NAB 2012 saw the launch of a brand new cinematic camera from Blackmagic Design. Clearly aimed at the indie film producer and possibly wedding videographers, this machine looks set to change the game and give Canon, Sony, Panasonic, and even Red a great deal to think about. A brief overview of the specs should tell you why, 2.5K image sensor with a wide 13 stops of dynamic range, a built-in SSD recorder, uncompressed RAW and compressed file formats, compatibility with quality EF and ZE mount lenses, a touch LCD monitor, professional quality onboard audio (1/4 jack not XLR) a headphone socket (Canon take note), and it even comes bundled with Blackmagic’s Da Vinci Resolve! Shipping date is July 2012 and list price is £1925
Blackmagic are also supplying a steady rig/handles for £125
As far as I know this is Blackmagic’s first attempt at production of a camera of this kind and let’s be fair, this is amazing at this price if it does what it says on the can. There is a lot of discussion on the web regarding this camera at the moment and it’s easy to find should you wish, but one thing is for sure, even if Blackmagic have not made a perfect camera first time around the foundations have most certainly been laid. This is really going to shake up the major players and that’s only going to be good for the consumer. Personally, my view is that there is a schoolboy error in the batery department (it is fixed/internal), I don’t like touchscreens for monitors (how can you see what your shooting with fingerprints all over it?), and the form factor looks a bit “domestic”, but apart from that….brilliant. Well done Blackmagic, long live the revolution.