So I got an official email this morning confirming something I knew already. The Black Magic Production 4K camera has been delayed. Apparently they have only just received the first batch of sensors for the cameras and need to do finish the software for the camera so it’s been delayed. Sadly this is not all that unusual from Black Magic.

The good news is that the pocket camera is shipping. I’m not convinced about this camera. Small super 16mm sized sensor with a Micro 4/3 lens mount so very hard to get decent wide angle lenses. It looks like the sensor might only actually have 1920 x 1080 pixels, so the resolution after de-bayer will be around 1.4K. So your giving up a lot just to have raw and ProRes. It is cheap, the price cannot be argued with, but in reality will it be a better camera than say a Sony NEX-5 or Panasonic GH3? Time will tell.

The other good news is that the Blackmagic Cinema Camera EF and MFT models will be reduced in price to US$1,995. These cameras are a bit of an ergonomic disaster in my opinion. But, for $1,995 the quality of the images you can get are very good. It’s a great way to learn about raw and raw workflows and in the right hands a very capable (if awkward) camera to use. If you looking at getting one do take a look around the web at those already using them. A lot of people are spending a lot of money on rigs, viewfinders, external batteries etc. You don’t have to buy all of this stuff, but to make the camera really useable you are going to have to spend a bit of extra cash over and above the camera only price.