Why the Blackmagic Pocket 6K Pro is My Perfect Camera

Jake Hayden

The Quest for Perfection [00:00:01]

• The video begins with a whimsical story about a "recipe for perfection" found on page 200 of an old copy of The Odyssey. [00:00:01]
  • The recipe promised to give the reader the perfect paintbrush after a few simple steps: kissing a regular paintbrush, freezing it overnight, and thawing it. [00:00:15]
  • The host playfully experimented with this "recipe" on various non-paintbrush items, finding that mediocre items seemed to become "the best of the best" by morning. [00:00:47]
• Applying the recipe to a camera: The host decided to test the recipe on his Blackmagic Pocket 6K (Pocket 6K). [00:00:58]
  • He put his Pocket 6K in the freezer, hoping it would transform into an ideal camera like an S12, FX3, FX6, C400, or even an Arri Amira. [00:01:00]

    

• Defining "perfection": The video transitions to a philosophical discussion about the term "perfection." [00:01:38]
  • Perfection is described as a term as lofty as "immortality," but unlike immortality, it is specifically fulfilled by a reference point. [00:02:26]
  • To deem something "perfect," one must first define the desired elements, qualities, or characteristics. [00:02:35]
  • A creative tool is perfect if it fully satisfies the artist's needs, meaning the filmmaker themselves acts as the "gauge" for a perfect camera. [00:02:45]

My Camera Criteria & Contenders [00:03:06]

• Non-Negotiable Requirements: The host lists five essential criteria for his perfect camera, emphasizing his relatively simple needs. [00:03:06]
  • 1. Reliability and unlimited recording capability. [00:03:08]
  • 2. Ability to plug into external power for long-form recordings. [00:03:12]
  • 3. Internal ND filters. [00:03:14]
  • 4. Good codecs and a dependable screen. [00:03:16]
  • 5. An EF mount or the ability to adapt to an EF mount. [00:03:19]

       

• Ranking by Price and Image Quality: Cameras meeting these non-negotiables were then ranked on a graph with "Image Quality (Worse → Better)" on the x-axis and "Price (Bad → Good)" on the y-axis. [00:03:27]
  • Image Quality Preference: The host states a subjective preference for Blackmagic image quality due to its colors, rolloff, noise patterns, and codecs. Sensor size is less critical to him. [00:03:36]

    

    • The Blackmagic Pocket 6K Pro scored an easy lead in image quality. [00:03:46]
    • The Canon C70 was not far behind. [00:03:48]
    • The FX6, Canon C80, and C400 clustered in the middle. [00:03:50]
      • The FX6 offers compressed 10-bit video. [00:03:54]
      • The C80/C400 offer raw but described as "underwhelming raw." [00:03:58]
  • Price Ranking (Most Expensive to Least): [00:04:01]
    • Canon C400: $8,500 [00:04:04]
    • Sony FX6: $6,500 [00:04:06]
    • Canon C80: $5,800 [00:04:10]
    • Canon C70: $4,400 [00:04:10]
    • Blackmagic Pocket 6K Pro: $2,800 [00:04:13]
  • The graph visually demonstrates why the Blackmagic Pocket 6K Pro is the most appealing option when considering both image quality and price for his needs. [00:04:13]

    

Addressing Common Criticisms of the BMPCC 6K Pro [00:04:21]

The host dismisses several common grievances against the Blackmagic Pocket 6K Pro as non-issues for his specific workflow.

• 1. Screen Issue: [00:04:25]
  • Some units shipped with odd color temperature shifts on the integrated LCDs. [00:04:27]
  • Blackmagic provided a screen calibration tool in the camera's software. [00:04:32]
  • The host resolved this in about 5 minutes, making it a non-issue for his workflow. [00:04:35]

    

• 2. Ergonomics: [00:04:43]
  • Ergonomics are subjective and vary depending on rigging requirements. [00:04:45]
  • As a B-cam to his Ursa, he needs it to be nimble with minimal additions. [00:04:50]
  • He finds the Pocket 6K Pro's ergonomics excellent when only a lens is attached, praising its chunky handle, smooth body design, and comfortable grip. [00:04:55]
  • It is a non-issue for him because he doesn't use it in a rigged setup. [00:05:06]

    

• 3. Battery Life: [00:05:12]
  • The integrated batteries last approximately one hour, which is not ideal. [00:05:15]
  • He typically carries multiple NPF batteries and can easily rig an external battery or use AC power for static or long takes if needed. [00:05:21]
  • Given its role as a B-cam, he doesn't require extensive rigging and values the smaller body design over a larger, longer-lasting integrated battery that would affect balance. [00:05:31]

    

• 4. Lack of Autofocus: [00:05:42]
  • The host primarily uses manual lenses (95% of the time). [00:05:45]
  • For the remaining 5%, he uses autofocus lenses in manual focus mode. [00:05:48]
  • Autofocus is not essential for his current projects and stage in his career, making this a non-issue. [00:05:52]

    

Conclusion: The Subjectivity of "Perfect" [00:06:01]

• Despite the Blackmagic Pocket 6K Pro meeting all his non-negotiable requirements and ranking high on his image quality-to-price graph, the host still feels hesitant to universally label it the "perfect camera." [00:06:01]
  • It offers all the necessary I/O, a detailed and bright screen, fits in his bag, matches his Ursa, and is both portable and comfortable to operate. [00:06:12]

    

  • It has convenient mounting points, great button placements, and an industry-leading UI. [00:06:24]

    

• The hesitation stems from the understanding that "perfection" is subjective. [00:06:33]
  • Other filmmakers have different needs, such as extreme low-light sensitivity (like the Sony FX3) or all-day battery life (like the Canon C70). [00:06:36]

    

    

  • These differing needs mean that a camera perfect for one person may not be perfect for another. [00:06:43]
• The video concludes with an analogy from The Odyssey, highlighting that "each man delights in the work that suits him best." [00:07:23]
  • Just as the specific writing utensil used by Homer is irrelevant to the beauty of his poetry, the precise camera model is secondary to the art it helps create. [00:08:18]
  • The Blackmagic Pocket 6K Pro is his "perfect camera" because it perfectly suits his individual needs and creative work. [00:07:28]