NAB 2018: Blackmagic teases new Pocket 4K cinema camera
Our cinematic dreams are coming true.
Photos out of Las Vegas today show a huge billboard teasing a new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. If true, this could be big news.
The original Pocket camera became a darling among budget videographers and filmmakers. Small form factor, option for RAW file capture, built-in LCD screen, and outstanding — dare we call it “filmic”? — image turned the Pocket into a sensational hit for Blackmagic. At only $995 (USD) it was utterly amazing value for the money. That many still use it today is testament to its forward-thinking specs and design.
But… one thing was missing:
Given that’s it 2018 and the 4K train has departed, the faithful had long hoped Australia’s Blackmagic Design team would give the little camera attention and release a sequel with updated specs. That day is near. On its Facebook page, BMD says it will hold a press conference on Monday, April 9, 2018 at 9:30am PDTwhere surely all the details will flow.
Here’s hoping that in addition to 4K the engineers have found a way to give the Pocket better battery life and a more legible display in bright light. Yes, isn’t that always the way? More, more, more. Either way, along with Apple’s ProRes RAW announcement, this NAB is turning out to be a solid one for camera and video nerds.
I used the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera on several projects for Stark Insiderover the past few years. It’s an interesting camera; sort of like the Pocket, but without the built-in screen. Recording to cheap SD cards and with a beautiful sensor it produced outstanding results — even if ergonomically is was far from something like a GH5 or plan old DSLR camera body.
Many of the scenes at the “Magical Retreat” just north of San Francisco, under majestic redwoods, from our SI short 3 Days in Sonoma were shot with the Micro. I especially like that its Super 16-sized sensor made it a match made in heaven for the famed vintage Angenieux 12-120mm lens. A modern day equivalent might cost around $75,000. In other words: prohibitive. But I picked one up for about $600 on eBay. Though it’s from the 1960s the optics are very pretty to my eyes. And I can crank away thanks to a handle. So I can get — or try to get — De Palma style superzooms. And that’s what I tried to do for a few of the scripted bits in 3 Days in Sonoma.
3 Days in Sonoma
- 9 cameras + 5 years of footage = 3 Days in Sonoma, a sprawling wine country epic with Loni Stark
- Magical Retreat scenes shot (when stuffed animals attack for instance) on Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera (BMCC) with Agenieux 12-120mm lens, Sigma 18-35mm and Lumix 12-35mm.
ll that to say, it will be very interesting to see what Blackmagic does with the Pocket 4K. The original Pocket was already a legend amongst the filmmaking community and bloggers, so here’s hoping the company shakes up the industry once again!
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source:http://www.starkinsider.com/2018/04/blackmagic-teases-new-pocket-4k-cinema-camera.html
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