A third B-Raw camera may seem extreme, but for a single shooter and one who likes to get all the angles in one go, it may be a must (see; “Holidays, With Some Tests To Be Done”)?*
I am a B-Raw convert, not simply for the quality and versatility, but the work flow in Resolve (same family, same genes). V-Log is also excellent, especially with All-i implementation, but B-Raw opens up a different mind set. The camera goes from “making the footage look good”, to “when making it look good, how else do I want it to look”.
Options;
I have three Panasonic cameras that can shoot out to a B-Raw recorder (GH5s, S5, G9II) and three that can shoot out to ProRes HQ (2x G9, S5II) into a Video Assist, but I only have 2 BMVA 12G’s**.
I did my research here and am satisfied the GH5s is the equal of the BMPCC4k in most respects, only differing in colour (that B-Raw mostly fixes), while providing a more naturally coloured and video-sharp file, the S5 is basically the equivalent to the 6k L-mount with benefits and the G9II is the next gen and far superior to a BMPCC4k in handling and other features.
The logical thing would be to add a second 5” video assist to fully enable all three of my Raw capable cameras. At about $900au, it is reasonably priced, but unexciting (may be a looming sale).
The G9II is possibly the best of the three based on (not much else I can find), the implementation of B-Raw in the other newer cameras (S5IIx is closest), but that cam is also probably my best All-i/V-Log shooter and if kept light for movement using AF, the BMVA becomes a “thing”.
Upgrading the S5II for $300au is an option, so a 12G and upgrade for $1200au, but still boring and my S5II is a decent stills hybrid using V-Log only.
If I were to get into a BM camera, there are two logical roads.
The 4k Pocket is only $1450au or so and may have a sale coming this season (nothing yet). Looking at that sideways it is a 5” BMVA 12G with a built in camera for another $500.
Even has the lens I would use.
The camera that cemented BM in the indie pro-am cinema world is not to be ignored. Is there another sub $1500au camera that can shoot ProRes and B-Raw internally with those lovely BM colours? With XLR sound input it is actually closer to a 7” video assist and only a little dearer.
A BMVA can also be used to record ProRes HQ as backup while providing a monitor, so either a third cam or a primary with a backup. I have 2 matching sets of M43 cine lenses and tons of stills glass to support these. It can be matched to the GH5s I have (that I originally chose over it). It would also allow me to shoot three M43 cams or two and a full frame and free up the G9II for other duties.
There are issues with the 4k, such as batteries, fixed screen, AF, storage, etc, which was why I went for the GH5s, but none that I do not have an answer for now.
This would effectively be a mess-less M43 Raw rig, I may not even need a cage.
The other is the Pyxis 6k for about $3500au.
There is a lot of fuss about the S1II at the moment, but the Pyxis has some advantages. It does not need an assist, just a monitor (optional), it has cinema grade connections, is native to B-Raw, full frame, a genuine cinema option and is cheaper than the S1II body alone.
Lovely.
I have all the battery, lens, storage and even monitors I need covered, so a body only and I am done. It can also shoot with a BMVA as backup/monitor. The S1II would be lovely, but I still need another recorder (+$900), so closer to $4500 au and still not a true BM camera.
At this point I am waitng to see what the sale season coughs up. A BMVA 5” or BMPCC4k for a couple of hundred under retail would be the way to go short term or just save up for a Pyxis.
After my testing, I may even find I don’t need anything.
*It may very well be that 2x B-Raw (GH5s, S5) and 2x V-Log cams (G9II, S5II) are more than enough if I can match their footage, I just need to test that. Maybe some more SSD’s and power packs are all I need.
**There is also one that can shoot ProRes HQ to an SSD (G9II), which means in ProRes HQ I have 3 cams.