NAB 2018: Blackmagic Is Releasing A New Pocket Cinema Camera
After five long years, we finally got to see the new Pocket Cinema Camera at the 2018 NAB Show. Here’s what you need to know.
Cover image via Todd Blankenship.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is a staple in many videographers’ gear bags — it’s small and portable, and it can record in RAW and Apple ProRes 422 for amazing-quality videos. Although it’s been on the market since 2013 and can only record in 1080p, it’s still one of the company’s best sellers.
This year at NAB, Blackmagic Design unveiled a billboard that read, simply, “The New Generation Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K.” Not a lot of subtlety there. The billboard basically confirmed that we are getting a 4K upgrade to the Pocket Cinema Camera. This release is probably a move to compete with the top sellers in the 4K market, like the Sony A7S II or the Panasonic GH4.
Just recently, during the Blackmagic NAB showcase, they revealed what we have all been waiting for — the new and improved Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K, at a price of $1,295.
Image via Todd Blankenship.
This thing is an absolute beast. It may not be “pocket-sized” like the original, but its features make up for the larger size. Here’s the list that Blackmagic announced today:
- 60fps, 4K
- 13 stops dynamic range
- 4/3rds sensor
- 25,600 ISO
- 4.0 Color Science
- LUTs built into camera
- Bluetooth controllers
- 4 Microphones built into the camera
- MINI-XLR attachment
- Full-size HDMI hook-up
- Recording to CFAST and SD
- Can record to an external Disc
- Edit right off of recorded HDD
- Button for quick High Frame Rate recording
- Still Photography Ability
- Touch Sensitive LCD monitor
And here are the exciting takeaways:
- Ability to shoot in 4K at 60fps. There are only a few cameras at this price point that can record to that extent, and with the ability to shoot RAW, this will shoot to the top of that list.
- The still photography capability of this new camera is a huge step from the old one — since you couldn’t take stills at all. This opens up a whole new world for BMPCC owners.
- Its capability to record to an external drive is monumental. This means you can hook up your Pocket Cinema to a 1TB drive and record in RAW for hours on end.
- The High Frame Rate button is an awesome addition, perfect for those situations when you have to switch to 60fps but don’t have the time to stop recording.
- The LCD panel on the back of this camera is touch-sensitive, and it covers most of the back of the body. This is a huge upgrade from the original BMPCC, which had a smaller screen.
At a price point of $1,295, this camera is going to be the top choice for indie filmmakers and professional videographers alike. It’s due for a September release.
Cinema5D recently put out this in-depth look at the camera while at NAB. Check it out.
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