Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K review

Trade in Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K

(Image credit: Future)

The Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K, despite the dropped “Pocket” designation, continues the company’s tradition of providing high-quality filmmaking equipment and software accessible to non-professionals. Known for affordability and relative compactness, this camera features workflow-friendly attributes, XLR mic inputs, and Blackmagic’s own RAW codec.

Distinguished by its full-frame sensor, a first for the range, and an L-Mount lens mount, the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K offers improved low-light performance and the ability to shoot 6K footage ‘open gate,’ utilizing the entire sensor surface. These new capabilities mark a significant evolution in the Cinema Camera range, opening up fresh and exciting possibilities.

(Image credit: Future)

Despite some disappointments, such as the absence of built-in ND filters and a downgrade in the ability to shoot 4K at 120fps compared to the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K offers substantial features for its price. It may lack certain conveniences found in most mirrorless cameras, like tracking autofocus and USB power supply, but its remarkable image quality, especially given its cost, positions it as a compelling choice for filmmakers. While it may not cater to everyone’s needs, its value in terms of video quality makes it stand out as one of the best video cameras in its price range.

BLACKMAGIC CINEMA CAMERA 6K: RELEASE DATE AND PRICE

• Body only list price: $2,595 / £2,199 
• Optional EVF costs: $495 / £485 
• Optional battery grip costs: $149 / £135 

BLACKMAGIC CINEMA CAMERA 6K: FEATURES AND PERFORMANCE

• CFexpress Type B card slot 
• 1x 3.5mm and 2x mini XLR microphone inputs 
• Gyroscopic data for post-production image stabilization 

The Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K utilizes the L-Mount, a bayonet system co-developed by Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma. Introduced in 2018, this 51.6mm-diameter format provides a broad selection of over 50 full-frame lenses from the three founding manufacturers, along with adapters for third-party lenses. Users benefit from a wide range of options for creating diverse looks and fields of view.

For onboard recording, the camera uses CFexpress Type B cards, known for their speed, durability, and ample storage capacity. A 256GB card can hold approximately an hour of 6K footage. However, it’s worth noting that transferring footage to a computer requires removing the card and using a card reader, as the USB-C 3.1 port on the Cinema Camera 6K doesn’t support direct connections of this type.

While the USB port doesn’t directly support card reading, it does support external recorders, enabling users to connect an SSD or flash drive for direct recording. Additionally, with the right adapter, the USB port can be repurposed as an Ethernet connection for remote network control of the camera.

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

Prospective buyers should be aware that, in line with other Blackmagic cameras, the Cinema Camera 6K lacks certain usability features commonly found in hybrid photography/video cameras from other manufacturers like Sony, Panasonic, and Canon. Notably, the camera does not have built-in image stabilization, although it does embed gyroscope data in footage. This gyroscope data can be used effectively during post-production to stabilize the footage.

Moreover, the camera lacks tracking autofocus, and its stills shooting capabilities are basic at best. While users can press a dedicated button to capture a still photo, it results in a Blackmagic RAW file rather than a JPEG. Essentially, the still photo is a single frame of video, equivalent to 24.6MP. The focus of the Cinema Camera 6K is on providing powerful video capabilities rather than offering advanced features for still photography.

Features and performance score: 3/5

BLACKMAGIC CINEMA CAMERA 6K: DESIGN

• 180 x 94 x 122mm in size and 1.135kg in weight 
• Tilting 5-inch 1080p touchscreen 
• Viewfinder is a pricey optional extra 

The Cinema Camera 6K shares a design closely resembling its Pocket predecessors, making it nearly indistinguishable. Constructed from durable plastic, its design is reminiscent of a DSLR, featuring a large handgrip, rear screen, and a central “bulge” positioned behind the lens mount. Wider than most mirrorless bodies and weighing over a kilogram without a lens, it has a substantial feel. However, its clever control layout and a well-balanced body, especially with certain lenses attached, contribute to a comfortable user experience. Additionally, the included thick camera strap enhances usability.

The physical buttons are strategically placed for easy access and are clearly labeled. Four buttons, including three function buttons and the autofocus button, are customizable by the user. The touchscreen interface provides a user-friendly menu for deeper settings adjustments. Geared toward filmmakers, the UI does not adhere to the conventions of hybrid mirrorless cameras, but with a bit of familiarization, users can easily locate and modify settings.

(Image credit: Future)

Unlike most mirrorless models, the central bulge on the Cinema Camera 6K doesn’t house a viewfinder. Blackmagic offers an optional extra viewfinder for $495 / £485. However, the 6K camera features a bright, sharp, and generously sized screen, larger than the typical 3-inch displays on many mirrorless cameras. The screen tilts up 180º and down 47º but lacks the ability to flip out or face forward or sideways.

Several design elements are noteworthy, including a front-facing tally lamp indicating ongoing recording and tripod mounting points on the bottom (two) and top. These mounting points can also accommodate accessories.

Design score: 3.5/5

BLACKMAGIC CINEMA CAMERA 6K: IMAGE AND VIDEO QUALITY

• 6048 x 4032 open gate recording 
• 400 and 3200 dual native ISO 
• 12-bit Blackmagic RAW video codec 

The Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K truly shines in video performance. It records all footage in a proprietary 12-bit Blackmagic RAW codec, providing up to 13 stops of dynamic range. The camera supports various resolutions, ranging from 6048 x 4032 at up to 36fps to 1920 x 1080 at up to 120fps, with a 3:2 ratio open gate format. Additionally, it features dual native ISO of 400 and 3200, enhancing low-light performance compared to previous Pocket Cinema Cameras.

Despite initial footage appearing flat and unexciting, post-processing in DaVinci Resolve 18 can bring it to life with color grading and correction. The camera’s 12-bit files store a significant amount of sensor information, allowing for extensive tweaking. Even in low-light conditions with minimal illumination, the Cinema Camera 6K delivered impressive results, suggesting its potential in the hands of a skilled cinematographer.

(Image credit: Future)

Certainly, the open gate recording option is a valuable feature for creators producing content for various platforms. It provides flexibility by allowing users to shoot a scene and then crop it into different formats for different platforms during post-processing. This capability extends to easily creating content for social media platforms with a 9:16 aspect ratio, offering convenience for creators adapting their work to diverse viewing environments.

Video quality score: 5/5

BLACKMAGIC CINEMA CAMERA 6K: TEST SCORECARD

SHOULD I BUY THE BLACKMAGIC CINEMA CAMERA 6K?

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Source: Techradar