(Update: don't know which BMPCC is right for you? Have a look over here.)
Blackmagic Design isn’t known for a whole lot of fanfare when releasing updates to its hardware. Even the release of the URSA Mini 12K Pro received the same nonchalant delivery, a power move that Grant Petty has become famous for.
Today, Petty stepped back into the spotlight to announce the BMPCC 6K G2, the second generation of BMD’s popular 6K Pocket line (along with a very cool software update). But what’s new for the G2? Is it worth the upgrade? Have you already reached for your credit card?
Before you do, let’s find out what you’re getting.
Pro Body, Semi-Pro Features
From what I’m seeing, the BMPCC 6K G2 is pretty much the exact same camera as the BMPCC 6K Pro, but with one missing piece.
The Internal ND filters. That’s it. They’re gone.
The current line upCredit: Blackmagic Design
Beyond that, you’re getting a full-blown 6K Pro with all the bells and whistles. Tilty-screen, Gen 5 color science from the URSA Mini 12K, Super 35 6K sensor, Sony NP-F570 Battery, and support for the EVF Pro. All for about $500 less than the actual Pro model.
Okay. You’re all caught up. Thanks for reading.
But Why?
Oh, you’re still here. Well, I asked the same question myself. Why not just spring for the BMPCC 6K Pro and be done with it? Are internal ND filters really that important?
According to Petty, some people don’t like them and prefer to use either matte boxes or screw-on filters.
But from where I’m sitting, the lack of internal NDs is interesting for one reason.
Swapping your lens mount. Especially to ARRI PL.
While Wooden Camera does have a PL mount mod for the 6K and 6K Pro, there are limitations to which lenses you could use. In the 6K G2, modders could, in theory, produce a mount that would accept a wider array of lenses. Also, the Magic Booster P6K from LucAdapters is now officially viable again giving you the option to get a full-frame-esque Pocket 6K Pro.
Magic Booster P6K StaticCredit: LucAdapter
The BMPCC 6K G2 isn’t really a camera to upgrade to, especially if you already own a 4K or first-generation 6K. But it is the perfect camera to switch to if you’re just entering the BMD ecosystem.
It seems Blackmagic Design isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here. The 6K needed a facelift to step back into line with the evolutions of the 6K Pro. The G2 does just that.
But the star of the show from today's announcement isn’t about cameras.
Camera Software Update 7.9
The new software update comes out today for all four Pocket cameras. The BMPCC 4K, and all three 6K models. And it’s packed with some cool features.
To start, there are some interesting tweaks and redesigns to the UI. There’s a slider for adjusting focus assist intensity for compatible lenses. You can now select between recording to the SD and SSD via the menu. Frame guides have color options now, and there are improvements to lens control and autofocus. Also, any future software updates after this one won’t delete your custom presets or LUTs, which is nice.
However, Petty has been holding out on us. Apparently, all of the Pocket cameras have a super-secret feature. They have a gyro sensor built in.
With this new software update, this sensor data can be recorded into the BRAW file and then used in DaVinci Resolve to stabilize the footage. And it looks damn good. The camera stores the movement data as a metadata track in the BRAW file, which can then be stabilized in Resolve using BMD’s own AI-powered algorithm. While other companies have had this ability in some fashion (looking at you, Sony), it’s nice to see BMD support multiple generations of cameras with this feature.
Yes, all current-generation Pocket cameras will have this feature enabled. Although you’ll have to wait for Resolve to get the software update in the next day or so.
Where, When, and How Much?
B&H or the BMD website, now, and either free or $1,995.
As always, the software update is free and available right now. So go jump on that if you have a Pocket camera. The BMPCC 6K G2 is also available right now for pre-order and replaces the first generation 6K at $1,995.
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
If you’re already in the Pocket family, maybe skip this update, as you already have most of the features. But if you’re a creative who’s been thinking about the switch to BMD, the new BMPCC 6K G2 has some nice upgrades over the original which should sweeten the pot a bit more.
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