The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (BMPCC) has been a game-changer in the world of digital filmmaking, offering an unprecedented level of quality and affordability. One of the most significant advantages of the BMPCC is its ability to capture stunning images in RAW format. But does it really shoot RAW? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of RAW imaging and explore the capabilities of the BMPCC.
What is RAW and why is it important?
Before we dive into the specifics of the BMPCC, let’s take a step back and understand what RAW imaging is all about. RAW files contain the raw data captured by the camera’s sensor, without any in-camera processing or compression. This means that RAW files contain a tremendous amount of data, including metadata, exposure information, and color temperature data.
Shooting in RAW offers several advantages over traditional JPEG or H.264 formats. RAW files provide:
* Greater flexibility in post-production: Since RAW files contain more data, they can be easily edited and graded to achieve the desired look and feel.
* Better image quality: RAW files tend to have a higher dynamic range, which means they can capture more detail in both shadows and highlights.
* Improved noise reduction: RAW files allow for more effective noise reduction, resulting in cleaner and more detailed images.
Does the BMPCC shoot RAW?
Now, let’s get to the main question: does the BMPCC shoot RAW? The short answer is yes, but with some caveats. The BMPCC can capture Blackmagic RAW (BRAW) files, which is Blackmagic Design’s proprietary RAW format.
Blackmagic RAW is a 12-bit RAW format that captures a massive amount of data, including:
* 12-bit logarithmic encoding
* 4:1 and 4:4:4 color subsampling
* 60fps at 4K resolution
* 120fps at 1080p resolution
The BRAW format is designed to provide a balance between image quality and file size. Blackmagic RAW files are smaller than traditional RAW files, making them more manageable for storage and post-production.
Benefits of Blackmagic RAW
Blackmagic RAW offers several benefits, including:
* Faster workflows: Blackmagic RAW files are optimized for fast workflows, allowing you to import, edit, and grade your footage quickly and efficiently. : Since Blackmagic Design is also the developer of DaVinci Resolve, the free video editing and color grading software, Blackmagic RAW files integrate seamlessly with the program. So, how does Blackmagic RAW compare to other RAW formats? Let’s take a look at a few popular options: * Arri RAW: Arri RAW is a 16-bit RAW format used by Arri cameras. While it offers superior image quality, the files are much larger and require more storage. Blackmagic RAW is a 12-bit format, which means it’s not as data-intensive as 16-bit formats like Arri RAW or RED RAW. However, it still offers exceptional image quality and is more manageable in terms of file size and processing power. Now that we’ve covered the basics of Blackmagic RAW, let’s talk about how to shoot RAW with the BMPCC. Here are a few tips to get you started: * Modes and settings: Make sure to set the camera to RAW mode by navigating to the camera settings and selecting “Blackmagic RAW” as the file format. One of the biggest advantages of shooting Blackmagic RAW with the BMPCC is the seamless integration with DaVinci Resolve. Here’s a brief overview of the RAW workflow with DaVinci Resolve: * Importing footage: Import your Blackmagic RAW files into DaVinci Resolve, which automatically recognizes the format. In conclusion, the BMPCC does shoot RAW, but with its own proprietary format, Blackmagic RAW. While it may not be as data-intensive as other RAW formats, it still offers exceptional image quality and flexibility in post-production. By understanding the benefits and workflow of Blackmagic RAW, you can unlock the full potential of the BMPCC and take your filmmaking to the next level. Note: The above table is a comparison of the key features of Blackmagic RAW, Arri RAW, and RED RAW. While it’s not an exhaustive list, it highlights the main differences between these popular RAW formats. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (BMPCC) does have the capability to shoot RAW footage. In fact, it can record 12-bit Blackmagic RAW, which provides a high level of detail and flexibility in post-production. The camera can also shoot in other formats, including ProRes, but RAW is one of its standout features. The RAW capability of the BMPCC is one of the reasons it has become so popular among filmmakers and videographers. With RAW footage, you have more flexibility to make adjustments in post-production, such as exposure, color, and contrast, without degrading the image. This makes it an ideal camera for professionals who want to ensure the highest possible image quality. Blackmagic RAW is a proprietary RAW format developed by Blackmagic Design. It’s a compressed RAW format that allows for high-quality, 12-bit RAW footage to be recorded at high speeds, making it suitable for high-end film and television production. Blackmagic RAW files can be easily edited and graded in DaVinci Resolve, Blackmagic’s popular video editing software. One of the key benefits of Blackmagic RAW is its ability to compress RAW data, making it more manageable and efficient to store and work with. This compression also allows for faster recording speeds, making it possible to capture high-quality footage at higher frame rates. Blackmagic RAW is a unique format that offers some advantages over other RAW formats. While it’s not as widely supported as some other formats, such as RED RAW or ARRI RAW, it has some key benefits. For example, Blackmagic RAW is a compressed format, which makes it more efficient to store and work with than uncompressed RAW formats. Blackmagic RAW also has a more intuitive and user-friendly workflow than some other RAW formats. Because it’s a proprietary format, it’s tightly integrated with DaVinci Resolve, making it easy to import, edit, and grade Blackmagic RAW footage. While Blackmagic RAW is a proprietary format, it can be edited in software other than DaVinci Resolve. However, the support for Blackmagic RAW is currently limited to a few software applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro and Avid Media Composer. If you need to edit Blackmagic RAW footage in another software application, you may need to transcode the footage to a more widely supported format, such as ProRes or DNxHR. This can be done using DaVinci Resolve or other third-party transcoding software. Shooting RAW with the BMPCC provides a number of benefits, including greater flexibility in post-production, improved image quality, and increased dynamic range. RAW footage also provides a more accurate representation of the scene, with more detail in both the highlights and shadows. Additionally, shooting RAW with the BMPCC allows for more precise control over the final look of your footage. You can make adjustments to exposure, color, and contrast, and even apply camera-specific LUTs (Look Up Tables) to achieve a specific aesthetic. While shooting RAW with the BMPCC provides many benefits, there are also some downsides to consider. For example, RAW footage takes up more storage space than other formats, such as ProRes or H.264. This means you’ll need more memory cards or storage devices to accommodate your footage. Additionally, working with RAW footage can be more computationally intensive than working with other formats. This means you may need more powerful computer hardware to edit and grade your footage efficiently. For many filmmakers and videographers, the benefits of shooting RAW with the BMPCC far outweigh the additional storage requirements and processing power needed. The increased flexibility in post-production, improved image quality, and increased dynamic range make RAW a valuable format for many productions. Ultimately, whether or not shooting RAW is worth the extra storage space and processing power depends on your specific needs and goals. If you’re working on a high-end production and want the best possible image quality, shooting RAW may be the best choice. However, if you’re working on a lower-budget production or don’t need the extra flexibility of RAW, another format may be sufficient.
* Improved image quality: Blackmagic RAW files contain a high amount of detail and dynamic range, resulting in stunning images with minimal noise and artifacts.
* Seamless integration with DaVinci ResolveComparison with other RAW formats
* RED RAW: RED RAW is a 16-bit RAW format used by RED cameras. It offers exceptional image quality, but the files are large and require significant computing power to process.Shooting RAW with the BMPCC
* File naming and organization: Organize your files by creating folders and naming your clips accordingly. This will help you keep track of your footage during post-production.
* Monitoring and exposure: Use the BMPCC’s built-in monitoring tools to ensure you’re capturing the desired exposure and color temperature.RAW workflow with DaVinci Resolve
* Color grading and editing: Use DaVinci Resolve’s advanced color grading and editing tools to craft your desired look and feel.
* Exporting and delivery: Export your finished project in the desired format, whether it’s H.264, ProRes, or even RAW.Conclusion
Feature Blackmagic RAW Arri RAW RED RAW Bit depth 12-bit 16-bit 16-bit Color subsampling 4:1 and 4:4:4 4:4:4 4:4:4 File size Smaller Larger Larger Does the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (BMPCC) shoot RAW?
What is Blackmagic RAW?
How does Blackmagic RAW compare to other RAW formats?
Can I edit Blackmagic RAW footage in other software?
What are the benefits of shooting RAW with the BMPCC?
Are there any downsides to shooting RAW with the BMPCC?
Is shooting RAW worth the extra storage space and processing power?