Following the upgrade of its broadcast camera, Blackmagic Design is now releasing the next iteration of the BMPCC 6K.
Blackmagic Design is not known for a lot of fanfare when it releases updates to its hardware. Even the launch of the URSA Mini 12K Pro received the same indifferent delivery, a powerful move for which Grant Petty has become famous.
Today, Petty has returned to the spotlight to announce the BMPCC 6K G2, the second generation of BMD’s popular 6K Pocket line (along with a very interesting software update). But what’s new for the G2? Is the update worth it? Already got your credit card?
Before you do, let’s find out what you get.
Functions Pro Body, Semi-Pro
From what I’m seeing, the BMPCC 6K G2 is pretty much the same camera as the BMPCC 6K Pro, but with one piece missing.
Internal ND filters. This is. They are gone.
Current lineCredit: Blackmagic Design
Beyond that, you’ll get a full 6K Pro with all the bells and whistles. Tilt screen, URSA Mini 12K Gen 5 color science, Super 35 6K sensor, Sony NP-F570 battery and EVF Pro support. All for about $ 500 less than the actual Pro model.
Well. You are all trapped. Thanks for reading.
But why?
Oh, you’re still here. Well, I asked myself the same question. Why not just get out on the BMPCC 6K Pro and finish it? Are internal ND filters really that important?
According to Petty, some people don’t like it and prefer to use matte boxes or screw filters.
But from where I’m sitting, the lack of internal NDs is interesting for a reason.
Changing the lens mount. Especially in ARRI PL.
While Wooden Camera has a PL mount mod for 6K and 6K Pro, there are limitations to which lenses you can use. In the 6K G2, modders could, in theory, produce a mount that would accept a wider range of lenses. In addition, the Magic Booster P6K from LucAdapters is now officially viable again, giving you the option to get a full-frame Pocket 6K Pro.
Magic Booster P6K StaticCredit: LucAdapter
The BMPCC 6K G2 isn’t really a camera to upgrade, especially if you already have a first-generation 4K or 6K. But it’s the perfect camera to change it if you’re just entering the BMD ecosystem.
It looks like Blackmagic Design is not trying to reinvent the wheel here. 6K needed a facelift to get back on the line of 6K Pro evolutions. The G2 does just that.
But the star of today’s ad program isn’t about cameras.
Updating the camera software 7.9
The new software update comes out today for all four Pocket cameras. The BMPCC 4K and the three 6K models. And it has some interesting features.
For starters, there are some interesting tweaks and redesigns to the user interface. There is a slider to adjust the focus aid intensity for compatible lenses. You can now select between burning to SD and SSD using the menu. Frame guides have color options now and there are improvements in lens control and autofocus. Also, future software updates after this one will not delete your custom presets or LUTs, which is good.
However, Petty has resisted us. Apparently, all Pocket cameras have a super secret function. They have an integrated gyroscope sensor.
With this new software update, this sensor data can be recorded in the BRAW file and then used in DaVinci Resolve to stabilize the footage. And it looks great. The camera stores motion data as a metadata track in the BRAW file, which can then be stabilized in Resolve using the AI-driven BMD’s own algorithm. While other companies have had this capability in some way (looking at you, Sony), it’s good to see that BMD supports several generations of cameras with this feature.
Yes, all current generation handheld cameras will have this feature enabled. Although you will have to wait for Resolve to get the software update the next day or so.
Where, when and how much?
B&H or the BMD website, now, and free or $ 1,995.
As always, the software update is free and available right now. So go for it if you have a pocket camera. The BMPCC 6K G2 is also available right now for booking and replaces the first-generation 6K at $ 1,995.
If you are already in the Pocket family, you may skip this update, as you already have most of the features. But if you’re a creative who’s been thinking about switching to BMD, the new BMPCC 6K G2 has some improvements over the original that should sweeten the pot a little more.