f/2.8 - 6.0 lens. So, you'll experience sharper image quality whether it's blisteringly bright or the sun has nearly disappeared. And with this iteration of the HERO, GoPro improved the camera's capturing quality in low-light conditions. Additionally, GoPro has taken steps to reduce distortion, while also improving image sharpness. The new lens also allows Ultra-wide, Medium, and Narrow field of view modes, and you can operate the White Balance in either auto or manual modes (3000k, 5500k, 6500k, Cam Raw). Now, you can expect crystal clear resolution from sunrise to sunset. And speaking of resolution, the HERO3+ Silver Edition boasts ultra-high resolution video modes with a processor that's twice as fast as the HERO3's. The frame rate is sharper than the HERO3, capturing at 1080p60, 960p60, and 720p120fps. Basically, if you love slow-motion shots, the HERO3+ is a godsend. And did we mention that all of these rates can be run from Ultra-Wide mode? Awesome. For ti...

• 15% smaller and lighter housing (waterproof to 131'/40m)


• 2x faster image processor enables 1080p60 and 720p120 fps video


• Enhanced low-light performance


• 30% longer battery life


• 
  

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Be aware when purchasing that there are some aspects to the new "improved" lens that may not be for everyone. This week it has been fairly well documented (and confirmed by GoPro) that while the new lens produces much sharper images under 4', they are blurrier at distances greater than 4'. It does NOT focus at infinity. For reasons not fully explained, they moved the focal point of the lens in close and sacrificed distance clarity.



Update at bottom.



You will get great shots under 4' and soft focus beyond that. Depending on what you want it for, this camera may not be for you and the regular H3 might be a better bet. Since this is an effect of the lens it applies to both stills and video. On the other hand, it's still a decent small action camera, and if you take a lot of video in motion you may not notice this at all. For YouTube uploads and streaming it may not matter, I haven't tested this myself. If you want better clarity in your images the 3B is a good choice. I personally will play with it this week before deciding if I should return it. (Update: it's going back.)



It boggles the mind that they have produced a camera that claims to have a better lens and ignored the fact that it is in fact worse for 90% of what you'll be filming. Great clarity on your handlebars but not so good on the scenery.



Edit: other pluses- the color is much better with the 3+ than the 3. Low light shooting is also better, although sometimes lens flare from lights is a little worse, sometimes better. No more chromatic aberration (yellow/purple fringing). Just do some reading before buying this, they made some trade-offs in the new lens.



Updated 10/17:



Well after comparing the two (3+B and 3B) this week, there are some more problems that have had me downgrade this to a 3 star. For one, the right and left sides of the images on the 3+ are smeared. I mean really distorted, and I'm not using SuperView. Additionally the contrast seems to be set too high, causing some loss of detail in the shadows and blowing out whites a bit. This at least is changeable with a firmware update if they choose to do so. The blurry edges put me over the edge and I'm returning it. It's too bad, it's almost a great camera, with some nice improvements, but the lens is a definite problem, and not necessarily an improvement... certainly not 33% sharper.



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Ion Air Pro Compatible with iPod/iPhone/iPad/Android Devices

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I own both this camera and a Go Pro Hero 2.



The good:



1. Easy to use: Slide switch forward, it records, slide switch backwards, stops recording. Nice and simple.

2. Has a standard 1/4 20 tripod mount. YES!!!!!!!

3. Doesn't need a separate case to make it waterproof.

4. The narrower shape of the camera is nice for mounting on things that are narrow like a bicycle top tube where you don't want your knees hitting it.

5. Good battery life (but battery is built in)

6. Auto Rotation - I frequently mount my camera upside down and it's nice to not have to flip the video in editing, but see the bad about this below.

7. It's lightweight.

8. Cheaper than my GoPro was.

9. Nicer looking than my GoPro Hero 2.

10. Solid feel



The okay:



1. Video quality is a decent, maybe not quite as good as my Hero 2, but close.

2. Audio is muffled but better than JVC Adixxion and Drift Innovation (both have horrible wind noise). Better than Hero 2 in its' waterproof case, but not as good as Hero 2 in its' skeleton case.

3. Must change settings (1080p/30fps vs. 720p/60fps) using PC software.

4. The helmet/handlebar mounts are fine, but I don't use them. I use RAM Mounts.

5. Tripod hole isn't quite in the center of the camera (length-wise) but it's okay with the mounts I have now, was rotating with a lousy handlebar mount I had.



The bad:



1. The Mac version of the software does not work so if you don't have a PC, you can't change the default settings on the camera and I don't remember what those were. I know I have it now to record 720p 60fps.

2. It records two files (one large high quality and one small lousy quality) every time you record a clip. This is super annoying as I never use the small files and need to delete them all before importing or with iMovie, where it's hard to tell prior to import, I need to import everything and not use the low res ones, which is super annoying.

3. The longer shape of the camera doesn't work well if you wanted to mount it on your body (like with a GoPro Hero chest mount).

4. Picture taking isn't straight forward.

5. Battery is built in. If out in the field, you can't pop in another battery, you need to find some place to charge the camera which takes 3 hours.

6. Twist off rear hatch is too easy to lose. I misplaced it once while charging the camera, but found it, however, I think it would be awful easy to lose for good.

7. Auto Rotation - there are 4 orientations this camera recognizes. If the camera is upright or upside down, the video comes out right side up and as you would expect. If the camera is at 90 or 270 degrees, the video comes out right side up, but is way narrow - like you get when you record while holding your iphone vertically instead of horizontally. Very annoying. I wish it recognized just right side up and upside down and not on it's side. Also, don't use Auto-Rotation if you're going to begin recording while you're moving - if I am riding my bike on a trail or rough road and have auto-rotate on, at least half the videos come out on their side - and I mean on their side - the camera thought it was on it's side, but it wasn't so it's really messed up. So - nice idea for a feature, but I always turn it off.



Despite all the bad, I find I'm actually using this camera way more than my GoPro because I find it easier to put on my bike, easier to use with the one slide switch rather than all the buttons on the GoPro and I like not having to put it in one case if it's rainy and another if it's nice, just so many pieces with the GoPro. This is nice and simple. I'm looking forward to getting the wifi version where hopefully you can change settings using the iPhone app - assuming it works.



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