Pocket 4K & 6K - HDMI - Joel W Smith

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Pocket 4K & 6K - HDMI

MoSaunders

Hey there, I have a question concerning the HDMI connections on the pockets. We recently bought a pocket 4k, and I'm not sure if the HDMI connection had the slight shake from the time of unboxing but I'm just now realizing it. We will be doing a lot of plugging and unplugging, so I'm concerned that over a period of time it will result in a problem and basically make the camera useless in live production if something isn't done.

My question is. . .
If we were to cage it up and use an HDMI Clamp, will then the clamp/adapter cause us not to be able to use the controls over HDMI via BMD Switchers?

I'm just afraid that the pocket will end up like the GH4 that I bought for us. I know full size is a little more robust that micro-hdmi, but I still know to be aware.

joelwsmith

MoSaunders

That's a great question.

I recommend using a cage and a compatible cable clamp. That way you don't have to deal with any adapters (more potential points of failure), your cable/connector is secure, and it will still allow camera control (as long the HDMI cable supports the CEC protocol).

Here are the cage and clamp combos I recommend:

SmallRig 2203 Cage for BMPCC 4K/6K
SmallRig 2246B Cable Clamp

8Sinn Cage for BMPCC 4K/6K with HDMI & USB-C Cable Clamp

MoSaunders

joelwsmith

Cool. So basically even though we'll still be doing a lot of plugging and unplugging, once we have the clamp to ease the tension it'll be more safe during usage?

Hopefully we get upgrade to a bigger switcher soon where I'd only need a short little cable to go into the Bi-Di and then SDI out.

joelwsmith

MoSaunders

The clamp will definitely help prevent any wear and tear on the connector from cable weight or the cable accidentally being pulled. But it's not going to prevent issues that come from constant plugging/unplugging. Unfortunately, HDMI connectors are not really made for repeated use like that, so you can run into issues with connectors over time if you are plugging and unplugging cables often.

You may want to try one of the HDMI adapters that are also compatible with the BMPCC cages. That way you can leave the adapter plugged into the camera and just plug/unplug your HDMI cable from the adapter. Then, if a connector wears out it will be on a fairly inexpensive adapter or cable instead of the camera body.

Tilta makes an adapter that fits their cage:

Tilta Full Cage for BMPCC 4K/6K
Tilta 90 Degree HDMI Adapter

While a lot of reviews state that the adapter doesn't fit the Tilta cages, I have not found that to be true. I had that same Tilta cage for my BMPCC 4K and the 90 degree HDMI adapter fit perfectly.

And SmallRig makes one that fits the same cage I mentioned earlier:

SmallRig HDMI & USB-C Adapter