The new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K or PCC4K is a spectacular video camera with excellent 4K video quality in RAW or ProRes. It has a beautiful 5-inch full HD touchscreen with a surprisingly simple interface. This is a Micro Four Thirds system that has a similar sensor to the Panasonic GH5S mirrorless camera. But the Panasonic is over $500 more. The Blackmagic PCC4K is $1300. The price also includes a full license for DaVinci Resolve Studio which is normally $300 alone.
The camera lacks numerous features we have come to expect in video cameras. For instance it does not have face-tracking auto focus, a flip out screen, or a shoe mount for attaching a mic or a light. Battery life is not great and you have to watch the gauge to avoid unexpected shut-downs. Be prepared to go through 4 batteries in a two hour shoot. So this camera is not a good choice for a one-man band. As a cinema camera it is intended for use on productions with camera crews. It might be perfect for film students because it teaches how to use a movie camera including the work flow and terminology of a professional cinema camera.
As Digital Trends says “this is the most impressive cinema camera you can buy without spending $5000.” See their short video about the camera.
Video can be recorded to SD or CFast 2.0 cards, or directly to an external solid state drive (SSD) over USB. The camera is available on Amazon for $1300 without lens.
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