In 2013, Blackmagic Design introduced a pocket camcorder with a Super 16 sensor that promised cinematic recording quality in a body the size of a Sony a6500. While the recording quality was on par, the camera gave the impression of a “raw” product with many flaws, ranging from short running times to ill-conceived ergonomics. Blackmagic is showing off an all-new and improved version of the Pocket Cinema at the NAB 2018 show.
The new version of the camera is built around a Four Thirds sensor with two base ISOs and a base DCI 4K resolution 4096×2160 . The camera records at up to 60 fps in 4K and up to 120 fps in HD with limited sensor usage. Stores data on SD, UHS-II or CFast 2 cards.0, using 10-bit ProRes format or 12-bit RAW. The camera features direct recording to external hard drives, such as SSDs, using the built-in USB-C port.
In addition to the USB-C port, the camera has a full-length HDMI connector, a 48V mini-XLR input with phantom power, a 3.5mm audio input and a headphone jack. It is powered by a standard Canon LP-E6 battery. It also comes with a 110-220V power supply, which allows you to shoot and charge the battery pack at the same time. It is equipped with protection against accidental disconnection of the cable and international adapters for sockets of different standards.
As with the previous version of the camera, the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K provides for the installation of interchangeable lenses, using a mount MFT, designed exclusively for compact, professional-grade optics. The MFT also accepts PL, C and EF mount adapters.
The back of the carbon fiber body features a 5-inch 1920×1080 resolution screen that allows you to frame and set focus, and is also used to display additional data such as a histogram or exposure settings. As a bonus, the camera also included a license for a full version of DaVinci Resolve Studio software, which typically sells for $300.
Price and availability
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K will be available this year from authorized dealers worldwide for $1295
Wow, this sounds exciting! I’m curious to know more about the new Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. Can you please share the key features and specifications of this camera? What advancements does it bring to the table compared to its predecessor? And most importantly, when will it be available for purchase?