Pocket wizard
Blackmagic Design announces a new 4K video camera that offers pro features without the high-end price tag
THE new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K crams an expansive range of high-end video features into a relatively compact body. Featuring a Four Thirds HDR sensor, the camera incorporates a Micro Four Thirds mount just like Blackmagic’s original ‘Super 16’ Full HD-shooting Pocket Cinema Camera. But with its multi-function grip that enables quick access to shooting functions such as recording start/stop, still photos, ISO and white balance, plus a five-inch touchscreen, the 4K version’s body design is a big step forward – as are the upgraded features and functions. Highlights include dual native ISO up to ISO 25,600, 13 stops of dynamic range, 10-bit ProRes or 12-bit raw recording to internal SD/UHS-II and CFast 2.0 cards, plus the option of recording to external USB‑C drives that can be plugged straight into a computer, cutting down on the post-shoot workflow. Audio is well catered for too, with four built-in microphones, a mini XLR audio input with phantom power and a 3.5mm audio jack.
The release date for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is currently billed as “later this year”, with a body-only pre-order price of £1,170/$1,295. www.blackmagicdesign.com