If Canon is the Microsoft of the camera world and Sony is Apple, would Blackmagic be Linux? Probably, especially with its super chill announcement vibe. The Australian company releases new cameras almost every year with either giant leaps, like the URSA Mini Pro 12K, or incremental baby steps, like the new BMPCC 6K G2.
But with the release of the latter, the BMD Pocket lineup has gotten a bit fussy. So let’s break down what’s currently being offered, and why you should get one over the other. Because sometimes, the biggest and baddest isn’t always the best choice.
BMPCC 6K Pro
We’ll start at the top with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro and go down (or up depending on how you feel). The “flagship” Pocket camera of the lineup, the 6K Pro packs a mean punch in a tiny package. It almost feels like an upgrade to the original BMCC 2.5K, if you look at BMD’s release history as a whole. It’s got the uber-popular EF mount, internal NDs, a Super 35 CMOS sensor, and an optional viewfinder that’s received some love from the modding community.
BMPCC 6K ProCredit: Blackmagic Design
Key Features
- Effective Sensor Size: 23.10mm x 12.99mm (Super 35)
- Lens Mount: Active EF mount.
- Lens Control: Iris, focus, and zoom on supported lenses.
- Dynamic Range: 13 Stops.
- Dual Native ISO: 400 and 3200
- Supported Codecs: BRAW and ProRes 422
- Shooting Resolutions: up to 6144 x 3456 (6K) in 50 fps
- Frame Rates: up to 120 fps in 2.8K
- Built-in ND Filters: 2‑stop, 4‑stop, and 6‑stop IR ND filters.
- LCD Screen: Tilty 5” 1920 x 1080 w/ 1500nits
- Battery Type: NP-F570
- Optional EVF attachment
- Price: $2,495
If you want the biggest and baddest, this is the biggest and baddest camera that BMD has to offer in the Pocket lineup. The internal IR ND filters are a great addition, and the Gen 5 Color Science from the URSA Mini 12K Pro really shines. The LCD screen is super bright at 1500nits and tilts in most of the directions you need. So why would you want anything else?
BMPCC 6K Pro
- Bright 1500 cd/m² Tilting HDR LCD
- Super35 HDR Sensor, Gen 5 Color Science
- Dual XLR Inputs, Canon Active EF Mount
- NP-F570 Battery, Built-In ND Filters
- Record 6K 6144 x 3456 up to 50 fps
- Dual Native 400 & 3200 ISO to 25,600
- CFast 2.0 & SD/UHS-II Card Slots
- Record up to 120 fps Windowed HD
- USB Type-C Recording, 3D LUT Support
- 13-Stop Dynamic Range, Autofocus Support
BMPCC 6K G2
The second generation of the regular BMPCC 6K isn’t so much an upgrade, but a replacement to get the design language in line with the updates made by the 6K Pro. In a nutshell, it’s basically a 6K Pro without the ND filters and an LCD screen that may not have 1500 nits (we're still investigating). But, it’s also cheaper and comes with a little bit more versatility.
Key Features
Key Features
BMPCC 6K G2 (we promise this is a different picture)Credit: Blackmagic DesignKey Features
- Effective Sensor Size: 23.10mm x 12.99mm (Super 35)
- Lens Mount: Active EF mount.
- Lens Control: Iris, focus and zoom on supported lenses.
- Dynamic Range: 13 Stops.
- Dual Native ISO: 400 and 3200
- Supported Codecs: BRAW and ProRes 422
- Shooting Resolutions: up to 6144 x 3456 (6K) in 50 fps
- Frame Rates: up to 120 fps in 2.8K
- Does NOT have ND Filters
- LCD Screen: Tilty 5” 1920 x 1080 (brightness is not listed)
- Battery Type: NP-F570
- Optional EVF attachment
- Price: $1,995
So yeah, it’s just a cheaper 6K Pro without any NDs, right?
Well, technically yes. But like I said in the announcement article, the lack of NDs opens up the 6K G2 to some interesting modifications, specifically the Magic Booster from LucAdapters. If you ever wanted a full-frame-esque 6K Pro, the 6K G2 is how you get it.
Key Features
BMPCC 6K G2
- Super 35 HDR Sensor, Gen 5 Color Science
- Canon Active EF Mount, Dual XLR Inputs
- 5" Tilting LCD Touchscreen
- Does Not Have Internal ND Filters
- Record 6K 6144 x 3456 up to 50 fps
- Record up to 120 fps Windowed 2.8K/1080p
- CFast 2.0 & SD/UHS-II Card Slots
- Dual Native 400 & 3200 ISO
- Supports Optional Pro EVF
- Supports Optional Pro Battery Grip
BMPCC 4K
The OG of the first BMD Pocket redesign, BMPCC 4K brought the lineup out of the HD landscape and into the world of 4K. It has an MFT-sized sensor and mount, as well as similar recording features to the 6K G2 and 6K Pro. Although you don’t have internal ND filters or a port for the optional EVF. It's also probably the cheapeast RAW-capable, 4K camera on the market.
Key Features
BMPCC 4KCredit: Blackmagic DesignKey Features
- Effective Sensor Size: 18.96mm x 10mm (Four Thirds)
- Lens Mount: Active MFT mount.
- Lens Control: Iris, focus, and zoom on supported lenses.
- Dynamic Range: 13 Stops.
- Dual Native ISO: 400 and 3200
- Supported Codecs: BRAW and ProRes 422
- Shooting Resolutions: up to 4096 x 2160 (4K DCI) at 60 fps
- Frame Rates: up to 120 fps in 2.6K
- Does NOT have ND Filters
- LCD Screen: Non-tilt 5” 1920 x 1080 (brightness is not listed)
- Battery Type: Canon LP-E6.
- Does NOT support the optional EVF attachment
- Price: $1,295
So why would you get a camera with a smaller sensor, less resolution, a dimmer screen, and no support for the EVF? Well, I think the BMPCC 4K might actually be more versatile than either of its 6K siblings. Because of the MFT mount, the Pocket 4K is able to adapt pretty much any photography and cinema lens on the market (save for Super 16 cinema glass unless you crop the sensor).
That kind of versatility can be a huge selling point. Creatives can also use a whole range of focal reducers that are unsupported by the 6K cameras, giving you the option to increase your field of view to match, or even exceed, the 6K Pro.
BMPCC 4K
- 4/3"-Sized HDR Sensor
- DCI 4K60, 2.8K80 Raw in 4:3 Anamorphic
- Dual Native 400/3200 ISO / up to 25,600
- Up to 2.6K 120 Raw for Super16 Lenses
- 5" Touchscreen Display
- Active Micro Four Thirds Lens Mount
- CFast 2.0 & SD/UHS-II Card Slots
- External Recording via USB Type-C
- 13-Stop Dynamic Range, 3D LUT Support
- Includes DaVinci Resolve Studio License
Let’s Recap
So, which BMD Pocket camera is right for you? If your work relies on focal reducers or uses a wide assortment of lenses and lens mounts, the BMPCC 4K is a much better option than the 6Ks. If you want a cheaper version of the 6K Pro and don’t mind the missing internal NDs, then the 6K G2 is a great entry camera into the BMD ecosystem. Finally, if you need internal NDs, only shoot with EF glass, don’t care about focal reducers at all, and don’t mind paying extra, the BMPCC 6K Pro is your winner.
Some food for thought—if you are upgrading from another BMD camera to the 6K G2, that might not be the best option for you. The G2 is an easy and affordable entry into the land of Blackmagic, but if you already have a first-generation 6K and want an upgrade, go for the 6K Pro.
Whatever you choose, BMD cameras produce gorgeous images without breaking the bank. But remember, the camera will only take you so far. Going further than that will always be up to you.
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