Blackmagic Design Unveils the New 6K Full Frame Pocket Cinema Camera 6K

Today, Blackmagic Design revealed its cutting-edge Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, complete with revamped internal components but retaining its original form factor. The camera is the company's first to feature a full-frame sensor and utilizes an L-Mount.

Technical Specs

Sensor: The camera's full-frame 6K sensor offers 13 stops of dynamic range and a dual native ISO that goes up to 25,600.
Storage: Rather than using SD Cards, it utilizes CFexpress cards for video storage.
Lens Compatibility: The L-Mount allows compatibility with both new and classic lenses, offering more creative possibilities.

Key Features

Sensor Size: 36 x 24mm, capable of capturing 6K at 6048 x 4032 pixels.
Frame Rates: Records in full resolution up to 36 fps or windowed at 120 fps.
Screen: A high-quality, adjustable HDR 1500 nit LCD screen.
Battery: Comes with a larger NP-F570 battery and an optional Pro Grip.
EVF: Optional Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera Pro EVF is available.

More on the Sensor

The 6K full-frame sensor is nearly three times the size of a Super 35 sensor, and it can record uncropped footage when using anamorphic lenses. It allows frame rates up to 36 fps at full resolution and even 120 fps when windowed.

Versatile Recording

The Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K offers a versatile range of shooting options, from HD to DCI 4K and 6K resolutions. It even allows for capturing still images at 24.6 megapixels. Users can record up to 36 fps in 3:2 open gate at 6048 x 4032 resolution, or achieve 60 fps in 2.4:1 at 6048 x 2520 and 4K DCI at 4096 x 2160. For those looking to push the envelope with higher frame rates, the camera provides the option to crop the sensor and capture up to 100 fps at 2112 x 1184 in Super 16 format. Anamorphic shooting is also enhanced, enabling high-resolution recording in 6:5 at 4.8K 24 fps with dimensions of 4838 x 4032, as well as high-speed shooting at 120 fps in 1080HD.

6048 x 4032 (Open Gate 3:2) up to 36 fps
4838 x 4032 (Anamorphic 6:5) up to 36 fps
6048 x 3200 (6K DCI 17:9) up to 48 fps
6048 x 2520 (6K 2.4:1) up to 60 fps
4096 x 3072 (Super 35 4:3) up to 50 fps
4096 x 2160 (4K DCI 17:9) up to 60 fps
2112 x 1184 (Super 16 16:9) up to 100 fps
1920 x 1080 (1080 HD 16:9) up to 120 fps

File Formats

Blackmagic RAW 3:1, 5:1, 8:1, 12:1, Q0, Q1, Q3 and Q5 at 6048 x 4032, 4838 x 4032, 6048 x 3200, 6048 x 2520, 4096 x 3072, 4096 x 2160, 2112 x 1184 and 1920 x 1080 with film, extended video, video dynamic range or custom 3D LUT embedded in metadata.

It records in various versions of Blackmagic RAW and supports optional portrait mode metadata.

The Display

The camera comes with a 5-inch HDR touchscreen with an exceptional 1500 nits of brightness, complete with on-screen overlays for status, record parameters, and other key indicators.

Storage and Connections

It uses CFexpress cards for recording and includes a USB-C expansion port for direct external storage options.

Final Thoughts

Priced at $2,595, the camera is likely to attract both existing and new customers. While some may have hoped for a box camera, the new Pocket Cinema Camera 6K is nonetheless a notable upgrade. Personally, the writer isn't a fan of mirrorless cinema cameras and hopes for a design innovation from Blackmagic Design in the future.