The BmD Cinema Camera sensor is slightly larger than S16 film, and slightly smaller than the GH2's m43 16:9 mode.
Some recent examples of successful films shot with sensors/formats smaller than the BmDCC include "Slumdog Millionaire", "The Hurt Locker", and "Avatar". For example, Avatar was shot with 2/3" 1080p cameras (very nice 2/3" 1080p cameras!), and so far has earned >$2.5 billion and counting.
I agree with you that a larger sensor/format would be nice, but sensor/format size is not
necessarily a significant barrier to successful filmmaking -- at any level.
The BmDCC sensor has approx. 2.5K pixels. Given the sensor size, and compared to the mega-mega pixel sensors in popular DSLRs, the BmDCC sensor has big, fat pixels. Generally speaking that bodes well for the BmDCC's potential sensitivity and S/N. Of course, the proof will be in the pudding when the final production version of the cam starts shipping.
In the meantime, pre-release BmDCC sample footage and frame grabs are available on John Brawley's blog:
http://johnbrawley.wordpress.com/
IMHO there's a
lot to like about this new camera. Cheers.
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http://www.peterdv.com
