Audio Effects announces the availability of the G2 (Generation 2) version of the 6K, Blackmagic Design’s Pocket Cinema Camera, which, while closely echoing the features of the model of the same name launched in 2019, gains a variable-angle LCD screen, longer battery life, and support for an optional electronic viewfinder. The new model guarantees high-quality cinema images with a more comprehensive set of features and, most importantly, a new software release, 7.9. which, among other features, includes support for slider-assisted focus adjustment and improved lens and autofocus performance. Along with the camera comes DaVinci Resolve Studio as always for editing, color correction and post-production.
A new generation of handheld digital camcorders
With the 6K 3 years ago, Blackmagic Design wanted to create something that would go beyond a professional 4K camcorder without having, at the same time, the limitations of “hybrid” mirrorless cameras devoted to video, especially those related to overheating caused by continuous and prolonged use. In fact, thanks to its professional features and functions strictly dedicated to video, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K allows for footage reminiscent of the look of Hollywood movies, a cinematic quality that can be exploited for music, wedding and corporate videos, documentaries, feature films, TV programs, video blogs and YouTube content.
Made of a composite of carbon fiber and lightweight polycarbonate to reduce weight, the 6K first series mounted a 23.10mm x 12.99mm Super 35 HDR sensor with 6144 x 3456 pixels of resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, which has been retained on the new model as well. It ensures a dynamic range of 13 f/stops with native dual ISO up to 25600. The arrangement of controls, ergonomics, and management of functions is proper for a professional camera intended for video shooting; additional controls are immediately accessible, unlike mirrorless cameras that hide them in complex sub-menus.
The lens mount is the familiar Canon EF, that of the Japanese company’s full-frame (or third-party) lenses, which allow unparalleled rendering of out-of-focus areas and a shallow depth of field in order to properly detach the foreground subject from the background. However, thanks to the possibility of using adapter rings, the wide range of lenses to draw from expands even further!
Blackmagic Design 6K shoots in all standard resolutions and frame rates, in HD, 4K DCI and, of course, 6K, where it reaches full sensor resolution, at a frame rate of 50 fps, but can also reach 120 fps with a resolution of 2868 x 1512 pixels, still higher than Full HD! And, for those who want, still-pictures can also be shot at 21.2 Mpixels!
Last aspect not to be overlooked: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K records standard files from the open format that do not need to be transcoded: Apple 10-bit ProRes in all formats up to 4K, or Blackmagic 12-bit RAW in all formats up to 6K. The files are compatible with all popular post-production software.
Few, but crucial, improved features for the G2 version
The G2 version now features the already well-known and beautiful 5-inch FHD LCD touchscreen display, now at a variable angle. Users can tilt it up or down to easily adapt to different shooting scenarios.
Another extremely important feature of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 is support for the optional Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera Pro electronic EVF viewfinder, which is also compatible with the 6K Pro. This EVF is based on a 1280×960-pixel OLED panel, features ±4 diopter correction and the ability to rotate 70°. It also comes with 4 different eyecups that can easily fit the operator’s right or left eye.
Let’s not forget that Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 integrates a memory slot for CFast and one for SD UHS II, as well as a USB-C expansion port to record directly to an external SSD drive. Thus, common SD cards can be used for HD recording, or high-performance UHS II or CFast for Blackmagic RAW’s native 4K and 6K. The HDMI output connector to an external display is full size, so no specific cable is needed.
Battery life has also been improved. In fact, the new model uses the larger Sony NP-F570 for a battery life of about 60 min. recording in RAW 6K at 24 fps on CFast 2.0 cards. Just like the 6K Pro, it is compatible with the additional Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera Battery Pro Grip to extend power time and improve grip.
