How to use the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K - Complete Walkthrough

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Completely blown away by what Blackmagic Design offers independent filmmakers like you and me.
The all new Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K boasts a full frame sensor and a boat load of incredible features at a price point under $3K. DANG. When I first started filmmaking, we were limited to things like the DVX100B and mini DV tapes. Times have changed.
This lesson steps through using the camera. We explore the menu and external buttons. Talk about various features and tips. If you're new to the Cinema Camera 6K or Blackmagic cameras in general, this will get you started out on the right foot.
I'll be uploading another couple lessons soon showing how to update firmware and also comparing footage from the Cinema Camera 6K and the Pocket 4K. Both 6K open gate and 4K DCI.
If you're new to filmmaking, check out my online filmschool:
writedirect.co
#blackmagiccinemacamera6K
#cinema6K
#cinemacamera6K
#onlinefilmschool
#writeanddirect

[@chawko4140]

with everyone getting the bmcc 6k with the price drop (me included) videos like these are very helpful.

[@writedirect]

Right on! You’ll love the camera. And the sale is off the charts. If you want some good anamorphic primes, look at the Sirui Saturns.

[@litlmike3]

Finally a video basic enough that even I could understand it. Thank you for this video, I just made the leap and bought this camera without the slightest clue of how to use it. Thank you for this tutorial!

[@writedirect]

Beautiful. Thanks for your words. The camera menu is really laid out logically once you understand it. You will love the footage. Check out Sirui lenses for anamorphic.

[@Godaerentalos]

Hey, how you been doing with the camera?

[@Angelnax1]

Just bought this camera and it's the first professional camera in my life and of course your guide helped me so much. Thank you !🙂

[@writedirect]

Awesome man. This camera paired with Davinci Resolve is an incredible package to make your movies with. Also, remember that black magic cameras do not do any in camera noise reduction. Other cameras do. So, don’t worry if you see some noise, you just remove that in Resolve. You have more control over it this way.

[@MistaFussichannel]

At 32:11 he says that if you hit record or takes you out of play mode. This is correct, however if you hit ‘STOP’ (twice, once to stop playback) it takes you out of the playback mode without the risk of the camera going into record mode.

[@writedirect]

Hey, didn’t know this. Guessing that would have worked on my Pocket 4Ks too. Lol. Better late than never. Thanks for the tip!

[@EncounterCaneCorso]

This helps a lot. Just received this camera. Have not unboxed it yet. Wanted a video like this to get started.

[@writedirect]

Awesome! You’ll love the camera. I can’t recommend Sirui lenses enough.

[@EncounterCaneCorso]

@@writedirect Okay, I'll check them out as well.

[@ajaykumartargotra2768]

Hi there, Thanks for your great efforts for blackmagic users out there, I oun 6k pro, and create couple of short films, without understanding of my camera, I feel lucky to come across your videos today, please keep making such a wonderful videos, thanks again support from Australia 🇦🇺

[@writedirect]

Awesome! Thanks for your comments. Hello from the US! Glad these videos are helping you make movies. You should check out the school: writedirect.co

[@stevenzeko2730]

Really appreciate these vids. Have been wanting a couple of 4ks to film with but am now leaning towards this one. Very curious to see the comparisons and work Flo file sizes ease of use etc!

[@writedirect]

Cool man! I hope to post that comparison video later today.

[@joeebert5486]

Thank you for this very thorough and efficient walk-through of the Cinema 6K Camera. Just followed along with you with my new Cinema 6K.

[@writedirect]

Awesome! Hope it helps. I am loving the images off the camera so far. Thanks for your comment.

[@tahersafari3104]

That's what I need to know about this awesome camera. I am about to buy this camera, and this tutorial was handy for me, thanks a lot...

[@writedirect]

Cool man! You’ll love the camera. I recommend Sirui lenses for gorgeous anamorphic. Are you making movies?

[@tahersafari3104]

@@writedirect Not really, but I want to put my feet in this industry...

[@writedirect]

@@tahersafari3104 if you want to write and direct narrative film, you should check out my film school at writedirect.co. It will save you a ton of time figuring stuff out. Hit me up off the site's contact form and I'll send you a coupon to discount tuition.

[@wxjunkie]

Good primer for the new full frame

[@writedirect]

Thanks. What are you using the camera for? How have you liked it so far?

[@davetriesthis]

Fantastic guide. Thanks much.

[@writedirect]

Cool man! Thanks for your kind words.

[@kaktamdela]

Your channel is brilliant ❤

[@writedirect]

Hey thanks!!! Appreciate your kind words.

[@ro8144]

Hi thank you for making this. It was very helpful.

[@writedirect]

You’re welcome! Did you just get the Cinema Camera 6K?

[@ro8144]

@@writedirect I will be renting one and need to make best use of the time I have with it! I am first doing some planning. Also looking at your online access. Contacting you now separately as I have a question through your site).

[@tanmaynikumbh8119]

Never seen such high quality review video. gr8 work!

[@writedirect]

Hey, that means a lot! Thank you.

[@vienabalsi]

that's an extraordinary and comprehensive guide ! fantastic . I would only disagree with one point : as a sound engineer I can guarantee that preamps on this camera have an incredible value, pristine and precise (especially the XLR). Sound presets are the most versatile on the market. Only obstacles for me is I was used to prores. FCPX is more easy to use for me. I don't deny the quality of Resolve all the contrary. I can consider a pre-conversion stage. By the way where are the h.264 proxy options ?

[@writedirect]

Good to hear about the preamps! Thank you. FCPX will of course do the job. Use what you’re comfortable with. I didn’t think I’d switch from Avid, but resolve truly has been amazing. There are no H264 options yet for the proxy creation. I’m assuming they will eventually add that because everyone is going to want it.

[@stevenstrings]

Love your walkthroughs!. I watched your set up vid first. I am a newbie to this camera but I seem not to be able to see my Histogram and sound levels on my LCD screen at the bottom. I used to be able to see them but now they are gone and not sure how to show them again. Can you direct me to one of your videos on how to bring them back..

[@writedirect]

Thank you! Regarding the histogram and sound on the LCD, go to Settings > Monitor > 2nd page. You probably have the codec option selected. You can change it back there (make sure you're under LCD settings and not HDMI or Viewfinder).

[@stevenstrings]

Greatly appreciate the quick response. Your vids are excellent, and I learn so much. I plan on getting your Film school class..Thank you sir. @@writedirect

[@writedirect]

Awesome @@stevenstrings! Thanks for considering. You'll love it.

[@JonasStuart]

Great video Kyler. Can't wait to get my hands on one of these (love to see how the Zeiss milvus lenses pair with it!) Really looking forward to your comparison with the P4K - bring it on!

[@writedirect]

Jonas! Such a compliment coming from someone with your experience. I’ll get the comparison video up hopefully tomorrow. And wish I had Z Milvus! The Sirui FF is pretty sweet though.

[@ajaykumartargotra2768]

Can you please suggest light meter, and properly exposure setup on set, will be great 👍

[@writedirect]

This talks about exposure, and I put a link to my Sekonic light meter lesson on your other comment: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apmwlGWkg99ja5Ysi=9v-Ut8FpjEy9gKlM

[@cbrunson11]

Great Lesson,.... Can you please show me how to brighten the LCD screen

[@writedirect]

Thanks man. It’s the bottom right menu icon. When you have the lower right menu active. Or 5th page under “monitor” in settings.

[@cbrunson11]

@writedirect OK thank you, another quick question if I may How do you focus, I have a Canon lens, but I can't get it to focus

[@writedirect]

@@cbrunson11 is it a manual focus or auto focus? Some lenses are designed to talk to the camera and some do not.

[@cbrunson11]

@@writedirect Hey boss can you tell me how to take a still. picture,....i press the camera button but nothing happens

[@ceokeda]

great video can you do a video on how to import videos to your editing software and what software is the best to use

[@writedirect]

Thanks man! Here's my playlist on DaVinci Resolve. That's the NLE I'd use: kzbin.info/aero/PL0p2x72B0otFPA7QqfeNC1UvYGlxSQiCD

[@thesebarehandsmusic]

Thanks for this!

[@writedirect]

Hope it helps with the new gear!

[@Omarography]

Many thanks for the detailed walkthrough. I own the same camera, my only issue is the focus, although I place a gray card on a stand to set my focus as well as WB, I don’t seem to get the focus right. I dial down the aperture below f6 but still I don’t get sharp footage. I also activate focus assist and see the read lines. I guess I need more time to get to know the camera. I’m using a sigma 12-24 f4 for real estate footage.

[@writedirect]

Make sure focus assist is at its lowest setting. Aperture won’t matter. Granted, if you open up wider, sometimes out of focus will be more apparent. If you are setting focus for an actual person, using a gray card will not do it. Especially if you have a shallow depth of field. I use something with dimension so I can pull focus more accurately.

[@Omarography]

Thank you for prompt reply. I shoot interiors for my real estate agency, no persons are involved in the footage. I’ll dial the focus assist down, thank you! I use the gray card with color checker to WB and set exposure also it helps me set the focus. I’ll try again and hopefully it works next time. Looking forward to more videos. ❤

[@writedirect]

@@Omarography got it. The other thing that can help you is a larger depth of field. Doesn't technically have anything to do with crisp focus as that's your focus plane. But the more closed down your lens the more things will appear in focus even when they aren't perfectly dialed in. For shallow DOF you have to be spot on. But keeping focus assist low is gonna help for sure.

[@Omarography]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@writedirectthanks again Kyler. I got your point. I face this issue in small rooms with no space for large DOF. Hence I dial aperture down to get more DOF. Many thanks for your invaluable advice and input.

[@BonafideLex]

When using the MEKE 25mm T2.1 Super 35 Prime Manual Focus Cinema Lens with EF to L adapter it seems like I’m getting some camera banding, any idea of how to get rid of it?

[@writedirect]

Hey man-I have not used the camera on a full scale production yet. only used it for pickup stuff on the current film. And that was outside in daylight. Gorgeous footage. But from my testing, it does not perform as well in low light as the pocket cameras do. That’s disappointing to me. With the horizontal banding: I’ve read online that people have run into this inlow light. I don’t know if it’s a batch of bad sensors or all the cameras have the issue. Honestly, I would contact BMD and ask them directly. And I would love to know what they say if you do that! [e-mail].

[@paulbeckmann]

Brilliant info! Thanks!

[@writedirect]

Thanks man!

[@LagFiles]

Hey man, thank you for this amazing and detailed video. One quick question, can you record via USB (Samsung T9 and such) in the highest quality?, meaning constant quality Q0 open gate? Thanks in advance!

[@writedirect]

You’re welcome! You can record open gate 24 frame to the T9 without problems. But if you look at the Blackmagic approved media list, they make a note on the capabilities there. It’s higher frame rate stuff. They rate external SSD lower than internal CF express.

[@LagFiles]

@@writedirect great! Thanks. I mainly need 24fps so I guess I'll be alright. Thanks again.

[@claypillowsaswellastonytah4038]

Did you use this camera to shoot this video? How do you zoom to create a slow-disclosure or slow-incosure shot? How do you keep a shot in focus if you're performing a moving-camera shot? Thank you?

[@writedirect]

I shot this video on the Pocket 4K. On moving shots, I'm typically using a gimbal and you either keep the same distance from the subject, or use the Ronin focus motor and pull focus yourself. Tricky, but doable. You can also cheat things a little by lighting enough to have your lens closed down which will increase your DOF and keep things in focus much longer.

[@jammusique]

Great info!

[@writedirect]

Thanks for watching. How do you like the camera? I freaking love the images off it so far.

[@relaxwithme3266]

Hey nice video! Have you tried the Rode Wireless Pro with this camera? Does the timecode write to the file?

[@writedirect]

Thanks! I have not used that mic specifically. I use wireless mics from Sennheiser. But even then, I’m plugging them into a sound devices field recorder. I typically don’t do straight to camera. But there’s no reason why any mic wouldn’t work with the camera. The camera can even provide phantom power for shotgun mics that need it. And the camera is going to be in charge of time code when running a mic in.

[@JDMediaTV]

up to today I still get night mares when I recorded part of a wedding in Timelapse mode :( :(

[@writedirect]

Oh man! That gives me PTSD and I didn’t even work on the project. On the current film, there was a scene where I accidentally put it in slow motion. And in some crazy way the slow motion for that particular shot actually worked better. And somehow exposure worked too. It was a legit miracle.

[@robertkwela8186]

hi there and thank you for your video I have a question about in camera proxy file when I record in off speed DaVinci can't find them and when trying to relink them there is pop up INVALID PROXY SELECTED please select a proxy clip with a matching frame rate and overlapping timecode is there a way to fix it or I will need to generate new proxy Thank you

[@writedirect]

I would generate new proxy files. It honestly won’t take that long. You’ll spend more time troubleshooting this than just creating the new proxies. I have a separate lesson on creating proxy files if you need more info.

[@robertkwela8186]

@@writedirect thank you very much will hava a look

[@d20Fitness]

I keep looking around to see if you've made one of these for the Pocket Cinema 6k and can't find one. Am I just missing it? If you haven't made one, is there a video you've made about something similar enough that I could glean something from ? I've watched the pocket 4k one.

[@writedirect]

Hey...I haven't done one for the Pocket 6K, but it's going to be almost identical to this one. The Pocket 6K of course shoots ProRes in addition to BRAW, and there are a few features on the CC6K menu that you won't see on the Pocket 6K. But outside of these, most of it will apply. If there's something specific you need info on, let me know!

[@d20Fitness]

@@writedirect Thanks! The main thing I was wondering was about the Codecs so you pretty much covered it right here!

[@writedirect]

@@d20Fitness ah, cool!

[@user-xg7cm8ol5u]

Which SSD is used in Black Magic Camera 6k

[@writedirect]

I’m using the Samsung T9. But my preferred is the internal ProGrade CFExpress card.

[@user-xg7cm8ol5u]

@@writedirect sir i have bought samsung t7 1tb ssd by mistake please tell me which SSD can i use in black magic camera 6k

[@writedirect]

You'll need the speed of the T9 and it's still not as fast as CF Express cards.@@user-xg7cm8ol5u I'd check out the BMD recommended media list: www.blackmagicdesign.com/support/faq/59043

[@cinemaipswich4636]

"Photo Sites" sensor cells capture the same quality, no matter how big they are. Larger sensors give an extra ability to film in low-light situations.

[@writedirect]

Smaller photo sites can experience more interference that causes a smaller sensor to not always perform as well.

[@Sniickerz_CH]

Hey, thanks for the walkthrough. I am wondering about the anamorphic desqueeze options available on this camera when shooting Open Gate. I have a set of GreatJoy/Blazar 1.8x squeeze, but the lens does not communicate with the camera as the Sirui shown at 19:06, so will I be able to manually change the de-squeeze to 1.8x? Best

[@writedirect]

I haven’t tried that specific lens. But the Siriu lens does not communicate with the camera. The desqueeze options are just part of the black magic OS and just for monitoring. The camera is just capturing the open gate image and it’s up to your post software to do the desqueeze. The big question: isthat lens designed for an open gate full frame camera?

[@Sniickerz_CH]

Thanks for the quick response. Hmm, but what options of anamorphic de-squeeze do you have when you set your camera to Open Gate? On your video at the time stamp I set on my first message, it was set to 1.6x, what if you clicked on the side arrows to navigate within the options? Do you have the option for 1.8x? And yes, the GreatJoy anamorphic 1.8x lenses are designed for open gate image, I’ve seen some test footage from that camera mode with those lenses!

[@writedirect]

@@Sniickerz_CH unless they’ve changed something with a firmware update, it’s only 1.6 but that’s only for the LCD desqueeze. It has nothing to do with the actual footage. So as long as your lens was designed for open gate, you’ll totally be fine. You just won’t be able to view the desqueeze while shooting on that LCD. But you can get an external monitor to support that specific resolution. Again, I would need to get the latest firmware to see if they’ve added the other options.

[@Sniickerz_CH]

@@writedirect It seems they’ve updated it to allow more de-squeeze options, to be confirmed with which mode exactly! Let’s see 🙏🏻

[@writedirect]

@@Sniickerz_CH nice! That doesn’t surprise me. Because it’s not doing anything to the footage. It’s just doing some math on a desqueeze for your LCD. Or your HDMI out.

[@robert7622]

Size of photo sites has negligible effect on noise. It’s the total amount of light captured

[@writedirect]

I was exposing the same in each camera with controlled light and a light meter. Whether it’s the size of the photosites or the quality of the sensor, there’s a big noise difference between the two cameras. But as a general rule, larger, photos sites give a better image. And I think that’s true with the cinema camera 6K. The image is gorgeous. Just more noise removal required.

[@robert7622]

Yea its just that "general rule "about larger photo sites is incorrect. The general rule should be about the size of the sensor and thus the total amount of light captured. Dpreview did a deepdive on it a white back. "The effect of pixel size on noise" worth a read.@@writedirect

[@writedirect]

Copy that @@robert7622. Good to know! I was under the belief that larger photosites meant less electrical noise on the sensor, etc. I'll check out the DPReview if I can find it.

[@rgesualdo]

is there any cage for it?

[@writedirect]

Not yet! Well, there is one that's way over priced IMO. I'm waiting on SmallRig or Tilta to kick something out. Surely that will happen soon.

[@KingdomChurchSC]

Do you have a way of talking to you message? Few questions please

[@writedirect]

I typically only do that in my private school forum. But do have a new FB group you can ask in. Just search for “micro budget filmsking.”

[@QuentinVlogz]

Do I need a lens to use this camera? I’ve never filmed anything with an actual camera only my iPhone but im thinking about purchasing this camera without a clue about cameras or lens. I don’t really have the full budget to get a lens just the camera.

[@writedirect]

You will need a lens. If you just need to start out and get familiar with things, a 50mm lens from Sirui or Meike are pretty affordable. If that’s out of your budget, I would consider the pocket 4K instead. The lenses are cheaper, the camera is less expensive and the media storage requirements are much less. What are you planning to use the camera for? Feel free to email me directly if I don’t see your reply. Just go to my website and use the contact form.

[@QuentinVlogz]

@@writedirect I want to practice making short cinematic videos/ films to gain knowledge and experience to help me get into the film business. I was going to get the bmccp 6k pro with sigma 18-35mm f1.8 ef lens to go with the camera. For storage I was going to invest in angel bird cfast 2.0 sd card 512GB with an adapter to help transfer the footage from the camera to the MacBook.. you think this will be okay?

[@writedirect]

@@QuentinVlogz That will work. I like prime lenses for narrative, and also use anamorphic lenses for narrative-but that’s just me. Whenever money is tight, I push people towards the Pocket 4K because it does amazing stuff and everything is cheaper. From the camera to the lenses. The 6K pro does have a larger sensor and also a brighter LCD. I use the cinema camera 6K not the 6K Pro. But both are good cameras. Have fun stepping into making movies! Are you trying to be a DP?

[@writedirect]

@@QuentinVlogz what do you want to do in the film business exactly? That's going to affect my answer on this. For example, if you want to DP or be a camera operator then you need to get a camera with prime lenses (not a zoom) and also consider anamorphic primes. Then hit up local indie film posts on craiglist or whatever, and see what people are after. You can get hired easier if you have a camera package that interests them.

[@QuentinVlogz]

@@writedirect yeah I want to be both a DP and a writer / director. I want to start off making short films for KZbin to build a portfolio and some experience and then once I get better over time I want to go into the actual film making process. Another lens I’ve been looking at is the meike 35mm T2.1 cine lens. I know for sure I want the BMPCC 6k pro I’m just undecided on which lens to purchase because I see some people say the sigma lens is better for photography while some say it works just as good as a cine lens for videography. I’m purchasing the camera and a lens tomorrow. To help make my final decision what are your thoughts / takes as someone with a lot of knowledge and experience as well and what lens do you think will work the best for the BMPCC 6k pro? I’m also looking for something with an EF mount so that I don’t have to purchase any adapters or whatever they’re called.

[@villadante]

Thank you

[@writedirect]

You’re welcome! Late Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@Nineteensixtyfilms]

Thank You😊

[@writedirect]

Your YT username is unique. Are you shooting 60s movies??

[@Nineteensixtyfilms]

@@writedirect 😁 No I’m not. Nigeria got her independence in 1960. So I just adopted the Number. I’m Nigerian 😎

[@writedirect]

@@Nineteensixtyfilms oh right on! Very cool. Hello from the US.

[@Nineteensixtyfilms]

@@writedirect Hello From Nigeria. Please I have a question. If I shot 60/24p in frame, and I don’t want it to play in slo mo in adobe premier pro, is there any way I can go about it?

[@SourceAwareness]

Excellent content, many thanks!! Instant subscribe from me, my Friend. All the Best to you.

[@writedirect]

Thanks man! I appreciate it.

[@SourceAwareness]

@@writedirect Very Welcome, Bro! Cheers

[@bibekadhikari7677]

.

[@writedirect]

Hopefully it was helpful!