The first half-hour of today's Blackmagic Design started to shape up as just a quick update on some organizational improvements with DaVinci Resolve 16. And while they were sweet to see, we really were hoping for more. Well, Grant Petty delivered by dropping a 6K nuclear bomb on the cinema camera industry, announcing the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K with an EF mount. WOW.
"The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K features incredible new 6K imaging and EF lens support that customers have asked for," said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. "It has all of the great features customers love from the 4K model, but now adds an EF lens mount, increased 6K resolution for even higher quality images and more. Plus, with the built in Video Assist features, customers don't have to purchase and carry around extra equipment. DaVinci Resolve Studio is also included, making it an incredible all in one solution that enables anyone to be creative and tell a story."
Credit: Blackmagic Design
Feature for feature, the BMPCC6K is essentially the same as its 4K younger brother, except for the obvious addition of an EF mount lens. Petty explained that they just couldn't slap an EF mount on a 4K camera and call it a day. If you really wanted to take full advantage of using EF mount lenses, you had to have a larger Super35 image sensor as well. The result was a 23.10mmx12.99mm image size with a resolution of 6144x3456. Other features of the new Pocket Cinema Camera 6K include:
- Use for independent films, documentaries, blogs and more.
- Designed from carbon fiber polycarbonate composite.
- Multifunction grip allows single-hand operation.
- 2 models with 6K at 6144 x 3456 and 4K at 4096 x 2160.
- Compatible with MFT or EF lenses.
- Wide 13 stops of dynamic range for film looks.
- Up to 25600 ISO for incredible low light performance.
- Records full resolution up to 60 fps or 120 fps windowed.
- Standard open file formats compatible with popular software.
- Built in SD, UHS-II and CFast card recorders.
- Features incredible quality Blackmagic RAW recording.
- Built in 5" touchscreen allows accurate focus when shooting 6K.
- Blackmagic OS as used in URSA Mini and URSA Broadcast cameras.
- Includes Blackmagic Generation 4 Color Science.
- Features full-size HDMI for monitoring with status overlay.
- Professional mini XLR input with 48-volt phantom power.
- 3D LUTs can be applied for both monitoring and recording.
- USB-C port allows recording directly to an external disk.
- Built-in timecode generator for syncing multi-camera shoots.
- Supports still frame capture up to 21.2 megapixels.
- Supports remote camera control via Bluetooth.
- Powers via 12V DC input and can recharge via USB-C.
- Includes full DaVinci Resolve Studio for post-production.
Credit: Blackmagic Design
As you can see, it's the same basic feature set as the 4K model. Petty also mentioned that the original Blackmagic Cinema Camera was very popular with users, who supported BMD at the beginning, and Blackmagic wanted to reward them by giving them an easier upgrade path so they could continue using their investment in EF mount lenses.
Credit: Blackmagic Design
But the larger question is, how will it handle battery life. We all know that the BMPCC4K is ravenous when it comes to its battery power, and I have a hunch it'll be even more hungry in 6K. But that's what the Pocket Cinema Camera Grip is supposed to be for, am I right? "The reason why we announced the Pocket Cinema Camera Grip for September," says Blackmagic President Dan May, "is because we knew we really needed it for this 6K camera."
The BMPCC6K, as well as the other cinema cameras in Blackmagic's lineup, will also be getting a camera update, version 6.6, this Fall, which promises multiple languages, and a software-based leveling feature that will tell the shooter if their camera is level right on the screen. The Pocket Cinema Camera Models will also enjoy a new Super16 Crop (4K model only), 2.8K 4:3 Anamorphic Mode, and standard widescreen options.
The 6K BMPCC is in stock now from Blackmagic at a price of $2495. Dan May also said that those who have had their 4K camera on backorder, can essentially cancel that order and get a 6K BMPCC within a matter of days.
"I'm hoping we see unboxing videos by the weekend," May said.
