Blackmagic launches the new Pocket Cinema Camera with Super 35 HDR 6K sensor

Based on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, the new 6K camera features a 6144 x 3456 Super 35 sensor and facilitates the use of larger EF photography lenses for cinema-quality images with a shallower depth of field.

Blackmagic Design has been announced in the run-up to IBC 2019 the new model Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, a handheld film camera with sensor Super 35 HDR 6K, 13 stops of dynamic range, EF mount and a maximum dual native ISO value of 25,600 delivers excellent performance in low light situations.

This unit is based on the previously popular Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K version, although it includes a larger Super 35 sensor with 6K resolution that provides higher image quality. For its part, the EF mount is compatible with a wide variety of lenses

The sleek design of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera models packs many features of high-end digital cinema cameras into a compact, portable size. Manufactured from a polycarbonate and carbon fiber composite, these units have a multi-function handle with all the necessary controls for recording and adjusting the ISO value, white balance and shutter angle. Likewise, its sensor is designed to reduce thermal noise and create cleaner shadows and higher ISO sensitivity. Additionally, the 5-inch screen allows for perfect focus at 4K or 6K resolution.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K version includes a 6144 x 3456 Super 35 sensor and facilitates the use of larger EF photographic lenses, in order to obtain cinema-quality images with a shallower depth of field, which in turn generates backgrounds with blurs and Bokeh-style effects. This means you can shoot in 6K and then, in post-production, zoom and reframe to achieve long shots and close-ups, all with a single camera and without losing quality.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera models have a 13 steps dynamic range, so they preserve more detail in the highlights and shadows of an image than regular camcorders. This provides the ability to set the exposure for an indoor scene, for example in a cafe, and still perfectly capture the objects seen through the window. Even more colors are obtained than with the DCI-P3 color space used in feature films.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera models feature a maximum dual native ISO value of 25,600, lo que significa que han sido optimizados para minimizar la granulosidad o el ruido en las imágenes mientras se conserva todo el rango dinámico del sensor. Un valor de 400 es ideal para escenas rodadas en un estudio. La ganancia se configura automáticamente al ajustar el valor ISO en la cámara, por lo que es muy sencillo captar imágenes excepcionales cuando no hay tiempo de acomodar la iluminación.

El modelo 6K admite frecuencias de hasta 50 f/s a 6144 x 3456 16:9, o de 60 f/s a 6144 x 2560 2.4:1, y 60 f/s a 5744 x 3024 17:9. For higher values, there is the possibility of using a reduced sensor area and shooting at 120 f/s in 2.8K resolution (2868 x 1512) with an aspect ratio of 17:9, or even working in 6:5 anamorphic format with compatible lenses in 3.7K (3624 x 3020) at 60 f/s.

Open format files

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera models generate open format files, so there is no need to convert or transcode them. Likewise, these cameras allow recording at a maximum resolution of 4K in format 10-bit ProRes or Blackmagic RAW de 12 bits en 6K, respectivamente. Además, es posible usar los archivos en cualquier sistema operativo, y se pueden formatear los soportes de almacenamiento y unidades de disco en HFS+ (Mac) o ExFAT (Windows).

Los modelos Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera presentan ranuras para tarjetas CFast y SD UHS/II, así como un puerto de expansión USB-C para grabar directamente en discos externos. Es posible emplear unidades SD para contenidos en HD, o CFast y SD/UHS-II de mayor rendimiento para material en formato Blackmagic RAW con resolución 4K o 6K. Por ejemplo, esto permite filmar más de una hora en 6K con una sola tarjeta SD UHS-II de 256 GB.

Blackmagic RAW is an innovative new format designed to capture and preserve all the information received by the camera sensor. Other formats, such as H.264, have high compression and add noise and artifacts to the image, resulting in a loss of detail. The format eradicates this problem and allows you to obtain exceptional images with impressive sharpness and color throughout the post-production stage, from capture to editing, grading and mastering. Additionally, camera settings are saved as metadata, so ISO, white balance and exposure can be adjusted later without compromising quality. On the other hand, the files generated by this codec are small and fast to use, which makes them very easy to work with.

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera models feature a 5 inch touch screen which allows you to frame shots and focus with great precision. In other words, it's like having a Blackmagic Video Assist device built into the camera. The touch screen displays important information while shooting, menus for setting up the unit and intuitive controls with focus points, as well as data overlaid on the image, such as camera status, a histogram, focus indicators, light meters, framing guides and playback buttons.

He advanced operating system from Blackmagic is extremely intuitive and easy to use. From the interface, simply tap or swipe the touchscreen to configure settings, add metadata, or view recording status. Additionally, it provides access to advanced camera features such as on-screen focus and exposure tools, conversion tables, dynamic range, metadata, timecode, and Blackmagic RAW formats.

Thanks to it fourth generation colorimetry From the URSA Mini Pro G2 camera, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera models deliver incredible, highly accurate skin tones and authentic colors in every shot. This colorimetry uses a 12-bit dynamic tonal response curve, designed to capture more information in the light and dark areas of the image. In addition, it is responsible for carrying out complex processing of images in Blackmagic RAW format, so that the color and dynamic range information captured by the sensor is preserved through metadata, for the purpose of using it in the post-production stage.

Both models include a HDMI type A port supports high dynamic range (HDR) material and 10-bit quality. On the other hand, these cameras have a mini XLR input with 48 V phantom power that provides the possibility of using professional microphones. In addition, they have a 3.5 mm audio input, another for headphones and a direct current connector with a locking mechanism.

When recording, digital film cameras use a logarithmic color space a fin de preservar el rango dinámico, lo cual es ideal para el proceso de posproducción. Sin embargo, cuando estas imágenes se ven en un monitor, pueden tener un aspecto apagado sin demasiado contraste. En este sentido, las tablas de conversión tridimensionales son la solución ideal, dado que permiten atribuir cierta apariencia durante el rodaje para tener una mejor idea de cómo lucirá el material al editarlo. Los modelos Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera son compatibles con LUT 3D convencionales (.cube) de 17 o 33 puntos. Asimismo, es posible usar las tablas incluidas, por ejemplo, Extended Video, Film to Video o Film to Rec. 2020.

Las cámaras profesionales ofrecen una amplia variedad de prestaciones, así como un generador de código de tiempo which allows filming with multiple units and later synchronizing the recorded material. On the other hand, simply connect an external one, for example, a Tentacle Sync device, to the 3.5 mm audio input located on the side of the unit for it to automatically detect the time code and synchronize it with that of the camera. Consequently, shots captured with all cameras will have the same time code. For example, this allows you to film a music festival with several moving units. In addition, DaVinci Resolve 16.1 will automatically find and synchronize images from all cameras, avoiding having to sort thousands of files.

Los modelos Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera utilizan baterías LP-E6 extraíbles y además cuentan con un conector para corriente continua, de modo que no es necesario preocuparse por cortes de luz en medio de un rodaje. En tal sentido, el transformador incluido permite suministrar corriente a la unidad y cargar la batería al mismo tiempo. A su vez, el puerto USB-C proporciona una forma alternativa de alimentación a través de PC portátiles o un cargador para teléfonos móviles. Incluso es posible añadir la empuñadura Blackmagic Pocket Battery Grip opcional, que facilita el uso de dos baterías simultáneamente.

Those models include DaVinci Resolve Studio, the same program used in Hollywood to create feature films, television series and high-end commercials. It offers the innovative Editing module, with intelligent editing options and cutting-edge features, designed to help process recorded material quickly. On the other hand, it has editing, grading, audio post-production and visual effects tools, all in a single application.

Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, highlights that "the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K version offers excellent 6K images and compatibility with EF lens mounts, which our users have asked for. Not only does it have all the most popular features of the 4K model, but it also provides an EF mount and 6K resolution for better image quality. On the other hand, since it incorporates the characteristic functions of a Video Assist, it is not necessary to have additional equipment. In addition, by also including DaVinci Resolve Studio becomes a comprehensive solution that allows all users to be creative and tell extraordinary stories.”

Main features

• Ideal for independent films, documentaries or blogs.
• Design made from a polycarbonate and carbon fiber composite.
• Multifunction grip that allows you to use the camera with one hand.
• 6K (6144 x 3456) and 4K (4096 x 2160) models.
• Compatibility with Micro Four Thirds or EF lenses.
• 13-stop wide dynamic range for cinematic style.
• Maximum ISO value of 25,600 provides excellent performance in low light situations.
• Recording with full sensor area (max. 60 f/s) or reduced (max. 120 f/s).
• Open formats compatible with the most popular editing programs.
• SD, UHS-II and CFast card slots.
• Blackmagic RAW quality recording.
• 5-inch touchscreen for precise focusing when recording in 6K.
• Blackmagic operating system, the same as that of the URSA Mini and URSA Broadcast models.
• Blackmagic fourth generation colorimetry.
• HDMI Type A output for monitoring images with overlaid information.
• Professional mini XLR input with 48 V phantom power.
• Three-dimensional LUTs that can be applied both during recording and monitoring.
• USB-C port for recording directly to external drives.
• Timecode generator for multi-camera shooting.
• Photos up to 21.2 megapixels.
• Interface in 11 languages.
• Remote camera control using Bluetooth technology.
• Power via 12V DC input or USB-C port.
• Includes DaVinci Resolve Studio.