There are many benefits of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K including:
- Lightweight: The camera is surprisingly light thanks to the plastic composite shell and carbon fiber.
- Grip: It also has a good size grip with easy access to function buttons, control dials, and a record button.
- Easily access to ports: On the side, you’ll find memory card slots for CFast 2.0 and SD cards, and on the opposite side, you’ll find a USB-C port to connect a solid-state drive.
For a more in-depth look at what the camera has to offer, look at the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K specs.
Size and Handling
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K users enjoy the camera’s size and handling as well. Some of the top features include:
- 5-inch multitouch display at the back
- Responsive controls
- Easy to judge focus
The only thing missing is a viewfinder. That said, because you’re required to use the screen with your hands, a loupe adapter would be impractical since you would have to frequently take it off to change the settings and control the menus.
Battery Life
The camera uses Canon LP-E6 batteries, the same as many other popular Canon cameras, which means it easy and convenient because you can continue using your old cameras. However, because the power management can seem poor at times, you may want to consider an external power solution, like the Core SWX Powerbase EDGE, which can last for hours.
Connectors and Storage
The BMPCC 4K beats any mirrorless camera on the connection side. Some of the benefits include:
- 3.5mm microphone and headphones jacks
- Professional mini-XLR locking connector for high-quality mics
- Mix and match the stereo 3.5mm jack and mini-XLR
- 12-volt power connector locks to decrease the likelihood that it will be pulled out if you’re doing event work or working in a studio
- Full-sized HDMI connector and USB Type-C connector
There are two different recording formats:
- CinemaDNG RAW at 272 MB/s maximum
- ProRes 422 HQ at up to 118 MB/s
With no limitations on the length you can record, you could easily connect a power connector and large SSD to capture long speeches or weddings. There are three different recording options, although you can only choose from two at a time. You also cannot record to two cards at one time, which would potentially leave videographers without a backup.
Sensitivity and Sensor
When evaluating the camera’s sensitivity and sensors, users find:
- The noise of the sensor is pleasant and can be easily removed using de-noise in DaVinci Resolve
- The camera has an MFT sensor that’s supposed to be extremely light-sensitive with dual ISO of 400 and 3200
- The BMPCC 4K has a Four Thirds sensor with an effective 18.96 x 10mm size
Click here to learn more about the performance and video quality.
Resolutions, Frame Rates, and Codecs
As opposed to other camera manufacturers, what sets the Blackmagic camera apart is that they can record RAW and other flavors of ProRes. While the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K originally could not record in Blackmagic RAW, its 6.2 update added support for Blackmagic RAW, which is available as a free download from its website.
Professional-Grade File Types
This camera doesn’t offer consumer video formats. Everything is at least 10 bit with 4:2:2 color. That means smoother gradients with better color resolution and improved flexibility for grading and compositing.
Autofocus
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K does struggle in some areas, including focus. While auto-focus is available, it’s oftentimes slower than just using the manual focus feature. It also sometimes focuses incorrectly, even in well-lit situations.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
This camera is similar to the 4K version, with a backside that’s dominated by the large 5-inch touch screen. While it works well inside, it’s hard to see the touch screen when you’re outside in the sunlight. Next to the screen, you’ll find six buttons:
- Focus assist
- Menu
- Autoexposure
- Autofocus
- High frame rate
- Playback.
On the top right-hand side of the camera, you’ll find the:
- Record start/stop button
- Still photo button
Behind it, you’ll find buttons for:
Continue reading more about the specs of the
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K vs. 4K
The Basics
- Same lens: Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art
- Extra for the BMPCC 4K:
BMPCC 4K
- 27-53mm
- f/1.2
- Sensor size: 18.96 x 10mm
- H. Crop factor: 1.9
- Lens 35mm equivalent: 27-53mm
- Aperture: f/1.2
BMPCC 6K
- 28-55mm
- f/1.8
- Sensor size: 23.1 x 13 mm
- H. Crop factor: 1.56
- Lens 35mm equivalent: 28-55mm
- Aperture: f/1.8
Comparison of Video Features
BMPCC 4K
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Dual Native ISO: 400 and 3200
- Max. frame rate in 4K/UHD: 60 fps
BMPCC 6K
- Resolution: 6144 x 3456
- Dual Native ISO: 400 and 3200
- Max. frame rate in 4K/UHD: 60 fps
Which Is Better?
Only you know which camera will work best for you. The BMPCC 6K has a unique advantage in that you can reframe if you’re shooting in 6K. However, the BMPCC 4K has a focal reducer that is more viable for small spaces, poor locations, and low light.
Media Cards
If you’re recording in 4K, it’s important to know how many media cards you’ll need and how much they’ll cost. Here are the limits for short film:
- 15-minute duration
- Shooting ratio is 7:1
That means you’ll end up with 105 minutes of video (7 x 15). Here’s a quick comparison of the cameras to give you an idea of the media required:
BMPCC 4K
- Media: Samsung T5 500 GB
- GB required per day: 125 GB
- Minimum drives: 2
- Cost of drives: $185
- Total drive space required: 375 GB
BMPCC 6K
- Media: Samsung T5 500 GB
- GB required per day: 320 GB
- Minimum drives: 2
- Cost of drives: $185
- Total drive space required: 960 GB
Battery Life and Power
BMPCC 4K
- Battery life: 30-40 minutes
- Batteries: 18
- Chargers: 3
- Cost of one battery: $45
- Cost of one charger: $80
BMPCC 6K
- Battery life: 30-40 minutes
- Batteries: 18
- Chargers: 3
- Cost of one battery: $45
- Cost of one charger: $80
Which Is the Better Camera for Filmmakers on a Budget?
- BMPCC 4K: The cost of camera and lens, media, and batteries is $3,568
- BMPCC 6K: The cost of camera and lens, media, and batteries is $4,304
What About Longer Projects?
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K will be more expensive in the long run because the lenses and full-frame are more expensive and the storage requirements are higher.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is a great product that’s lowered the bar for anyone who wants to get into professional film production. It’s an affordable option that is ideal for indie filmmakers, students, and others who want to dabble in filmmaking. If you’re interested in learning how you can use the camera to be a better visual storyteller, you may want to consider our Cinema Production Diploma, which teaches the basics of how to use a camera as well as other filmmaking techniques.
