At $1,575 , the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K is the Best Deal in RAW Video
The Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K is an exceptional video camera. Featuring a full-frame HDR sensor, active L-mount, 13 stops of dynamic range, internal RAW capture, and a full suite of ports, it’s a powerhouse. Blackmagic just knocked $1,000 off the asking price.
Not even a year old yet, the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K is an outstanding video camera. It features a high-resolution 6,048 x 4,032-pixel sensor, nearly three times larger than a Super 35 image sensor. Blackmagic promises 13 stops of dynamic range; it also has dual native ISO up to 25,600.
Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K can shoot in all standard resolutions and frame rates from HD up to DCI 4K and even 6K. It’s not just a film camera either as it can also capture 24.6 megapixels photos (although that’s not its strength).
Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K can shoot up to 36 frames per second at 6,048 x 4,032 3:2 open gate or 60 frames per second at 6048 x 2520 2.4:1 and 60 fps at 4096 x 2160 4K DCI. For higher frame rates users can window the sensor and shoot up to 120 frames per second.
“The large sensor also lets customers work in true 6:5 anamorphic without cropping, making widescreen cinematic images more detailed and in higher resolution than previously possible. Customers can even use the classic Super 35 sized window on the sensor to create an instant ‘close up’ version of their shot that fits seamlessly with open gate footage,” Blackmagic says of its camera.
It also uses L-mount, which now has a huge library of lenses that work with it. For example, pairing the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K with Panasonic’s series of f/1.8 lenses would immediately yield impressive results. Even Sigma’s I-series of “Contemporary” compact primes, which are relatively inexpensive, would pair well with the camera.
The closest direct competitors are likely the Panasonic S5 II and S5 IIX cameras which are more expensive, but not hugely so — the S5 II is $1,800 right now. And while Panasonic’s S5 II is arguably more functional — it includes autofocus, in-body image stabilization, and an articulating screen, for example — anyone who is looking to shoot internal RAW video can’t find better than the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K — especially at this price.
Young filmmakers who are looking for an outstandingly capable video camera to take to film school will be hard-pressed to find a better deal right now than the $1,575 Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K.
The Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K’s 40% price drop isn’t permanent. Blackmagic is calling this an “extremely limited offer.”
Image credits: Blackmagic Design
