Clint Milby
Blackmagic Design has released firmware version 1.9.3 for the Blackmagic Cinema Camera and Pocket Cinema Camera. This update includes the changes we talked about with Blackmagic’s Tina Eckman at Blackmagic Day LA, including histogram and audio level indicators.
The histogram and visible audio levels have been a popular request for some time, and it’s exciting to see Blackmagic giving both in one fell swoop. Here’s the full list of updates in 1.9.3:
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera
- Add histogram, time remaining and audio level indicators. Use Up and Down to reveal and hide the meters while Left and Right will adjust the aperture of your active MFT lens.
- Fixed bug where in-camera playback may sometimes drop frames.
Blackmagic Cinema Camera
- Add histogram, time remaining and audio level indicators.
Installing Blackmagic Camera Utility
Before installing the software, we recommend that you run “Uninstall Camera Utility” first.
After loading the software on the Blackmagic Cinema Camera EF or MFT, you may notice a slight flickering on the built-in LCD screen. This is normal and expected behaviour. The flickering will go away after a few minutes of operation.
The Blackmagic Camera Installer package installs:
- Blackmagic Camera Utility
- Blackmagic Media Express
- Blackmagic UltraScope
- Blackmagic Disk Speed Test
For info on how to update your camera and get the latest firmware, see our video above or go to www.BlackmagicDesign.com/support
Additionally, we have been fortunate enough to have a Metabones EF-BMPCC Speed Booster and a brand new Carl Zeiss Distagon 3,5/18 ZE. This is HUGE because the Metabones allows me to now use all of my EF Mount lenses with out the crop factor which essentially required me to shoot a thousand miles away from my subject. Plus it has the added benefit of increasing the latitude of the lens by 2 to 3 stops. Look for a full review on both coming soon.
More about Blackmagic Camera Utility 1.9.3 from their website:
About Blackmagic Camera Utility
Welcome to the Blackmagic Camera Utility!
This software package allows you to update your Blackmagic Camera to the latest software release for new features, bug fixes and other enhancements.
Please ensure that your camera is plugged into mains power before running the software update.
What’s new in Blackmagic Camera Utility 1.9.3
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera
- Add histogram, time remaining and audio level indicators. Use Up and Down to reveal and hide the meters while Left and Right will adjust the aperture of your active MFT lens.
- Fixed bug where in-camera playback may sometimes drop frames.
Blackmagic Cinema Camera
- Add histogram, time remaining and audio level indicators.
Blackmagic URSA
- No changes
Blackmagic Production Camera 4K
- No changes
Blackmagic Studio Camera
- No changes
Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K
- No changes
Minimum system requirements for Mac OS X
- Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks or later
- Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or later
- A suitable USB 2.0 port
- Thunderbolt port for UltraScope and Media Express when using Blackmagic Cinema Camera or Blackmagic Production Camera 4K
Minimum system requirements for Windows
- Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit
- Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit
- A suitable USB 2.0 port
- A suitable Thunderbolt port when using Blackmagic Cinema Camera or Blackmagic Production Camera 4K
Installing Blackmagic Camera Utility
Before installing the software, we recommend that you run “Uninstall Camera Utility” first.
After loading the software on the Blackmagic Cinema Camera EF or MFT, you may notice a slight flickering on the built-in LCD screen. This is normal and expected behaviour. The flickering will go away after a few minutes of operation.
The Blackmagic Camera Installer package installs:
- Blackmagic Camera Utility
- Blackmagic Media Express
- Blackmagic UltraScope
- Blackmagic Disk Speed Test
Additional Information
Some applications may use third party code under license. For details please refer to the included “Third Party Licenses.rtf” document.
© 2014 Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd. All rights reserved. Blackmagic Design, Blackmagic, DeckLink, Multibridge, HDLink, Videohub, and “Leading the creative video revolution” are trademarks of Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd., registered in the U.S.A and other countries.
Updated August 21, 2014
“it has the added benefit of increasing the latitude of the lens by 2 to 3 stops”
Sorry to be pedantic but it does not increase the latitude of the lens. It increases the speed. So while your widest aperture will be faster, so will your narrowest. The overall range of aperture stops remains the same. Latitude refers to the sensor/film stock, not the lens.