It’s surprisingly appeared, that one of the cameras that shot Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel”, was the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera. According to Blackmagic, the Micro Cinema Camera was used on filming specific key action sequences. Explore more down below. 

An affordable camera on high-end productions

It’s always good to reveal that the cameras behind some of the most high-budget films are those that anybody can afford.

When I searched for the Micro Cinema Camera on the film’s IMDB Tech Spec, I couldn’t find it. According to IMDB, the cameras used to shoot “Captain Marvel” are ARRI ALEXA 65, Panavision Millennium DXL and the RED Weapon 8K VV Monstro. The codecs were ARRIRAW 6.5K and REDCODE RAW 8K. There is no mention to the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera.

But then I saw Blackmagic press release that describes the utilization of the Micro Cinema Camera by Ben Davis, BSC which is the cinematographer behind “Captain Marvel”. It appears, that the camera was used in tiny places when quick and dirty shots were needed, like in intense action sequences.

In order to get the most epic action shots, the camera must be located in the most dangerous places

Michael Bay

The compact form factor is a significant advantage when shooting action

As blockbuster director Michael Bay once said, that to get the most epic action shots, the camera must be located in the most dangerous places.

Ben elaborates on his on-set experience using the Micro Cinema camera to shoot action in Captain Marvel: “The bar for action sequences has been raised so high that for these to work you have to be very creative with the cameras you use,” concluded Davis. “I want to put the audience in amongst the action, so having a small camera you can rig very quickly is great for that. That’s what I like about action cams like those from Blackmagic Design. They can get you into places you can’t always go with ordinary cameras.”

I want to put the audience in amongst the action, so having a small camera you can rig very quickly is great for that

Ben Davis, BSC

According to Davis, the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera setups were kept as small as possible, breaking out the wireless transmitter into a backpack worn by a camera operator. “The camera’s expansion port gave us lots of options for creating rigs for remote operation and monitoring. Coupled with the fact you can record RAW onboard using SD cards also helped to keep everything small and compact.”

“World’s smallest digital film camera.”

Blackmagic defines the Micro Cinema Camera as “The world’s smallest digital film camera.” Indeed, the camera is smaller even than the Pocket Cinema Camera. Its core is made out of a lightweight and strong magnesium alloy that makes it durable even in harsh production environments. The specs are bit outdated since the camera owns a Super 16 sensor and is capable of shooting 1080 HD resolution with only 13 stops of dynamic range. However, one of the main advantages is the RAW options. The camera can shoot Cinema DNG 12-bit RAW files. The price is also appealing: under $1,000.

Product Highlights

• Super 16mm-Sized Image Sensor
• Active Micro Four Thirds Lens Mount
• 13 Stops of Dynamic Range
• Records FHD 1920 x 1080 CinemaDNG Raw – Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) at 220 Mb/s
• Ultra-Compact Design
• Expansion Port with Radio Control Ports
• SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slot
• HDMI & Composite Output, 3.5mm Audio In

Final thoughts

As I wrote before, it’s fascinating to explore that this tiny, inexpensive and simple piece of cinema equipment is being utilized by topnotch cinematographers on ultra high-budget productions. Furthermore, it’s important to mention that the low resolution of the Micro Cinema Camera (Full HD 1080p) was paired with 8K REDCODE RAW, which means that resolution is not the most crucial factor in a film.

Would you use the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera as your weapon of choice when action shots are needed? Comment below!