Blackmagic Design’s new codec, the Blackmagic RAW (BRAW) has finally arrived to the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K as a part of the Blackmagic Camera 6.2 update released today.
Blackmagic RAW is a new codec by Blackmagic Design, that combines the quality and benefits of RAW with the ease of use, speed and file sizes of traditional video formats. Blackmagic RAW is a more agile format that gives customers high-quality imagery, cross-platform support, and a free developer SDK access. Read Y.M.Cinema Magazine in-depth articles regarding BRAW here.
Blackmagic Camera 6.2 update
Many consumers have anxiously been waiting for this update to allow them the privilege of using the BRAW on their Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. Today the update has arrived.
Blackmagic Camera 6.2 update highlights
- Added Blackmagic RAW codec support.
- Added Constant Bitrate 3:1, 5:1, 8:1, 12:1 recording for Blackmagic RAW.
- Added Constant Quality Q0 and Q5 recording for Blackmagic RAW.
- Added support for double tap on touchscreen zoom.
- Changed tap to focus behavior to tap and hold to focus.
- Removed CinemaDNG formats.
The main focus in the 6.2 updates is the implementation of the BRAW on the Pocket 4K. Furthermore, as you can see, there is an elimination of CDNG codec, which was one of Blackmagic’s most recognized codec ever.
As stated in the press release: “Once the camera has been updated, customers can choose between 3:1, 5:1, 8:1 and 12:1 constant bit-rate recording or between constant quality Q0 and Q5 recording. This lets them prioritize image quality or file size. The constant bit-rate encoding options give customers incredible images at predictable and consistent file sizes. Constant quality Q0 and Q5 use variable bitrate encoding so complex frames are encoded at higher data rates, preserving the maximum amount of detail and quality possible. Blackmagic Design Generation 4 Color Science is used for superior imaging that results in extremely accurate skin tones and gorgeous, lifelike colors. Blackmagic RAW images are encoded using a custom non-linear 12-bit space designed to provide the maximum amount of color data and dynamic range.”
Once the camera has been updated, customers can choose between 3:1, 5:1, 8:1 and 12:1 constant bit-rate recording or between constant quality Q0 and Q5 recording. This lets them prioritize image quality or file size.
Watch the video below for further information in regard to the latest Blackmagic news and updates:
No more CDNGs
Even more interesting regarding the 6.2 updates, is the fact that the famous CDNG is eliminated. Although it’s a logical step for Blackmagic because the BRAW is much more efficient and smart (data usage and quality wise), it may frustrate some users who are used to the CDNG workflow. However, it’s a blessed update and a major improvement to the Pocket Cinema 4K.
Are you a Pocket Cinema 4K shooter? Let’s know your insights about the 6.2 camera update.
Very exciting!
Is there any word as to when BRAW will be available for the Ursa Mini 4k?
[…] According to Blackmagic Design CEO, Grant Petty, the removal of CinemaDNG was performed due to patent infringement claimed by other company. There is no info regarding this “other company”. Petty said that analyzing the claim could be very complex and expensive (legally and technically) and thus they have decided to remove CinemaDNG in a total and replace it with the new and much more effective BRAW. […]
[…] Cinema 4K outputs BRAW, which is the hot new codec in town created by Blackmagic Design. The BRAW has arrived at the Pocket 4K as well, which is a super affordable cinema camera ($1,300). We wrote an in-depth […]