Drawing from my own hands-on experience with various cameras, I can attest that the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has created quite a buzz among filmmakers, largely due to its outstanding capabilities. Yet, I’ve learned that no single cinema camera is a one-size-fits-all solution. From my time spent exploring and testing various models, I’ve come across several cinema cameras that can go toe-to-toe with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, or even surpass it in certain aspects. In this article, we will explore the top 3 Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K alternatives that are worth considering for anyone looking for a high-quality cinema camera that can deliver excellent results for their filmmaking needs.
1. Sony FX30
If you are looking for a compact and versatile camera that can deliver cinematic images, you might want to consider the Sony FX30 as a good alternative for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. Both cameras have some similarities and differences that may affect your decision depending on your needs and preferences.
Sensor- Full frame or APSC
The Sony FX30 has a Super 35 format, APS-C size back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor with 26 megapixels of effective resolution. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a 4/3 size sensor with 4096 x 2160 resolution and 13 stops of dynamic range. The Sony FX30 has a larger sensor size and higher resolution than the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, which means it can capture more details and perform better in low light situations. However, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has dual native ISO up to 25,600, which can also help reduce noise and increase dynamic range in challenging lighting conditions.
Focus and Lens Mount
The Sony FX30 has an E-mount lens mount, which is compatible with a wide range of lenses from Sony and other brands. The camera also has a dependable and accurate autofocus system that can track subjects and adjust focus smoothly and quickly. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has an active MFT mount, which allows you to use Micro Four Thirds lenses as well as other lenses with adapters. The camera does not have an autofocus system, but it has a focus button that can assist you in achieving manual focus on compatible lenses.
Design- Dimension and Weight Comparison
The Sony FX30 has a compact and lightweight design, weighing only 715 g (1.58 lb) with battery and measuring 77.8 x 129.7 x 84.5 mm (3.13 x 5.13 x 3.33 in). The camera has a multifunction handgrip with all controls for recording, ISO, WB and shutter angle right at your fingertips. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is slightly larger and heavier, weighing 898 g (1.98 lb) with battery and measuring 178.1 x 96 x 85.5 mm (7.01 x 3.78 x 3.37 in). The camera has external controls for essential functions, such as iris, focus, zoom, high frame rate, and menu.
Monitor
The Sony FX30 has a 3.5 inch LCD monitor with 2.76 million dots of resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio. The monitor can be tilted up and down for flexible viewing angles. The camera also has a viewfinder mount that can be attached to the hot shoe and used with an optional electronic viewfinder. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a larger 5 inch LCD touchscreen with 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The touchscreen can be used to frame shots, focus accurately, change camera settings, and access 3D LUTs. The camera does not have a viewfinder or a viewfinder mount.
Battery
The Sony FX30 uses a NP-F570 style battery that can provide up to 2.5 hours of continuous recording time. The battery can be charged via the USB-C port or an external charger. The camera also has a power switch that can be used to turn off the camera or put it in standby mode to save battery life. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K uses a Canon LP-E6 type battery that can provide up to 60 minutes of continuous recording time. The battery can be charged via the 12V DC connector or an external charger. The camera also has a removable battery door that can be replaced with an optional battery grip that can hold two batteries for longer run time.
Video Capabilities & Audio Inputs
The Sony FX30 can record video in various formats and resolutions, such as 4K DCI up to 60 fps, 4K UHD up to 60 fps, 2.8K anamorphic up to 80 fps, 2.6K 16:9 up to 120 fps, and HD up to 120 fps. The camera can record in XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, and H.265 codecs. The camera has two SD card slots and one CFast 2.0 card slot for internal recording, as well as a USB-C port for external recording to SSDs or other devices. The camera also has a mini XLR audio input that can support mic or line level signals with phantom power, a 3.5 mm stereo input that can also be used for timecode input, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K can also record video in various formats and resolutions, such as 4K DCI up to 60 fps, 4K UHD up to 60 fps, 2.8K anamorphic up to 80 fps, 2.6K 16:9 up to 120 fps, and HD up to 120 fps. The camera can record in Blackmagic RAW or ProRes codecs, with various quality and compression options. The camera has one SD card slot and one CFast 2.0 card slot for internal recording, as well as a USB-C port for external recording to SSDs or other devices. The camera also has a mini XLR audio input that can support mic or line level signals with phantom power, a 3.5 mm stereo input, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Price (USD)
The Sony FX30 has a suggested retail price of $1,799 for the body only, or $2,199 with the XLR handle unit. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a suggested retail price of $1,295 for the body only.
2. Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2
If you are looking for a compact and versatile camera that can deliver cinematic images, you might want to consider the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 as a good alternative for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.
Sensor- Full frame or APSC
The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 has a Super 35 format, APS-C size back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor with 26 megapixels of effective resolution. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a 4/3 size sensor with 4096 x 2160 resolution and 13 stops of dynamic range. The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 has a larger sensor size and higher resolution than the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, which means it can capture more details and perform better in low light situations. However, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has dual native ISO up to 25,600, which can also help reduce noise and increase dynamic range in challenging lighting conditions.
Focus and Lens Mount
The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 has an EF lens mount, which is compatible with a wide range of lenses from Canon and other brands. The camera does not have an autofocus system, but it has a focus button that can assist you in achieving manual focus on compatible lenses. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has an MFT lens mount, which allows you to use Micro Four Thirds lenses as well as other lenses with adapters. The camera also does not have an autofocus system, but it has a focus button that can assist you in achieving manual focus on compatible lenses.
Design- Dimension and Weight Comparison
The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 has a compact and lightweight design, weighing only 898 g (1.98 lb) with battery and measuring 178.1 x 96 x 85.5 mm (7.01 x 3.78 x 3.37 in). The camera has a multifunction handgrip with all controls for recording, ISO, WB and shutter angle right at your fingertips. The camera also has a viewfinder mount that can be attached to the hot shoe and used with an optional OLED viewfinder. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is slightly smaller and lighter, weighing 721 g (1.59 lb) with battery and measuring 179.8 x 101.6 x 83.9 mm (7.08 x 4 x 3.31 in). The camera has external controls for essential functions, such as iris, focus, zoom, high frame rate, and menu. The camera does not have a viewfinder or a viewfinder mount.
Monitor
The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 has a 5 inch LCD monitor with 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The monitor can be tilted up and down for flexible viewing angle. The monitor also supports 3D LUTs and can be used to frame shots, focus accurately, change camera settings, and access metadata. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has the same 5 inch LCD touchscreen with 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The touchscreen can also be used to frame shots, focus accurately, change camera settings, and access 3D LUTs.
Battery
The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 uses a NP-F570 style battery that can provide up to 2.5 hours of continuous recording time. The battery can be charged via the USB-C port or an external charger. The camera also has a power switch that can be used to turn off the camera or put it in standby mode to save battery life. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K uses a Canon LP-E6 type battery that can provide up to 60 minutes of continuous recording time. The battery can be charged via the 12V DC connector or an external charger. The camera also has a removable battery door that can be replaced with an optional battery grip that can hold two batteries for longer run time.
Video Capabilities & Audio Inputs
The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 can record video in various formats and resolutions, such as 6K up to 50 fps, 6K 2.4:1 up to 60 fps, 5.7K 17:9 up to 60 fps, 4K DCI up to 60 fps, Ultra HD up to 60 fps, 3.7K 6:5 anamorphic up to 60 fps, 2.8K 17:9 up to 120 fps, and HD up to 120 fps. The camera can record in Blackmagic RAW or ProRes codecs, with various quality and compression options. The camera has one SD card slot and one CFast 2.0 card slot for internal recording, as well as a USB-C port for external recording to SSDs or other devices. The camera also has a mini XLR audio input that can support mic or line level signals with phantom power, a 3.5 mm stereo input that can also be used for timecode input, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K can also record video in various formats and resolutions, such as 4K DCI up to 60 fps, 4K 2.4:1 up to 75 fps, Ultra HD up to 60 fps, 2.8K anamorphic up to 80 fps, 2.6K 16:9 up to 120 fps, and HD up to 120 fps. The camera can record in Blackmagic RAW or ProRes codecs, with various quality and compression options. The camera has one SD card slot and one CFast 2.0 card slot for internal recording, as well as a USB-C port for external recording to SSDs or other devices. The camera also has a mini XLR audio input that can support mic or line level signals with phantom power, a 3.5 mm stereo input, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Price (USD)
The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 has a suggested retail price of $1,995 for the body only. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a suggested retail price of $1,295 for the body only. Both cameras include a license for DaVinci Resolve Studio, a professional editing, color correction, audio post and VFX software.
3. Sony FX3
If you are looking for a compact and versatile camera that can deliver cinematic images, you might want to consider the Sony FX3 as a good alternative for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. Both cameras have some similarities and differences that may affect your decision depending on your needs and preferences.
Sensor- Full frame or APSC
The Sony FX3 has a Super 35 format, APS-C size back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor with 26 megapixels of effective resolution. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a 4/3 size sensor with 4096 x 2160 resolution and 13 stops of dynamic range. The Sony FX3 has a larger sensor size and higher resolution than the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, which means it can capture more details and perform better in low light situations. However, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has dual native ISO up to 25,600, which can also help reduce noise and increase dynamic range in challenging lighting conditions.
Focus and Lens Mount
The Sony FX3 has an E-mount lens mount, which is compatible with a wide range of lenses from Sony and other brands. The camera also has a dependable and accurate autofocus system that can track subjects and adjust focus smoothly and quickly. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has an active MFT mount, which allows you to use Micro Four Thirds lenses as well as other lenses with adapters. The camera does not have an autofocus system, but it has a focus button that can assist you in achieving manual focus on compatible lenses.
Design- Dimension and Weight Comparison
The Sony FX3 has a compact and lightweight design, weighing only 715 g (1.58 lb) with battery and measuring 77.8 x 129.7 x 84.5 mm (3.13 x 5.11 x 3.33 in). The camera has a multifunction handgrip with all controls for recording, ISO, WB and shutter angle right at your fingertips. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is slightly larger and heavier, weighing 898 g (1.98 lb) with battery and measuring 178.1 x 96 x 85.5 mm (7.01 x 3.78 x 3.37 in). The camera has external controls for essential functions, such as iris, focus, zoom, high frame rate, and menu.
Monitor
The Sony FX3 has a 3.5 inch LCD monitor with 2.76 million dots of resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio. The monitor can be tilted up and down for flexible viewing angles. The camera also has a viewfinder mount that can be attached to the hot shoe and used with an optional electronic viewfinder. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a larger 5 inch LCD touchscreen with 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The touchscreen can be used to frame shots, focus accurately, change camera settings, and access 3D LUTs. The camera does not have a viewfinder or a viewfinder mount.
Battery
The Sony FX3 uses a NP-F570 style battery that can provide up to 2.5 hours of continuous recording time. The battery can be charged via the USB-C port or an external charger. The camera also has a power switch that can be used to turn off the camera or put it in standby mode to save battery life. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K uses a Canon LP-E6 type battery that can provide up to 60 minutes of continuous recording time. The battery can be charged via the 12V DC connector or an external charger. The camera also has a removable battery door that can be replaced with an optional battery grip that can hold two batteries for longer run time.
Video Capabilities & Audio Inputs
The Sony FX3 can record video in various formats and resolutions, such as 4K DCI up to 60 fps, 4K UHD up to 60 fps, 2.8K anamorphic up to 80 fps, 2.6K 16:9 up to 120 fps, and HD up to 120 fps. The camera can record in XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, and H.265 codecs. The camera has two SD card slots and one CFast 2.0 card slot for internal recording, as well as a USB-C port for external recording to SSDs or other devices. The camera also has a mini XLR audio input that can support mic or line level signals with phantom power, a 3.5 mm stereo input that can also be used for timecode input, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K can also record video in various formats and resolutions, such as 4K DCI up to 60 fps, 4K UHD up to 60 fps, 2.8K anamorphic up to 80 fps, 2.6K 16:9 up to 120 fps, and HD up to 120 fps. The camera can record in Blackmagic RAW or ProRes codecs, with various quality and compression options. The camera has one SD card slot and one CFast 2.0 card slot for internal recording, as well as a USB-C port for external recording to SSDs or other devices. The camera also has a mini XLR audio input that can support mic or line level signals with phantom power, a 3.5 mm stereo input, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Price (USD)
The Sony FX3 has a suggested retail price of $3,899.99 for the body only, or $4,299.99 with the XLR handle unit. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a suggested retail price of $1,295 for the body only.
