Like everyone else last week, you may have been drooling over the notion of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K shooting 12-bit RAW. But if something was causing you to wait on ordering this compact 6K camera, Blackmagic has dropped a series of test footage clips to eliminate all doubt.
With its compact size, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K packs a huge punch thanks to a larger Super35mm image sensor and the ability to shoot using an EF mount lens without the need of a speed booster adapter. It can shoot in 12-bit color using Blackmagic Raw, and with dual ISO, it has the same impressive dynamic range as its younger brother, the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. In fact, it's essentially the same camera with an upgraded image sensor and lens mount. But that extra sensor real estate boosts image resolution to 6K, making it the first pocket-sized 6K camera.
Blackmagic shot a variety of scenarios to give you an idea of how the BMPCC 6K performs in the wild, including an indie film, a music video, documentaries, and even wedding and real estate videos, all of which have a variety of lighting situations to take full advantage of the dual ISO capability. You can see them all on Blackmagic's website, but let's take a look at this mock indie film directed by Alice Stephens.
Blackmagic is marketing the BMPCC 6K as a versatile shooter that can prove its power in a myriad of different kinds of projects, thanks to its small form factor, high dynamic range, and, of course, that 6K resolution.
Creating cinematic virtual home tours: This is where the dual ISO can really let the camera's high dynamic range shine. It was shot using both Blackmagic extended video modes RAW Q0, and Q5 using a trio of Canon EF mount lenses. The variety of lighting conditions are handled very nicely with some solid details.
Documentaries: Shooting a documentary in the field can demand wide dynamic range to shoot in a variety of lighting scenes. The benefit is that just about everything a shooter could need, including a large 5" touchscreen with focus assist, is built-in. Note the variety of lighting challenges in the forest, that's what dual ISO buys you...dynamic range. And the detail of the bark on every tree or leaf is impressive. I'd bring extra batteries, though.
Weddings: With a Super 35mm image sensor, wedding videographers can make a couple's happy day even more dramatic with a cinematic flair, and do it while recording to an external drive for those long moments you don't want to miss swapping out memory cards.
Music Videos: For this clip, filmmaker Hamish McGregor shot a music video at 8:1, which enabled him to know exactly how much storage he would need to get enough coverage for the 2 1/2 minute video. And thanks to shooting in 6K, filmmakers could get up to three different camera angles from a single take, making production time fast and affordable for struggling bands.
Indie Films: At under $3,000, the BMPCC 6K can be the ideal camera for shooting your low budget indie film while still giving it a big-budget look. The low cost, frees up room in the budget for higher-end cinema primes like the Atlas Orion 35mm and 80mm T2s, or the Sigma Cine zooms giving your low budget production even higher production value.
News and Sports Gathering: Shooting at a variety of frame rates, and with its handy dynamic range, it wouldn't surprise me if the BMPCC 6K becomes a popular ENG option for smaller TV studios and websites looking to add a big city feel to their reports.
Blackmagic has also made the original camera files available for download, so users can play with color correction to test the grading capabilities. You can download the original camera files here.
It seems to me, that the only real competitor to the BMPCC 6K in this price point is from Panasonic and it's full-frame S1H. It's going to be interesting to watch these two go head-to-head.
10 Directing Lessons From Yasujirō Ozu
Ozu always kept it simple, beautiful, and deep.
Yasujirō Ozuu, a name synonymous with the golden era of Japanese cinema, has inspired filmmakers and cinephiles across generations. His approach to storytelling, framing, and character development offers a treasure trove of lessons for aspiring directors.
In this post, we delve into ten of his most influential techniques.
Let's get started.
1. The Importance of "Ma" (Negative Space)
Ozu’s use of "ma," or negative space, in his compositions teaches us about the power of what is not shown. His frames often feature empty spaces that speak volumes, encouraging viewers to engage more deeply with the scene.
2. Low and High Camera Angles
Ozu's signature low camera angles, often at the eye level of a seated person, create an intimate perspective. This approach invites the audience into the world of the characters, making the experience more immersive.
His high camera angles of buildings, bird's eye views, and static scenery shots emphasize a world that changes before our eyes.
3. Minimal Camera Movement
In stark contrast to contemporary filmmaking, Ozu often used a static camera. This technique forces the viewer to focus on the subtleties of the performance and the composition of each frame.
4. The Pillow Shot
Ozu frequently inserted "pillow shots," short, transitional scenes of nature, everyday objects, or settings, to create a contemplative pause in the narrative. This technique allows for a moment of reflection and emphasizes the environment's role in the story.
5. Restrained Editing
Ozu’s editing style is marked by its restraint. He often avoided conventional editing techniques like cross-cutting, instead opting for straight cuts that offer a more straightforward, contemplative flow.
6. Finding The Profound in the Everyday
Ozu's films often revolve around everyday life and simple stories, yet they touch on profound themes like family dynamics, the passage of time, and the clash of tradition and modernity.
7. Subtle Performances
Ozu directed his actors to deliver understated performances, believing that subtlety could convey deep emotions more effectively than overt drama.
8. Set Design
Ozu's meticulous set designs were integral to his storytelling. He carefully arranged every object in the frame to reflect the characters' inner lives and the film’s broader themes.
9. The Beauty of Simplicity
Ozu teaches us the beauty of simplicity in both storytelling and visual composition. His films, devoid of complex plot twists or elaborate cinematography, capture the essence of the narrative through simple yet powerful means.
10. Respect the Audience
Ozu respected his audience's intelligence, never over-explaining or spoon-feeding the story. He believed in the viewer’s ability to piece together the narrative and find personal meaning in it.
Yasujirō Ozu’s filmmaking philosophy transcends time and cultural boundaries, offering universal lessons for directors. His emphasis on simplicity, subtlety, and the profound in the everyday makes his work a continuous source of inspiration and learning.
It's amazing to have art like his to study and breakdown as we emotionally connect with its storytelling.
Now go watch his films and take these lessons into your own work.