3 minute read
New firmware for BMCC
The unavailability of the Blackmagic Cinema Camera until recently has not slowed down the software development team. They've just released version 1.2, the headline feature of which is Timelapse
Throughout their difficulties with the third-party sensor used in the camera, Blackmagic has kept customers and observers informed with an unusually frank series of blog posts. But detailing the trials and tribulations of the sensor problems has been an effective exercise in public relations: the transparency from the company has reassured buyers, and deliveries are now ramping up as users start to get hold of their cameras.
The headline features of 1.2 are:
Timelapse: apparently a wide range of timings is on offer
An aperture indicator: available for use with compatible EF lenses
ExFAT formatting for SSDs: this is a disk format that accepts extremely large file sizes and is compatible with Windows and OS X without additional software
Capture and playback through Thunderbolt: The BMCC implementation has been approved by Intel.
The BMCC's architecture is extremely amenable to upgrades, because it is FPGA based with a touch screen. You can only wonder what they will add next!
Here's the Blackmagic press release in full:
Blackmagic Design Announces Blackmagic Cinema Camera 1.2 Software Update
New Blackmagic Cinema Camera 1.2 software update includes time lapse recording, aperture indicator, ExFAT disk format and Thunderbolt support for Windows!
Fremont, CA - January 31, 2013 - Blackmagic Design today announced a new software update version 1.2 for the Blackmagic Cinema Camera which adds exciting new features including time lapse recording, aperture indicator when using compatible EF lenses, as well as ExFAT formatting for SSD disks. The Blackmagic Cinema Camera has now been certified by Intel for capture and playback with Thunderbolt™ computer hardware operating under Windows™. Blackmagic Cinema Camera 1.2 software update is available to download now free of charge from the Blackmagic Design Website.
The exciting new time-lapse recording feature allows customers to capture incredibly stunning time-lapse video in CinemaDNG RAW 2.5K, Apple™ ProRes or Avid™ DNxHD. Customers have an extremely wide selection of capture rates with this new time lapse recording feature as they can select from every second frame all the way up to one frame per 10 minutes.
The addition of the new aperture indicator on the status strip and SDI output overlay for EF compatible lenses allows customers to easily check F stop settings on the LCD display screen!
With the addition of Windows for Thunderbolt, users with certified Thunderbolt hardware will now be able to use a wide range of Windows based software as well as Blackmagic Design’s UltraScope and Media Express software over Thunderbolt with the Blackmagic Cinema Camera.
Support for Windows formatted ExFAT SSD disk adds flexibility for customers to use either HFS+ or ExFAT formats. ExFAT is a Windows based operating file system that features state of the art technology, including large sized disk and file support, wide compatibility and high performance. In addition, Mac OS X also supports ExFAT disks, so ExFAT formatted disks can be plugged into both Windows and Mac OS X machines without any third party software required. Simply insert the formatted disk and the camera will automatically detect format, ready for recording!
About Blackmagic Cinema Camera
Blackmagic Cinema Camera includes a super wide 13 stops of dynamic range, large 2.5K sensor, a built in SSD recorder that has the bandwidth to capture open standard CinemaDNG RAW, ProRes and DNxHD files, a built in capacitive touch screen LCD for direct metadata entry, standard jack audio connections, built in high-speed Thunderbolt connection, 3 Gb/s SDI output, a refrigerated sensor for low noise, and has a choice of two models for either EF or Micro Four Thirds compatible lenses.
Blackmagic Cinema Camera has been designed as the perfect companion to Final Cut Pro X and Avid Media Composer NLE software. Unlike other cameras, which require the use of custom video file formats that are not compatible with popular NLE software, often making the post production process a nightmare, the Blackmagic Cinema Camera includes absolutely no custom video file formats, and every file type included is open standard. It records into CinemaDNG format for RAW files, ProRes and DNxHD for HD resolution files compatible with Final Cut Pro X and Avid Media Composer.
Blackmagic Cinema Camera includes an innovative industrial design built from solid machined aluminum metal which results in an attractive but rugged design. All of the camera, recorder and display have been shrunk down into a lightweight design that’s very portable.
Blackmagic Cinema Camera Key Features
· High resolution 2.5K sensor allows improved anti aliasing and reframing shots.
· Super wide 13 stops of dynamic range allows capture of increased details for feature film look.
· Built in SSD allows high bandwidth recording of RAW video and long duration compressed video.
· Open file formats compatible with popular NLE software such as CinemaDNG 12 bit RAW, Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD. No custom file formats.
· Includes no custom connections. Standard jack mic/line audio in, BNC 3 Gb/s SDI out, headphone, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology, LANC remote control and standard DC 12-30V power connection.
· Capacitive touch screen LCD for camera settings and slate metadata entry.
· Two models, EF for compatibility with EF or ZE lenses, or MFT for use with Micro Four Thirds lenses or 3rd party lens mount adapters such as PL.
· Supports 2.5K and 1080HD resolution capture in 24, 25, 29.97 and 30 fps.
· Thunderbolt connection allows direct camera capture via included Media Express software and supports live waveform monitoring via the included Blackmagic UltraScope software.
· Includes a full copy of DaVinci Resolve 9.0 color grading software.
Availability and Price
Blackmagic Cinema Camera is available now for US$2,995 from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide.
Tags: Production
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