Initial Reflections and Critique on Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
New Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro: Enhancements for Underwater Video Shooters
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro (BMPCC 6K Pro) has been unveiled as an upgrade from the original BMPCC 6K, offering several key improvements that cater specifically to underwater video shooters.
The BMPCC 6K Pro is equipped with built-in motorized neutral density (ND) filters (2, 4, and 6 stops), which are essential for underwater shooting to control exposure without altering other settings. The original BMPCC 6K lacked internal ND filters, requiring external ones or adjustments in post-processing. This is especially helpful underwater where light conditions can rapidly change.
Another significant enhancement is the brighter and tiltable LCD screen (about 1500 nits) on the 6K Pro, which helps underwater shooters better view their framing and focus under bright or murky water conditions. The original 6K has a standard fixed LCD with lower brightness, making it more challenging to see underwater or in low light.
In terms of power, the 6K Pro uses an NP-F570 battery, providing longer battery life, and it supports external power options that are convenient for longer underwater shoots. The original 6K uses smaller batteries with shorter runtimes.
Despite these improvements, the resolution and sensor remain similar between both cameras, with a Super 35 sensor and 6K resolution (6144 x 3456). Both cameras support RAW recording and have 13 stops of dynamic range, beneficial for capturing the nuanced light underwater.
The BMPCC 6K Pro retains the Canon EF lens mount from the original model, offering new options with the Canon EF mount, including the Canon 8-15mm fisheye, Canon 60mm macro, and Canon 100 mm macro.
The BMPCC 6K Pro is slightly heavier and more expensive due to added features like ND filters and a bigger screen. However, for underwater video shooters, the built-in ND filters and brighter, adjustable display are the most significant advantages, making it easier to manage exposure and monitor shots in underwater conditions without additional accessories.
The BMPCC 6K Pro also offers other features such as slow motion video (120fps) at 2.8K resolution, dual mini XLR ports for audio recording, and support for Blackmagic RAW and ProRes 422 recording. It is now available at Bluewater Photo (U.S. MSRP: $2495).
[1] Link to the original article providing more details about the BMPCC 6K Pro
[3] Link to the original article highlighting the features of the BMPCC 6K
- The new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is a valuable tool for underwater photography, as it comes with built-in motorized neutral density filters, enabling photographers to manipulate exposure without adjusting other settings.
- With the increased brightness and tiltability of its LCD screen, the BMPCC 6K Pro allows underwater photographers to better focus on their subjects, even in dark or murky water conditions.
- Underwater photographers will benefit from the BMPCC 6K Pro's improved power efficiency, thanks to its use of the larger NP-F570 battery and support for external power options.
- In addition to its improved underwater capabilities, the BMPCC 6K Pro retains the Canon EF lens mount, opening up possibilities for using various lenses such as the Canon 8-15mm fisheye, 60mm macro, and 100 mm macro for macro photography.
- The BMPCC 6K Pro's built-in ND filters, brighter and adjustable display, and other features like slow motion video recording and dual mini XLR ports make it a versatile piece of technology for underwater photographers, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in this challenging environment.
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