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Just Released: The Pocket Cinema 6k by Blackmagic

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Above: VIdeo showing camera highlight as well as 6k footage shot with pocket cinema 6k camera provided by blackmagic

A new 6k upgrade for the Pocket Cinema Camera line has been released by Blackmagic Design.

There’s been an explosion in the last year or so in the “prosumer” or semi-pro video production space. The Pocket Cinema 4K and now the upgraded 6k version appear to be aimed at this market.

Examples of a demo music video, a documentary film, an Indie faux film trailer as well as a mock fashion shoot (shown partially in video above) are available to view or download on the Blackmagic web site.

There is also an embedded video player which will play back at up to 4K and if you want to see the original 6k resolution you can load the clips or download.

Photo / Blackmagic

Honestly, with all due respect to the filmmakers hired to do these camera test videos, they almost certainly don’t do justice to what the camera is capable of. They do, however, show a very high quality and texture of what relatively average lighting conditions and subject matter will yield. In the hands of extreme talent the possibilities are intriguing indeed.

One odd feature of our current visual media environment is that camera tech, including the 4K 60fps that any high level iPhone can produce, far outstrips the “broadcast” opportunities, since even 4K phone footage will clog up any average download bandwidth in a heartbeat.

As mentioned above, this higher resolution source footage, as well as the depth of field possibilities and a higher caliber of lenses can all combine to produce magic under the right conditions. This quality will not be lost when seen in less than optimal conditions. And, of course down the road when 5g, Starlink, and all the rest, are the new normal, 4K to 6k to 8k will start to be something even end-viewers will be able to enjoy.

A one minute clip is nearly 7 Gigabytes (!) which gives some idea of how the 6k video is to handle in post production settings. However, even when seen at lower resolutions, online for instance in our video above, the 1080HD version does clearly benefit from the original source footage quality.

A Typical DSLR indoor shot with limited dynamic range (Photo / Blackmagic)
An example of Pocket Cinema 6k with increased dynamic range in same setting (Photo / Blackmagic)

Some of the most practical advantages of the higher spec performance include a higher dynamic range (up to 13 stops according to Blackmagic) and cleaner low light performance, using the ultra sensitive sensor with it’s secondary high base ISO of 3200.

As makers of the highly popular DaVinci Resolve Studio 16 post production software, which is provided at no cost if you purchase the camera, the standard file formats and proprietary Blackmagic RAW will clearly assist grading and editing flexibility.

Remote camera control using the iPad app by Blackmagic or 3rd party compatible apps such as Bluetooth+ or tRigger is also available.

It will shoot at up to 50 fps at 6144 x 3456 Super 35. The Cinema 6k can also shoot still photos at 21.2 megapixels and, with anamorphic lenses it will allow true anamorphic 6:5 aspect at 60 fps with a 3624 x 3020 resolution. Or, if you like 120 fps in 1080HD.

The 6k S35 23.10mm x 12.99 and 6144 x 3456 resolution is the headline and the idea of a camera that adds a major increase in resolution, without jumping up to 8k, which would likely require a top of the line Mac Pro to even begin to manage in post, is a great idea and will perhaps spawn a new standard.

There are also many pro features included in the Pocket Cinema 6k package – input options such as: mini XLR, USB-C, full-sized HDMI, mic input, DC 12v and headphone output.

Weighing in at slightly under 2 lbs and using an EF mount the Cinema 6k is compatible with Canon EF lenses.

Available now and having a retail price of $2495 USD this is, for now, the prosumer dream machine.

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Features

  • 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 lens mounts.
  • 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 external disk.
  • Built in timecode generator for sync muli-camera shoots.
  • Supports still frame capture up to 21.2 megapixel.
  • Localized for 11 popular languages.
  • 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.

Pocket Cinema Camera 6k

Effective Sensor Size 23.10mm x 12.99mm (Super 35)

Lens Mount Active EF Mount

Lens Control Iris, focus and zoom on supported lenses.

Dynamic Range 13 stops

Dual Native ISO 400 and 3200

Shooting Resolutions 6144 x 3456 (6K) up to 50 fps

6144 x 2560 (6K 2.4:1) up to 60 fps

5744 x 3024 (5.7K 17:9) up to 60 fps

4096 x 2160 (4K DCI) up to 60 fps

3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD) up to 60 fps

3728 x 3104 (3.7K 6:5 anamorphic) up to 60 fps

2868 x 1512 (2.8K 17:9) up to 120 fps

1920 x 1080 (HD) up to 120 fps

Frame Rates Maximum sensor frame rate dependent on resolution and codec selected. Project frame rates of 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94 and 60 fps supported.

Off-speed frame rates up to 60 fps in 6K 2.4:1, 120 fps in 2.8K 17:9 and 1080HD.

Focus Autofocus available using compatible lenses.


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