Using Canon EF Lenses On The BlackMagic Cinema Camera To Shoot A Short Film

Den Lennie from F-Stop Academy shot this behind the scenes video that documents James Tonkin as he creates visuals for his short film "A Night at Nine Elms" with the EF-Mount version of the BlackMagic Cinema Camera. James talks about his experiences with the BMCC and discusses using Canon EF lenses. See the final short film in the full post.

One of the early issues was the lack of ability to see the aperture setting, but a firmware update has since fixed that issue. What's impressive is because of the small form factor of the camera, and it's low-light capabilities, James is able to do some run and gun shooting at night with only natural light to illuminate his subjects.

Below is the final short film made by James Tokin.

[Via DSLR News Shooter]

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Mike Wilkinson is an award-winning video director with his company Wilkinson Visual, currently based out of Lexington, Kentucky. Mike has been working in production for over 10 years as a shooter, editor, and producer. His passion lies in outdoor adventures, documentary filmmaking, photography, and locally-sourced food and beer.

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12 Comments

The films is very well shot. 

I still don't grasp the tap the screen to see if you're in focus while shooting. Doesn't that bring in some camera shake? Why not create a button.
It didn't look to comfortable to hand hold even if his setup is sweet.

A button might introduce even more camera shake compared to a light touch on a screen. The sleek design is something I can appreciate coming from DSLRs which have entirely too many buttons.

Agreed. Buttons require long movement and a touch screen doesn't. Also, there's lots of touch screens that doesn't even need touch of the finger, just bringing the finger so close that it almost touches is enough.

You think DSLR's have too many buttons? I guess you never shot with a videocamera, then? I think if you're shooting handheld and want to punch in to a shot, it looks like it would be a bit of a pain with the form factor of the Black Magic camera, compared to the more ergonomic design of an SLR where typically the zoom in button is placed right where your thumb sits, not to mention that an SLR is designed to be held in your hand whereas this camera is a box (a box that promotes the purchasing of third party rigs and other products which to me hints at some obvious industry collusion). Despite all that, the Black Magic camera is still an incredible product. 

I would like to know how the 90min battery held up and if it was a problem?

I think I'm in love with this camera. Sure, it has it's flaws, but it just looks like a joy to use and is decently affordable. If only I had the funds! Very jealous of James and the final piece looks fantastic...

I think I'm in love with this camera. Sure, it has it's flaws, but it just looks like a joy to use and is decently affordable. If only I had the funds! Very jealous of James and the final piece looks fantastic...

why are the panning shots jerky at the beginning? Every DSLR shoot looks like that as well. Is it not trning off IS on that lens? A real video camera does not jerk like that, unless on a really crappy 25 dollar tripod. an deven then it is not that much of a snap effect. Can't be an inherent defect in teh camera?

I'm not noticing a whole lot of jerkiness. What is your definition of a  real video camera? 

They're not jerky, at all ... I think you're talking about a moire effect? Try watching it on a different browser

Can you tell me what viewfinder you are using here?

Is the tokina lens a canon or Nikon? Thanks!