Fremont, CA—A more powerful model, the new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro camera includes features for high-end digital film. The camera boasts a brighter 1,500–nit, adjustable, 5-inch HDR touch screen; built–in ND filters; a larger NP-F570–style battery; as well as support for an optional electronic viewfinder (EVF).
It also incorporates Blackmagic Design’s latest generation 5 color science; a Super 35 HDR image sensor with 13 stops of dynamic range; dual native ISO of 25,600; and an EF lens mount.
With Blackmagic’s 5 color science technology, filmmakers get a new dynamic 12-bit gamma curve to capture more color data in the highlights and shadows. This technology also handles some of the complex Blackmagic RAW image processing, so color and dynamic range data from the sensor is preserved via metadata that filmmakers can use in postproduction.
“With the new Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, we wanted to include all the high–end features from digital film cameras into a Pocket Cinema camera design,” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. “This means you get an extremely portable digital film solution but with all the advanced features; like the amazing ND filters, optional viewfinder and bright HDR touch screen.”
The cinema camera packs high–end digital film functions into a miniaturized, handheld body. Made from lightweight carbon fiber polycarbonate composite, it has a multifunction handgrip; all controls for recording, ISO, WB and shutter angle are at a fingertip. Moreover, its sensor reduces thermal noise, allowing for cleaner shadows and higher ISO.
With a 6,144×3,456 Super 35 sensor and EF lens mount, the Pocket Cinema 6K lets filmmakers use larger EF photographic lenses to create cinematic images with shallower depth of field. As a result, it captures creative defocused backgrounds and bokeh effects.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro Key Features
The 6K-capable camera’s pro features include an adjustable–tilt, 5-inch HDR LCD monitor with 1500 nits for use in bright sunlight. On–screen overlays show status and record parameters, histogram, focus–peaking indicators, levels and frame guides. And the upgraded display tilts up and down to frame shots from any position.
Additionally, the camera’s 13 stops of dynamic range and dual native ISO to 25,600 provide low noise images in all lighting. The native ISO 400 is ideal for on-set lighting. The gain is set automatically as users adjust the setting. Consequently, it’s easier to capture images when there’s no time to set up lights.
Plus, the camera’s larger Super 35 sensor permits shooting with anamorphic lenses. As with other Pocket Cinema models, it shoots at 60 frames per sec in full resolution or 120 fps windowed.
What’s more, because it employs an EF lens mount, videographers can use lenses they already own for DSLRs, the URSA Mini Pro or the original Blackmagic Cinema camera. They can also use commonly available photographic lenses that provide creative choice and feature–film–quality effects. In addition, the active lens mount lets users adjust focus and iris from the buttons on the camera or the touch screen. 
Furthermore, motorized IR ND filters let shooters reduce the amount of light entering the camera. Matching the camera’s colorimetry and color science, the 2–, 4– and 6–stop filters provide additional latitude, even under harsh lighting. The IR filters also filter optical and IR wavelengths evenly, eliminating IR contamination. Additionally, activation buttons on the rear of the camera body are within easy reach of a thumb via the multifunction handgrip. And user–selectable filter settings are displayed as an ND number, stop reduction or a fraction on the LCD.
Additional Features
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K records using standard open file formats. Subsequently, users don’t need to take the time to transcode media. Recording works in industry standard 10-bit Apple ProRes files in all formats up to 4K. The camera also supports 12-bit Blackmagic RAW in all formats up to 6K. Best of all, media files work on all operating systems, and filmmakers can format media cards and disks in HFS+ for Mac and ExFAT for Windows.
The camera also incorporates a mini XLR input with 48 volts of phantom power for connecting professional microphones. It also has two mini XLR connections, allowing users to record two separate audio tracks using two mics, without an external mixer. In addition, the four built–in mics have a low noise floor and are shock and wind resistant. There’s also a 3.5mm audio input for connecting video camera microphones, along with a built–in speaker for playback and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The Pocket Cinema 6K Pro camera also uses larger NP-F570 batteries. A locking DC power connector is employed so filmmakers won’t have to worry about losing power during a shoot. Plus, the included AC plug pack can power the camera and charge the battery simultaneously. Even the USB-C expansion port can trickle charge the battery; this permits the use of portable battery packs, mobile phone chargers and laptops. Moreover, an optional battery grip lets users add extra batteries to extend the power to keep shooting all day.
Optional EVF
The Pocket Cinema 6K Pro supports an optional viewfinder to make outdoor and handheld shooting easier and more accurate. It features an integrated 1,280×960 color OLED display with a built–in proximity sensor and a four-element glass diopter for accuracy with a wide -4 to +4 focus adjustment.
The EVF’s digital focus chart ensures users have seamless viewfinder focus setup. They can also view critical status information such as frame guides. Attaching to the camera via a single connector, the viewfinder has a 70º swivel range and comes with four types of eyecups for both left and right eyes.
Additionally, as with all Pocket Cinema camera models, the 6K Pro includes a full version of DaVinci Resolve Studio. It is the same software used in Hollywood for creating high–end feature films, episodic television shows as well as commercials.
DaVinci Resolve includes the new cut page with intelligent editing tools to help users quickly find the footage they want, edit it together and output it faster. The software also provides DaVinci’s professional editing, advanced color correction, audio post and visual effects tools.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro is available for a suggested retail price of $2,495.
