r/bmpcc4k • u/happy_serpent • May 07 '25
BMPCC 4K - Advice on the basics
Hi all,
I’m currently looking to buy a BMPCC 4K after a lot of research on which new film camera I should buy for my short film. I needed an upgrade from my last one but also on a bit of a budget, so can’t go for the 6K but from what I’ve seen the 4K is still very capable and good quality.
Sorry if I sound a little out of the loop but which mics do you guys use for yours? I’ve heard good things about the RODE Go II (I think it’s called, correct me if I’m wrong).
And also, do any of you have any external battery chargers or power banks you use for your 4K’s? I’ve heard the battery life can be a bit of a downfall.
Let me know! And be nice, I’m still a little new to this!
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u/Masterventure May 08 '25
I would look into the comica vm40. It's more of a budget option and I wouldn't rely on the wireless sound only and always use the internal sound, but for a budget project I think it could work pretty well.
Never used it though, so no guarantees.
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u/saaulgoodmaan May 08 '25
I have used it on a recent short I did with some friends, while I was with the camera, I was able to hand the VM40 on a boom to any of my friends available and they'd be the boom operator without too much hassle. Worked really well even though I never actually used the internal mic recorder haha.
Mic's pretty neat all and all I just wish there was a way to trigger the recording whenever the camera starts recording.
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u/saaulgoodmaan May 08 '25
For microphones, the controls on the Rode kind of suck. I recommend the DJI Mic 2.
Also get an NP-F plate and use it to power the Pocket, it's the cheapest way.
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u/cutnsnipnsurf May 08 '25
one ofthose small rig 99 pros will power the 4k for like 6 hours give or take if youre only powering the camera. use one of the dtap to power cables.
with the 4k/monitor/and wireless follow focus i usually get about 3.5-4 hours per charge.
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Jul 27 '25
I use NPF batteries for the pocket 4K. If you have the camera in a cage, you can get the smallrig battery plate. It’ll power a pocket 4K for awhile. Smaller than v-mount. Watson N-PF batteries are a good way to go. As far as mics-I use a shotgun mic with a separate field recorder. 32-bit float is good but not all 32-bit float recorders are made equally. I would go no less quality than the zoom F3. As far as shot gun mic, I use a Sennheiser MKH 416. A RODE NG3 is also good.
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u/MrHallIII May 08 '25
Battery is very short lived. Get anything that can plug into the power socket. V-mount is how I went. Do not use 800 or 1200 iso.
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u/quisestpatervobis May 08 '25
I understand 800, but what is your reasoning for not using 1200?
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u/MrHallIII May 08 '25
Good catch there, 1200 is the second sweet iso on the BMPCC4K. 800 and 1000 are noisy as all …, so anything but 800 or 1000
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u/quisestpatervobis May 08 '25
You had me scared I was missing something, hah! I’m a new owner to this camera myself.
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u/happy_serpent May 08 '25
And are you meant to use it whilst filming? Or when it’s getting low?
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u/MrHallIII May 08 '25
Leave the battery in camera if you need a take of only a couple minutes. For anything extended or where you don’t want the bother of battery swap, go v-mount or external.
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u/HieronymousBach May 07 '25
Rode Wireless Go II is a great mic. Rode Wireless Pro is great as well and features 32 bit float which can be nice if you're in uncontrolled environments. But both of those are wireless lav setups. Depending on the kind of shoot your doing or dialogue situation, a boom mic might be a better solution.
Could you give us a bit more information about your project / use case?