The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K features 4/3 size sensor, 13 stops of dynamic range and dual native ISO up to 25,600 for HDR images and incredible low light performance. External controls give quick access to essential functions, while the large 5 inch touchscreen makes it easy to frame shots, focus accurately and change camera settings. Features include built in SD/UHS-II or CFast 2.0 recorders for RAW or ProRes recoding as well as a USB-C expansion port for recording externally to disks, plus MFT lens mount, built-in microphones, XLR input, full sized HDMI, 3D LUT support, Bluetooth and more.
We have never seen as much excitement here at DVE as we have with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. For the price, it is the most bang for buck camera for the image quality it produces. However, this camera is not for everyone. To get the most out of it, you’ll really want to shoot in the RAW mode and color grade later in post-production. For fast turnaround, you could shoot still shoot in “Video” mode and have the image baked in and done, but that is not the whole point and excitement of this camera, it is meant to get filmic quality images by shooting with a large dynamic range and color grading in programs such as DaVinci Resolve. The detail that you can pull out of the shadows and highlights is really what sets this camera apart. You can compare the image quality with cameras over $30,000.
One of the coolest features is the ability to record via USB-C. The Samsung drive is really popular due to its size, capacity and price. When comparing the price of SD vs SSD, vs an external USB-C, the price per GB drops dramatically.
Small Rig is even making a mount to hold it!
Audio is handled via TA3 (Mini XLR) port. We would suggest getting an external mixer. Blackmagic even has some new cables to convert the mini XLR to standard full size.
Keep in mind for external monitoring, there is an HDMI out, however it is only 1920x1080 HD.
Jump over to Wolfcrow to learn even more about the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.
Here's a table to clear up any confusion on codecs, data rates, and compression levels.
*Table Credit: Wolfcrow
Image Sensor
| Image Sensor Size | 18.96 x 10.00 mm (4/3") |
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| Shutter Type | Rolling Shutter |
| ISO | 100 to 25,600 (Native) |
| Advertised Dynamic Range | 13 Stops |
Camera
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Communication | Yes |
| Built-In ND Filter | None |
| Built-In Microphone Type | Stereo |
| Recording Media | 1x CFast 2.0 Card Slot 1x SDXC UHS-II Card Slot |
Internal Recording
| Raw Recording | CinemaDNG: 4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (270 MB/s) |
| Recording Modes | ProRes 422HQ: 4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (117.88 MB/s) 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (110 Mb/s) 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60/120 fps (27.5 MB/s) ProRes 422: 4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (78.63 MB/s) 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (73.6 MB/s) 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60/120 fps (18.4 MB/s) ProRes 422LT: 4096 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (54.63 MB/s) 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (51 MB/s) 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60/120 fps (12.75 MB/s) ProRes 422 Proxy: 4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (24.25 MB/s) 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (22.4 MB/s) 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60/120 fps (5.6 MB/s) |
External Recording
| Video Output | 4:2:2 10-Bit via HDMI: 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps |
| Raw Output | USB: 4096 x 2160 12-Bit at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps 3840 x 2160 12-Bit at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps 1920 x 1080 12-Bit at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps |
Interfaces
| Video Connectors | 1x HDMI Output |
| Audio Connectors | 1x 3-Pin Mini XLR Mic/Line Level (+48 V Phantom Power) Input 1x 1/8" (3.5 mm) Stereo Mic/Line Level (+48 V Phantom Power) Input 1x 1/8" (3.5 mm) Stereo Headphone Output |
| Other I/O | 1x USB Type-C Video Output 1x 3.5 mm Timecode Input (Shared with 3.5 mm Mic/Line input) |
| Wireless Interfaces | Bluetooth Control |
Display
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 5" |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
Power
| Battery Type | Canon LP-E6 |
| Power Connectors | 1x Weipu SF610/S2 Input |
Environmental
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C |
| Storage Temperature | -4 to 113°F / -20 to 45°C |
| Operating Humidity | 0 to 90% |
General
| Accessory Mount | 1x 1/4"-20 Female Thread |
| Tripod Mounting Thread | 1/4"-20 |
| Material of Construction | Carbon Fiber |
| Dimensions | 7 x 3.8 x 3.4" / 177.8 x 96.52 x 86.36 mm |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | 3.085 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 10.75 x 7.35 x 5.85" |
