In a somewhat unprecedented move, Blackmagic has announced that the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6k will officially retail at $1,995. That is $500 less than the launch price of $2,495. While it’s common to see camera models decrease in price as the years proceed, or if the model becomes outdated, it’s rare to see a camera receive such a significant discount only several months after the official release. This time last year, many filmmakers were still waiting on the shipment of their Pocket 4k, little did anyone know we would be receiving news of an EF 6k model in August.
My 6k Test film
New Model or Streaming Related?
Those on social media have already started to speculate if the decrease in the RRP is due to a new pocket model on the horizon. While I would not rule that out given Blackmagic’s surprise 6k announcement, I would also not jump too far into that rabbit hole of deciphering ‘what’s next?’ As covid-19 has brought film production to a standstill, as well as interfering with delays in camera manufacturing and product shipping, I think it would be highly unlikely that we would receive news of a new model over the next few weeks.
Instead, from looking at Blackmagic’s press release, I think we can assume that the reduction is due to increase home & studio streaming, along with the release of the new ATEM Mini Pro.
“Blackmagic Design today announced a new lower price for the popular Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K of US$1,995. This is a reduction of $500, which will help make this camera more affordable for users working on digital film as well as live production with the new ATEM Mini switchers. With the current demand for multi-camera live streaming from home broadcast studios, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K makes a perfect studio camera when combined with the recent studio camera software update!”
Hopefully, you’re a filmmaker who has been looking to acquire or upgrade to a BMPCC6k, and not a filmmaker who purchased one at the start of the year to then have your productions canceled, and the camera later lowered in price.
More Press Release Snippets
“Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K is available immediately from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide for US$1,995.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera now works as a studio camera for live production when used with ATEM Mini. Video and control is via the HDMI connection, which is available as soon as customers plug the cameras in. The record light becomes a tally light so customers can see which camera is on air. The ATEM Software Control camera page has a camera control unit (CCU) style interface for adjusting and matching their cameras. Move the CCU control vertically for iris and left to right to adjust black level. It’s the same as a broadcast CCU. There are also controls for color tint to balance camera as well as focus, gain and shutter speed. Customers can even ISO record Blackmagic RAW in the camera for editing later.”
“We have worked very hard to build this camera at lower cost, and we think even more people will be able to take advantage of this price reduction to move into a more advanced and much higher quality digital film workflow,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “This has become more important with COVID-19. Many broadcasters have been setting up home studios for presenters, which have used ATEM Mini switchers and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras. We think with the recent software updates for switcher control of the Pocket Cinema Cameras from the ATEM Mini switchers, combined with this more affordable price it will greatly help this workflow.”
To read the full press release, see here.
Cover image via Blackmagic Design
