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...

This site is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More

Return to Main Site

GH5 vs BMPCC 4k?

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.