Blackmagic returns the 4K race with the new Pocket!

At NAB 2018, Blackmagic finally unveiled the sequel many were waiting for: The Pocket Cinema Camera 4K with many significant upgrade at very aggressive price point.

As the name suggests, the new Pocket 4K uses a 4/3 sensor for capturing up to 4K (4096 x 2016) resolution image unlike the original version, which was limited to 1080p. It also features the incredible 13 stops of dynamic range, dual native ISO up to 25600 so you can get true digital film quality even in the low light environment. 

While supporting for either 10-bit ProRes or 12-bits RAW recording like the last Pocket camera, the new camera can record straight to external drives over USB-C, which can be important when shooting quality lossless 12-bit RAW or even high frame rate 60 fps 4K.

There is no in-body stabilization in the new pocket, which is perfect for your shooing with a lens with built-in stabilization or professional stabilized gears like gimbals or tripods. However, this Pocket is small BUT not exactly tiny. That means the camera is not friendly with small or medium gimbals like Ronix MX, Movi M5 or Gremsy T3/H7… because of its width up to 7 inch. In return, The Pocket 4K makes room for a 5-inch touchscreen that lets you control variety of settings or see what’s happened in the front of optics. How do you think about this sacrifice?

Blackmagic pocket 4k

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is packed with variety of ports such as original HDMI monitoring, mini XLR audio input, power and more. In addition, it is also built-in SD, UHS-II and CFast card recorders, microphones and a mini XLR input… that brings connection conveniently with third parties devices. Therefore, this camera supports users to control images as well as sound quality in shooting. Perfect complement for filmmakers in post-production, Blackmagic gives incredible offers with full license for DaVinci Resolve Studio editing, color, visual effects and audio post production cost at $300 for each new camera.

In short, the new Blackmagic camera is incredible upgrade compared with the original launched 5 years ago. Record 4K in the form of ProRes or RAW footage, great support for the audio, shooting equipment as well as post-production workflow while it’s price under $2,000 – Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K would be a worthwhile choice for filmmakers and specially for Blackmagic’s fan.