A_Urquhart
Members-
Posts
397 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Articles
Everything posted by A_Urquhart
-
This. It's the best solution if you want to stick with the MacOS.
-
I think it's a bit unfair to expect absolutely top end images from a camera that is only now getting into the hands of customers. When we shoot a film, we test cameras, lenses, filters etc. Then we know what works, what doesn't and what limitations we need to work within. The P4K is still in that testing stage so comparing it to films that were shot with the OG Pocket many years after it was released don't really make sense. Give it time.........
-
Happy to report that on Genuine Canon batteries, the battery meter is accurate and gives plenty of warning (percentage meter turns red) before shutting down. At 100% the cameras voltage meter reads 8.1V and then at 0% it reads 6.3V where it shuts down.
-
I'm guessing the UMP or any Red cameras are not usable outside either?
-
The Pocket4K is definitely getting it according to BMD and they said they had BRAW in mind when designing the Pocket4K so internally, everything should be in place. While I've held the opinion that most people don't need RAW (10bit is fine for most), once it is implemented, there will be little reason not to shoot RAW as long as it works as advertised with low data rates and flexibility in post. Considering the crazy the low price of the Pocket4K, and the fact that I'm not relying on it as my main camera for work, I was happy to be an early adopter. The fact that I was also wanting to switch to Resolve Studio for the little editing and grading I do meant that it was a bit of a no brainer.
-
Not sure I'd say that. Ive seen the images my camera produces first hand and really liking them. It definitely has a great 'cinematic' quality that I haven't seen with the GH5 or A7III that I can only describe as smooth and creamy. No sharpened jaggies, just really nice filmic images. The footage has a lot more latitude in post than the GH5 too and that's why you buy a camera that shoots great codecs.
-
Yep, so many contradictions I'm left with absolutely no faith in any of his views anymore. What's the point of ML getting a camera if RAW has no purpose?
-
For me, the design of the Pocket4K is not ideal, but then neither is any camera under $2000. I'd love the design to be more like the FS5 or Canon XC15. I'd be happy to pay $1000 or so more for a Pocket4K Pro or Ursa Micro that could take a larger Sony BPU battery and had a tiltable screen. In terms of manufacturing, I don't see a problem and they shipped the camera on time. Marketing wise, we got to see a lot of footage from the camera before release and pre production versions travelled the world with viewing sessions available to the public at some decent retailers in major cities where we are able to hold and use the camera (without recording) months before it shipped allowing us to make a more informed decision on wether we wanted to pre order it. Show me another Camera manufacturer that has done the same? Shipping wise, again, they shipped on time and yes, unless you pre ordered it's hard to get your hands on one for now BUT even the Sony A7III has been extremely hard to get a hold of (here in australia anyway) months after release so I really don't know what you are referring to when you say that BMD shipping and marketing have been flawed. Although I do know exactly why YOU are saying this and it's really unfortunate that you still let one event jade your vision so much. While people may criticise Caleb Pike or Peter McKinnon for letting an invitation to a trade event jade their vision on the Canon R, you have been jaded in exactly the same way by not being invited to one. You knew well before the cameras release that it had vents top and bottom or that it wasn't full frame or than it didn't have IBIS but before 'Manchester Gate' you were still quite positive toward the camera. Since then, you have been extremely negative about it. It's a shame all round that camera bloggers are so easily persuaded by manufacturers isn't it Andrew?
-
For anyone that's interested, I just plugged my Tentacle Sync E into the mic/TC input of the Pocket4K using a regular male to male stereo minijack cable and the Pocket4K took the timecode no worries. The Pocket4k auto detects the external TC and you get a little EXT TC icon showing you that its synced externally. Nice! Another good reason to use it as a B Cam over a mirrorless. Despite Plural Eyes (and similar solutions), editors still sigh when they are on set and find out that the B Camera doesn't have TC.
-
Ive never heard a good DP complain that the Red Epic, Red Helium, Arri Alexa, Sony F55 are not full frame. I've put the Metabones XL speedbooster on my pocket4K and super happy with the look. Andrew, it seems that the whole BMD Manchester incident still has a bitter taste in your mouth. You are looking for any excuse to hate this camera in the same way that most heavy forum users look for excuses to hate on any camera and use a cameras lack of features as excuses as to why they are on forums rather than out shooting nice images. Sorry, I know that view is going to make me unpopular on a forum but I think it's kinda on the mark. Is the Pocket4K for everyone? No. The camera isn't a white unicorn....it isn't the perfect camera for everyone. No camera is. If you just want to shoot bare bones, in the hand video with no light, get an A7III. If you want to VLOG, get a camera with a flippy screen (although interestingly, I know a few vloggers that use Red Helium as a vlogging camera!). It really depends on what your priorities are. The Pocket4k is a solid little camera. Sure I wish the battery lasted longer than an hour and I wish the screen was easier to see in bright sun but having used Sony A7 series, Panasonic GH series and the Fuji X-T2 all as B cams, would I chose to shoot with one of those over the Pocket4K? No chance! I still need to add external monitors to those small hybrid cameras anyway and their battery life is barely any better ( apart from GH series) ........but the Pocket4k image creams them!
-
It can easily be the 'gold standard at the price point. The images up to ISO4000 are fantastic and 6400 is usable.. I never need to go above ISO4000 for my paid work. For lazy hobbyists that just want to shoot in the dark, get a Sony A7III and shoot 8bit. It's all you need. Lowlight performance of the Red Epic wan't as good as the A7S but I'd rate the picture of the Epic far above the A7S all day long. I've shot with the Red Epic, The Ursa Mini Pro among other cameras that have massive holes in the top. The Epic even has a huge noisy fan in the front that also use to suck all sorts of crap into it, didn't stop me using it in all sorts of conditions. Using the supplied BMD LP-E6, the battery icon flashes red and displays the voltage so you know it's time to change batteries. Using Wasabi, this doesn't happen and the meter is unreliable. I will try some genuine Canon batteries and report back but the BMD LP-E6 works fine after a few charges and discharges. Mine hasn't done this at all. The OS is extremely robust...My Fuji X-T2 on the other hand hangs every now and again forcing you to pull the battery and I've heard the same about the X-T3. It's not just RAW, the ProRes files also look fantastic on the Pocket4K. Absolutely no jaggies on fine hair but still plenty of detail. Very smooth image. As a Fuji shooter, I also love good colour science and the Pocket4K doesn't disappoint. The X-T3 also has poor battery life and crashes.
-
Let's get past the fact that you can't put this in your pocket. Anyone who really wants to put a cinema camera (with cinema lens I'm assuming?) in their pocket is kidding themselves anyway. I had a 'Kessler Pocket Dolly' and never once complained that I couldn't get it to fit in my pocket. On the contrary but this camera is a cinema camera more than any other Fuji, Sony, Panasonic or Canon DSLR/ Hybrid or even C300 and the like. I can easily see this being rigged up as a B / C/ crash camera on cine shoots where the non pocket size and short battery life are easily overcome. Have a look at how that Fuji X-T3 was rigged in your first post about it Andrew, whats the point of doing that to a small mirrorless camera, by you theory we should keep the cameras small if thats how they were built. That thinking goes against the DSLR revolution which was all about adapting these small cameras with monitors, lens adaptors, EVF's etc to make them more suited to video use. Moving on, I'm not having any luck with the Wasabi batteries. While they are coded and do show the remaining power as a percentage, the reading is not accurate and they are lasting half as long as the BMD included 2000mah battery despite being rated at 26000mah. Am sending the Wasabi's back as they are not as rated and just buying genuine Canon batteries. Alternatively, as I am wanting a small monitor for it anyway that I can tilt, I might get the SmallHD focus (or cheaper chinese knock off) which will serve as a great on camera monitor and also have the ability to power the camera via its NP-F battery which I have plenty of. ...... Speaking of which, does anyone have experience with the SmallHD Focus and Cheaper versions like the AndyCine, Feelworld etc?
-
The screen is highly reflective so eliminating the reflections might make it more easily visible. Cutting reflections means the screen has less to compete with. I'll try to pick up a cheap phone version tomorrow just to see how it works and if it's good, get a proper 5" screen protector without the phone button cutout.
-
Maybe. Im thinking of trying an anti glare matte screen protector like those used on smartphones. Thoughts? I've ordered 4 Wasabi LP-E6 batteries which come with 2 dual channel chargers so a can charge four batteries at once. The battery supplied with the Pocket 4K is rated at 2000mah and the Wasabi's are rated at 2600mah so I'm hoping the Wasabi are true to their rating. I also heard the Wasabi's are coded like Canon's batteries so hopefully they will support the Pocket4K's percentage meter reading which should be more accurate and which the supplied battery doesn't. I should find out tomorrow.
-
You are right, no camera is perfect but I think BMD tried to hit a price point with this camera that no one really expected them or even asked them to. Personally, if I had been asked how much I would expect to pay for a small camera with a 4K sensor that could shoot RAW and ProRes with dual native ISO's up to 60p, I would have said at least $2000. If, at USD$2000 it meant that we could have a tilt-able screen....I would have much preferred that and it would have made the Pocket4K a much more polished and versatile camera. This is just my opinion after using the camera for a few hours and others may differ but ultimately, I'm liking the camera so not bashing it. I just think there is a slightly missed opportunity here that will make it hard to use the camera in certain situations that could have easily been avoided. I just think a 5" loupe will be massive is size.
-
Hmmmmm a 5" loupe? No thanks. I too am going to make a hood but that then means you need to hold the camera at eye height 6 inches away from your face which doesn't really lend itself to steady shots.
-
It's not really suppose to be a 'pocket' camera in the true sense of the word.......did you every try to fit the Kessler Pocket Dolly in your pocket? In terms cine cameras that can shoot 4K RAW up to 60p, this camera really is 'Pocket' sized......but not literally if you get my drift.
-
Yep, that what I'm hoping re: battery. Neewer or Meiki who make battery grips for DSLR's need to come up with one for the pocket 4k. The one shoot I did with the camera was all in mid day sun and the screen at 100% was not good at all. That, and the fact it doesn't tilt are my major gripes with the camera so far. Overall though, it's a great camera and I'm really enjoying it. It's a shame that BMD have thought to fit a nice large sharp LCD to the camera but then screwed things up by not having it be tilt-able a few degrees meaning I'm probably going to have to use a SmallHD focus or similar on it.....kind eliminating the point of the built in screen. ?♂️
-
Have only shot a little with it but I'm enjoying the images immensely......the battery life and screen not so much but I have more (and hopefully better) batteries on the way.
-
I'm using the .64 Speedbooster XL on my Pocket4K and it works great with full frame lenses. There is a slight vignette on the wide end of my Sigma 18-35 1.8
-
Whoever comes up with a proper battery grip for this camera, will sell as many grips as there are cameras. Let's hope a Chinese manufacturer like Neewer or Meiki who make grips for Canon cameras can come up with a grip themselves that follows the form of the Pocket4k!
-
To those awaiting your Pocket4K's.....stock up on LPE6 batteries! So far I've only used the camera with the battery that it's supplied with but the camera chews through it at an alarming rate. Also, the battery meter with the supplied battery is not very reliable at all. It jumps around from 1/2, back up to 3/4 then flashes red for less than a minute and dies. The first few times I used it, the camera died when the meter showed more than half remaining but with a few discharges and charges of the battery, I think it's getting better. I haven't done any real tests to test record time but I got less than an hour of powered up time before it died. I was shooting outside though, with the screen at 100% brightness (more on that below). The manual states that the battery meter can be set to show a remaining percentage with supported batteries but the BMD battery does not seem to be supported as I only have the option to show the battery graphical icon (unreliable) or voltage. I have four Wasabi 2600mah batteries arriving on Monday so will test with those. In direct sunlight, the screen is not really usable. At 100% and with a LUT on it makes it a little easier to see, but it's highly reflective and not quite bright enough especially showing a flat Film Log image. I'll need to make a shade for it, but then with it not being tiltable will mean that II'll have to hold it at eye level when shooting with is not comfortable and doesn't lend itself to steady shots. BTW, sorry, I wasn't able to do the sound tests yesterday. The inbuilt mics sound pretty good and you only really hear the fan if you are in a dead quiet room. I should be able to do it on Monday. So far, the battery and screen issues are disappointing BUT I am absolutely LOVING the images the camera is producing. The images are very detailed but not too sharp (a good thing!). I have shot with most DSLR's out there from Sony Aseries, Panasonic GH series, Fuji X-T2 and have never seen any Hybrid cameras produce the images the Pocket4K does.......and this is just shooting ProResLT to an SD card as thats all I had on me at the times.
-
Ok, so by reading here and BMC User, it seems that people really want to know what the audio is like. As there are no other videos around showing the audio qualities of the Pocket4k, thats what i'll focus on tonight. Just so I'm not wasting my time, off the top of my head, here is how i'm gong to do the test...let me know if you think it could be done better but again, I'll only have an hour or so to do this tonight. 1. Inbuilt mic with person reading, sitting about 4ft from camera to simulate general piece to camera or interview. 2. Inbuilt mic with person reading about 4ft away but walking left to right of room to test how directional mic is (?). 3. Same scenarios as 1 & 2 but using Rode Video Mic (Original) into minijack input and mounted on camera to compare scenarios 1, 2 &3. 4. Rode NTG3 directly into Pocket4K using phantom power and placed about a foot from persons mouth. 5. Rode NTG3 into Zoom F4 using phantom power and placed as per #4 to compare in built pre amp to Zoom F4. I'll aim to record everything at around -12dbfs I will try to upload the video to Youtube or Vimeo and also provide a high quality audio file available for download. Seem ok?
-
I really wish I had the time! I'll see what I can do. I had a quick play today, literally for all of ten minutes..... - Sensor Calibration option in menu is greyed out. I'm used to doing a calibration at the beginning of each days shoot on the UMP but doesn't look like it's necessary on the Pocket4K - I really wish the screen articulated up slightly. Handholding the camera at chest height is most comfortable but it's not the ideal viewing angle for the screen. I would have payed a few hundred $$$ more for the screen to articulate up 30 degrees or so. Would make the camera so much more ergonomic. - Camera feels great in the hand. Well balanced and a good size. - hot air blows out from the bottom vent, not too much of an issue but my left wrist rests partially on the vent while pulling focus. - I have the Speedbooster XL on it and there is absolutely no autofocus info going to or from the lens. I never use AF and didn't think it would be usable at all during a shot but even push AF not working at all with SB XL and Canon 24-105, Sigma 18-35 (Slight vignette at wide end) and Canon 50 1.8 or Canon 85 1.8. All other lens functions work well and iris response from cameras front scroll wheel very responsive. - Did a quick recording on a Sandisk Extreme Pro 95MB/s SDCard. 4K25p RAW 4:1 and camera recorded fine for 3-4 minutes before I stopped it. Had a quick look at the Fim, Extended and Video modes just looking at the rear LCD. The difference between Video and Extended video seems to be mainly in the highlights. Blacks look the same and nicely contrasty but the Extended mode holds the highlight better. So far so good. Really happy with the camera. Sorry, thats all I've got for now. Might get some time for another play tomorrow. Let me know if you want any specific shots done and I'll see how I go but can't promise anything at the moment.....
-
Let's not forget Atomos as well.....