The camera that most pleased the visitors at the NABShow 2018 was without a doubt the Blackmagic Pocket 4K, the only problem we saw on the camera was that it is not available, but that wait is about to finish as the manufacturer announced that it will hit the market on September 15, costing $ 1295 USD.
A proof that it is coming is the several videos made with it that were published this week. There are some of them below.
John Brawley talks about the new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. ‘Models Close up at Night’ is his third camera test where he checked out the camera’s ability to handle different skin tones in very low light conditions.
“This camera test was about shooting different skin tones in different low light conditions, so we wanted to keep it simple using the least amount of artificial lighting. We had a hotel room in Atlanta where we shot from 3pm until 11pm and got through about 70-80 shots cycling through different lighting and skin conditions. When you can get really great pictures at ISO3200 and above, things suddenly get very interesting. In this test, we were shooting two hours after sunset and you can still see blue sky around the buildings in the background! This camera can really read a long way into the shadows, which was a big surprise.”
“I see this camera as continuing the evolution that Blackmagic started with the Pocket Cinema Camera by now making it 4K. Having something that we can work with in really low light like this, means you can still get really great results with any type of ambient light.”
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Apple ProRes 422 HQ
ISO1000 and 3200
Olympus Pro 17, 25, 45, 1.2 Micro Four Thirds lenses
(click on the images to open the link for the videos)
John Brawley shares his experiences with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. ‘Models Walking at Night’ is his second camera test where he was checking out the camera’s higher dynamic range and color accuracy.
“What I wanted to achieve was to test the dynamic range, but to still come up with some really great looking images. Having that higher dynamic range and a high bit depth file, means you have a lot of wriggle-room to correct anything that needs to be balanced. This extra range lets you manage and massage the image to get you into a really nice place. You’re not fighting the codec or the dynamic range of the camera.”
“The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K gives you a ton of options. If you want to take it warmer, darker or cooler, you now have so much latitude in terms of dynamic range and depth of color. With this camera you just have so much extra choice, because you can take the image whereever you want. And that’s the truly great thing about having such a vibrant and high precision image!”
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Apple ProRes 422 HQ
ISO1000 and 1200
Olympus Pro F4 zoom 12-100 Micro Four Thirds lens
Andreas Neumann talks about using the new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K for the first time. ‘Balloons’ is Andreas’ extreme lighting test as he constantly shoots directly into the sun, wide open. ‘Balloons’ documents the camera’s performance from 5am in the morning into the height of the midday sun.
“I shot this test at Temecula in California, shooting from dawn until midday. This was a challenging environment for any camera, because I was constantly shooting into the light, or with the sun directly behind people’s faces. The detail I got was incredible. You can see everything reflecting in my wife’s Chanel glasses. You can actually see reflections off the ground, the balloon above, and the sky in the background. The camera really did capture everything I was seeing. I love shooting directly into the light wide open, and with this camera you could safely do that. I was totally amazed at what the micro four thirds sensor could handle. It seemed like the same quality as the URSA Mini Pro with the full sensor. I was also very surprised at how well the back-screen performed in bright sunlight, where I could truly see every detail.”
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Apple ProRes 422 HQ
ISO800
Rokinon 25, 50, 80 T1.5 prime lenses
Mark Wyatt talks about using the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. ‘Nature’ is Mark’s test of the camera’s 4K performance in the extreme lighting conditions of rainforests and ravines.
“The camera tests I wanted to do were in the forests and waterfalls on the outer West Coast of Canada. I was really interested in seeing how the new sensor would handle these harsh lighting conditions. By increasing the ISO to an impressive 1250 and 2500, it allowed me to capture the dark moss-lined walls and unique emerald color, yet also hold onto the highlight detail of the top of the waterfall and sky. I feel most cameras would likely struggle with this scene.”
“I had the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K for only a few days, but overall I was really impressed by it. The weight of the camera is very liberating, especially when you are used to using larger camera systems. The screen is big and bright enough to use in daylight, which I found great for judging focus and exposure. And, the colors too on the screen, were also nicely represented. In fact, I would argue it is Blackmagic’s best screen yet.”
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
RAW
ISO400, 1250 and 2500
Sigma 18-35mm, Rokinon Cine 50mm EF lenses
Metabones Speedbooster to Micro Four Thirds
