Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator
edited September 20, 2018 in Video

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K was announced many months ago, but the product itself was not ready for market. The current shipping date is Oct 5 (expected availability date) so it may be time to start a discussion.

From the Blackmagic site (emphasis mine):

The revolutionary new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is the camera you’ve been asking for! It features an all new handheld design that puts the latest advanced digital film technology into the palm of your hand! The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a 4/3 size sensor, 13 stops of dynamic range and dual native ISO up to 25,600. That means you get stunning HDR images and incredible low light performance! The external controls give you quick access to essential functions, while the large 5 inch touchscreen makes it easy to frame shots, focus accurately and change camera settings. Images are recorded onto standard SD/UHS-II or CFast 2.0 cards in RAW and ProRes at up to 120 frames per second! In addition, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has an MFT lens mount, built-in microphones, mini XLR input, full sized HDMI, 3D LUT support, Bluetooth, USB-C Expansion Port and more!

Effective Sensor Size
18.96mm x 10mm (Four Thirds)

Lens Mount
Active MFT mount.

Lens Control
Iris, focus and zoom on supported lenses.

Dynamic Range
13 Stops.

Dual Native ISO
400 and 3200

Shooting Resolutions
4096 x 2160 (4K DCI), 3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD), 1920 x 1080 (HD).

Frame Rates
Maximum sensor frame rate dependent on resolution and codec selected. Project frame rates of 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94 and 60 fps supported.
Off-speed frame rates up to 60 fps in 4K DCI, 120 fps in HD windowed.

Focus
Focus button turns on peaking, auto focus available using compatible lenses.

Iris Control
Iris wheel and touchscreen slider for manual iris adjustment on electronically controllable lenses, iris button for instant auto iris settings on compatible lenses so no pixel is clipped in film mode. Scene average auto exposure in video mode.

Screen Dimensions
5” 1920 x 1080.

Screen Type
LCD capacitive touchscreen.

Metadata Support
Automatically populated lens data from electronic Micro Four Thirds lenses. Automatic recording of camera settings and slate data such as project, scene number, take and special notes.

Controls
Touchscreen menus on 5 inch screen. 1 x Power Switch, 1 x Record Button, 1 x Stills Button, 1 x Scroll Wheel with push integrated into handgrip, 1 x ISO Button, 1 x White Balance, 1 x Shutter Button, 3 x software configurable Fn buttons, 1 x High Frame Rate (HFR) Button, 1 x Zoom Button, 1 x Menu Button, 1 x Play Button, 1 x Focus Button and 1 x IRIS Button.

Total Video Inputs
None.

Total Video Outputs
1 x HDMI Type A

Analog Audio Inputs
1 x mini XLR analog switchable between mic with phantom power support and line level (up to +14dBu).
1 x 3.5mm Stereo Input. Can also be used for Timecode input.

Analog Audio Outputs
1 x 3.5mm headphone jack.

Computer Interface
USB Type-C for external drive recording, software updates and media download.

Price: $1,295 - Includes full DaVinci Resolve Studio on SD Card. (DaVinci Resolve Studio is $299 editing software.)

ziggy53
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
«1

Comments

  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator
    edited September 20, 2018

    Videos

    Intro

    Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

    https://youtu.be/IN31ypg7jHc

    10 THINGS TO KNOW - Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K - Kinotika

    https://youtu.be/91CMWf8TsS0

    Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K ‘Nature’

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAbB4dQOz4I
    Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
    Apple ProRes 422
    ISO400, 1250 and 2500
    Sigma 18-35mm, Rokinon Cine 50mm EF lenses
    Metabones Speedbooster to Micro Four Thirds

    ======================================================================================

    Blackmagic Pocket 4k - Sample Footage ISO 3200 Lowlight

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwSXPRNe0-g
    For the last few weeks, I had the pleasure of testing Blackmagic Pocket 4k camera.
    I call this film “First Light” as we filmed this during sunrise with all natural lights.

    Stacked the Lumix 12-35 ii onto the Pocket 4k with Variable ND Filter.
    The purpose of this test was to see how much details does it really capture in low light situations and how much can we pull in post-production.

    ISO 400,800, 1250, 3200
    4K Resolution
    RAW 3.1

    Most of the shots are filmed on ISO 3200.
    Editing and Graded in Davinci Resolve 15

    In some footages I have pulled highlight down to bring back the sky, the footage did not loose details and stayed clean. On a few ISO 3200 footages, I have increased shadows and mid details. No thanks for online compression it becomes difficult showing any footages correctly at its actual quality.

    Like any camera, no matter it being capable in low light or now if you push too much in post-production the footages could break. Since I recorded raw I had the opportunity of changing exposure in post, that does not mean noise won't appear as I filmed in this a low light situation. On the footage's where noise was noticeable, I have denoised using Davinci Resolve internal denoising.

    I do expect a lot of comments on bending. Have done alot of test on fixing this issue.
    Bending on gradients are coming for many reasons. Online Compression, 8bit color export, codec, 8bit monitor playback and many more.

    The original files do not have gradient bending. When exporting in 10bit color with h265 bending is not noticeable at all. Will explore options to upload the 10bit color option to vimeo.

    Perfect for B Cam with URSA Mini Pro

    The major advantage of the Pocket 4k is the ability to use lightweight setup Gimbals without using the heavier setups as Pocket 4k will match well with the URSA Mini Pro.

    The entire film is shot on Zhiyun Tech Crane 2.
    It was quite simple to balance the camera on Zhiyun’s gimbal.

    The camera performs extremely considering the size and the functions it provides.

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Lenses for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

    "wolfcrow" has an excellent page on lens recommendations. The Best Lenses for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    I may have spoken too soon about this camera's shipping date. B&H has changed their shipping date into November and Adorama only says that you can preorder now. Who knows when it might actually ship?

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Shooting with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K - Hands on Review

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lYDNMP-C14

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    BMPCC4K Review & Guide #2 "Form & Operation" Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFCIqncQ3D8

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Your questions answered: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K - Part 1

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65ralgQ_AoU

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator
    edited October 12, 2018

    Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K ‘The Color of Light’

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXBv7mSrIHo

    Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K 'Life from the Ocean'

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7k-ERwW7Vk

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Max discusses his own camera and a first use family outing review, the good and the bad.

    Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K first Review - Beautiful but Limiting!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju2Q1Tv-2Aw

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K - Test Shots and Full Walkthrough - Hands-On BMPCC

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utkAoMy_Hlc

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Blackmagic Pocket 4K - Real World Footage & Review [ 4K ]

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SiHbdTVHCU

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Chiang Mai 1 Day trip with Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

    https://youtu.be/B9LLMngvGnA

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    A weekend in Romagna - Shot on Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC4K)

    https://youtu.be/9FXBbRgdOeA

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K review: A pint-sized video powerhouse - Engadget

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMBj8tnrBk

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    5 Reasons the BMPCC 4K is the Best Video Camera - KaiW

    https://youtu.be/RT2vF_GgiU8

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    This video shows how to add (relatively) cheap storage and battery options, to allow longer shooting and fewer battery changes.

    BMPCC4K IS MIND BLOWING. DO NOT BUY UNLESS. - MAKE. ART. NOW.

    https://youtu.be/Q4y2-8hUbFQ

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    BMPCC4K what's all the buzz about? Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K RAW workflow overview

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZHx3Vrd034
    Carlos Quintero
    Published on Dec 15, 2018

    BMPCC4K what's all the buzz about? Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K RAW workflow overview.

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    "Yosemite"- Cinematic Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k Travel Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAixs-uRyqs
    Animus Visual
    Published on Dec 13, 2018

    Extended natural light test with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k. with clips i took during a short vacation to northern California. This camera is absolutely amazing and makes color grading easier as it has great colors right out of the camera. Shot using mainly Rokinon 35mm Cine lens on a metabones adapter, a rokinon 12mm cine m43 lens, a nikon 50mm ai-s adapted to ef and my Moza air 2 on some shots. unfortunately I did not have the correct size ND filter to keep from having to close down all the way which introduced some softness especially when using my nikon 50mm ai-s.

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Is the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k any good?? | BMPCC4k - Potato Jet

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLAEG35bvcg
    Published on Jan 5, 2019

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Blackmagic Pocket 4k VS Hollywood Movie Camera | Arri Alexa XT

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62yFq6zDmks
    Spenser Sakurai
    Published on Jan 13, 2019

    This is a comparison between the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k and the Arri Alexa XT - specifically in the movie Arrival. Do you think the Blackmagic Pocket 4k holds up?

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator
    edited July 14, 2019

    Comparing a Red body to a BlackMagic PCC4K is odd, but wait 'till you see the high-ISO results.

    Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K vs a RED - Potato Jet

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3W4-mUBhUA
    Published on Feb 1, 2019

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • JonaBeth RussellJonaBeth Russell Registered Users Posts: 1,065 Major grins

    Agreed, very odd comparison, but still shows just how packed full this little pocket camera is. Such power in a small device!

  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    If you already have the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, or if you plan on an immediate purchase for a new copy of the camera:

    Blackmagic Design Adds Blackmagic RAW to Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

    httphttps://blackmagicdesign.com/media/release/20190305-02://
    Fremont, California, USA - March 5, 2019 - Blackmagic Design today announced Blackmagic Camera 6.2 update which adds support for Blackmagic RAW to the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.

    Blackmagic Camera 6.2 update is available as a free download from the Blackmagic Design website.

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Pocket Cinema 4K Blackmagic RAW TESTED! (It's Fantastic) - Max Yuryev

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEzexArqRLU
    Published on Mar 5, 2019

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • OutdoorsAddict2OutdoorsAddict2 Registered Users Posts: 24 Big grins
    It is a very good camera indeed, although it will need rigging for professional use. Battery life is an issue... But now that I have updated to the latest firmware, I can use BRAW at 12:1 on a fairly cheap SD card! Although 12:1 is quite highly compressed, the reality is that you need to be pixel peeping at quite a deep level to see the differences. And for day-to-day work it is perfectly fine. I have an external SSD to use for higher quality, but it's much more convenient to record internally. Unfortunately CFAST 2.0 and the new gen of fast SD cards are still very expensive. Although BRAW does mean you need less of them.
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator
    edited March 21, 2019

    BMPCC4K Cinema Rig & Camera Bag - BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5naeMvbwm0
    Justin Phillip
    Published on Mar 17, 2019

    Gearing up for my first broadcast shoot with the BMPCC4K!

    I'll show you how i transport my rig, and go from tripod, to shoulder rig, to handheld, to steady rig!

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k - 6 Month Real World Review

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVuyrHjdNQ8
    Garth De Bruno Austin
    Premiered Mar 22, 2019

    I've now had the Pocket 4K camera for just over 6 months so thought it was about time to give my review on how I have personally used it on my filming projects around the world.

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Fair Chance: Blackmagic Pocket 4K/ Fuji MK cine lenses - Philip Bloom

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9euVkYPXtGA
    Published on Mar 28, 2019

    Filmed with the Blackmagic Pocket 4K and Fujinon MK 18-50mm T2.9 and the 50-135mm T2.9. These are E-mount lenses with a user changed lens mount by MTF services.

    The audio was recorded using an old 360 degree microphone I had. It was actually recorded about 8 years ago when I was down there filming with the ARRI ALEXA. The audio was so good that it is great to use it again!

    Filmed in one of my absolute favourite places in the UK, Dungeness in Kent.

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Bmpcc4k Is A Lowlight Monster. Filming With Moonlight Only.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-aepAezfco
    MAKE. ART. NOW.
    Published on Apr 2, 2019

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Grip

    https://blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagicpocketcinemacamera/accessories
    New camera grip holds 2 L‑Series batteries for over 2 hours of non‑stop shooting!

    Designed for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, the new Pocket Battery Grip lets you replace the camera’s standard LP‑E6 battery with two L‑series batteries so you can shoot for over 2 hours on a single charge! It’s perfect for anyone that needs to shoot for extended periods of time. Featuring a unique carbon fiber design, non‑slip hand grips, and a slide out tray that holds 2 L‑series batteries, the Pocket Battery Grip also makes it easier to hold the camera on longer shoots. L‑Series batteries are standard batteries used for a variety of professional lighting equipment, so they’re readily available. You can even charge the batteries in the grip via the camera’s 12V DC connection in between takes!

    =================================================================================

    Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K Battery Grip

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbsLf4mrJ7A
    cinema5D
    Published on Apr 8, 2019

    ... Blackmagic Design ... introduced a new BMPCC4K Battery Pack which enables shooting for 2 hours straight.

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,151 moderator

    Everything you need to know about the Pocket 4K - ISO - Lenses - Adapters - Battery

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpkUHs_gHBU
    Tom Antos
    Published on May 3, 2019

    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Sign In or Register to comment.