Blackmagic Pocket 4K vs 6K - Which Should You Buy?

Which Blackmagic Pocket cinema camera is best? 6K or 4K? I compare the pros and cons to each and help you decide!
My Camera Guides: academy.dslrvideoshooter.com
Gear Mentioned
Pocket 4K
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/69Ap
B&H: bhpho.to/2T8CtzK
Pocket 6K
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/Z5q1
B&H: bhpho.to/2I59pmA
Metabones XL Adapter (.64x)
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/vFd3
B&H: bhpho.to/2wbmXdo
Metabones Ultra Adapter (.71x)
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/EC17zP
B&H: bhpho.to/2T66Yq6
Viltrox Speedbooster
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/Hnm4sJ
B&H: bhpho.to/31sQ2M4
DISCLAIMERS:
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
No gear was supplied to me for this video.
The content of this video and my opinions were not reviewed or paid for by any outside persons.
#Blackmagic #Pocket #4K #6K

[@exyoris]

"I wanna thank the sponsor WHICH IS MYSELF" the ultimate flex

[@salmosdelanoche]

I just had to watch 6:52 over and over and over again. Sick shot!

[@LowDoughTech]

I could be wrong, but I think it's just marked placement for each shot, then a morph cut transition in Premiere. Looks awesome.

[@petrub27]

that's editing

[@Itaketoomanypics]

i did like 8 times lol

[@jaedynchilton8179]

@@LowDoughTech Of course it is, but it was executed flawlessly.

[@al3ndlib]

He placed both cameras at the same spot and then shot each with a motorized slider with the same speed and angle. This makes it very easy to have seamless transition between shots since every thing is matching but the cameras !!

[@13_cmi]

4K is plenty. It gives smaller files, easier on the computer, and it's more than enough for me. If they come out with a 4K pro I might go with that because built in nd filters and all that good stuff would be super handy

[@janriggert]

4Ks monitor is way too dim! I wish they would offer a 4K Pro!

[@stavdjibas457]

Variable ND’s aren’t that expensive. I get it though it’s a pain to take it on and off when doing run and gun.

[@hello-lb3vf]

4k is overkill. I shoot 1080p. So much better than 4k

[@NatLifeSounds]

yeas but if already 50%+ people using 4k monitors, how then? People who will watch your result will see that loosing of quality in that case, big loosing@@hello-lb3vf

[@asymptotischverhalten228]

The 6k can shoot 4k too

[@guptageneralstores5243]

Boys: This video is brought to you by Skillshare Men: This video is brought to you by Squarespace Legends: This video is brought to you by Myself.

[@chungdha]

I am wonder the softness in the shot it is really the camera or is it the lens that were used?

[@BasicFilmmaker]

Always great coverage. Love the sponsorship. You have a bazillion awesome camera courses over at your academy which is awesome. I know you put a lot of time into these, so they’re a super bargain. 👍

[@spencer2596]

I don’t have the money nor the need for either of these, but I want them lol

[@LE672AJ]

I second that 🍻haha

[@BeaglefreilaufKalkar]

I have the savings and the time to start with these, but lost my Job because of Covid19 Crisis (Why I have the time) but dont think it is the smartest to go spend it on these until I find a new job, but then I will have far less time to film...

[@amitnatty4923]

Dm me on KZbin I’ll give you 6k pro for free of cost.

[@shiruba2004]

No shame in that.

[@francotamayo94]

Thats exactly why I bought the OG. You can get second hand for around $500, it has some flaws and it only records 1080p but the color science is just beautiful.

[@cameramanced.]

Your a life saver, I was about to buy the 6K but I settled with the 4K because you pin pointed everything I needed to know about the two cameras thank you!

[@Storysium]

Excellent buying guide. Thanks a lot!

[@hauntedbytheliving1175]

The color issue... I believe that the flat “yellow” look to the 4K is due largely to the speed booster. I’m not saying they are identical without the speed booster but WAY closer. At least the stuff I’ve gotten a chance to see that used both(friends projects) a skin tone test on the 4K with and without speedbooster would be awesome

[@1001Hobbies]

This video is so informative and so professionally done. I can imagine how impressive your guides are. You are surely one of the best people doing such videos on KZbin.

[@joenicklo]

Just wanted to stop by and day that your courses are freaking amazing. I purchased the GH5 and the BMPCC courses and they're so easy to follow. You do an amazing job at explaining everything.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you so much Driven! That means so much to hear!!!

[@colewithacam97]

Great video, Caleb. I just bought the BMPCC6k a couple of months ago and have barely scratched the surface of what this camera can do. Watching this video helped to assure me that I made a good purchase, but I just need to invest time into learning this BEAST! Haha. I'll check out some of your other content and your Academy to keep educating myself. Thanks for all you do for the video-shooter community!!

[@EXORDIUM-3D]

Best comparison I've seen so far. I love that you talked calmly which makes the presentation clearer. One of the things I hate most about "content creators" is that they are super-hyped. I swear, I feel tired just by listening to them talk.

[@impatrickt]

6:53 it’s morphin’ time.

[@wungabunga]

I’m so entitled that it barely even registered with my eyes.

[@FilmAshton]

I love when Caleb sponsors himself! It’s both awesome and hilarious!

[@JaspreetSinghArtist]

my videos are sponsored by me 😂😂

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Caleb, I really like the transition at 6:52. Well done!!

[@t-producciones5138]

This is the comparison I was looking for! Thank you!!!!

[@variananora]

the video that i'm waiting for in the community! thanks for the explaination!

[@markrobinson8254]

at 2:37 the story begins always great reviews ( thanks for the no music background) just the review I appreciate all the hard work you do to produce these

[@williamrenfrow7053]

thanks, Caleb, your videos are so informative and helpful, I really appreciate the clarity and fine points, I learn so much watching your videos

[@luxnatsoap]

I get such a kick out of watching your videos. Very informative. Thank you!

[@olafdefleurinc]

Extremely clear guide and helpful, thank you!

[@justesmond]

Outstanding video. I've been waiting on a video to compare these two.

[@blueboxstudios1336]

I wanna thank our sponsors. Thank you self. You're welcome Caleb. Love it

[@BlaqcRain]

Best channel in the game right now on breaking products down and giving you the real on what you should get for budget prices

[@KomuFrank]

This is such a great help. Definitely gets me a step closer in deciding what to buy. Thank you

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for calling out the 6K's louder fan. I thought maybe it was just me. 😉

[@epjrzsound9531]

Hey Curtis! I love your videos btw. I´m a sound guy too. Is there any option to turn off the fans while you´re recording and back on on stand by?

[@curtisjudd]

@@julianburrus9956 It's workable except for extreme close-up shots where you still need to capture sound. Also, my first copy had a defective fan. I sent it back to the retailer and they sent me a new camera. I don't see it as a complete deal-breaker, I just prefer cameras that shut down their fans while recording. Many of the bigger cinema cameras do this now - shut off or slow down the fan substantially while recording.

[@Leo9ine]

@@julianburrus9956 I have the 6K and I'm an audio guy at heart. In an average silent-but-untreated room, you need to be inches away to hear the fan (with an ear or a microphone). I could only imagine it being audible in a dead silent treated studio where you're recording macro video with the mic on the camera. Even then, it's a very consistent low frequency and would be easy to filter in post. I worried about the fan noise too, until I actually got it in hand. The fan noise in the video is *severely* boosted, it makes it sound like a vacuum cleaner. In reality it's essentially silent and nowhere near such a high pitch.

[@fabthefab75]

@@Leo9ine Thanks for clarifying that point.... i was worried too...

[@mannahatamovies]

How’s it going Curtis? Yeah my main concern would be the fan noise coming from the camera when you’re doing close ups from even an external recorder. Are the fans on the 6K intermittent or are they constantly audible? Thanks

[@wayoutwestcreatives9769]

that morph from the 4k to the 6k was so slick and subtle. I see you flexin' lol

[@trenillo]

Now this was a video that was straight to the point. I have the 6K already but I'm seriously considering getting the 4K with a Speed Booster as well. Just because of the price, like you said. "I can't go wrong with that." Thanks for the video. 😁

[@jonjoy-gaba315]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!

[@robertadams3666]

yea!!!! thanks for making this video man! glad to see your feeling better ( or seem to be)

[@Pv_sMediatrics]

I've been contemplating this camera for my primary video camera. The mirrorless world is too many and too frustrating. Plus it has HW style features.. thanks a lot. I'm convinced

[@beaustine6093]

Once you mentioned wider shots on the 4k with the speed booster, I was sold. Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@Henchproductions]

I see all these people talking about the HUGE difference between the metabones and the Viltrox. And it simply doesn't exist. Yeah, blow it up 600% to spot the minuscule difference. That's not real world. As if anybody here is shooting the next Transformers or Avengers. Stop with the pixel peeping, and shoot a film. I mean seriously, is anybody here actually making movies, or are they all just gearheads?

[@backalleycqc4790]

I'm here to make movies, when I can afford this camera, once I get all of my other gear paid for on a limited budget :)

[@luxurybuzz3681]

David Sandberg( Lights Out, Anabelle:Creation, Shazam! ) shoots on the bmpcc4k

[@Nice-music585]

Read my mind!

[@AlphaCentauri24]

Lol. You nailed it!

[@chist2190]

I agree. gearheads want to show off their (useless) knowledge but can't apply it in real world situations. it becomes useless.

[@DavidVives84]

Great guide! It really helped me to find out which to buy

[@jcinewilliams8819]

Thank you ALL my questions answered!

[@pimmeelhuysen]

Very well put together video. Thank you for the info!

[@topicruben]

That was awesome man! Thanks a lot for all the info!

[@RevonnCadsawan]

Waiting for your BM6kPro review/video. And when it's out I am ready one click away for the guide. I checked it and you are updating the guide covering 6k Pro. Bought your guide from a6500, switched to GH5, and now 6k Pro. Thanks for the learning, knowledge, and content. Helps me to improve my business and upskill.

[@YuPhourn]

good comparison, i always watch your video, and learn more from you guy!

[@ryanverrastro4405]

Comprehensive, I appreciate that. Thank you. Also, great morph during slide!

[@WangleLine]

Incredible guide, thank you!

[@raoulkoster8567]

What a smoothass transition you did there at 6:48!!! Also the most replayed part haha. Great vid thanks

[@thejohnarnett]

That transition at 6:51 😍 I love it! That's so smooth

[@candyontuesday]

That was an awesome, concise review! Made my decision much easier for my needs.

[@ErikHill1]

Mind blowing the detail in the prores 4k coming out of the 6k @ 2:40

[@scottgmaclean]

Super keen to see the Sony PMW F3 review you mentioned a while ago... the limited stuff on KZbin makes it look pretty cinematic.

[@IvanKaraulov]

f35 is even more interesting now

[@ErikHill1]

Thanks for the video Caleb!

[@robdean1891]

Awesome comparison, thank you!

[@JoelAHogan]

Awesome video. Thanks so much for this mate.

[@13StopsPocketFilms]

Great video man! Didn’t know about the 4k down sampling in the P6K.

[@miriammoriarty8588]

Very helpful comparison, thanks.

[@SAGINAWDANCESHOW]

Excellent video

[@manchester8117]

Great info..... Thanks for the review.

[@berndkiltz]

Thank you! Glad you mentioned the noise on the 6k which made my decision very easy! -> 4k

[@aarondavidlewis]

Love this channel Caleb - quick question - the blacks on the 4K side of the 4K/6K comparison seemed very raised... is the dynamic range different on the cameras? And if you DIDN'T apply the same LUT and GRADE but optimized for the 4K - does that smokiness go away? Or is the image really just that much muddier even with a speed booster?

[@ThomasFosterMusikproduktion]

Thank you for these great videos. I have a question: I'm going to build a KZbin / Recording Studio and want to install 4 cameras there. Based on your videos, I would have chosen the " Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K "which lens would you recommend?

[@GoatBreakers]

Your video quality is amazing on this video. Are you using these cameras or something more highend?

[@pho977]

Best review from the 10+ I watched. Great work🤙🏾

[@BRGriffin]

Nice comparison! Thank you!

[@beachbumpower7018]

This was amazing, thank you so much!

[@itsmebrotherkc]

Great video, are you going to be doing a guide or comparison video on the Panasonic S1H v S1 now that it's available on the market and not in pre-production?

[@beyshoo]

Thank you for the really good guidance ! 👍

[@engagepresents]

Thanks for the knowledge shared

[@Faahlew16]

You are awesome!! Very detailed explanation. I’m sticking with the 4K.

[@JaimeIA]

Hey... good video ... can I use ef-m canon lense on the 4k ??? Or witch can be a good lens for low light en boca effect ???

[@barnseymedia]

Well done. your video has played a HUGE role in my decisions. Ill check out the academy. Thanks!

[@najeefilms]

Nice review lex Luther, I'm definitely getting the 6k. It'll bother me know a better version out.

[@PostColorGear]

Pocket 4k for me. All day! Great video BTW. Love the production value on this one!

[@nicklong7442]

Okaaaay! 6:51 I had to watch that over and over. Pretty cool man. I see you flexing.

[@Megapixelers]

Is BRAW really soft or my camera is just bad? Your shot of the 800x zoom shows just like I see it. In my canon 90d a 10x zoom looks like what you showed in the 6k.

[@AllThingsKen]

lolol its because its 800x in 4k. 800x times is different in 1080p.

[@beardandbowlerproductions]

Thank you for this... so thorough 🖤💀

[@haroldvillegas17]

the 4k combination is really good thats why I went that route but the main problem is you lose lens/glass characteristics specially if you use a high quality cine lenses.

[@intrinsiccinema7374]

thank youuuuuuu i needed this video

[@JanksMorton]

YO! that morph at 6:52 just gave me life!!

[@jelte6831]

Aweasome transition 6:52

[@jkhollywood]

Nice work! Did not mention the ease of using lens mount adaptors with with the Micro 4/3 mount of the 4k camera. That is a big deal if you want to use PL cinema glass.

[@jeremygardels3170]

Thank you SO much my dude. I've been slappin' my brain wrinkles pretty hard over which of these cats to own. You really solved it with this video's excellent clarity and comparison. I have now a new 4k comin' my way, and my work is gonna be silky.

[@thebuzzmeade]

That transition at 652 was slick😎

[@mattcarlson12]

Now that's a sponsor I can support! 👍

[@housevibez8828]

Great review thank you! I am new to this and just want to shoot some great looking cinematic videos. If i buy the 4K version, what else would it need in terms of lenses and boosters and what else, for it to be a great working camera? Thanks in advance :)

[@Dalancino]

Good comparisons since I knew nothing about either of them !

[@biawa849]

Thanks for the information. By the way, is there any recommended IR-cut filter for these 2 cameras?

[@JS-rh6cs]

Best comparison yet !

[@lionroots11]

Your videos one of the best Do you have a video on the 6 pocket to down scale in pro Rez? Using the 4K

[@Mechrank]

Hey Caleb, nice video. Does the speed booster on 4K would also get that creamy bokeh/depth of field that is comparable with a 6k? Please advice.

[@astralaudio101]

Cameras now are simply insane! ☝️

[@MIBIncomeEncourager]

Caleb you simply make the best bloody reviews in the world....sure i watch phillip bloom, Tom Antos, gerald undone (genius but too intense!) and others.....but you are in my mind the leader in your field.....beautiful rich colours....presented so well to understand....comparisons.....in my mind you are the guru of reviews....i shall always be hugely grateful to your time and edits.....just brilliant mate......you are always the first person i turn to for the latest info.....and im so grateful for your knowledge.....thanks matey from the other side of the pond.....your work is brilliant ......always practical and brilliant.

[@autofocus3579]

Thank you for that comparison. Many question marks got erased.

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

I'm wondering what the Pocket 4k camera has over my Fujifilm X-T3? The X-T3 puts out an incredible 4k image. Am I missing anything? Any reason why I'd want a Blackmagic instead?

[@georgetentean2038]

That's interesting. The 4K camera has a Micro Four Thirds sensor just like the regular 1080p BMPCC, and I bought a Metabones Speed Booster 0.58x for that camera about two and a half years ago, so... unless Metabones stopped making that type of speed booster, there are at least three in total: x71, x64 and x58 (which is the fastest).

[@CineBon300]

Idk expecting more…

[@ebenezerilesanmi6575]

Are you going to do a review on the Panasonic S1H?

[@Fran0Ran0]

your my favorite camera guy

[@yi8333]

Thx for a very helpful video. I live in Japan and the 6k is $140 cheeper then the 4K+SB now. I'm definitely bying the 6K

[@israelvidal7970]

Hi! great video! I have two doubts 1- What’s the deference between ProRes, BRAW, CinemaDNG and Raw? and which of those can I use in the Blackmagic? 2- Can I use de DJI Ronin S with the BlackMagic 6k? I will appreciate your answer! Thank you. BTW, I love your videos!

[@pilchthomas]

There is a speed booster for the 6K is like the ursa mini one, just lens but you need to screw it in the mount to keep the distance between the sensor and the lens mount

[@kenbest7660]

Awesome review.

[@davidp158]

Thanks for the review. Can you comment on the file size differences between ProRes 4K (the only option on the 6K model) and BRAW 4K on the 4K model?

[@roderikpatijn1]

Really good info