When the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera first appeared on the market the Panosonic GH5 was a long way in the distant future and the GH4 would not be released for another year. What Blackmagic’s pint-sized camera did offer over its competitors was lossless 12-bit CinemaDNG files as well as Apple ProRes 422 (HQ), albeit at 1080p. The Pocket Cinema Camera was a titan in its day but has been usurped by more capable cameras from Sony and Panasonic. At this year’s NAB trade show Blackmagic Design looks to regain the throne with the much-awaited follow up to this little giant, with the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.

Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

The predominant feature of this new handheld unit is its ability to record in 4K. Unlike its predecessor, which was limited to 1080p, the new Pocket Cinema Camera 4K records 4096 x 2160 at 60 fps in 10-bit ProRes or 12-bit RAW. A cropped 1080 120 fps mode will be available as well.

Unfortunately, it won’t be able to shoot in Apple’s new ProRes RAW as of yet, but there is talk of more codecs to come in the future. The newPocket Cinema Camera 4K also features dual native ISO with a maximum ISO of up to 25,600 for incredible low light performance, 13 stops of dynamic range, and LUT support.

[REWIND: Apple Launches New ProRes RAW Video Codec | DJI Drone Users Set To Benefit Greatly]

a plethora of ports

The Pocket Cinema Camera is only small in name. This new model has a 5-inch display which dominates the back (upgraded from a 3.5-inch display) and it features a full-size Micro Four Thirds sensor (upgraded from Super 16).

A plethora of ports grace the sides including a mini XLR connector with phantom power, full-sized HDMI, two slots for SD/UHS-II and CFast cards, and a unique new USB-C Expansion Port it also eliminates the need for expensive external recorders.

Tech Specs:

MFT mount
HDR sensor
12-bit RAW cinema 4K 60fps and full HD at up to 120fps
13 stops Dynamic Range
dual native ISO up to 25,600
external RAW recording
12-bit CinemaDNG RAW and 10-bit Apple ProRes 422 (HQ)
5-inch touchscreen
USB-C and standard sized HDMI
Canon LP-E6N or locking DC12 volt power connection
SD/UHS-II and CFast
Bluetooth wireless camera control
3.5mm audio jack+mini XLR and headphone jack

Availablity

Blackmagic has made name for itself creating a line of pro video tools, broadcast equipment and a brilliant non-linear editor with industry-leading color grading capabilities. Black magic provides pro-grade tools that are centrally focused on filmmaking. Its sub-$1000 pocket cinema camera has become a cult classic among filmmakers. The new The new Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is $300 more than original, at $1295, but includes a full copy of DaVinci Resolve Studio. It is expected to ship in early September. Pre-orders are available from B&H here.