Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K: Sample Videos Look Amazing

Blackmagic Design has released sample videos from the new and most fascinating Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. The videos look stunning! Check them out below and watch the screengrabs so you can judge for yourself. 

Let’s begin with the BMPCC4K highlights and basic spec:

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K features 4/3 size sensor, 13 stops of dynamic range and dual native ISO up to 25,600 for HDR images and incredible low light performance. External controls give quick access to essential functions, while the large 5 inch touchscreen makes it easy to frame shots, focus accurately and change camera settings. Features include built in SD/UHS-II or CFast 2.0 recorders for RAW or ProRes recoding as well as a USB-C expansion port for recording externally to disks, plus MFT lens mount, built-in microphones, XLR input, full sized HDMI, 3D LUT support, Bluetooth and more.

Compression rate:

• CinemaDNG RAW – 272 MB/s
• CinemaDNG RAW 3:1 – 129 MB/s
• CinemaDNG RAW 4:1 – 97 MB/s
• Apple ProRes 422 HQ – 117.88 MB/s
• Apple ProRes 422 – 78.63 MB/s
• Apple ProRes 422 LT – 54.63 MB/s
• Apple ProRes Proxy – 24.25 MB/s

Price: $1295.

Now let’s have a look at the tests!

There are 3 video samples that are dedicated to test the camera abilities to deal with different production challenges.

First video: testing extreme lighting conditions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLQD_prTgfnKD1d_w01ceXzuhedDwA0l8P&v=oAbB4dQOz4I

Gear used:

• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
• RAW (no info regarding compression)
• ISO400, 1250 and 2500
• Sigma 18-35mm, Rokinon Cine 50mm EF lenses
• Metabones Speedbooster to Micro Four Thirds

The video was shot by Mark Wyatt. His words about the camera: “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.”

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

Gallery of selected screengrabs:

Second video: testing color accuracy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Dv4iSzhMjA

The video was shot by John Brawley. His words about 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 where ever you want. And that’s the truly great thing about having such a vibrant and high precision image!”

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

Gear used:

• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
• Apple ProRes 422 HQ
• ISO1000 and 1200
• Olympus Pro F4 zoom 12-100 Micro Four Thirds lens

Gallery of selected screengrabs:

Third video: testing skin tones

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHR023WhEaM

This is another video by John Brawley. ““The whole point to this daylight test was to see how the camera handled skin tones. We were shooting these scenes later in the afternoon, so I was at ISO1000 or 1250, so it was at the lower ISO for this camera. I understand this gives more in dynamic range, so you have a little bit more highlight-headroom there. When I look at those shots now, I am really impressed at how good the dynamic range is. It is great to see all of that detail I was seeing was actually captured in those shots.” John says.

Gear used:

• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
• Apple ProRes 422 HQ
• ISO1000 and 1250
• Olympus Pro 25, 45, 1.2 micro and Olympus Pro 12-100 F4 zoom Micro Four Thirds lenses

Gallery of selected screengrabs:

Verdict (based on the videos)

In my opinion, the shots speak for themselves. 

The dynamic range is amazing, although it’s only 13 stops (definitely not a “marketing”stops).  You can see the shadows detail in the Nature shots. By the way, the Nature video is a good reference for the maximization of this camera capabilities. Examine the sunlight in the shots and explore how pleasing it is.

Regarding the Models video, examine the skin tones and see how accurate and beautiful they are.

The image is detailed, sharp and has an artistic style ALEXA look.

Lights and shadows are absolutely stunning.

I was really blown away by the image quality. Blackmagic really nailed it this time.

Although there are some noticeable evidence of noise in the shadows, the results are pretty impressive. However, those shots were very carefully crafted. We just need to wait and see the results from the crowd and other professionals. In short, more results and video are welcomed. I wish we had the possibility to download the original images in order to investigate them more carefully. 

Take a look at the videos. If you don’t have time, take a look at the screengrabs.  

Let us know your thoughts about the BMPCC4K initial videos. Have you convinced to purchase one?