Blackmagic Camera Comparison
Blackmagic Camera Comparison

We have been using the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K for a while now.  The quality and value it provides our clients is fantastic.  As our video production capabilities grow, we continue to listen to the needs of our clients.  Occasionally those needs must be met with upgraded camera equipment.

Considering an upgrade convinced me to look into researching a full-blown, in-depth Blackmagic camera comparison. So, here we are.

Blackmagic Camera Comparison

BMPCC 4K BMPCC 6K BMPCC 6K Pro URSA Mini Pro G2 URSA Mini Pro 12K BMCC BMPC BMPCC URSA URSA Mini 4K URSA Mini 4.6K URSA Mini Pro 4.6K URSA Broadcast Micro Studio Camera Micro Cinema Camera Studio Camera Studio Camera 4K

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro G2

Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K

Blackmagic Cinema Camera (2.5K)

Blackmagic Production Camera (4K)

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (Original)

Blackmagic URSA (Original)

Blackmagic URSA Mini 4K

Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6K

URSA Mini Pro 4.6K

Blackmagic URSA Broadcast

Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera

Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera

Blackmagic Studio Camera

Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K
Price $1,295 $1,995 $2,495 $5,995 $9,995 $799 - $1,049 $1,946 $449 $2,274 $2,500 $3,064 $3,199 $3,495 $1,295 $995 $1,495 $1,695
Buy











Buy @ MPB.com Buy @ MPB.com Buy @ MPB.com
Buy @ LensAuthority.com
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MSRP $1,295 $2,495 $2,495 $5,995 $9,995 $2,995 $2,995 $995 $5,995 $2,995 (EF) $3,495 (PL) $4,995 (EF), $5,495 (PL) $5,995 $3,495 $1,295 $995 $1,995 $2,995
Pros Inexpensive, large screen, BRAW recording Use your existing EF lenses, larger sensor Built in NDs, brighter articulating screen, 2 mini XLR inputs Global shutter, magnesium alloy body, tactile buttons for every function, built in NDs, 2x XLR inputs Highest resolution in its class, global shutter, magnesium alloy body, tactile buttons for every function, built in NDs, 2x XLR inputs The very first Blackmagic intended for film with 2.5K CinemaDNG RAW, still amazing picture quality and value years later Easily record to 2.5" SSD, shoots in 4K Small, lightweight design Huge 10" articulating screen, integrated handle More compact and lighter than the original URSA, and better in low light, 8 total 1/4"-20 mounting points More compact and lighter than the original URSA, and better in low light, 8 total 1/4"-20 mounting points Built in NDs, many physical buttons for nearly every function Built specifically for broadcast with B4 mount - - - -
Cons Short battery life, plastic body, somewhat dim screen Short battery life, plastic body, somewhat dim screen Battery life suffers despite using Sony NPF style, big awkward body, plastic design Too large for some gimbals, somewhat small screen Too large for some gimbals, files need lots of storage and computing power, somewhat small screen Glossy screen, integrated battery, limited framerates One stop less dynamic range compared to its predecessor Poor battery life, only shoots 1080p Huge compared to the URSA Mini cameras No built in NDs No built in NDs Slightly smaller screen (4" vs 5" on URSA Mini 4K/4.6K) - - - - -
Cage/Rig
Tilta: Adorama | B&H | Amazon

SmallRig: Adorama | B&H | Amazon

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SmallRig: Adorama | B&H | Amazon

SmallRig: Adorama | B&H

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Camtree Hunt: Adorama | B&H | Amazon

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Camtree Hunt: Adorama | B&H | Amazon

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Resolution 4096 x 2160 (4K DCI) up to 60 fps
4096 x 1720 (4K 2.4:1) up to 75 fps
3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD) up to 60 fps
2880 x 2160 (2.8K Anamorphic) up to 80 fps
2688 x 1512 (2.6K 16:9) up to 120 fps
1920 x 1080 (HD) up to 120 fps
6144 x 3456 (6K) up to 50 fps
6144 x 2560 (6K 2.4:1) up to 60 fps
5744 x 3024 (5.7K 17:9) up to 60 fps
4096 x 2160 (4K DCI) up to 60 fps
3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD) up to 60 fps
3728 x 3104 (3.7K 6:5 anamorphic) up to 60 fps
2868 x 1512 (2.8K 17:9) up to 120 fps
1920 x 1080 (HD) up to 120 fps
6144 x 3456 (6K) up to 50 fps
6144 x 2560 (6K 2.4:1) up to 60 fps
5744 x 3024 (5.7K 17:9) up to 60 fps
4096 x 2160 (4K DCI) up to 60 fps
3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD) up to 60 fps
3728 x 3104 (3.7K 6:5 anamorphic) up to 60 fps
2868 x 1512 (2.8K 17:9) up to 120 fps
1920 x 1080 (HD) up to 120 fps
4608 x 2592
4608 x 1920 (4.6K 2.40:1) up to 120 fps
4096 x 2304 (4K 16:9)
4096 x 2160 (4K DCI)
3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD) up to 150 fps
3072 x 2560 (3K Anamorphic)
2048 x 1152 (2K 16:9)
2048 x 1080 (2K DCI)
1920 x 1080 up to 300 fps
12,288 x 6480 (12K DCI) up to 60 fps
11,520 x 6480 (12K 16:9)
12,288 x 5112 (12K 2.4:1) up to 75 fps
7680 x 6408 (12K Anamorphic)

8192 x 4320 (8K DCI) up to 120 fps
7680 x 4320 (8K 16:9)
8192 x 3408 (8K 2.4:1) up to 160 fps
5120 x 4272 (8K Anamorphic)

6144 x 3240 (6K Super16) up to 120 fps
4096 x 2160 (4K Super16) up to 240 fps

4096 x 2160 (4K DCI)
3840 x 2160 (4K 16:9)
4096 x 1704 (4K 2.4:1)
2560 x 2136 (4K Anamorphic)
2.5K RAW at 2400x1350
ProRes and DNxHD at 1920x1080
3840 x 2160 up to 30 fps
1920 x 1080 up to 59.94 (1080i)
1920x1080 3840 x 2160 up to 80 fps
1920 x 1080 up to 80 fps
4000 x 2160 up to 60 fps
3840 x 2160
1920 x 1080 up to 120 fps windowed
4608 x 2592
4096 x 2304 (4K 16:9) up to 60 fps
4608 x 1920 (4K 2.4:1)
4096 x 2160 (4K DCI)
3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD)
3072 x 2560 (3K Anamorphic)
2048 x 1152 (2K 16:9)
2048x1080 (2K DCI)
1920 x 1080 up to 120 fps windowed
4608 x 2592
4096 x 2304 (4K 16:9) up to 60 fps
4608 x 1920 (4K 2.4:1)
4096 x 2160 (4K DCI)
3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD)
3072 x 2560 (3K Anamorphic)
2048 x 1152 (2K 16:9)
2048x1080 (2K DCI)
1920 x 1080 up to 120 fps windowed
3840 x 2160
1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
1920 x 1080
1280 x 720
1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080 4096 x 2160 (4K DCI)
1920 x 1080
Max Frame Rate 120 FPS 120 FPS 120 FPS 300 FPS 240 FPS 30 FPS 59.94 FPS 30 FPS 80 FPS 120 FPS 120 FPS 120 FPS 60 FPS 60 FPS 60 FPS 60 FPS 60 FPS
Release Date 4/9/2018
Source
8/8/2018
Source
2/17/2021
Source
3/5/2019
Source
7/16/2020
Source
4/16/2012
Source
Source
MFT Version Announced
2/10/2014
Source
4/8/2013
Source
4/7/2014
Source
4/13/2015
Source
4/13/2015
Source
3/2/2017
Source
2/1/2018
Source
4/13/2015
Source
4/13/2015
Source
4/7/2014
Source
4/7/2014
Source
Discontinued Late 2017 Late 2017 4/15/2018 May 2017 Late 2017 Late 2017 5/6/2019
Media Slots 1x SD, 1x CFast, 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 1x SD, 1x CFast, 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 1x SD, 1x CFast, 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 2x SD, 2x CFast, 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 2x SD, 2x CFast, 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2, 1x 2.5” drive slot for 7mm and 9.5mm SSDs (optional Mini Recorder) Removable 2.5” SSD Removable 2.5” SSD SD 2x CFast 2x CFast 2x CFast 2x SD, 2x CFast 2x SD, 2x CFast 1x SD
Recording Media Samsung T5 SSD:
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Lexar SD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar CFast:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Samsung T5 SSD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar SD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar CFast:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Samsung T5 SSD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar SD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar CFast:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Samsung T5 SSD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar SD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar CFast:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Samsung T5 SSD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar SD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar CFast:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Mini Recorder: Adorama | B&H
Crucial BX500 SSD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Crucial BX500 SSD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar SD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar CFast:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar CFast:
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Lexar CFast:
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Lexar SD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar CFast:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar SD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar CFast:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Lexar SD:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Screen Size 5" 5" 5" 4" 4" 5" 5" 3.5" 10.1" 5" 5" 4" 4" N/A N/A 10.1" 10.1"
Screen Brightness 500nits 500nits 1500nits - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Screen Resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080 1920x1080 1920x1080 1920x1080 800x480 800x480 800x480 1920x1080 1920x1080 1920x1080 1920x1080 1920x1080 N/A N/A 1920x1200 1920x1200
Codec(s) BRAW, ProRes BRAW, ProRes BRAW, ProRes BRAW, ProRes BRAW, ProRes CinemaDNG RAW, ProRes CinemaDNG RAW, ProRes CinemaDNG RAW, ProRes CinemaDNG RAW, ProRes CinemaDNG RAW, ProRes CinemaDNG RAW, ProRes BRAW, ProRes BRAW, ProRes N/A CinemaDNG RAW, ProRes N/A N/A
Battery Type Canon LP-E6:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Canon LP-E6:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Sony NP-F570:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
V-Mount or Gold Mount V-Mount or Gold Mount Integrated rechargeable, 2 hr recharge time Integrated rechargeable, 2 hr recharge time Nikon EN-EL20:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
V-Mount or Gold Mount V-Mount or Gold Mount V-Mount or Gold Mount V-Mount or Gold Mount V-Mount or Gold Mount Canon LP-E6:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Canon LP-E6:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
12v power supply only 12v power supply only
Battery Life 60 min (30-40 in real life) 60 min (30-40 in real life) 60 min (30-40 in real life) Depends on battery Depends on battery 90 min 90 min 60 min Depends on battery Depends on battery Depends on battery Depends on battery Depends on battery 70 min 70 min N/A N/A
Weight 1.59 lb (0.72 kg) 1.98 lb (0.9 kg) 2.73 lb (1.24 kg) 5.07 lb (2.3 kg) 5.62 lb (2.55 kg) 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) 3.75 lb (1.7 kg) 12.52 oz (0.35 kg) 16.32 lb (7.4 kg) 5 lb / 2.3 kg 5 lb / 2.3 kg 5.1 lb / 2.31 kg 5.73 lb / 2.6 kg 11 oz / 312 g 10.6 oz / 300 g 4.44 lb / 2.01 kg 4.44 lb / 2.01 kg
Lens Mount MFT EF EF EF (optional PL, B4 and F mounts) PL (optional EF and F mounts) MFT EF/ZE MFT EF, PL, or B4 EF/PL EF/PL EF (optional PL, B4 and F mounts) B4 2/3 inch MFT MFT MFT MFT
Audio Inputs 1x Mini XLR w/Phantom power, 1x 3.5mm stereo jack 1x Mini XLR w/Phantom power, 1x 3.5mm stereo jack 2x Mini XLR w/Phantom power, 1x 3.5mm stereo jack 2x XLR w/Phantom power 2x XLR w/Phantom power 2x 1/4" jacks, switchable between mic and line level 2x 1/4" jacks, switchable between mic and line level 1x 3.5mm stereo jack 2x XLR w/Phantom power 2x XLR w/Phantom power 2x XLR w/Phantom power 2x XLR w/Phantom power 2x XLR w/Phantom power 1x 3.5mm stereo jack 1x 3.5mm stereo jack 2x XLR w/Phantom power 2x XLR w/Phantom power
Audio Outputs 1x 3.5mm headphone jack 1x 3.5mm headphone jack 1x 3.5mm headphone jack 1x 3.5mm headphone jack 1x 3.5mm headphone jack 1x 3.5mm stereo headphone output, 1x HD-SDI stereo 1x 3.5mm stereo headphone output, 1x 6G-SDI stereo 1x 3.5mm stereo headphone jack 1x 1/4" stereo headphone jack 1x 3.5mm stereo headphone jack 1x 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, 1x SDI 2 channel 1x 3.5mm stereo headphone jack 1x 3.5mm stereo headphone jack 1x 3.5mm stereo headphone jack 1x 3.5mm stereo headphone jack Aviation headphone (Fixed Wing Plugs) Aviation headphone (Fixed Wing Plugs)
Built-In ND Filter Four position ND filter with clear, 2‑stop, 4‑stop and 6‑stop IR ND filters. Four position ND filter wheel with clear, 2-stop, 4-stop and 6-stop ND filters. Four position ND filter with clear, 2‑stop, 4‑stop and 6‑stop IR ND filters. Four position ND filter wheel with clear, 2-stop, 4-stop and 6-stop ND filters. Four position ND filter wheel with clear, 2-stop, 4-stop and 6-stop ND filters.
Viewfinder Optional, $495:
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Optional, $1,495:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Optional, $1,495:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Optional, $1,495:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Optional, $1,495:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Optional, $1,495:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Optional, $1,495:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Optional, $1,495:
Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Mounting 1x 1/4-20 (top)
1x 1/4-20 (bottom)
1x 1/4-20 (top)
1x 1/4-20 (bottom)
1x 1/4-20 (top)
2x 1/4-20 (bottom)
4x 1/4-20 (top)
5x 1/4-20 (bottom)
4x 1/4-20 (top)
5x 1/4-20 (bottom)
3x 1/4-20 (top)
1x 1/4-20 (bottom)
3x 1/4-20 (top)
1x 1/4-20 (bottom)
1x 1/4-20 (top)
1x 1/4-20 (bottom)
1x 1/4-20, 1x 3/8" (bottom) 4x 1/4-20 (top)
5x 1/4-20 (bottom)
4x 1/4-20 (top)
5x 1/4-20 (bottom)
4x 1/4-20 (top)
5x 1/4-20 (bottom)
4x 1/4-20 (top)
5x 1/4-20 (bottom)
1x 1/4-20 (top)
3x 1/4-20 (bottom)
1x 1/4-20 (top)
3x 1/4-20 (bottom)
2x 3/8" (bottom)
4x 1/4-20 (top)
3x 1/4-20 (L&R)
2x 3/8" (bottom)
4x 1/4-20 (top)
3x 1/4-20 (L&R)
ISO 100-25,600 100-25,600 100-25,600 200-3,200 200-3,200 200-3,200 200-3,200 200-1600 200-1600 200-3200 200-3200 200-3200 200-3200 100-1600 100-1600 - -
Dynamic Range 13 stops 13 stops 13 stops 15 stops 14 stops 13 stops 12 stops 13 stops 12 stops 12 stops 15 stops 15 stops 12 stops 11 stops 13 stops 13 stops 11 stops
Sensor Size 18.96mm x 10mm (Four Thirds) 23.10mm x 12.99mm (Super 35) 23.10mm x 12.99mm (Super 35) 25.34mm x 14.25mm (Super35) 27.03mm x 14.25mm (Super35) 15.81mm x 8.88mm 21.12mm x 11.88mm (Super 35) 12.48mm x 7.02mm 21.12mm x 11.88mm (Super 35) 21.12 x 11.88 mm (Super35) 25.34mm x 14.25mm (Super35) 25.34mm x 14.25mm (Super35) 13.056mm x 7.344mm 13.056mm x 7.344mm 12.48mm x 7.02mm (Super 16) 12.48mm x 7.02mm (Super 16) 13.056mm x 7.344mm
Shutter Rolling shutter Rolling shutter Rolling shutter Global shutter Global shutter Rolling shutter Global shutter Rolling shutter Global shutter Global shutter Global shutter Global shutter Global shutter Rolling shutter Rolling shutter Rolling shutter Rolling shutter
Notes Utilizes the same sensor as the URSA Mini Pro First versions of the URSA 12K suffered from image quality & firmware issues, but since has been fixed. The original Blackmagic Cinema Camera had an EF lens mount (with the option of PL), then Blackmagic released the MFT mount version on 9/7/2012. BMPCC has the smallest sensor size of any Blackmagic camera (besides the Micro Cinema Camera). If you have the new v2 4K sensor, it supports 120fps at 4k RAW and 1080p at up to 150fps in windowed mode in the current and new v2 sensors. Both models of the Studio Camera were re-released on February 6, 2017 at a lower price and updated to not include an internal battery. Both models of the Studio Camera were re-released on February 6, 2017 at a lower price and updated to not include an internal battery.
Reviews and Other Links

All Blackmagic Cameras Compared

Since we use the Blackmagic platform (and look to using it going forward), we decided to put together a comprehensive Blackmagic camera comparison of all products currently available (including discontinued models).  The table above includes nearly every aspect of the cameras compared, including some of the most important features to us in our video production business: Battery Life, Resolution, Weight, Recording Media, Lens Mount, Frame Rate, Price, and more.

Comparing Apples to Apples

Since 2008, I’ve almost exclusively used Canon cameras for photo and video. Now, in my video production business (DeVowe Photography), I’ve switched to using Blackmagic cameras for video. I know that if I had gone with a Canon cinema camera instead, I would have paid a much higher premium for features Canon is well-known for (weather-sealed bodies, durability, autofocus, etc.).

But here, we’re talking about Blackmagic cameras compared with Blackmagic cameras. Does this provide some insight for you when it comes to deciding on which Blackmagic cinema camera to buy?

If I missed anything, let me know!

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