
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 was the talk of the internet when it was released in the summer of 2022. People have appreciated Blackmagic’s Pocket Cinema line for many reasons, but primarily because they offer fantastic image quality at a reasonable price. You can get cinema camera features like false color, focus peaking, and log profiles in a lightweight, compact, and affordable body. The update to the already beloved Pocket Cinema 6K was well received. This camera has been out for a while now, so there are already some fantastic technical reviews on the specs and capabilities. In this review, I’m focusing primarily on real-world experience and workflow with this model.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema line build quality
I’ve always enjoyed using the Pocket Cinema line, but what’s always perplexed me is why they maintain the ‘photo camera’ aesthetic. I’m guessing they’re going after the familiarity people have with that format, but I’ve always wondered why they wouldn’t try something completely unique for a purely video-focused camera.
The build quality is solid. It’s made of carbon fiber polycarbonate composite (basically reinforced plastic), but it doesn’t feel cheap. It’s lightweight and comfortable to hold. The button layout is familiar and consistent with the rest of the Pocket Cinema line. It’s intuitive and doesn’t require much thought, which is great for run-and-gun filming.
There are a fair number of customizable buttons, giving you the freedom to make it fit your needs. The menu system is top-tier and arguably better than any other camera brand, in my opinion. It’s entirely touch-based, but the large display makes that a feature rather than a downside. Simple and intuitive, I wish every camera brand would adopt a menu system like the one Blackmagic has implemented.
Image Quality & Usability
The image quality is remarkable. The 6K resolution is a great middle ground for amazing quality without consuming excessive storage. Blackmagic designs its cameras to work well with their editing software, DaVinci Resolve, and they do so extremely well. You can develop your own LUTs in DaVinci and import them into the camera to see exactly how your grade will look in real-time. Blackmagic RAW is one of my favorite file formats to shoot in; you get so much more dynamic range out of your footage, making this Super 35 sensor feel like something much more expensive.
The color science straight out of the camera is great, but you have so much flexibility to adjust that in post that even if you didn’t like it, it wouldn’t matter so much. The Canon EF mount is an older mount but provides endless possibilities, especially if you’re looking to save money on lenses. I threw a Canon L-series 85mm f1.4 on it, and it was a match made in heaven.
Real-World Performance
The Pocket Cinema 6K G2 upgraded its batteries from Canon LP-E6 to Sony NP-F570, which is a significant difference. However, in real-world use, it’s not enough to last through an entire day of shooting without swapping batteries regularly. Many who use the Pocket 6K line daily opt to rig it up with V-mount batteries to bypass the smaller capacity. Blackmagic also offers a battery grip for this model to extend battery life.
Storage is plentiful as Blackmagic provides an SD/UHS-II card slot, a CFast 2.0 card slot, and the ability to record directly onto an SSD via the USB-C port. I found the last option to be a favorite when rigging the camera up, as you can go directly from the camera to editing off that same SSD for a fast and painless workflow.
If you’re looking for an advanced autofocus system, you may want to look elsewhere, as the Pocket Cinema 6K does not have continuous autofocus. It does have a version of single-shot autofocus to get you close initially, but this line is designed for filmmakers familiar with manual focus. They do provide great tools, like focus peaking and zoom focus assist, to help you nail focus every time.
Is the Pocket Cinema Camera 6k G2 worth it?
The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 is a budget beast. The quality and image far exceed its price point. Of course, it’s not for everyone. If you need reliable autofocus or are a hybrid photo/video shooter, there are much better options to consider. But if you’re an aspiring filmmaker, this camera could be a fantastic option for you. While you may want to rig it out with a battery to make it the ultimate budget cinema camera, it could be the perfect solution for the right cases.
Note: Our reviews are always 100% independent, but Gearadical receives a small affiliate amount if you purchase the product on Amazon.