The Blackmagic Pocket 6K is a fantastic camera — possibly the best small camera on the market, both in terms of value and imaging power. What started as a pandemic-driven curiosity has evolved into an indispensable addition to my filmmaking toolbox. The Blackmagic Pocket 6K Cinema Camera has given me unparalleled flexibility to capture high-quality images in a nimble and cost-effective package.
I’ll admit that I’m a camera snob. It’s always such a rush to have the best camera you can afford. Before purchasing this 6K camera, I hadn’t tried Blackmagic’s previous offerings. Now, it has turned out to be a total workhorse and possibly the most exciting camera purchase of my career.
Blackmagic’s 6K camera stands out among its rivals with fantastic image quality and a suite of features often reserved for larger, more expensive cinema cameras. Now, I continue to utilize my camera — especially for music videos, events, behind the scenes, interviews, and gimbal work.
Features of the Blackmagic Pocket 6k
Both the Pocket 6K and Pocket 6K Pro offer an impressive list of features. This includes super 35mm sensors, native EF lens mounts, 6K raw recording, 4K, 2K, and HD ProRes 422HQ recording, Dual Native ISOs, user-selectable High Frame Rate options, mini XLR audio inputs, internal stereo microphones, timecode, SD, CFast, and SSD media options, Gen 5 color science, LUT support, and an intuitive touch screen interface.
The Pocket 6k and Pocket 6K Pro are essentially the same camera. The Pocket 6K Pro offers a handful of additional full-size camera features rarely seen in a DSLR-sized body including internal ND filters (in 2, 4 and 6 stop increments), a second mini XLR audio input, and an upgraded daylight viewable tilting touch screen.
Media
One of my favorite features of the Pocket 6K is its ability to record to inexpensive and commonly available Samsung T5 and T7 SSDs. This is thanks to a USB-C output. These drives retail for about $200/TB and can be purchased at major retailers including my favorite store, Adorama.
In fact, the media for the Pocket 6K is so inexpensive that most of my regular clients have purchased their own Samsung SSDs. This allows them to walk away with their footage without having to offload media on set. This saves hours of waiting around at the end of a job and spares many annoying emails or data transfers.
Sound
For years, recording audio into small cameras has been a source of frustration for cinematographers, directors, producers, editors, clients and sound recordists alike. The Pocket 6K and Pocket 6K Pro make recording audio a breeze.
As I mentioned earlier, the Pocket 6K sports a single mini XLR audio input while the Pocket 6K Pro has two mini XLR audio inputs. Converting Mini XLR to the more common XLR is as easy as purchasing an adapter. Both cameras can supply Phantom Power and can accept line or mic level inputs.
Additionally, both cameras have 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks as well as two internal microphones each. Adjusting audio levels is as simple as tapping the audio meters on either camera’s large, user-friendly touch screen.
Both cameras can also take timecode via their 3.5mm microphone jack or mini XLR input. The best part is the camera knows when timecode is being fed into those inputs, takes the timecode jam, and still allows you to record two clean channels of audio using the remaining available audio inputs.
Image Quality
To be frank, the image quality of the Pocket 6K is incredible. Seriously, the Pocket 6K and Pocket 6K Pro punch way above their weight class. It has excellent highlight retention and shadow information, and renders graduations beautifully thanks to its S35mm sized sensor. It also features Gen 5 color science, and 10-Bit ProRes and 12-Bit Raw recording formats.
Both the Pocket 6K and Pocket 6K Pro are able to capture a range of resolutions including 6K, 4K, 2K, and HD without windowing or cropping the sensor. Both cameras can record high speed at up to 50fps in 6K, 60fps in 4K and and 120fps in HD. High Frame Rate recording is as simple as pressing the HFR button on the back side of the camera. Frame rates are user selectable and can be adjusted in one frame increments in the menu. The Pocket 6K can also shoot high frame rates while still displaying a LUT and without increasing sensor noise.
Speaking of sensor noise, both cameras feature Dual Native ISOs of 400 ISO and 3200 ISO. This allows flexibility in a variety of situations. I, personally, use 400 ISO for studio and daytime exterior work while 3200 ISO has proven to be a lifesaver for behind-the-scenes work on dimly lit stages and night exteriors where additional lighting is not practical or possible.
Room for Improvement
The Pocket 6K is not without some short comings. Like many small cameras, the image suffers from a jello-like effect when quickly panning and tilting. I have yet to receive a complaint from a client or director, but it is present. I’d like to see Blackmagic release a version of the camera with a Global Shutter to alleviate this issue.
When it comes to the internal battery life, I get roughly 30 minutes per battery. I typically use an external Gold Mount battery plate and Hypercore batteries, which can power the camera for hours. I will say that I enjoy having the option to use an internal battery for gimbal work and when hot-swapping external batteries without having to power down the camera. One cool party trick that I really like is the internal battery charges inside the camera while using wall power or an external battery plate.
Conclusion
The Blackmagic Pocket 6K and Pocket 6K Pro showcases what amazing things a small camera can do. And yet, it remains one of filmmaking’s best-kept secrets. I encourage you to give this impressively powerful little camera a chance. I’m confident you’ll be pleased with the results.
