Blackmagic design has announced a RAW, 2.5k cinema camera with a sensor size that falls somewhere between S16mm and Micro 4/3. Blackmagic has really created a lot of buzz for this camera by pricing it at $3,000. It has a unique form factor with the battery and touchscreen LCD built right in.

Here is a quick list of the details:

• Price: US$2995
• Perks: comes with a free copy of DaVinci Resolve
• Resolution: 2432 x 1366
• Sensor size: 15.6mm x 8.8mm
• Recording format: 12-bit DNG RAW or Log ProRes on 2.5″ SSD drives
• Lens mount: EF Canon mount
• FF35mm Crop factor: x2.3
• Form factor: built in touchscreen LCD and battery
• Rolling shutter: a bit better than the 5D MkII
• Low light performance: not as good as 5D MkII

Sensor Size:

Here is how the Blackmagic Cinema Camera’s sensor size stacks up against other cinema cameras. It is the bright blue rectangle labeled BMD:

The microEVF is the first electronic viewfinder designed from the ground up specifically for HDSLR cameras. The microEVF is not just a bulky repurposed LCD monitor: It is designed specifically for the needs of HDSLR emphasizing compact lightweight design, superior power consumption, and incredible affordability.

Here are the specifications:

• Adjustable focusing diopter
• Built-in HDMI passthrough for supporting additional monitors
  
• Oversized soft rubber cinema-style eyecup
• standard HDMI input connector
• Industry-standard 15mm rod pin: Viewfinder positioning infinitely configurable with Redrock support accessories
• Lightweight design requires minimal support – can be mounted from lower rails, top rails, or shoe-mounted rails
• Compatible with any HDSLR or videocamera that provides HDMI out (5D MKII, 7D, T2i, 1D MKIV, Nikon D3s, Nikon D3100, Nikon D7000, Panasonic AF100, etc.)

microEVF Advanced Electronic Assist Features

• additional features to be announced

microEVF Technical Specifications

• HDMI connection with pass-through
• 1.2m total dots
• Backlit LED, very low power requirements
• Internal battery lasts 10+ continuous hours of operation
• Weight: less than 6 ounces

Pricing and availability

• Estimated $595 for the complete EVF – unlike other solutions with hidden costs, does not require additional viewfinder loupe.
• Availability to be announced

John Saunders has posted a bunch of close up pictures of how the Redrock system integrates with the Canon 5D Mark II: www.redrockmicro.com/forum/

Here is a video of Brian Valenti at NAB 2009 showing off the Redrock DSLR rig:

The Nikon D90 and the Redrock DSLR setup were used to film a Doug Burr music video. This is a great behind the scenes video from that shoot.

Ivan Kovax has posted some pics comparing RED’s Epic and the Canon 5D Mark II. The camera on the far right is the Nikon D90.

The general size is probably pretty close to the final design, though. The RED Pro Prime is at the large end of what you would most likely using with the Scarlet.

Here is a nice picture of the Scarlet without a lens attached:

And one of the Scarlet from the back: