GH5 vs BMPCC 4k?

AESJ · 2021-02-10T01:50:27+00:00

Hi there, our church is live-streaming our Sunday services via SlingStudio. Current set up is: 2 inexpensive Canon Vixia camcorders with wireless packs on tr...

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GH5 vs BMPCC 4k?

AESJ

And also thinking...for saving some money...of getting the nice camera set up for main camera, and supplement with 3-4 cheaper options, like the Sony A6400...?

joelwsmith

AESJ And also thinking...for saving some money...of getting the nice camera set up for main camera, and supplement with 3-4 cheaper options, like the Sony A6400...?

I encourage people to stick with as many of the same cameras as possible. This helps with consistency in image quality and color matching, as well as keeps as much consistency for you and others that use the cameras. No need to learn multiple cameras and menus, and it's easier to support all the same camera than it is to purchase specific accessories that only work on one or the other. Just something to keep in mind as you plan.

joelwsmith

@AESJ

All of that info really helps. Thanks for that.

Both the GH5 and the BMPCC 4K are great cameras, and either option will work well for your situation. They each have their own pros and cons:

GH5 Pros
- Smaller body
- Flip-out and rotating screen
- Better battery life (for the gimbal camera)
- Built-in image stabilization (some of the best available)
- 4K HDMI output (for future or special projects)
GH5 Cons
- Not as good in lower light compared to the BMPCC
- Screen is smaller, so it can be more difficult for camera ops to see for focus
- Autofocus is slow and unreliable
- Requires a dummy battery adapter for AC power
BMPCC 4K Pros
- Larger built-in screen, big enough for most situations
- Has separate DC power port and power adapter
- Records in better quality codecs
- Can record to SD card, CFast card, or USB-C drive
- Can apply a LUT to only the HDMI output, giving you tons of control over the style and look
BMPCC 4K Cons
- Awkward shape body - difficult to mount on a lot of smaller gimbals
- Poor battery life
- HDMI output is only 1080p
- Autofocus is slow and unreliable, AND it is single touch only (no constant AF)
- No image stabilization - stabilization has to come from how the camera is rigged or from lenses that have IS built-in

As far as autofocus is concerned, you shouldn't need it for static camera shots at all. Once you set focus it shouldn't need to change. Autofocus causes more distractions and issues than it solves in these situations, that's why I recommend turning it off.

The BMPCC will still be able to do a LUT on the HDMI output. The ATEM connection is not necessary for that. Just so you know. The ATEM will only give you control of the focus, iris, record start/stop, tally lights when a camera is live, and maybe zoom if you use one of the lenses that has power zoom (only 3 lenses that offer that, and none of them I recommend).

As far as lenses, I recommend sticking with native Micro Four Thirds lenses as much as possible. You could use an EF to MFT adapter for your Canon 18-135mm if you'd like, but that's about the only reason I would recommend one in this situation. I would encourage you not to get caught up in the crop debates or getting the extra stop of light. A lot of people get into the numbers way too much where they confuse themselves (and others) or they overthink it. For your situation you really don't need a speed booster.

You can see my lens recommendations and some ideas about what types of framing you can get from certain distances here: http://joelwsmith.com/live-streaming-cameras#micro-four-thirds-lenses

AESJ

Awesome, I really appreciate all the thoughtful advice. There is so much info out there that it's hard to dissect what's best for our setup. And I think you've convinced me to move forward with recommending the BMPCC 🙂

joelwsmith

@AESJ

I think that's a great start.

Feel free to reach out again with any questions. I know there's a lot of details to think through.

AESJ

Sorry...last question...any reason to consider the 6k model over the 4k?

joelwsmith

@AESJ

Good question.

IMO, the only legit reasons I can see for choosing the 6K over the 4K models for live production are the EF mount and/or the need to get a shallower depth of field. Or if you want to use the cameras for other purposes, then that can be a good reason. But for the static cameras especially, you won't really reap much benefit with the 6K.

AESJ

Hi Joel, I lied...one more question 🙂

I'm all in on the BMPCC 4k now, but I also came across the BM Studio Camera on their website. Do you have any knowledge of that camera/setup? I like the idea of a manned main camera set up like that, with a static BMPCC 4k as second camera, and a third one on a gimbal. This may all be wishful thinking because of budget, but I thought I'd ask!

joelwsmith

AESJ

Unfortunately, I do not recommend the Blackmagic Studio Cameras for churches nearly ever. That's an older model camera and they do not perform nearly as well compared to the newer Pocket Cinema Cameras. I would recommend sticking with all of the same model camera as much as possible.

AESJ

Great, thank you!

AESJ

Hi Joel,

Good news is that we invested in 3 BMPCC 4k cameras thanks to your help (and generosity of our congregation)! We also received the Panasonic 100-400mm, Olympus 12-100mm, and Olympus 12-40mm lenses. Our plan is to use the long lens in the back of the room obviously, the 12-100 for medium shots of the stage area, and the 12-40 on a DJI gimbal.

We are now trying to configure our setup and move away from SlingStudio to ATEM Mini Pro switcher and software. We are a small church, so the ability to control some of the features on the camera from the booth is key. My initial concern is 1) the stability of the HDMI signal and 2) how to wirelessly transmit the gimbal camera to the booth.

I've come across a few fixes but was wondering your thoughts on it?

Thanks as always!
Anna

joelwsmith

AESJ

Here are my recommendations for HDMI cables: The Best HDMI Cables

And I specifically note which fiber cables (for lengths greater than 25' or so) will work natively with the ATEM Minis and the BMPCCs for camera control in that list.

Here are my recommendations for wireless cameras: The Best Wireless Video Systems For Live Production

AESJ

Nice, thanks!

joelwsmith

AESJ

Just be aware that pretty much all wireless HDMI systems will not pass the camera control info to the BMPCCs from the ATEM.

AESJ

Yes, we figured that would be the case. Is it also true if we decide to convert the HDMI signal to an SDI signal?

joelwsmith

AESJ

Actually, not always. If you use 2 of the new Blackmagic Design Micro Converter Bi-Directional SD/HDMI 3G (Affiliate link), then they will maintain the camera control signals between the BMPCCs and the ATEM Minis.