Blackmagic Design lowers the price of the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K while improving its software

With the current demand for multi-camera live streaming over the Internet from home studios, the 6K version of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is the perfect option, thanks to the new version of its internal operating system.

Blackmagic Design has reduced the price by approximately 20% for the 6K version of the model Pocket Cinema Camera, making it now more accessible to those working in both the film industry and live productions with the new ATEM Mini switcher.

Due to the current demand for live multi-camera webcasts from home studios, the 6K version of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera model is the perfect option, thanks to the new version of its internal operating system.

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera models can now be used as studio cameras for live productions by connecting them to ATEM Mini mixers. Image recording and control of the units is done through the HDMI port as soon as the unit is connected. Additionally, the light that indicates that the camera is recording becomes a pilot light when it is on air.

On the other hand, the camera control panel in the ATEM Software Control program offers an interface similar to a CCU unit, allowing you to adjust and unify the images of all cameras. Simply move the corresponding control vertically to open or close the diaphragm, and horizontally to level the pedestal, just like on a professional camera control panel. It also provides options to adjust the tint, in order to achieve a homogeneous balance, as well as the focal length, gain and shutter speed. It even allows you to record in isolation in Blackmagic RAW format for the purpose of editing the files later.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera models offer high-end features in a compact and portable design. Made from a polycarbonate and carbon fiber composite, they have a multifunction handle with all the necessary controls to record and adjust the ISO value, white balance and shutter angle.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K version features a 6144 x 3456 Super 35 sensor and facilitates the use of EF photographic objectives larger, to create cinema-quality images with a shallower depth of field, which in turn produces backgrounds with blurs and Bokeh-style effects.

Count with one 13 steps dynamic range, meaning they retain more detail in the highlights and shadows of an image than regular camcorders. This provides the ability to set the exposure for an indoor scene, for example in a cafe, and still perfectly capture objects seen through the window.

Recording in Blackmagic RAW

Furthermore, it allows burn directly to external drives via the USB port or on SD, UHS-II and CFast cards. The first provide the opportunity to save sequences in high definition, while the other two are more suitable for 4K or 6K material in formato Blackmagic RAW. Thus, it is possible to film for more than an hour in 6K resolution with a single 256 GB UHS-II card. Likewise, these formats are compatible with all editing programs.

Blackmagic RAW is an innovative new format designed to capture and preserve all the information received by the cameras' sensor. Other formats, such as H.264, have a high compression rate, in addition to adding noise and artifacts to the image, thus causing a loss of detail.

This format solves this problem and allows you to obtain exceptional images with impressive sharpness and color throughout the production, from shooting to editing, grading and mastering. Additionally, camera settings are saved as metadata, so ISO, white balance, and exposure can be changed later without compromising quality. .braw files are so small and quick to process that they speed up any type of workflow.

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera models feature a 5 inch touch screen allowing you to frame shots and focus with extreme precision. The screen displays important information while shooting, setup menus, intuitive controls with focus points and data superimposed on the image, such as unit status, a histogram, focus indicators, VU meters, framing guides and playback buttons.

Blackmagic's advanced operating system includes cutting-edge technology and is very intuitive and easy to use. To configure settings, add metadata, or view recording status, simply tap or swipe the touch screen. Additionally, it provides access to advanced features such as on-screen focus and exposure tools, conversion tables, dynamic range, metadata, timecode, and Blackmagic RAW formats.

In this sense, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera models have a mini XLR input with 48V phantom power which offers the possibility of connecting different types of microphones. For their part, the four microphones integrated into the camera have an extremely low noise threshold and are resistant to both shocks and wind, allowing sound to be captured with exceptional clarity during filming. Likewise, both versions include a 3.5 mm audio input for microphones similar to those used in camcorders, another for headphones and a built-in speaker.

Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, acknowledges that “we have worked hard to be able to offer this camera at a lower price, and we believe that this way more people will benefit from this reduction to create a more advanced and higher quality workflow. digital cinematography”.

“Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is even more important. Many broadcasters have had to set up studios in the presenters' homes, and to do so they have used ATEM Mini mixers and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera units. We believe that both the update of the camera's operating system, which allows it to be controlled from ATEM Mini equipment, and the reduction in price will facilitate these work dynamics,” concludes Petty.

Main features

• Works as a studio camera when connected to ATEM Mini mixers.
• Polycarbonate and carbon fiber design.
• 13-stop dynamic range for images with a cinematic aesthetic.
• SD, UHS-II and CFast card slots.
• Blackmagic RAW quality recording.
• Integrated 5-inch touchscreen for precise focusing when recording in 6K.
• Blackmagic OS operating system, the same as the URSA Mini and URSA Broadcast models.
• Professional mini XLR input with 48 V phantom power.

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