Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro: Preliminary Opinions and Assessment
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro has made a splash in the world of videography, particularly for underwater shooters. Here's what sets it apart from its predecessor, the BMPCC 6K.
Enhanced Features for Underwater Shooting
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro introduces several key improvements that benefit underwater video shooters.
Integrated Motorized ND Filters
The 6K Pro comes equipped with built-in ND filters (2, 4, and 6 stops), allowing for quick and smooth exposure adjustments in changing light conditions underwater. This feature eliminates the need for manual adjustments or external filters, making it easier to maintain correct exposure.
Brighter, Tiltable HDR Touchscreen
The 6K Pro's screen is not only brighter but also tiltable, making it easier to view even under bright light or in underwater housings where reflections and low light can make framing difficult.
Improved Battery Life and Power Options
The 6K Pro offers a larger battery or external power options, providing longer shooting times, which is beneficial for extended underwater dives.
Common Specs and Shared Advantages
Both the 6K Pro and the BMPCC 6K share a Super 35 sensor and the ability to shoot 6K raw video with high dynamic range. They also support ProRes and Blackmagic RAW formats, ensuring excellent image quality critical for underwater videography.
Other Notable Features
- The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro can shoot 6K video in RAW at 50fps, and it offers the ability to shoot slow motion video (120fps) at 2.8K resolution.
- The camera has dual gain ISO, which lets videographers take full advantage of their sensor by setting two Native ISO levels with minimal noise. The first native ISO is 400, and the second native ISO is 3200.
- The camera body is about an inch deeper than the original BMPCC 6K, and it features dual mini XLR ports for audio recording, which can supply 48V of phantom power.
- A new housing designed for the BMPCC 6K Pro is anticipated to be available from Nauticam.
In summary, for underwater video shooters, the 6K Pro’s integrated ND filters, brighter HDR screen, and improved battery life are the primary advantages over the BMPCC 6K, making it easier to operate and adjust settings efficiently underwater.
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- The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, ideal for underwater photography, offers integrated motorized ND filters for smooth exposure adjustments in different light conditions.
- The 6K Pro's brighter, tiltable HDR touchscreen is beneficial for underwater videographers, allowing easy framing even in challenging lighting conditions.
- For extended underwater dives, the 6K Pro's improved battery life and external power options are significant advantages over its predecessor.
- Macro underwater shots will profit from the 6K Pro's ability to shoot 6K video in RAW at 50fps, offering detailed color and high dynamic range.
- For those seeking guidance on underwater photography or video techniques with the 6K Pro, various technology and photography gadgets along with experienced guides are available as resources.
