For less than a $1,000, the Blackmagic Design Micro Cinema Camera has become an increasingly attractive buy for indie filmmakers who are looking for a reasonable step-up in image quality as well as for those seeking a compact and relatively affordable B-camera for behind-the-scenes or alternate camera angles. With features like internal Raw recording and a Micro Four Thirds lens mount, there’s no wonder why the Micro Cinema Camera is still a viable option for many folks.
Despite its promising capabilities, however, the camera only ships with the body alone, meaning that you will need a lot of third-party accessories to start using it in a real-world environment. In the next video, Emm of MrCheesyCam lists out several bits and pieces that can be utilized to build out the Micro Cinema Camera as a flexible multi-purpose video device.
When it comes to rigging up the unit itself, the first area of concern has to do with mounting and handling. In this case, the SmallRig Cage for the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera is an essential component to buy, as the abundance of 1/4 20” and 3/8” screw holes allow users to mount a surprising amount of accessories to the build, aiding in expanding the camera’s functionalities.
In addition, the SmallRig Top Handle is also another recommended purchase. Not only does it allow you to hold the camera like a professional camcorder, but the handle also includes a cold shoe base and several mounting holes for attaching even more accessories to the rig.
If you’re building out the Micro Cinema Camera, it’s most likely that you will depend on a standard 15mm rail system. For this, the Dovetail Tripod Mounting Baseplate may suffice your needs. It attaches to the camera (and the SmallRig cage) via a standard tripod screw.
The rail system, on the other hand, accommodates two additional components: a follow focus system and a V-Mount battery. The follow focus system used in this particular case is the Kamerar FF-3 Follow Focus which has a rather low-profile construction that helps to keep the entire unit light and compact for shooting. The camera is powered by a V-Mount Battery attached to an IndiPro Tools V-Mount Plate which interfaces with the unit using an LP-E6 Dummy Battery.
Besides powering the camera itself, the V-Mount battery also runs the Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist HDMI/6G-SDI Recorder. The latter not only allows you to evaluate and compose your shots on the fly, but it can also control the settings on the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera and act as a primary/backup storage solution for the captured media.
Blackmagic Design Micro Cinema Camera Rig Components
| COMPONENTS | AMAZON | B&H |
|---|---|---|
| Blackmagic Design Micro Cinema Camera | Get Price | Get Price |
| SmallRig BMMCC Cage | Get Price | N/A |
| SmallRig Top Handle | Get Price | N/A |
| Blackmagic Design Video Assist | Get Price | Get Price |
| IndiPRO Tools V-Mount Plate with LP-E6 Dummy Battery | N/A | Get Price |
| CAME-TV Compact V-Mount Li-ion Battery | Get Price | Get Price |
| Kamerar FF-3 Follow Focus | Get Price | Get Price |
| Movo CAB1000 15mm Modular Rod Clamp Adapter | Get Price | N/A |
| Rokinon Cine DS 6 Lens Kit | Get Price | Get Price |
| Dovetail Tripod Mounting Baseplate | N/A | N/A |
Even though the components listed above are more than enough to get you started, remember that the gear you choose ultimately depends on the shooting environment you’re going to be working in.
According to your specific needs, you may want to invest in a different recorder, or perhaps rethink the supporting systems (such as the rail system and or the cage). Just make sure to do your proper due diligence in advance and find the best parts that will help your camera run as smooth as possible along the way.
[source: MrCheesyCam]
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