Snowfun

Love my rx1004... Given the harsh treatment mine has taken, it's a rugged little thing ideal for travel. I'll have no hesitation in buying a 1005 or 1006 in due course. No it's not a BMMCC. It's not a C200/GH5 etc etc... But chances are it'll be in my pocket/bag! (And yes, so will my iPhone...)

Thanks for the wise words! I think I'll opt for the Isco ultra star and see where I end up...

Into anamorphic waters... its confusing! For use with BMMCC plus whatever lens might be recommended. The SLR anamorphic adapter - any good? The "gold" and red geared ones on eBay (around $480) - any good? Or is it really necessary to spend thousands to get decent results? Any advice appreciated... tim

I've often thought the Sony Vita (the handheld PlayStation) would be perfect for this sort of thing... but I'm sure there must be a reason why it's not!

In an amateur/hobbyist context I think the balance between the fun/convenience of using a camera and the quality of the "product" is an oft neglected debate. Arguably, for some, the "hobby" is at its best when it is fun to do it - in that sense the result isn't even that important. I don't enjoy the process with either the A7S or the rx1004 irrespective of the decent output. BM on the other hand is something I find great fun in its sheer simplicity. Of course, if the bread on the table depends on the output this perspective is irrelevant.

http://m.broadcastnow.co.uk/5118407.article BBC doc shot entirely on smartphone(s). Very niche but interesting.

Spending every winter in Saariselka I get this! Very funny. There's a very real issue about dogs shitting in the snow. I'd have skipped that line (it detracted from the cute nature of it). As to the different cameras... I'd not notice.

I like this. For rugged low light conditions it looks to be ideal - more investigation required prior to pre-order!

Possibly a bit of a harsh verdict? The Pocket is most definitely still "worth it" if one is looking for high quality 1080 output. I also think that it is an ideal learning tool for those new to grading etc. But I agree - it is a shame that BM have not released a 2.5k 60p version.

Why not just be happy to keep the A7S rather than waste emotional energy "wanting" a sports-journalists still camera? The A7Siii might offer more of what you require for a video upgrade but until then you have a camera you "love" so it's a good place.

Hi, As the eyesight deteriorates I am finding it increasingly difficult to focus (and set exposure) using the BMCC and BMPCC screens. Especially at awkward angles. I tried using glasses which are functional but are a nuisance (nor do they help with awkward viewing angles). I'm therefore thinking of getting a SmallHD 502 with the sidefinder to help. Anyone have any advice and/or experience on this? One alternative would be to get a VA but although that would help with viewing angle and position it doesn't have the magnified viewfinder. I could use the VA4k with my A7s (and sell my Atomos Shogun) so the recorder would be used. I drive everything from vloks so power or battery compatability isn't an issue. Thanks. Tim

I'm not sure if we should be surprised at the omission of "video" features (especially those requiring extensive post) as this is so obviously aimed at the rapid-turn around pro sports/news market. Indeed, this might be a good thing as it might - might - imply that a more video orientated version (with all the "missing" features) will be released.

It's a very social medium - people watch it together - and it is easy to share ones "product". I once carved a wooden rocking horse. Looked rather good. But I could only give it to one person which I felt was an inadequate reward for not inconsiderable effort.

My Beholder MS1 (from Owl Dolly) worked fine... for a couple of hours. Then nothing. I tried a new battery holder & batteries but, again, nothing. Good thing is it makes my Steadicam solo look reliable!

Sony rx1004/5. genuinely pocketable. genuinely decent quality stills & video. (survives harsh treatment too)

@kisaha you are absolutely correct that the OP posted a budget and that some of the advice indicates units in excess of this (mine included). However, there is a point at which it is also useful to hear from others that the planned budget is simply too low to buy an item with sufficient quality/reliability etc. Perhaps the purchasing decision could/should be postponed until the budget is increased? Indeed, perhaps the budget could be increased now in the light of advice received? This would potentially save money longer term. I don't think it would be appreciated if everyone simply posted a list of tripods within the budget with no comment as to their suitability.

It really is a case of spend as much as you can afford. I went through several cheap tripods and heads (including Manfrotto) before buying a Miller Air (not expensive by tripod standards but certainly not "cheap"). It's a super piece of gear.

And... the A6500 gives one an excellent reason to purchase the Fujinon 18-55mm T2.9 cine lens...

What do you currently use? Surely that is a key factor in this?

Have a look at Bloom's take on AF... http://philipbloom.net/blog/autofocus1/

A film that a) I'm eager to show family and friends and b) is appreciated by the aforesaid family and friends. I suspect it would be very different if this is how I put bread on the table however.

I think the message behind this thread is to be extremely careful when believing what you read. I confess to giving serious thought to the Blade after the OP's post on 23rd Jan - fortunately I stayed with Apple. To (mis)quote Bloom - "enjoy reading my reviews but never base a decision on them".

I do. Filming aurora. (A7S, Shogun, Samyang 24 T1.5)

Steadicam solo.

I have a steadicam solo. There are times my footage looks to have been taken from a yacht. I find the secret is not to plan the shot too much. If I do then I invariably struggle to get it right. But if I "go with the flow" then I get some decent useable footage. I realise that this approach wouldn't necessarily work in a scripted context but for making fun films it's an ideal technique. I find that with practice it's possible to read what it's about to do next. If it starts to rotate then go with it - react dynamically to what it does. It often works and, for an amateur like me, it's much better than trying to make it do something.