BMCC 6K FF vs. Lumix S5IIX. Help me talk myself out of the Blackmagic!
Hey everyone,
I’m facing a major dilemma and could really use some perspective. I currently own the "smaller siblings" of both ecosystems: the BMPCC 4K and the Lumix S9.
My main use case is wedding filmmaking and the occasional documentary.
I absolutely love working with BRAW and the Blackmagic OS/menus. I also think the gyro stabilization is fantastic. Now that Blackmagic finally added DPAF (Dynamic Phase Detection Auto Focus) to the newer lineup, one of my biggest gripes with the platform is solved—though I can't personally vouch for how reliable it is in daily practice yet.
I shot weddings with the BMPCC 4K for years and loved the image. Back then, I operated almost exclusively on a Sirui SVM145 monopod for my shots, so the lack of IBIS on the BMCC 6K FF wouldn't really bother me, as I am used to that workflow anyway.
However, the BMPCC 4K required a full rig, making it way too bulky for spontaneous, private, or run-and-gun shoots. To solve that, I recently picked up the Lumix S9 for personal use.
Before that, I was shooting with the GH6. While it’s an incredibly capable camera, I just never truly bonded with it. I bought the S9 specifically for Full Frame low-light performance and its compact size, but I’m running into a similar issue I had with the GH6: I think I just vastly prefer the Blackmagic color science/Log workflow over V-Log. I can't seem to get warm with it.
To fix this on the Lumix side, I bought a Blackmagic Video Assist 12G 5" to get BRAW out of it. It fixed my color/workflow issue, but that monitor eats batteries like crazy and makes a small setup bulky all over again. Also, even if its BM Color Science, it doesnt seem to 100% fit to my BMPCC4K in comparison ("too clean?"), but maybe thats just me.
The Goal: I want to completely migrate away from Micro Four Thirds (MFT). I don't want to manage two different lens ecosystems anymore. So now I am torn between the BMCC 6K FF (Full Frame) and the Lumix S5IIX.
The Dilemma:
- With the BMCC 6K FF: I wouldn’t need the Video Assist to get BRAW, which is a huge plus. On the downside, there is no IBIS (but as mentioned, I mostly use a monopod, and gyro stabilization is there). I already own V-mount batteries to power it, and for tiny/discreet casual shoots, I still have the S9.
- With the Lumix S5IIX: Combined with my Video Assist, I can get BRAW, incredible IBIS, and phase-detect AF. But the setup becomes a bulky monster again, defeating the purpose of a hybrid body.
Logically speaking, almost everything points toward the S5IIX being the smarter, more versatile camera, especially since quite a few reviews mention that the BMCC 6K FF actually struggles a bit in low light, despite being Full Frame. And for weddings, low light (church, reception, dancefloor) is crucial.
I’m also posting this in the Blackmagic forums, so I know that bias exists, but can you guys talk me out of the BMCC 6K FF? Am I missing something, or am I just blinded by my love for the BM workflow?
On the 2nd hand market, it looks like both can be bought for around 1400 bucks.
Would love to hear your thoughts, especially from anyone who has used both or made a similar switch for event/wedding work!