C100: Why is a C100 Worth Over Twice the Cost of a BMCC?

M

mhood

Veteran
I'm not asking this in a rude way at all. I'm seriously thinking about a C100 instead of a BMCC but beyond the obvious availability factor, the C100 does cost over twice as much and does need a Ninja 2 for 4:2:2.

:undecided
 
The BMC is a box with a lens mount, internal battery, an SSD slot, and some in/out connections with a super reflective back screen. However, it does do RAW to high priced SSD's, and the image is GORGEOUS, the dynamic range is AWESOME, etc.

The C100 is ergonomically a totally different camera and ballgame. Just because the C100 is 420 internal or 1080p doesn't mean the price makes no sense.

A BMC with added accessories to give it the ergonomic advantages of the C100 would be bulky and cost just as much. That plus SSD's.
 
I really think one needs to think about what your needs are and find the camera that works best for you. The price is important but usability is more.
The BMCC at $3K is only the start. Add all the bits to get it working the way you need it and you can double it easy. Plus all the add ons can be a hassle to work with. Frankenrigs here we come! But as Kyle mentioned the image is great and the dynamic range is pretty darn good.
 
I cancelled my preorder for a C100 for these reasons:

  • It's shipping.
    • Canon wins
  • The codec is better than a DSLR
    • BMCC wins here
  • Uses dirt cheap media
    • Canon wins, SSDs are spendy $200-400
  • Can Produce An In-Camera Mirror
    • BMCC can sort of do this with a Hyperdeck attached, but that's another $600
  • Ergonomically ready to go out of the box
    • Canon wins here, those cages and whatnot add thousands
  • Strong Compatibility with Canon Lenses
    • The firmware glitches started scaring me on top of the shipping delays. I mean why not more firmware updates during this down time?
  • Lifecyles of Cameras are 18 months from initial shipping
    • I will be able to write off the C100 while BMCC gets itself sorted and comes out with version 2.0
  • No need for Computer Upgrade
    • Another hidden expense taken care of
 
Not sure your first statement is clear; it sounds like you're saying you canceled your pre-order for a BMC in favor of getting a C100 instead?
 
Yes, I think that's what he meant. I'm also wondering how big a trade off 8 bit 4:2:2 is over the BMC's 10 bit 4:2:2. Any enlightenment?
 
I'm totally undecided. Much is riding on this next BMD update for me...if it's solid, I'll be keen on the BMC again...if not, I'll likely cancel and make the move to a C100. In my heart, I know that the C100 makes MUCH more sense for the run and gun corporate work I do. But...the allure of that BMC image is a real siren's song.
 
thehadgi said:
I'm guessing workflow and what your needs are in post along with turnaround times might be factors?
Click to expand...

Absolutely! Right now, I'd be forced to do ProResHQ with the BMC only. I don't have Thunderbolt and I must post on a Lenovo Windows 7 64bit laptop that will likely get nowhere with Resolve. I'm a totally portable setup with CS6 and must stay that way.
 
Based on what you're saying, it seems that the obvious choice for you and what you do (based on the limited information I have) is the C100. If you're not planning on using Resolve, then you aren't going to get much out of the Blackmagic compared to what you will be able to do with the Canon. Get the C100, pay it off with your run and gun corporate work, and get BMCC v2 if you can justify it at that point.
 
dmdzine said:
pay it off with your ... work
Click to expand...
Exactly. I don't really get the "is it worth this much". If you use these tools for making money then $3K is nothing compared to the amount of money you have forked out for lenses, tripods, rigs, lighting, storage, computers, monitors, software, ... and old cameras.

Personally I look at it as getting the same 1080P performance and look as a C300 or C500, using the same Super 35 sensor/processor, but to pay for that Canon have removed some features which make it not as competitive as a FS100 or similar. But I still got that chip.
 
vanvideo said:
Can a Ninja do this? I thought 8-bit out of an SDI/HDMI is always going to be 8-bit, no matter the recording device.
Click to expand...

The output will always be 8 bit 4:2:2, but you can store it in an 10 bit container such as ProRes 4:2:2.

But you won't be 'upgrading' the original quality. Obviously you won't be downgrading it either.
 
AndreeOnline said:
The output will always be 8 bit 4:2:2, but you can store it in an 10 bit container such as ProRes 4:2:2.

But you won't be 'upgrading' the original quality. Obviously you won't be downgrading it either.
Click to expand...

I wonder if there are any advantages (like gr8er grading room maybe)?
 
the BMC camera is a box with a lens and a couple of ports. Once you pick it up and start shooting with it i think you will find it severely limited as a camera. If dynamic the range of the BMC trumps all other factors then its the camera for you. I see the the BMC as a one note song and would probably set it aside after 5 minutes or less because of all its functional limitations.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top