Fremont, CA—At IBC 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Blackmagic Design revealed a multi-product rollout headlined by the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K. Other new products include the Blackmagic Camera app; the Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K G2; the Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Plus G2; the ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel 20 and ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel 30; as well as the Blackmagic Videohub 80×80 12G. Several software updates were also announced.
The Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K is a high-end digital film camera with a full-frame 6K sensor, 13 stops of dynamic range, an L mount and dual native ISO up to 25,600 for low-light performance and recording to CFexpress cards.
“With the new Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K, we wanted to create the most portable camera possible for high-end, large-format cinematography,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design’s CEO. “That’s why we took the Pocket Cinema Camera platform but completely reengineered the electronics inside around a full-frame sensor and an L mount. This means our customers get amazing large-format images in an extremely portable design that also works with the accessories they already own. . . . This is a true high-end cinema camera designed for high-end work. We think it gives our customers a whole new way to tell their stories!”
Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K Main Features
This camera employs a large, 24x36mm 6K sensor to produce precise skin tones, rich organic colors and large-format cinema camera image quality in a portable, lightweight body.
The full-frame sensor, with a built-in low-pass filter custom designed to match it, has a native resolution of 6,048×4,032. Almost three times larger than a Super 35 sensor, it enables you to shoot with a shallow depth of field as well as use anamorphic lenses uncropped for a true cinematic look. In addition, the camera can shoot up to 36 frames per sec at full resolution or 120 fps windowed. What’s more, whether shooting in bright sunlight or in almost no light, the 13 stops of dynamic range with dual native ISO up to 25,600 achieve low-noise images.
The large sensor also permits you to work in various film formats and aspect ratios without sacrificing quality. Using the full area of the sensor lends an open gate 3:2 image, enabling the reframing of shots in postproduction. Additionally, the sensor lets you work in true 6:5 anamorphic without cropping. Consequently, you can make widescreen cinematic images more detailed and in higher resolution than previously. You can also use the classic Super 35-sized window on the sensor to create an instant “close-up” version of a shot that fits with open gate footage.
Furthermore, its native L mount permits the camera to work with a range of new and vintage lenses for more creative choices. With a large 51.6mm diameter, the mount supports the latest full-frame lenses from Leica, Panasonic and Sigma. Plus, a short 20mm flange distance means you can add adapters for a variety of lens mounts.
Video Specs
The Cinema Camera 6K shoots in all standard resolutions and frame rates from HD up to DCI 4K and 6K, as well as Full HD 1080 at 120 fps. It also captures stills at 24.6 megapixels. The camera records at up to 36 fps at 6,048×4,032 3:2 open gate or 60 fps at 6,048×2,520 2.4:1 and 60 fps at 4,096×2160 4K DCI. 
For higher frame rates, you can window the sensor and shoot up to 100 fps at 2,112×1,184 Super 16. Or work in anamorphic 6:5 using anamorphic lenses in 4.8K 24 fps at 4,838×4,032.
Additional Features
Connectivity/transfer features include an integral CFexpress card recorder and a USB-C expansion port for recording directly to external flash media or an SSD. In fact, you can capture more than an hour of full-resolution 6K images on a 256GB CFexpress card. And if you’re doing cloud and mobile work, the camera records deep bit depth Blackmagic RAW and H.264 proxies at the same time.
The camera also has a bright, large, 5-inch HDR touchscreen for framing shots and focusing. On-screen overlays show status and record parameters, histogram, focus-peaking indicators, levels as well as frame guides. You can also apply 3D LUTs for monitoring shots with the desired color and look. Moreover, the LCD monitor tilts up to 180º flat and down to 47º to monitor shots from any position. Plus, its HDR display has 1500 nits of brightness.
The Cinema Camera 6K also supports an optional viewfinder to make outdoor and handheld shooting easier. The 1,280×960-pixel color OLED display has a proximity sensor and a four-element glass diopter with a -4 to +4 focus adjustment. The EVF mounts with a single screw.
Finally, the new camera is powered by high-capacity NP-F570 batteries. A locking DC power connector is used so you won’t have to worry about losing power during a shoot. In addition, an included AC plug pack can power the camera or charge the battery when the camera is not in use. Plus, the USB-C expansion port can trickle charge the battery. As a result, you can use portable battery packs, mobile phone chargers or laptops. An optional battery grip lets you add extra batteries to extend the power of the camera for all-day shooting.
The Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K is available now for a suggested retail price of $2,595.
