Are Expensive Cameras Worth It? Read this Blackmagic Pocket 4K Review

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Physical Features of the Blackmagic Pocket 4K
3. Recording Options and Media Slots
4. Sensor and Image Quality
5. Usability and User Experience
6. Battery Life and Power Options
7. Display and Touchscreen Features
8. Audio Capabilities
9. Cost and Value
10. Conclusion

1. Introduction

The Blackmagic Pocket 4K has gained popularity as an affordable camera option for video production. In this article, we will explore how this camera compares to its predecessor and if it can disrupt the industry once again.

2. Physical Features of the Blackmagic Pocket 4K

The Blackmagic Pocket 4K has a carbon fiber polycarbonate composite body, which deviates from the usual build quality of Blackmagic cameras. The camera features a 5-inch 1080p display, buttons for easy control, and dual media slots for CFast 2.0 cards and SD cards.

3. Recording Options and Media Slots

The Pocket 4K offers versatile recording options, including the use of small portable SSDs that can be plugged directly into the camera's Type C port. This provides a convenient workflow for editing. The camera also features dual media slots for CFast 2.0 cards and SD cards, giving users flexibility in storage options.

4. Sensor and Image Quality

Equipped with a micro four thirds size sensor, the Pocket 4K can shoot up to 60 fps at 4096 by 2160 resolution and boasts 13 stops of dynamic range. It also has a dual native ISO of 400 and 3200, which contributes to its impressive image quality.

5. Usability and User Experience

The Pocket 4K offers a user-friendly menu system and efficient button layout. However, its size may pose some challenges, as it is not as pocketable as its name suggests. Battery life is a significant drawback, with less than 20 minutes of runtime on a standard LP E6 battery. However, there are various power options available to address this limitation.

6. Display and Touchscreen Features

The camera's 5-inch touchscreen display is responsive and similar to the red touch monitor. However, it is fixed in one position and may not be bright enough for use in daylight conditions. Therefore, an external monitor is recommended for better visibility.

7. Audio Capabilities

The Pocket 4K features a mini XLR port, allowing users to connect full-size XLR systems with an adapter cable. While the in-camera recording quality has historically been poor for Blackmagic cameras, the audio from the Pocket 4K proved to be surprisingly usable. However, for sound-critical projects, it is still advisable to use separate sound recording devices.

8. Cost and Value

The Pocket 4K offers unprecedented quality for its price point, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. However, the true cost of ownership may be higher than the initial price tag, considering additional power options and accessories. Despite this, the camera is still an incredible tool for beginners to learn and improve their video and filmmaking skills.

9. Conclusion

The Blackmagic Pocket 4K proves to be a disruptor in the camera industry with its affordability and impressive features. Compared to its predecessor, it has fewer dealbreakers, making it an attractive choice for small crews and those starting their video careers.

Article

Introduction

The Blackmagic Pocket 4K, released in 2018, has made waves in the video production industry with its affordability and array of features. This camera follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the original Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, which gained a dedicated following among amateur videographers, indie filmmakers, and even production professionals worldwide.

Physical Features of the Blackmagic Pocket 4K

The Blackmagic Pocket 4K features a body made of a space-age carbon fiber polycarbonate composite, deviating from the usual above-average build quality that Blackmagic cameras are known for. The camera's body is not truly pocketable, as its name suggests, and is larger than its predecessor. However, it still remains relatively compact compared to other cinema cameras on the market.

On the top of the camera, there is a standard layout of buttons for functions such as Record, ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, as well as buttons for still image capture and custom functions. On the back of the camera, there is a 5-inch 1080p display, which proves to be useful for framing shots and reviewing footage. The camera also features dedicated buttons for iris and focus control, along with a high frame rate button for easy switching between frame rates.

Recording Options and Media Slots

The Blackmagic Pocket 4K offers a range of recording options to suit different needs. In addition to using CFast 2.0 cards and SD cards in its dual media slots, the camera can also utilize small portable SSDs that plug directly into the type C port on the left side of the camera. This feature provides a convenient workflow for filmmakers, as they can record directly to an SSD and then easily plug the SSD into their computer for editing.

During testing, the Pocket 4K performed exceptionally well with an Andrew Baird match kit, which included a 256GB CFast 2.0 card and a 512GB portable SSD. With these storage options, the camera proved to be reliable and efficient during extended shoot days.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Blackmagic Pocket 4K is equipped with a micro four thirds size sensor, capable of shooting up to 60 fps at 4096 by 2160 resolution. The camera boasts an impressive 13 stops of dynamic range, providing flexibility in capturing both highlights and shadows in a scene. One standout feature of the Pocket 4K is its dual native ISO of 400 and 3200, which allows for clean image quality even in low-light conditions.

During testing, the camera exhibited noise performance that surpassed expectations, particularly at higher ISOs such as 1600 and 3200. This level of performance is not commonly found in cameras with sensors of this size. For documentary shooters or those constantly dealing with changing lighting conditions, the Pocket 4K's noise performance is a significant positive.

However, one slight drawback in image quality was the highlight Roll-off, which still exhibited a harsh, digital-looking clip when the brightest parts of the image were not perfectly exposed. Despite this, overall image quality from the Pocket 4K was outstanding.

Usability and User Experience

The Blackmagic Pocket 4K features an intuitive menu system that is incredibly easy to navigate. The buttons on the camera, while they may feel a bit mushy, provide efficient control and make adjusting settings quick and convenient.

One area where the Pocket 4K falls slightly short is its battery life. With a standard LP E6 battery, the camera's runtime is disappointingly short, offering less than 20 minutes of use. However, there are various power options available to address this limitation. The camera features a 12-volt limo connector, a USB-C port, and a mini XLR, providing users with a range of options to power the camera.

Furthermore, the camera's physical size, though not truly pocketable, can be beneficial in certain situations. It offers discreet capturing of high-quality footage when shooting handheld, but it may not be ergonomically ideal due to its lightweight body. This can be remedied by using accessories or additional equipment for stability.

Display and Touchscreen Features

The Blackmagic Pocket 4K is equipped with a 5-inch touchscreen display, which is responsive and similar to the Red Touch Monitor. However, one disadvantage is that the screen is fixed in one position and may not be bright enough for use in daylight conditions. Therefore, an external monitor is highly recommended for better visibility and flexibility in shooting scenarios.

Audio Capabilities

The Pocket 4K presents an interesting audio experience with its mini XLR port. With the use of an adapter cable, users can connect full-size XLR systems to the camera, enabling higher-quality audio capture. Despite Blackmagic cameras historically having poor in-camera recording quality, the audio recorded on the Pocket 4K was surprisingly usable. This makes it a viable option for projects where separate sound recorders are not feasible.

Cost and Value

The Blackmagic Pocket 4K is renowned for its affordability and value. For its price point, no other camera offers the same level of quality and features. However, it is essential to consider additional expenses when determining the true cost of ownership. Accessories such as power options, lenses, and external monitors can significantly add to the overall cost. Despite this, the affordability of the Pocket 4K makes it an excellent tool for beginners looking to learn and improve their video and filmmaking skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Blackmagic Pocket 4K continues to disrupt the camera market with its affordability and impressive features. While it may not be truly pocketable and has some limitations, such as battery life and screen brightness, it offers unparalleled value for its price point. For anyone looking to venture into video on a budget, the Pocket 4K provides an exceptional tool for capturing great footage and enhancing their filmmaking skills.

Highlights:

• Affordable camera option for video production
• Deviates from the usual build quality of Blackmagic cameras
• Versatile recording options including the use of portable SSDs
• Micro four thirds sensor with impressive dynamic range and dual native ISO
• Intuitive menu system and efficient button layout
• Battery life is a significant drawback
• Touchscreen display, though fixed in one position, is responsive
• Mini XLR port for flexibility in audio capture
• Unprecedented quality for its price point
• Continuing disruption in the camera industry

FAQ

Q: Can the Blackmagic Pocket 4K fit in a pocket? A: Despite its name, the Blackmagic Pocket 4K may not fit in a regular-sized pocket due to its larger size compared to its predecessor. However, it is still relatively compact for a cinema camera.

Q: What recording options does the Blackmagic Pocket 4K offer? A: The Pocket 4K offers versatile recording options, including the use of CFast 2.0 cards, SD cards, and small portable SSDs that plug directly into the camera's type C port.

Q: How is the image quality of the Pocket 4K? A: The Pocket 4K features a micro four thirds sensor with 13 stops of dynamic range and a dual native ISO. The image quality is outstanding, with good noise performance at higher ISOs.

Q: What are the power options for the Blackmagic Pocket 4K? A: The Pocket 4K offers various power options, including the use of LP E6 batteries, a 12-volt limo connector, USB-C port, and mini XLR.

Q: Does the Pocket 4K have good audio recording capabilities? A: Despite poor in-camera recording quality in previous Blackmagic cameras, the audio recorded on the Pocket 4K is surprisingly usable, especially when using external XLR systems with an adapter cable.