At the intersection of high-end capabilities and a reasonable price point is the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro. As its name implies, this product can film up to 6K footage, something usually only found in far more expensive cameras.
If you’re looking for professional-level recordings that are perfect for indie cinematography without having to haul around a lot of extra bulky gear, this camera will pique your interest.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro Overview
Blackmagic Design specializes in high-quality products in the feature film, post, and broadcast industries.
The company
describes the Pocket Cinema 6k Pro as “an advanced technology, handheld 6K digital film camera with a 6144 x 3456 Super 35 high-resolution HDR sensor, dual native ISO, EF lens mount and direct recording to USB-C disks”. The camera also includes an HDR touchscreen, built-in ND filters, and a large battery. We’ll talk more about the battery a little later.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro is simple and intuitive to use with a minimalist design. Yet, it packs a punch with the ability to zoom, crop, and edit while offering ultra-high resolution. While the current retail cost of $2,495 may sound a bit steep to some consumers, it’s quite reasonable considering the endless features you get. This brings us to our next point.
Product Specs and Features
There’s simply no way to list every single spec and feature, but here are the most notable:
- 23.10mm x 12.99mm sensor size (a Super 35, which is one of the most popular among serious filmmakers)
- Electro-focus (EF) lens mount
- Iris control with a touchscreen slider
- A 5-inch screen LCD touchscreen
- Numerous shooting resolutions, including 1920 x 1080 HD, up to 120 frames per second
- Built-in neutral density (ND) filters
- Autofocus capabilities (with compatible lenses)
- A color corrector
- Robust storage, including an SD UHS-II card and a high-speed USB-C expansion port
The camera also comes with several types of software, such as Blackmagic OS and the DaVinci Resolve Studio for both Mac and Windows. Long story short, this product has everything you could possibly need to shoot high-quality footage, and additional accessories like a pro grip and electronic viewfinder are also available.
What Do Users Say About the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro?
By and large, this camera has great reviews. Digital Camera World gave it
4.5 out of 5 stars, and most users agree it delivers stellar quality at a reasonable price.
“There’s not much to criticize about the camera—besides its cumbersome name,” says
WIRED product reviewer Eric Ravenscraft. “An array of thoughtful features and a focus on video first make it the perfect stepping stone between traditional mirrorless shooters and high-end movie cameras.”
As for negatives, the chief complaint is that the battery life could be longer. At about 60 minutes on a full charge, it’s more than what many similar products offer, but it’s less than ideal. Besides that, some users find the 2.73-pound weight a little bulky, which can potentially lead to strained wrists and film shakiness at times. That said, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro still weighs less than many comparable products.
What About the Camera Warranty?
Any time you’re spending nearly $2,500 on a high-end camera, you want to ensure you’re fully protected. Even with
diligent care, you never know when something may go wrong. While this product comes with a one-year manufacturer’s (MFG) warranty, coverage ends as soon as that period elapses. In addition, the MFG doesn’t cover accidental damage from drops or liquid spills.
That’s why many consumers opt for
extended coverage from Upsie. Upsie’s warranties protect cameras from defects, mechanical issues, and accidental damage, ensuring that you can confidently use your camera at all times. In addition, Upsie costs up to 70% less than in-store offers and makes it simple to file a claim 24/7 with customer claims representatives. That way, claims and repairs are quick, and you have full control of your account at all times.
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