Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro Review

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Article: description: The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is an affordable cinema camera with a 21.2MP Super35 CMOS sensor and a host of features that make videography a simpler task.
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Blackmagic Design released its first camera, the Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera, in 2012. Since then, it has become one of the leading producers of affordable video cameras for filmmakers and videographers. Today, one of their most popular cameras is the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro.

In this Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro review, we’ll share a basic camera overview, examine its design and handling, break down its video specs, recommend our favorite compatible lenses to shoot with, and more. Additionally, thanks to innovative websites like MPB, buying a used cinema camera has never been cheaper and easier. 

Who is MPB? It is a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling pre-owned photography and videography gear at unbeatable prices. Better yet, all of its cameras and lenses are hand-inspected by highly-trained product specialists with years of experience and backed by six-month warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.

We love MPB because, over the years, we have saved thousands of dollars buying, selling, and trading in photography equipment on their state-of-the-art online marketplace. You can start saving today by visiting their website. That said, it’s time to dive in and discover everything there is to know about the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro!

Check out the video above by Potato Jet to learn more about the Blackmagic 6K Pro and why it’s an amazing low-budget cinema camera. 

Table of Contents

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro: Overview

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro (BMPCC 6K Pro) is a powerful digital video camera that debuted in 2021. One crucial thing to note is that although it has a similar name, it is a different camera than the original Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6, released in 2019, and the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2, released in 2022. 

The camera boasts a large 23.1 x 12.99 mm super35 CMOS sensor designed specifically for video recording and Dual Native ISO that improves video quality when shooting in low-light conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for filming at night and in studios. 

As its name suggests, the BMPCC 6K Pro has 6K video capabilities. Additionally, it can take single 21.1-megapixel still photos. Another impressive feature is the three built-in ND filters—2-stop, 4-stop, and 6-stop. They make it a more versatile camera, especially when filming during the middle of the day when the sun is at its brightest. 

Now, here’s an in-depth look at the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro specs and key features:

  • Camera Type: Cinema Camera
  • Sensor: 21.2MP Super35 CMOS Sensor
  • ISO: 400 - 3,000 Dual Native ISO (expandable to 100 - 25,600)
  • Lens Mount: Canon EF Mount
  • Speed: No burst shooting
  • Focusing: Manual and autofocus
  • Video: 6K/60p, 4K/60p, 2.8K/120p & 1080p/120p
  • Size/Weight: 180 x 112 x 123 mm / 1240 grams
  • Battery Life: Approximately 1 hour
  • Stabilization: No
  • Touchscreen: Yes
  • Weather-Sealed: No
  • Used Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro Price: $1,719 - $1,799

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro: Design & Handling

While people who typically shoot with mirrorless cameras might initially find the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro big, the truth is it’s one of the lightest and most compact cinema cameras on the market. This portability means it is easy to transport and a good camera for traveling. 

Because of its ergonomic design, handling is one of the BMPCC 6K Pro's biggest strengths. The grip feels stable and comfortable in the hand, and you can control all the primary buttons with one hand. Furthermore, its wide array of ports provides users with flexibility that DSLRs and mirrorless cameras can't match.

Two more design features we love are the large rear LCD and the intuitive menu system. The rear screen measures an industry-leading five inches, has touchscreen capabilities, and tilts up and down (90° upwards & 45° downwards). Meanwhile, the straightforward menus let you quickly change camera settings, boosting your productivity and workflow speed. 

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Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro: Video Capabilities

You won’t be surprised to hear that, like all Blackmagic Design cameras, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is a video powerhouse. It records gorgeous 6K and 4K movies at 24, 30, and 60p frame rates. If you want to record slow-motion video, you can do it at 2.8K/120p or 1080p/120p. 

Professionals can’t stop raving about the BMPCC 6K Pro’s premium codecs—Blackmagic RAW and ProRes. Depending on your selected format, you will have various recording options, including frame rate, resolution, compression, and color science. Regardless of your choice, you can work wonders when editing and color-correcting the footage during post-production.  

Other noteworthy video features are the dual memory card slots and unlimited video recording. Having two SD cards installed in the camera allows you to record uninterrupted for longer. Likewise, the camera won’t automatically stop recording, no matter how long it is filming (or streaming). 

Lastly, if you prefer working with a viewfinder, you can get a high-resolution OLED viewfinder (sold separately). An optional battery grip is also available. It holds three batteries and raises the camera’s battery life from one to three hours. 

Recommended Lenses for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

Here’s a quick list of some of the best Canon EF mount lenses for photo and video to pair with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro.

Final Thoughts on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

As you can see, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro has a lot going for it. Thanks to its budget-friendly price, advanced specs, and portable design, it’s a great option for people who primarily record video. It’s especially popular with film students and run-and-gun documentary filmmakers. 

While it can technically shoot still photos, we don’t consider it a good option for hybrid content creators. If you fall in that category, we recommend opting for a top-rated hybrid camera like the Canon EOS R5, Sony Alpha a7R V, or Panasonic Lumix GH6 instead. 

Not 100% convinced that the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is the right fit for you? Check out the links below to compare it against other sought-after Blackmagic Design cameras currently in stock at MPB: 

A quick heads-up: If you snag something through our affiliate links or check out our sponsored content, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But fear not, we're all about recommending stuff we're truly stoked about!

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