The new BMPCC6K (Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K) Pro it’s a hybridization between the Pocket Cinema 6K to the URSA Mini Pro, but with an ND filter and options for the dedicated electronic viewfinder and extra power accessories. Nevertheless, it’s not “pocket” sized anymore. Let’s have a glimpse.

URSA Mini Pro + Pocket 6K = BMPCC6K Pro

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro is a Super 35 camera that includes additional pro features such as built-in 2, 4, and 6 stop ND filters, adjustable tilt HDR LCD with a bright 1500 nits that are ideal for use in bright sunlight. It also includes two mini XLR audio inputs and a larger NP-F570 style battery. Let’s start with the upgrade that every Pocket shooters were yearning for, which is (of course) the ND filters.

Motorized IR ND filters

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro features high-quality, motorized IR ND filters that let you quickly reduce the amount of light entering the camera. Designed to match the colorimetry and color science of the camera, the 2, 4, and 6 stop filters provide an additional latitude. The IR filters have been designed to filter both optical and IR wavelengths evenly, eliminating IR contamination of the images. Activation buttons are located on the rear of the camera body, placed within tactical reach of your thumb from the multi-function hand grip. User-selectable filter settings can even be displayed as either an ND number, stop reduction, or fraction on the LCD.

LCD monitor: 1500 nits

The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro LCD monitor is a more advanced HDR display that can be tilted up and down so it’s easy to monitor your shot. Plus the 6K Pro model’s HDR display features 1500 nits of brightness which can be viewed in direct sunlight.

Optional viewfinder

The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro supports an optional viewfinder. You get an integrated high-quality 1280 x 960 color OLED display with a built-in proximity sensor, 4 element glass diopter for incredible accuracy with a wide -4 to +4 focus adjustment. A built-in digital focus chart ensures you get a perfect viewfinder focus setup. You can also view critical status information such as frame guides. The Pocket Cinema Camera Pro EVF connects quickly to the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro via a single connector. The viewfinder has a 70-degree swivel range and comes with 4 different types of eyecups for both left and right eyes.

Power from Batteries: 12V DC and Recharge via USB‑C

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and 6K use removable LP-E6 type batteries while the 6K Pro model uses larger NP-F570 batteries. A Locking DC power connector is used, plus the included AC plug pack can power the camera and charge the battery simultaneously. You also get a set of international socket adapters for worldwide use. The USB-C expansion port can trickle charge the battery, so you can use portable battery packs, mobile phone chargers, or laptops.

Price

The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro costs $2,495, and the Camera Pro EVF costs $495. The camera can be preordered via the B&H website. 

Summary

The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is not a “Pocket” anymore. It’s much more cumbersome than the regional Pocket. However, it includes many crucial features for filmmakers, like the essential ND filters (the main cause of the larger size of the camera), a more sophisticated and usable LCD screen, and an optional viewfinder. Should you upgrade? Well, it’s up to you. It’s a $500 delta regarding price (the “regular” 6K costs $2,000), so basically you pay the $500 on the ND filters which can save a lot of hustle in production. However, in case you don’t own a Pocket yet, maybe it worths spending $500 more on the Pro model. But be advised, it’s not so compact camera.