[Gear] 2.5K Resolution For Under $3000!

[Gear] 2.5K Resolution For Under $3000!

Black Magic Design has just announced a crazy new cinema camera that records to 2.5K RAW for under $3000. That's incredibly cheap for a camera that has features that most high end DSLR's are currently lacking.

Here are some of the specs:

  • Shooting resolution: RAW at 2.5k (2432 x 1366)
  • Frame rates: 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 30p
  • Sensor size: 16.64 mm x 14.04 mm (significantly smaller than DLSR sensors)
  • Lens mount: EF and ZF mount compatible with electronic iris control
  • Battery: Integrated Li-Ion with 90 minute life
  • Recording Formats: RAW 2.5K CinemaDNG, Apple ProRes (compressed), Avid DNxHD (compressed). All compressed recording in 1920x1080 10-bit YUV with choice of Film or Video Dynamic Range.
  • Storage: Removable 2.5" SSD

 

So while it lacks the large sensor of full frame DSLR's, which will affect the DOF in the final image, and has what seems to be a very short battery life, it's got RAW output, and higher resolution that will blow most DSLR's out of the water.

Check out some of the sample footage HERE. There's also some more info on the camera on Black Magic Design's website HERE.

 

 

From Nick:

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12 Comments

I don't know about anybody else, but at ISO 320 it looked pretty darn grainy. And at what I think is ISO 100, it looked just as good as my Canon 60D shooting at 1080p. But what do I know I am only an amateur.  

I don't think its worth the $3,000

Anybody agree or disagree

0__o.............. An eye exam is in order for you Scott Pussehl. :-)

I've got to agree with Scott.  There is a ton of noise in the sample video in the link at ISO 320.  Generally the downsampling of Vimeo tends to mask quite a bit of noise (it's only displaying 720p).  Even at much, much higher ISOs, GH2 or 5D footage shows much less noise on Vimeo.  I can only imagine how much noise is visible in the native 2.5K resolution footage.  

"2.5K" isn't that impressive, 1080p by that standard would be "1.92K", smaller sensor has limited use, and looking at the footage I'm not impressed. I actually prefer the performance of the DSLR's. 

mmm blurry :(

The sensor size is really what determines the image clarity, sharpness, etc. as well as the glass. On a quick look it is interesting, but when I saw the sensor size they lost my interest. :/ 

I still can't find the how much the Native ISO    ?

I guess it's just too shameful to post, here are all the other specs though:

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/blackmagiccinemacamera/techspecs/

To the OP. 90 mins of battery life while in use is amazing. The Red Epic battery life is about half. The one problem I see is the battery on this isn't replaceable.But you can plug it in AC power while in studio. Also, the ssd slot is a great addition. Yes, the Red camera use ssd but I spent alot of money on SSD's from Red. You can't buy off the shelf hard drives. 

I think the sensor is good enough for most people. Yes the ISO noise isn't the best compared to Red, Arri, or some of the DSLR. You need to keep in mind that film was pre release. The Nikon D4 had to have a new firmware update before it was release which helped with the ISO so there is a chance it will get better.

I would love to try it out. I would put it through its paces. Ill have to call Black Magic and see what I can do.

I'll tell you what is crap is Vimeo!

If it would have PL-mount it would be useable in professional market. You could use fex. Zeiss Ultra Primes in super 16 format. 

Oh man, why would you make a camera for the 'pro' market and not have a PL mount on it?

Also, @facebook-100000008811871:disqus,
even in studio you'd want to avoid relying on AC power, to avoid
line-hum noise during a recording. I haven't yet had this issues with
cameras (have been using DC power for cameras mostly), but I have
definitely experienced line-hum with AC-powered audio recorders.