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Posts Tagged ‘Cinema’

Meike releases 35mm T2.2 cinema lens for Micro Four Thirds camera systems

26 Nov

Meike has announced a new 35mm T2.2 cinema lens for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera systems.

The fully-manual lens is constructed of 10 elements in 8 groups, features an aperture range of T2.2-T22, has a minimum focusing distance of 42cm (16.5in) and is the equivalent of a 70mm lens on a full-frame camera. Its focus ring offers 270-degrees of rotation, its front filter thread is 77mm and it weighs 660g (23oz).

The Meike 35mm T2.2 is available to purchase on Meike Global’s website for $ 359.99.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Blackmagic Camera 6.6 adds new features, functionality to 4K, 6K Pocket Cinema Cameras

24 Oct

Blackmagic Design has announced a new firmware update for its Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and 6K systems. that brings new features and functionality. Blackmagic Camera 6.6 mainly focuses on the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC4K), but also adds a few features to the newer Pocket Cinema Camera 6K (BMPCC6K) camera as well.

For the BMPCC6K, the Blackmagic Camera 6.6 update adds support for the Blackmagic Pocket Battery Grip, language localization, a built-in camera horizon tool, ‘pinch-to-zoom’ magnification up to 8x, USB PTP control support, the ability to type in customized frame guide ratio and improved autofocus performance.

The BMPCC4K receives all of the above features the BMPCC6K received with the Blackmagic Camera 6.6 update, as well as a slew of other new features. Below is a full list of the new features in the update for the BMPCC4K:

• Added support for 4K 2.4:1 4096 x 1712 recording in Blackmagic RAW up to 75 fps.
• Added support for 2.6K 2688 x 1512 up to 120 fps recording in Blackmagic RAW suitable for Super16mm lenses.
• Added support for 2.8K 4:3 2880 x 2160 recording in Blackmagic RAW up to 80 fps for anamorphic lenses.
• Added support for 2x desqueeze preview when recording 4K 4:3.
• Added support for 1.33x desqueeze preview.
• Added support for pinch to zoom up to 8x magnification.
• Added USB PTP control support.
• Added ability to embed custom 3D LUTs in Blackmagic RAW clips as metadata.
• Added common off-speed frame rate options above slider when changing frames.
• Added common ISO options above slider when changing ISO settings.
• Added 1:1 and 4:5 frame guide options.
• Added ability to monitor voltage level when powering via 12V DC connector.

The Blackmagic Camera 6.6 update is available to download for free through Blackmagic’s support page. You can find the links about half-way down the page under the far-left section that reads ‘Latest Downloads.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Irix announces impending release of its new 45mm T1.5 cinema lens

22 Oct

Cine lens manufacturer Irix has announced the impending arrival of the Irix Cine 45mm T1.5, its latest full-frame cinema lens.

This new lens marks the third full-frame cinema lens Irix has made specifically for shooting at up to 8K resolution. Irix says the 45mm T1.5 is ‘based on a completely new [11 elements in 9 groups] optical design which includes four elements made of high refraction glass, one extra-low dispersion lens and one aspherical lens’ and delivers ‘ultra-low’ 0.5-percent distortion.

The nine-blade aperture diaphragm ranges from T1.5 to T22 and the lens features ‘practically no focus breathing,’ according to Irix. Other features include a 95mm front filter thread on the housing of the lens, another 86mm built-in filter thread and a reversible lens hood that’s attached via magnets, which Irix teases will work with ‘future accessories.’

The gears are standardized 0.8 pitch mod cine gears and the lens, which is constructed of a magnesium-aluminum alloy is sealed. Irix doesn’t specify what the lens should be able to handle, other than saying it’s ‘prepared for all weather conditions.’

The Irix Cine 45mm T1.5 will be available in Canon EF, Sony E, MFT and Arri PL mounts. Pricing and availability ‘will be announced soon.’

Press Release

Irix Cine 45mm T1.5 — into the art of cinematography

Irix expands its offer of cinematographic lenses with the new full-frame 45mm T1.5.

Irix, the manufacturer of high-class optics, expands its Cine line by introducing the new 45mm T1.5 lens. This new model is the third full frame cinematographic lens designed for shooting with Ultra HD 8K cinema cameras. The Irix 45mm T1.5 is based on a completely new optical design which includes four elements made of high refraction glass, one extra-low dispersion lens and one aspherical lens. 11 elements in 9 groups deliver crisp details, vibrant colors and an ultra-low – 0,5% distortion. The circular 9-blade iris ensures a pleasant background blur and a smooth adjustment of the T- number from 1.5 to 22. With practically no focus breathing, the Irix Cine 45mm T1.5 is the perfect lens for filming scenes with a natural character.

Press release October 21st, 2019 — Irix Cinematic Design

The 45mm T1.5 is the third lens in the Irix Cine line which stands for a perfect combination of advanced technology and modern design. A good example of the Irix smart design is the front housing element which has a diameter of 95mm and a built-in 86mm filter thread. It also provides a magnetic mount for the reversible lens hood and for future Irix Cine accessories.

This synergy is also visible in the shape of the geared rings which have been integrated into the lens housing. The convenience of operating by hand and full compatibility with follow focus systems was a priority in the external design of the lens. You can use any follow focus system you like and position it wherever you want to thanks to a special rotating adaptive ring design. The adaptive ring can be adjusted to any desired position and expose the geared ring to couple with follow focus systems.

The Irix Cine line has been carefully deliberated from the start. The focus and aperture rings of all the lenses are aligned at the same height and have the same rotation angle. With the exception of the Irix

150mm T3.0 Macro 1:1, where a longer 270 degrees focus throw is necessary, the rest of the Irix Cine range lenses have ring rotations of 180 degrees for the focus ring and 75 degrees for the aperture ring.

Ready to shoot in any weather conditions

A high-class cinematic lens must work in any atmospheric condition. No matter if you are shooting on burning sand in the Sahara Desert or on the frozen peaks of the Himalayas – the Irix 45mm T1.5 is prepared to not only face it, but also to capture the best image possible. Every time. Enjoy your lens’ reliable construction with rubber seals placed in all the crucial points to ensure protection against rain or dust. Now, you can film anytime, anywhere – and seize the wondrous power of nature.

Your comfort is important! Focus and aperture marks are laser engraved and filled with UV paint. This makes them visible, even in low-light environments.

Versatility and compact in size

Irix Cine lenses are some of the most compact and lightest film lenses covering the full frame format. The housing is made of a lightweight and impact-resistant aluminum-magnesium alloy which has been successfully used and tested in the Irix Blackstone still lenses. Thanks to the low weight (every Irix Cine lens weighs about 1.1 kilograms / 2,4lbs), they can be used on smaller cameras on handheld rigs or stabilizers as well as on professional setups. In order to achieve greater comfort while working with follow focus systems, the Irix Cine lenses are equipped with a lens support foot. Depending on your needs, this support foot can be attached to the lower or upper part of the lens.

Key features of the Irix Cine 45mm T1.5 lens:

  • Mid-range focal length with field of view 51,4°

  • Suitable for shooting with Ultra HD 8K resolution cameras

  • High-quality optical elements – 11 elements in 9 groups. HR, XLD, ASP produced in

    Japan

  • High maximum transmittance value of T1.5 up to T22

  • Standardized 0.8 Pitch Mod Cine Gears

  • Very low distortion -0.5%

  • Sealed construction prepared for all weather conditions

  • Compatibility with standard follow-focus systems and lens control motors

  • Front filter thread size 86 x 1.0 mm

  • Standard 95mm front diameter for cine accessories

  • Equipped with a support foot

  • Irix Magnetic Mount System

  • Focus scale available in metric or imperial units

  • Laser engraved markings filled with UV paint

  • Durable magnesium-aluminum alloy

  • Weight 1.1 kilograms / 2.42lbs

Available mounts

The Irix Cine 45mm T1.5 lens will be available in the four most popular industry mounts: Canon EF, Sony E, Olympus / Panasonic MFT and Arri PL-mount

Price and availability

Price and availability of the Irix Cine 45mm T1.5 lens will be announced soon.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: Cinema5D goes hands-on with Sony’s new full-frame cinema camera, the FX9

16 Sep

Last week, Sony unveiled the FX9. While we were able to get a brief look at the camera in the product shots, our friends over at Cinema5D have gone hands-on with the full-frame E-mount camera.

Throughout the 14-minute video, Nino Leitner of Cinema5D covers nearly every component of the camera. He starts by explaining where exactly the FX9 fits into Sony’s lineup and then dives into all of the new features, including the various sensor modes, the new S-Cinetone Picture Profile, the new dual-base ISO and much more.

Leitner also interviewed Yasuo Ueda-san, head camera designer at Sony, if you want even more insight the FX9 and its development process.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon announces C500 Mark II camera with 5.9K Cinema RAW Light recording

06 Sep

More than seven years after releasing the EOS C500, Canon has released its next-generation Cinema EOS System camera, the EOS C500 Mark II. The new camera builds upon its predecessors with an extensive list of new and improved features and technology.

At the heart of the EOS C500 Mark II is the same sensor found inside Canon’s EOS C700 camera, a5.9K full-frame 17:9 sensor, which Canon says offers more than 15 stops of dynamic range. Powered by Canon’s new Digic DV7 processor, the EOS C500 Mark II offers 5.9K internal Cinema RAW Light and 4K 4:2:2 10-bit XF-AVC recording. In addition to shooting 60 frames per second (fps) at 5.9K and 4K resolution, the EOS C500 Mark II can shoot up to 120 fps when dropped down to a cropped 2K resolution.

The EOS C500 Mark II also features Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus technology, which covers roughly 80-percent of the image area on the sensors, and features user-changeable lens mounts with options for EF, PL and Cine EF mount. By unscrewing four hex screws located on the outside of the lens mount, it’s now possible to (comparatively quickly) switch from one mount to another without the need to send it in or make it a massive operation.

The camera, which weighs in at 1750g (3.86lbs), features built-in motorized ND filters at two, four and six-stop measurements that can be combined to achieve eight and ten stop levels as well. Media can be recorded to the two CFExpress card slots as well as an SD card slot for proxy media. Also new to a Canon EOS Cinema camera is a five-axis electronic image stabilizer.

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The EOS C500 Mark II comes with the LCD LM-V2, a 4.3in touchscreen, as well as a user-removable 0.46in 1.77-megapixel OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF). Canon is also offering two extension units that add additional connections and ports for added versatility.

In addition to its new full-frame cinema camera, Canon also announced the DP-V3120, a 4K HDR reference monitor. The massive machine delivers 2000-nit HDR output and 0.001-nit full-screen black levels with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. It features four 12G-SDI inputs for both 4K and 8K workflows and features a 17:9 aspect ratio, matching that of the EOS C500 Mark II.

The Canon EOS C500 Mark II is scheduled to be avaialble in December 2019 for an estimated retail price of $ 15,999. The DP-V3120 is scheduled to be available in November 2019 for a wallet-busting price of $ 39,000. You can find out more information on both products by visiting Canon’s EOS Cinema site.

OWN, OPERATE, DOMINATE: EOS C500 MARK II 5.9K FULL FRAME CINEMA CAMERA DELIVERS VERSATILE, AFFORDABLE SOLUTIONS

New Cinema EOS Camera Features a User-Changeable Mount, Internal Cinema RAW Light Recording and the Newly Developed DIGIC DV 7 Image Processor

MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 5, 2019 – Contrary to popular belief, sometimes a sequel is better than the original. That is the case with the all-new Canon EOS C500 Mark II cinema camera today announced by Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions. With its modular design, competitive price point and new features such as a 5.9K Full Frame CMOS sensor, user-changeable lens mounts, electronic image stabilization, internal cinema RAW light recordingand the new DIGIC DV 7 Image Processor, the EOS C500 Mark II represents a bold leap forward for Canon’s Cinema EOS system line. The variety of assembly and lensing options help to make this camera ideal for a broad range of applications, from run-and-gun documentary shooting to live television broadcasts and big-budget films.

“As Canon’s position in the production industry has grown, we have sought to deliver new solutions that can perform at an elite level, while also maintaining competitive pricing to help continue to remove the barriers of great content creation,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The EOS C500 Mark II encompasses the latest Canon technologies and, when teamed with the recently announced Sumire Prime Cinema Lenses and DP-V3120 4K Reference Display, forms an incredible input-to-output solution.”

The EOS C500 Mark II features a 5.9K full-frame sensor with 60p recording 5.9K and 4K (2K recording at 120p) and 15 stops of dynamic range. In addition, the newly introduced DIGIC DV 7 image processor allows for more fluid and efficient recording of 4K and HDR. Cinema Raw Light, first introduced in the popular EOS C200 cinema camera, helps to cut data size to about one-third to one-fifth of a Cinema RAW file, without losing grading flexibility.

For the first time ever with a Canon camera, users are able to change the lens mount themselves without the assistance from a Canon service center. Customers can purchase the EOS C500 Mark II with a standard EF mount and then have the option to purchase either EF-lock or PL mounts. This feature provides users with the creative freedom to pair the camera with the lenses that will provide the desired look for each project they work on.

In addition to the changeable mounts, the new camera’s body is quite modular. Included are 13 accessories, such as a 4.3-inch LCD monitor and the GR-V1 grip, and users can choose from a wide range of additional accessories that allow them to configure the EOS C500 Mark II to their preferences. Optional accessories include the EVF-V70 electronic viewfinder, SU-15 shoulder support unit and EU-V1 and EU-V2 expansion units. The EU-V1 expansion unit allows for gen-lock, sync out, remote use and ethernet connection, while EU-V2 expansion unit features those functions plus a V-mount battery connection, two analog XLR audio ports and 24v DC Out.

Additional features of the Canon EOS C500 Mark II include:

  • 4K and 2K 4:2:2 10-bit XF-AVC recording and 5.9k oversampling for 4K
  • 2 CFexpress media card slots
  • Compatibility with EF and PL lenses as well as anamorphic and spherical lenses
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF with the ability for Touch and Face detection AF
  • First Canon cinema camera with 5-axis electronic image stabilization, which can be utilized even without the use of lens with IS functionally
  • Support for Canon Log 2 and 3 Gamma
  • 4 channel recording that supports 4 XLR inputs with the use of the EU-V2 expansion unit
  • User LUT allowing users to upload and apply custom LUTs

Pricing and Availability

The Canon Cinema EOS C500 Mark II is scheduled to be available in December 2019 for an estimated retail price of $ 15,999.00*. For more information, including accessory prices and availability, please visit, cinemaeos.usa.canon.com.

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Nitecore leaps into the world of optics with 5 new full-frame cinema lenses

26 Aug

Nitecore, a Chinese company known for its rechargeable flashlights and third-party battery equipment, has taken an unexpected leap into to the world of optics with its Superior Prime lineup, a collection line of prime cinema lenses for full-frame camera systems.

The five lens lineup includes a 25mm T2.1, 35mm T2.0, 50mm T2.0, 75mm T2.0 and 100mm T2.0. The exact specifications for each lens are detailed in the below graphic, but across the board, the lenses measure 117mm long (with the PL mount) and 95mm diameter for seamless swapping when using gears and other cinema equipment. Nitecore says the lenses will be available with interchangeable PL, Canon EF and Sony E mounts, but will ship with the PL mount in the original packaging.

The exact details on the coating technology used aren’t specified, but Nitecore says the lenses ‘are designed with a unique optical coating which ideally controls dispersion while retaining plentiful details to create low contrast and a stylized flare.’ The 75mm T2.0, in particular, is also ‘specially optimized on the skin details in a portrait,’ although we’re not exactly sure what they’re referring to with that statement.

There are currently no details on pricing or availability. We have contacted Nitecore in an attempt to get more information and will update this article accordingly if we hear back.

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Magicbooster Pro launched for 6K Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera to emulate full frame sensor

20 Aug

LucAdapters has launched a crowd funding campaign to develop a focal reducer for the newly announced Super 35mm 6K cinema camera from Blackmagic Design. The reducer will allow users to mount full frame lenses on the camera with only a slight crop, thus emulating the look of a camera with a full frame sensor.

The company has history with this kind of adapter and currently makes a reducer for the Ursa Mini called Magicbooster Pro, and has in the past made a full-frame adapter for the Samsung NX1. This new model will be called Magicbooster Pocket 6K and will combine the benefits of a 1 stop increase in effective aperture as well as decreasing the crop factor of the 6K area of the camera’s Super 35mm sensor from 1.5x to 1.1x. This allows full frame lenses to practically maintain their intended angle of view when recording 6K footage, with a 50mm lens acting like a 55mm with the reducer instead of like a 75mm without it.

Here’s a video made with the current Magicbooster, shot on Blackmagic Ursa mini 4.6K by PILOTMOVIES.

The Magicbooster Pocket 6K will be fully compatible with all of Canon’s EF lenses according to LucAdapters, but not EF-S models. The Magicbooster fits inside the camera’s throat leaving the mount untouched, and replaces some internal parts of the camera itself in doing so. The unit comprises a small barrel with lens elements at the end. It screws into the camera with the magnifying lens sitting directly in front of the camera’s sensor and behind the IR filter.

Buyers will receive a replacement UV-IR cut filter that the company claims is better than that which is shipped with the camera. Such a degree of installation is required that it isn’t the sort of adapter that can be attached and unattached in a couple of seconds, but it also means there’s no need to add and remove the adapter every time you have to change a lens.

LucAdapter says the Magicbooster Pocket 6K will ship in November this year, and will cost from €499 (approx. $ 550). For more information see the LucAdapters Magicbooster Pocket 6K Kickstarter campaign.

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Z Cam launches budget E2-F6 and E2-F8 6K and 8K cinema cameras for pre-order

16 Aug

Chinese company Z Cam has launched its new full-frame 6K E2-F6 and full-frame 8K E2-F8 cinema cameras for preorder. The models, which were first introduced during NAB 2019, follow the previously launched E2 4K, offering consumers budget-tier high-resolution versions of the company’s professional cinema camera. Both models will start shipping in October.

The Z Cam E2-F6 and E2-F8 are cube-shaped cinema cameras sold without accessories, making the total cost to set up a fully workable cinema camera higher than the models’ respective $ 4,995 and $ 5,995 prices. Both the E2-F6 and E2-F8 are available with EF / PL lens mounts, and both models likewise feature Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, ZRAW support and full-frame CMOS sensors.

The E2-F6 model can shoot 4K / 120fps and 6K / 60fps footage with 15 stops of dynamic range, whereas the E2-F8 model can shoot 4K/6K/8K at 30fps with a claimed 14 stops of dynamic range. Both models feature 5G and 802.11n WiFi with an external antenna port, built-in stereo microphone, 3.5mm audio-in and audio-out stereo sockets, HDMI 2.0 Type-A, USB-C, two serial ports and aluminum alloy construction.

The E2-F6 is slightly smaller than the E2-F8 at 91.2 x 99.2 x 89.1mm (3.5 x 3.9 x 3.5in) versus 91.2 x 99.2 x 99.1mm (3.5 x 3.9 x 3.9in) — the company hasn’t disclosed the weight of either camera model. Both models can record in 8-bit H.264 and 10-bit H.265 with a max 300Mbps bit rate and 24-bit 48kHz audio. Likewise, both models are compatible with Sony NP-F series batteries, but they’re not included with the cameras.

Both the Z Cam E2-F6 and E2-F8 are available to order through B&H Photo.

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Blackmagic Design unveils the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K

11 Aug

Blackmagic Design has unveiled the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K (BMPCC6K), an EF-mount cinema camera with a 6K Super 35 (S35) sensor, a step up from the Four Thirds sensor found inside Blackmagic Design’s Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC4K).

At the core of the camera is a 23.10 x 12.99mm Super 35 sensor with Dual Native ISO (400 and 3200), 6144 x 3456 pixel resolution and 13 stops of dynamic range. It can shoot in 10-bit ProRes or 12-bit Blackmagic RAW formats.

The S35 sensor will shoot up to 50 fps at 6144 x 3456 16:9 or 60 fps at 6144 x 2560 2.4:1 and 60 fps at 5744 x 3024 1.9:1. There is also a high frame rate option that shoots 120 fps at 2.8K 2868 x 1512 1.9:1 as well as a true anamorphic 6:5 mode that shoots in 3.7K 60 fps (3728 x 3104).

A comparison from the BMPCC6K product page highlighting the difference in the depth of field between the Four Thirds sensor inside the BMPCC4K and the roughly APS-C ‘Super 35’ sensor inside the BMPCC6K.

The EF mount on the BMPCC6K will feature full electronics so Canon’s EF lens lineup can communicate with the camera for focus and aperture control, as well as Image Stabilization support. In addition to using Canon’s EF mount, the BMPCC6K also uses the same Canon-style LP-E6 battery as its predecessor. Blackmagic rates this for 45 minutes of runtime and can be charged via external battery packs through the onboard USB-C connection.

Recordings can be captured as 10-bit Apple ProRes files in all formats up to 4K or 12-bit Blackmagic RAW in all formats up to 6K. The BMPCC6K features both a CFast and SD UHS-II slots, as well as a USB-C port for storing to external media. Blackmagic Design says ‘Customers can use regular SD cards for HD or higher performance UHS-II and CFast cards for native 4K or 6K when using Blackmagic RAW. Imagine capturing over an hour of full resolution 6K images on a single 256GB SD UHS-II card.’

Notably, though, the manual recommends CFast or USB-C-connected SSD storage for the camera’s high res, high frame rate output, as most of the compression options exceed the 90MB/s guaranteed speeds of the latest V90 UHS-II cards.

A full-size HDMI connection is included for monitoring footage and outputting 10-bit video, including HDR. Other connections include a mini XLR connection with 48 volt phantom power, a 3.5mm microphone input, a 3.5mm headphone output and a locking DC power connection.

On the rear of the BMPCC6K is the same five-inch touchscreen found on the BMPCC4K, which displays the Blackmagic OS, a proprietary operating system designed specifically for Blackmagic Design’s cameras.

The BMPCC6K utilizes Blackmagic Design’s Generation 4 Color Science, first introduced on the URSA Mini Pro G2. In Blackmagic Design’s own words, ‘Blackmagic Generation 4 Color Science uses a complex dynamic 12-bit gamma curve designed to capture more color data in the highlights and shadows, so they get better looking images.’

Other features include still frame capture up to 21.2-megapixels, remote camera control via Bluetooth, localization for 11 languages and a built-in timecode generator for synced multi-camera shoots.

The BMPCC6K is available now for $ 2,495 from resellers around the globe.

Press release:

Blackmagic Design Announces New Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K

Fremont, CA, USA – Thursday, 8 August 2019 – Blackmagic Design today announced the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, a new handheld digital film camera with a full Super 35 size 6K HDR image sensor, 13 stops of dynamic range, an EF lens mount and dual native ISO up to 25,600 for incredible low light performance. This new model builds on the popularity of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K but has a larger Super 35 sensor size with 6K resolution, allowing higher image quality. The EF lens mount model works with a wide range of lenses from companies such as Canon, Zeiss, Sigma and Schneider.

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K is available immediately from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide for US$ 2,495.

The elegant design of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera packs an incredible number of high end digital film features into a miniaturized, handheld design. Made from lightweight carbon fiber polycarbonate composite, the camera features a multifunction handgrip with all controls for recording, ISO, WB and shutter angle right at their fingertips. Because it’s an advanced digital film camera, the sensor is designed to reduce thermal noise allowing cleaner shadows and higher ISO. Plus the large 5 inch LCD makes it possible to get perfect focus at 4K and 6K resolutions.

Featuring a larger 6144 x 3456 Super 35 sensor and EF lens mount, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K lets customers use larger EF photographic lenses to create cinematic images with shallower depth of field, allowing creative defocussed backgrounds and gorgeous bokeh effects. This means that customers can shoot in 6K and then in post production zoom and re-frame to allow wide shots and close ups to be created, all from a single camera and without losing image quality.

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and 6K both have an incredible 13 stops of dynamic range which means they preserve more detail in the lightest and darkest areas of an image than simple video cameras can. This allows customers to set exposure for an indoor scene such as a cafe and still retain the details of bright outdoor light coming through a window. Customers even get more colors than the standard DCI-P3 colorspace used for feature films.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera features dual gain ISO up to 25,600, which means both the 4K and 6K models are optimized to minimize grain or noise in images, while maintaining the full dynamic range of the sensor. The native ISO of 400 is ideal for scenes with on-set lighting. The gain is set automatically as they adjust the ISO setting on the camera, so it’s easy to capture great images when they don’t have time to set up lights.

The new 6K model will shoot up to 50 fps at 6144 x 3456 16:9 or 60 fps at 6144 x 2560 2.4:1 and 60 fps at 5744 x 3024 17:9. For higher frame rates they can window the sensor and shoot up to 120 fps at 2.8K 2868 x 1512 17:9. Customers can even work in true anamorphic 6:5 using anamorphic lenses in 3.7K 60 fps at 3728 x 3104.

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera records using standard open file formats so customers don’t have to waste time transcoding media. Recording works in industry standard 10-bit Apple ProRes files in all formats up to 4K or 12-bit Blackmagic RAW in all formats up to 6K. Best of all media files work on all operating systems plus customers can format media cards and disks in HFS+ for Mac and ExFAT for Windows.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera features built in CFast and SD UHS-II card recorders, and a USB-C expansion port for recording direct to an external media disk. Customers can use regular SD cards for HD or higher performance UHS-II and CFast cards for native 4K or 6K when using Blackmagic RAW. Imagine capturing over an hour of full resolution 6K images on a single 256GB SD UHS-II card.

Blackmagic RAW is a revolutionary new format designed to capture and preserve the quality of the sensor data from their camera. Video formats such as H.264 are highly compressed, plus add noise and weird artifacts, causing original sensor detail to be lost forever. Blackmagic RAW eliminates this problem and gives them stunning images with incredible detail and color throughout the production pipeline from camera to edit, color and mastering. It also saves camera settings as metadata so customers can set ISO, white balance and exposure in camera or override them later while editing, all without any loss of quality. Blackmagic RAW files are also small and fast to use making them easy to work with.

The rear of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera features a large, bright 5 inch touchscreen that makes it easy for customers to frame shots and accurately focus. It’s like getting a built in Blackmagic Video Assist with their camera. The touchscreen displays critical information while shooting, as well as menus for setting up the camera and intuitive touch to focus controls. On screen overlays show status, a histogram, focus and peaking indicators, levels, frame guides, playback controls and more.

With the advanced Blackmagic OS, customers get an intuitive and user friendly camera operating system based on the latest technology. The interface uses simple tap and swipe gestures to adjust settings, add metadata and view recording status. Customers also get full control over advanced camera features such as on screen focus and exposure tools, 3D LUTs, HDR, metadata entry, timecode, Blackmagic RAW settings and more.

Featuring the same Generation 4 Color Science as the high end URSA Mini Pro G2, the Pocket Cinema Camera delivers stunning, accurate skin tones and faithful color in every shot. Blackmagic Generation 4 Color Science uses a complex dynamic 12-bit gamma curve designed to capture more color data in the highlights and shadows, so they get better looking images. The color science also handles some of the complex Blackmagic RAW image processing, so color and dynamic range data from the sensor is preserved via metadata which customers can use in post production.

The camera includes a full size HDMI connector for monitoring with support for HDR and clean 10-bit output. There’s also a mini XLR connection with 48 volt phantom power for attaching professional microphones, a 3.5 mm video camera style microphone input, headphone connection and a professional locking DC power connector.

Digital film cameras shoot logarithmic colorspace to preserve the dynamic range, which is great for later post production, however when these files are viewed on a monitor they can look flat and washed out. 3D LUTs solve this problem because they allow customers to apply a “look” to the monitor so customers get an idea of how the finished images will look like when editing. The Pocket Cinema Camera works with industry standard 17 and 33 point 3D LUT files, or customers can work with the built in LUTs such as Extended Video, Film to Video, Film to Rec.2020 and more.

Professional cameras include professional features and customers also get a built in timecode generator, allowing shooting with more than one camera while keeping perfect sync. Simply plug in an external timecode generator such as Tentacle Sync into the 3.5 mm audio jack and the camera will automatically detect timecode and lock the internal generator. Now each camera can start and stop recording and all the shots from all cameras will have the same matched timecode. Imagine shooting a music festival with multiple roving cameras. Best of all the new DaVinci Resolve 16.1 will automatically find and sync the shots from all cameras so they don’t need to waste time sorting through thousands of shots.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera uses standard removable LP-E6 type batteries and also features a locking DC power connector so they never have to worry about losing power in the middle of a shoot. The included AC plug pack can power the camera and charge the battery at the same time. The USB-C expansion port can also be used to charge the battery from portable battery packs, mobile phone chargers or a laptop computer. Customers can even add an optional Blackmagic Pocket Battery Grip that lets customers use 2 batteries to dramatically extend the power of the camera.

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and 6K models include a full version of DaVinci Resolve Studio, which is the same software used in Hollywood for creating high end feature films, episodic television shows, commercials and more. DaVinci Resolve features a revolutionary new cut page with intelligent editing tools and innovative new features designed to help customers quickly find the footage customers want, edit it together and output it fast. In addition to the new cut page, customers also get DaVinci’s legendary professional editing, advanced color correction, audio post and visual effects tools, all in a single software application.

“The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K features incredible new 6K imaging and EF lens support that customers have asked for,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “It has all of the great features customers love from the 4K model, but now adds an EF lens, increased 6K resolution for even higher quality images and more. Plus, with the built in Video Assist features, customers don’t have to purchase and carry around extra equipment. DaVinci Resolve Studio is also included, making it an incredible all in one solution that enables anyone to be creative and tell a story.”

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Features

  • Use for independent films, documentaries, blogs and more.
  • Designed from carbon fiber polycarbonate composite.
  • Multifunction grip allows single hand operation.
  • 2 models with 6K at 6144 x 3456 and 4K at 4096 x 2160.
  • Compatible with MFT or EF lens mounts.
  • Wide 13 stops of dynamic range for film looks.
  • Up to 25600 ISO for incredible low light performance.
  • Records full resolution up to 60 fps or 120 fps windowed.
  • Standard open file formats compatible with popular software.
  • Built in SD, UHS-II and CFast card recorders.
  • Features incredible quality Blackmagic RAW recording.
  • Built in 5″ touchscreen allows accurate focus when shooting 6K.
  • Blackmagic OS as used in URSA Mini and URSA Broadcast cameras.
  • Includes Blackmagic Generation 4 Color Science.
  • Features full size HDMI for monitoring with status overlay.
  • Professional mini XLR input with 48 volt phantom power.
  • 3D LUTs can be applied for both monitoring and recording.
  • USB-C port allows recording directly to external disk.
  • Built in timecode generator for sync muli-camera shoots.
  • Supports still frame capture up to 21.2 megapixel.
  • Localized for 11 popular languages.
  • Supports remote camera control via Bluetooth.
  • Powers via 12V DC input and can recharge via USB-C.
  • Includes full DaVinci Resolve Studio for post production.

Availability and Price

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K is available now for US$ 2,495, excluding duties, from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Metabones introduces Speed Booster series for Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera

06 Aug

Lens mount adapter specialist Metabones has launched a new series of Speed Booster lens adapters especially designed for the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC4K). The new adapters allow users to mount Nikon G, Canon EF, Canon EF Cine and Arri PL lenses onto the Micro Four Thirds camera.

The company says it has redesigned the adapters to take account of the filter stack construction that Blackmagic uses on the sensor of this camera to ensure users get the same performance as other MFT users. Blackmagic uses a thinner layer of filters over the sensor of the BMPCC4K, compared to other MFT cameras, that can alter the effectiveness of the standard MFT adapter at wide apertures, the company claims. This means the new models aren’t compatible with other Micro Four Thirds cameras.

The adapters come in Ultra 0.71x and XL 0.64x versions, which reduce the crop factor in 4096 x 2160 4K video to 1.35x and 1.22x respectively. The Arri PL version will only be available as an Ultra 0.71x, but the other mounts can accept either adapter, with the company claiming that many EF-S and DX lenses from Canon and Nikon can also be used.
The Metabones Ultra 0.71x and XL 0.64x adapters are available now. For more information see the Metabones website.

Ultra 0.71x

  • Canon EF – $ 649
  • Canon EF Cine – $ 699
  • Nikon G – $ 489
  • Arri PL – $ 719

XL 0.64x

  • Canon EF – $ 649
  • Canon EF Cine – $ 699
  • Nikon G – $ 489

Press release:

Metabones Introduces a New Series of Speed Booster® for BMPCC 4K Camera

Caldwell Photographic Inc. and Metabones are pleased to announce a new series of Speed Booster for Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC4K).

The BMPCC4K Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x and XL 0.64x are similar to the standard m43 Speed Booster adapters, but the optics have been re-designed to optimize for the filter stack thickness of the Blackmagic cameras, which is substantially thinner than that of standard m43 cameras.

The thickness of the camera’s filter stack is an important component of the overall optical design, and the re-designed optics ensure that both versions can achieve the same high performance as the Speed Booster versions for standard m43. This is especially critical at the extremely large apertures made possible by Speed Booster technology.

In addition to the new optical designs, the new series of Speed Boosters also features a longer tripod mount to perfectly match the height of the BMPCC4K camera body. This way the camera and the Speed Booster can be mounted firmly on the same quick release plate.

Both versions – the Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x and XL 0.64x – are available with Nikon G lens mount, with Canon EF lens mount and with Canon EF CINE lens mount. The ARRI PL lens mount is available in ULTRA 0.71x version only. The Canon EF CINE lens mount creates a positive lock for a secure electronic connection, and together with the matching length of new the tripod mount, allows for a rock-solid mechanical setup, which is important when using follow focus attachments.

This new series of Metabones Speed Booster adapters is designed exclusively for Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC4K). They cannot be attached to any other m43 cameras such as JVC, Olympus or Panasonic cameras.

Metabones Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x for BMPCC4K:
The new Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x for BMPCC4K uses an advanced 6-element 4-group optical design incorporating ultra-high index tantalum-based optical glass. The new design is specifically optimized to bring the same level of astonishing performance as the ULTRA Speed Boosters for Micro Four Thirds to users of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.

In particular, the Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x is optimized to correctly account for the BMPCC4K camera’s specific filter stack located near the sensor surface. This is especially critical at the extremely large apertures made possible by Speed Booster technology. As a result of this careful optimization, an enormous range of full-frame optics, ranging from vintage film lenses to the latest digital designs, will function flawlessly when adapted to BMPCC4K bodies.

The Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x reduces the crop factor of the BMPCC4K camera as shown in the above table. The new design for BMPCC4K makes very effective use of exotic materials at the furthest limit of glassmaking technology, and as a result is almost perfectly corrected for use with all full-frame SLR lenses regardless of aperture or exit pupil distance. The Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x will also work extremely well with many DX and APS-C format lenses, provided the image circle provided by the lens is large enough.

Optical performance of the new Speed Boosters is so good that the MTF of any lens attached to it will be improved. Even the latest generation of ultra-high performance SLR lenses such as the Zeiss Otus series can be improved by adding a Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x.

MTF at 10, 20, and 40 lp/mm as a function of image height for output apertures of f/0.9, f/1.0, and f/2.0, respectively1. At the maximum aperture of f/0.90 (i.e., with an f/1.2 master lens) the sharpness and contrast are extraordinary across the entire image circle. At just one-third stop down to f/1.0 the performance is equal to or better than the best photographic lenses used at their optimum apertures. An additional stop down to f/2.0 yields performance that is rarely encountered in photographic optics. In practice, what all of this means is that the new Speed Boosters will always enhance and never degrade the performance of the attached master lens.

And other aspects of optical performance haven’t been sacrificed in order to obtain high MTF, either. There is less than 1 stop of corner illumination falloff even wide-open at f/0.9. There is no vignetting at all after the output aperture reaches f/2.82. Rectilinear distortion added by the Speed Booster ULTRA is negligible at less than 0.7%.

Metabones Speed Booster XL 0.64x for BMPCC4K:
Also this Speed Booster XL 0.64x adapter has been designed exclusively for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, with a magnification of 0.64x. The Speed Booster XL 0.64x uses an advanced 7-element optical design to achieve extraordinary optical performance at apertures up to an incredible f/0.80.

The new Speed Booster XL 0.64x reduces the full-frame crop factor of the BMPCC4K as shown in the table further above. In addition, the speed of any attached lens is increased by 11/3 stops, with a maximum output aperture of f/0.80 when an f/1.2 lens is used. For example, a 50mm f/1.2 becomes a 32mm f/0.80, which is the fastest aperture available for Blackmagic cameras.

Perhaps most exciting of all, in addition to increasing lens speed and field of view, the Speed Booster XL 0.64x offers amazingly high image quality even at extremely large apertures. Figures 1 through 3 below show MTF at 10, 20, and 40 lp/mm as a function of image height for output apertures of f/0.8, f/1.1, and f/1.81. At f/0.80 (i.e., with an f/1.2 master lens) the sharpness and contrast are extraordinary out to an image height of 5.1 mm, which is the limiting image height of the BMPCC4K camera’s FHD video mode. Beyond 5.1 mm the performance drops gracefully, but remains very good even in the extreme corner of the full Blackmagic sensor. Note that as the master lens aperture is reduced to f/1.8 and then f/2.8 (corresponding to output apertures of f/1.1 and f/1.8, respectively) the performance improves everywhere, especially in the extreme corners.

And other aspects of optical performance haven’t been sacrificed in order to obtain high MTF, either. There is only about 1 stop of corner illumination falloff even at f/0.8. There is no vignetting at all after the output aperture reaches f/3.42. Rectilinear distortion added by the Speed Booster XL 0.64x is negligible at less than 0.8%.

Just like the Metabones Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x for BMPCC4K, the Speed Booster XL 0.64x is optimized to correctly account for the BMPCC4K camera’s specific filter stack located near the sensor surface. This is especially critical at the extremely large apertures made possible by Speed Booster technology. As a result of this careful optimization, an enormous range of full-frame optics, ranging from vintage film lenses to the latest digital designs, will function flawlessly when adapted to BMPCC4K bodies. In fact, most lenses will have significantly improved MTF when used with the Speed Booster, compared to using them with a plain (i.e. “glassless”) adapter on Blackmagic cameras.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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