The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K is the predecessor to the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2. It offers 6K RAW & DCI 4K ProRes 422 to CFast 2.0, SD, & external USB-C drives. Key features include:
Super35, 23.1 × 12.99mm, CMOS sensor
13 stops of dynamic range
6K capture to RAW and ProRes
Records to CFast 2.0, SD UHS-II, & external USB-C drives
Updated 6K, S35 Sensor. Blackmagic has quickly embiggened the M4/3 sensor found in the BMPCC4K to a 6K, Super35 version in the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K. It offers full-sensor, 6K capture up to 50p in 12-bit Blackmagic RAW and a number of 10-bit ProRes 422 options. Frame rates can be extended to 120 fps when shooting in cropped 1080p.
Dual ISO Sensitivity. Low-light sensitivity should get a slight increase thanks to the increase in sensor size, and dual native ISO has made the jump to the 6K sensor. This feature modifies the camera’s native ISO to reduce noise at higher sensitivities. The BMPCC 6K ISO range extends up to ISO 25,600.
Canon EF Lens Compatibility. The camera has an active Canon EF lens mount for compatibility with a wide range of lenses from Canon and third-parties like Sigma.
High Battery and Media Demands. To allow the capture of 6K/50 RAW files, the BMPCC6K takes CFast 2.0 and SD UHS-II, and you’ll only get about 8 minutes per 256GB at that format. External USB-C drives can also be used for longer record times with a lower cost per gigabyte. Power is provided by common Canon LP-E6 or LP-E6n batteries, but be warned, this camera will eat through a fully charged battery in approximately 45 minutes. Please plan your power and memory needs accordingly.
Other Features. The camera has a big 5" touchscreen monitor on the back, but video can be monitored externally via the full size HDMI port. It provides high quality audio input and 48V phantom power to microphones via its mini XLR input. Use of professional microphones will require a Blackmagic 19.5-Inch Mini XLR to XLR Female Cable, which is not included with the rental.
With the larger S35 sensor, you’ll gain a reduced native crop factor, shallower depth of field, and arguably some gains to low light capability but I wasn’t all that impressed with any improvements...
With the larger S35 sensor, you’ll gain a reduced native crop factor, shallower depth of field, and arguably some gains to low light capability but I wasn’t all that impressed with any improvements to how this camera handles shooting in low light. If you’re not in need of 6K files, I don’t think you gain much here. It’s still a fantastic deal but not a large enough improvement over the BMPCC4K to justify the upgrade over getting the 4K and a speed booster or two for more lens options.
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