180 3D VR with the upcoming Blackmagic Micro Camera

These cameras take genlock so can be synced better than GoPros.
I would think any halfway decent C mount fisheye would have sufficient MTF.

Pros:
interchangeable lenses
Sync
Global shutter
Manual exposure settings
Better dynamic range
More compression options

Cons:
Bigger than GoPro so more parallax
HD format only (GoPros typically 1920 x 1440 for coverage, can go higher)
16:9 format requires more cameras for coverage (GoPros typically set 1.33 aspect ratio)
Cabling would likely make size more of an issue
More expensive camera, extras of batteries, lenses, etc.

There's also a 4k version
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagicmicrostudiocamera4k

Neither camera is shipping yet.

They are due in July. In horizontal mode they are too wide for most stereo. In vertical mode they are good (6.5cm). So full circle fisheye would work well. Fujinon make nice C-mount fisheyes but are an old design. Micro camera is Super16 sensor which is 12.5mm by 7.0mm sensor I think. This CCOM CS fisheye looks a good fit, with 190 degree coverage, 6.5mm image circle. Fujinon are brighter and have a variable iris but would be more expensive and have a lower megapixel rating -- 5 Mp vs. 8Mp for the CCOM lens. (Edit: I didnt look at the CCOM specs very closely -- in fact it is a zoom fisheye 2.8-12 mm fl so maybe it is not optimal -- unless you want to shoot full frame fisheye as well as full circle fisheye)

http://converterexport.gmc.globalmarket ... 21105.html

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/optica ... 86ha-1.pdf

I would think a genlock controller will be available soon after the cameras appear (from 3rd parties). Genlock is mentioned in the specs for both cameras
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/produc ... techspecs/

A Sigma 4.5mm fisheye has an image circle about 15mm I think so that would give you full frame fisheye coverage on the Micro of about 150 by 90 degrees -- that would be very sharp.

I've already pre-ordered 4 of the Micro Studio 4k cameras and I have the Production Camera 4k (BMPC4k) that I use to shoot 360x180 (non-stereo) right now (Sunex 5.6mm SuperFisheye and Sigma 4.5mm) in portrait.

The Cinema camera from the OP's link does not sync if I'm not mistaken (correction I am mistaken, I had only read the discussion on the BM forums and not the actual site, thanks for the correction MediaVR), the Studio cameras and Ursa line of cameras do sync (although you will have to get a sync generator as they don't generate sync).

BlackMagic is unfortunately notorious for delivering late with their NAB announcements so I'm not holding my breath that they will be out in July or will be free of the issues that have plagued the early builds of their Cinema or Studio cameras (FPN, black sun, etc...)

That being said I researched many cameras including a crazy Toshiba 4k 60hz "surveillance" type camera used for scientific and medical purposes (http://www.toshibacameras.com/products/ ... l_ik4k.jsp) which retails for $17k each camera that includes a control box and cabling. I believe the guys at VR Playhouse were also investigating this camera and had successfully tested it with a proper fisheye lens (Toshiba rep provided this info to me not VR Playhouse).

I am a big fan of BlackMagic and Davinci Resolve is incredible (you get a hardware dongle and free updates with purchase of BM cameras). For reference here is minimally graded and sloppily cloned 360 clip I shot last month as a test from my client's rooftop in Manhattan. It was super overcast and since the BMPC4k shoots RAW 4k (4000X2160) I have been able to pull out blues from the cloudy sky and warm up the skin tones a little.

Here is a 20 second clip shot 4k RAW off the camera with super minimal grading (used built in LUT) that I cloned the zenith to test workflow with this setup (before I configured my rig to shoot portrait with the Sunex), it has scratch audio recorded from the camera and was stitched together using PTGui Pro and After Effects CC:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/z7a0j5kayukd5 ... d.mp4?dl=0

A still of the current color grade I'm outputting my full clip with with sky keyed out and a fake cloud and quick nadir cloning:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/q120tkvoz3yna ... t.jpg?dl=0

edit: Also take note that the Micro Cinema camera shoots 1080p while the Micro Studio 4k shoots 1080p and 4k (at 30fps though). The Micro Cinema camera is self contained like a GoPro (not including external Canon battery pack)whereas the Micro Studio 4k is a studio camera and can take a battery too but does not have any way to store the content on the camera itself. As with all BM cameras there are limitations that come with the lower price point. The Micro Cinema has a global shutter, limited to shooting 1080p30, instead of 1080p60 which you get when using the rolling shutter.

It looks like the MS4k doesn't have a global shutter which the MCC can utilize up to 1080p30, oh well:
http://forum.blackmagicdesign.com/viewt ... =2&t=34947

Epic replies from all around. Thanks guys.

Saw this thread while writing a reply / review of the Blackmagic Micro Cinema camera for VR 360 use, over at viewtopic.php?f=33&t=24769&p=302273#p302273

We've been developing a high end professional 360 rig for the BMMCC's / BMMSC4k's, and I've shared some of our findings over at that link.

Hi,

Now when the BMMSC 4K is out, did you manage to put together a 360 rig?

I am looking at doing the same thing and I am looking for a good lens to use. I would need as much FOV as possible, but it seems hard to find for this little sensor. I would be very happy for any help.

Best regards,
Magnus

Bumping this thread:

Anyone have any success with BlackMagic Micro for 180/3D?

No one in this thread mentioned the 2.88x crop factor on that--is it even possible to get a good spherical image on that sensor?

Bumping again, as I am looking to build a similar rig. Looking for lens choices really. 

I have heard of people using the sunex lenses, but havent ever used one. So, thoughts on lenses?