It looks like Blackmagic camera mods are all the rage at the moment. First, we had the Nexus G1, based on the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K (buy here). Now, we’ve got the AltCineCam Eclipse, built around the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera (buy here).
Yes, that’s right, the original Micro Cinema Camera with a 1080p Super 16 Fairchild sensor. It feels like an odd move when other manufacturers have already started moving beyond 4K into 6K and 8K territory.
AltCineCam Eclipse Cinema Camera V1
This isn’t the first time the team at AltCineCam have messed around with customising the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera. You might remember they created a Bolex-style camera with one last year. They’ve since released a build guide and all the files to make your own.
For the Eclipse, however, AltCineCam teamed up with Pixel CNC to come up with a more polished, and finished solution befitting a professional working environment. The modification turns the Blackmagic base model into a box camera. It has a similar size to the RED Komodo 6K. Of course, the video specs aren’t quite as high.
The low resolution will disappoint some users. There are many newer and higher resolution cameras they could’ve gone with instead. But the dual-ISO Super 16 sensor in the Micro Cinema Camera is rather good. And with tools like Topaz Video AI, it’s easy to upscale today.
For others, the resolution will be just fine. Despite living in a 4-8K world, 1080p is still popular. Many still watch videos on older TVs. Social media platforms also don’t often need – or show – high-resolution video. So, for those users, it may be perfect.
AltCineCam Eclipse Cinema Camera V1 Specs
| Camera | Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Super 16 Fairchild Sensor (1080p) |
| LP Filter | Custom AltCine Optical Low Pass Filter |
| Display | 4.3″ 1000 nits display |
| Body | Custom designed cube shape for easy rigging |
| Video Out | Full size HDMI and 2x SDI out |
| Audio Input | 3.5mm, TRS and XLR inputs |
| Audio output | 3.5mm headphone socket |
| Power | 12v DC in, 5V USB-C out |
| Dimensions | 130 x 120 x 105mm |
Price and Availability
AltCineCam has not yet announced a price for the Eclipse Cinema Camera V1. They also haven’t said exactly when they might be available. But you can see sample footage in the video at the top of this page. And to find out more, visit the AltCineCam website.
