The full-frame cinema camera was unveiled in April 2024 and has a host of features but at a competitive price. (see our full camera lab test here). It comes with a large-format RGBW 12K sensor (35.64 x 23.32mm) and can film BRAW in 12K 3:2 Open Gate up to 80 fps, or 120 fps in 2.4:1 mode.

Additionally, 8K and 4K Open Gate RAW can film up to 144 fps without a crop. The de-squeeze function includes 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.66, 1.8, and 2x. Supported mounts include ARRI PL, LPL, Canon EF, and Hasselblad.

The Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF starts at $14,995 for the body only, while a bundled option includes the EVF Top Handle Kit and retails for $16,495.

Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF is part of the Netflix-approved camera list

Netflix has created an official Camera Production Guide for the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF, which can be downloaded here. The guide details the streaming giant’s requirements when setting up and filming with the camera. 

Some of the settings Netflix recommends include:

• Resolution of 12K, 9K, 8K, and 4K.
• Aspect ratio of 3:2 Open-Gate, 16:9, 17:9, 2.41:1, or 6:5.
• Dynamic range: Film (Blackmagic Design Film).
• RAW: Constant bit rate of 3:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 18:1, plus a constant quality of Q0, Q1, Q3, and Q5.

Additionally, there are settings for recording maximum frame rates and resolution to the Blackmagic 8TB Media Module. For example, 80 fps at 12K 3:2 Open Gate or 12K 6:5.

If you’re filming with the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF for Netflix, or any approved camera, the Camera Production Guides are an excellent resource. These recommendations are mandatory if you are filming original content for Netflix and 90% of the total run time.

Camera specs needed for Netflix approval 

Netflix has an official page called “Cameras and Image Capture: Requirements and Best Practices.” In it, the company details the minimum specifications and features needed for a camera to receive the official badge. The company does say that not all cameras that meet these requirements are approved. Non-fiction works have more flexibility when it comes to the recommendations, it should be noted.

Some of these specs include:

• A true 4K sensor with at least 3840 photosites across.
• Lightly compressed or uncompressed RAW or intraframe-based codec with 4:2:2 chroma-subsampling or greater.
• Bit depth of 10-bit or greater.
• Data rate minimum of 240 Mbps at 24 fps.
• Scene-referred Color Space, including REDWideGamut, ALEXA Wide Gamut, S.Gamut3, and more.
• Scene-referred Transfer Function, including Slog3, Vlog, Log3G10, Log C, etc.
• Timecode must be able to jam to an external source and written as metadata. 

Check out the Cameras & Image Capture page to learn more, which includes the full list of approved cameras and best practices from Netflix. And the settings are also a good guide as a way to achieve high imaging quality.

Are you using the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF for your projects, Netflix or otherwise? What are your thoughts regarding the features? Please let us know in the comments below!

Firmware updates have been an integral part of our industry’s landscape in recent years. Each manufacturer offers a slightly different approach to this maintenance practice, but everyone does it. While some firmware updates prove revolutionary, some are more modest – fixing issues, embedding features, etc. Both are important as both affect our interaction with our creative tools.

With this firmware update, Sony improves still shooting, video, and operability functions, as well as added compatibility for Sony’s evolving Camera Authenticity Solution. Let’s start with the video updates:

Video firmware updates

Sony’s firmware update will improve the video image quality of both the a1 II and a9 III when using user LUTs. Unfortunately, the original a1 won’t receive this feature but will gain the ability to automatically create still images with Shot Marks from movie frames after recording. Both updates may not seem like much, but will incrementally improve our work given the use of these features.

Operability and workflow firmware updates

Here, we’ll see some advanced (and rather niche) features of the new flagship (the a1 II) trickle down to its stablemates. Both the a1 and a9 III will now be able to schedule FTP transfers while writing data to the camera’s storage media, as well as improved operability with shooting during image transfer to the Creators’ App. The a1 will also gain the ability to use the Custom Key setting on the AEL button and Delete button during playback.

Authentication firmware updates

Sony takes image authentication seriously and implements authentication solutions in many of their cameras. The new firmware update allows using Sony’s upcoming Image Validation Site and the Digital Signature Upgrade License, designed for select news organizations and their staff photographers. While this may not affect most of us, I find it very reassuring. It’s another important step Sony is taking regarding the implementation of C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance) standards, which may well establish our future trust in mediated information as discussed here:

Price and availability

Sony’s firmware updates are now available for download, free of charge. a1 firmware version 3.00, a9 III Firmware version 3.00 and a1 II Firmware version 2.00 can be downloaded here

Will these modest updates be of value to you? What other features would you like to get via future firmware updates? Let us know in the comments.

Before we get started, don’t forget to also check out my colleague Johnnie’s first look review here.

German high-end camera manufacturer Leica is well-known amongst photographers for their premium lineup of stills cameras. The Leica SL3 was released last year and is the company’s latest digital mirrorless camera. The least we can say is that the SL3 has stellar features, including a 60MP full-frame image sensor, 8K and ProRes internal recording capabilities, a dedicated video mode, and so on.

However, nearly four years after the release of the SL2-S, the S-line being Leica’s video-centric lineup of mirrorless cameras, the German manufacturer is finally back with its successor: the SL3-S.

Leica SL3-S – features

Like its predecessor, the Leica SL3-S features a new full-frame 24.6MP 3:2 BSI CMOS image sensor. Please note that 48- and 96-megapixel multishot modes are available for still shooters if you need extra resolution. While this decrease in resolution can seem counterproductive compared to the SL3 and its massive 60MP image sensor, the smaller sensor allows the SL3-S to have better low-light performance.

The SL3-S shares a lot of things with the SL3, including:

• The SL3 and SL3-S are L-Mount cameras, compatible with all Leica and L-Mount alliance partners’ lenses.
• Both cameras feature a Maestro IV image processor.
• ISO range of 50 to 200,000.
• The size is identical between both cameras: 15.1 x 10.8 x 8.4cm/5.96 x 4.25 x 3.3″, made of aluminum and magnesium alloy. However, the SL3-S is lighter at 768g/1.7 lbs, as opposed to 769g/1.7 lbs for the SL3.
• You can shoot in all weather conditions with both cameras thanks to an IP-54 rating and from temperatures ranging from -10 to +40°C/14 to 104°F.
• The SL3-S has In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), which is handy for filmmakers.

• A 3.2-inch high-res touchscreen and EyeRes 5.76m-dot 0.78x OLED EVF.
• On the right side of the camera, two memory card slots: one CFexpress Type B and one SD UHS-II.
• Powered by the Leica BP-SCL6 battery.

You got it – the SL3 and SL3-S have a lot in common.

Connectivity

You’ll find one USB Type-C port on the left side of the Leica SL3-S for data transmission, tethering, and power supply. The SL3-S is also a certified Apple “Made for iPhone and iPad” accessory, so you can connect it directly via USB-C to your Apple device. Lastly, you can capture footage directly to an SSD drive connected to the USB-C port, which can be very handy if you record in ProRes 422HQ (more on that below).

The camera features one 3.5mm microphone input and one 3.5mm headphone output. It also has a full-size HDMI 2.1 port, which allows for external monitoring and video recording.

Similarly to the SL3, the SL3-S features built-in Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. You can connect the camera to the free Leica FOTOS app to download/edit your pictures and update the camera’s firmware wirelessly. Furthermore, Leica mentions that “over the course of 2025, the (SL3-S) Camera-to-Cloud function will become available via Adobe frame.io, using which videos and photos can be uploaded directly from the camera to the Adobe frame.io cloud for further processing.”

Leica SL3-S autofocus and video recording modes

Leica claims that the SL3-S uses their latest high-speed autofocus system, which combines three technologies: Advanced PDAF, contrast detection, and object detection.

Regarding picture profiles, you can choose between multiple flavors, including Rec.709, L-Log Rec. 2020, and HLG Rec. 2020. The most significant difference between the SL3 and the SL3-S is that the latter features an extra L-Log picture profile.

Now, let’s jump to what makes the real difference between the SL3 and SL3-S: the video recording modes and options. The SL3-S can record internally in 6K 3:2 (5952×3968), C6K, and 6K 16:9 at up to 30P in 4:2:0 10-bit, with a maximum bitrate of 200Mbps. If you drop down the resolution to 4K, it can capture footage at up to 60P in 4:2:2 10-bit with a 1.45x (APS-C) crop. To shoot in 4K/C4K without a crop, you have to lower your framerate to a maximum of 30P.

The Leica SL3-S can capture C6K (5776×3056) footage in ProRes 422HQ at up to 30P for better results and faster turnarounds. With a bitrate of around 1939Mbps, you better have a lot of CFexpress memory cards available or, ideally, record directly to an SSD external drive, but that’s doable. If you drop down the resolution to C4K, you can still capture footage in ProRes 422HQ at up to 60P. The full-size HDMI port allows for HDMI RAW external recording at up to 6K30P.

Lastly, Leica also worked on their menu and UI, inherited from the original SL3. According to the company, “As with the SL3, the optimizations to the SL3-S include ergonomic and haptic features, as well as the user interface and menu navigation. The clearly structured icon and menu design make navigation even easier, with distinct sections for photo and video functions. The Cine mode has been tailored specifically to the needs of professional video production.”

Price and availability

The Leica SL3-S is available now for €5,190.00.

For more information, please visit Leica’s website here.

What do you think about the SL3-S? Have you already shot on a Leica mirrorless camera? Which one would you choose between the SL3 and SL3-S? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!

After releasing the DJI Neo last year, today DJI has launched yet another lightweight drone aimed at beginners. This time, however, the camera specs could attract many advanced prosumers, too, in my opinion. Let’s take a closer look at the new DJI Flip drone.

DJI Flip – new folding design

DJI openly markets the Flip as a drone for beginners, aiming to combine the ease of use of the DJI Neo with a better camera that is on par with the DJI Mini series. The Flip includes the palm takeoff feature, so it can be launched without a remote controller. As DJI claims, thanks to the AI subject tracking, the drone can autonomously follow a subject and perform a few pre-defined moves.

The form factor is quite new for DJI. The Flip features four foldable arms, each with a propeller and a full-coverage prop guard. They all fold neatly beneath the drone, stacking seamlessly to reduce size for easy transportation. The prop guards are made out of lightweight carbon fiber string.

DJI Flip’s takeoff weight is less than 249g/8.78oz, so it falls into the lightest sub-250g/8.78oz category. This makes it easier to fly in some regions (C0 label in Europe). The maximum flight time is 31 minutes. With its 3D infrared sensor at the front, the drone features a forward-facing obstacle-sensing system that also takes advantage of the automatic braking function.

Camera – on par with the DJI Mini 4 Pro?

Finally, let’s talk about the DJI Flip camera. I feel like DJI focused on offering better image quality to beginners who would otherwise consider the DJI Neo. On paper, the 3-axis gimbal-stabilized camera unit closely mimics the one found in the DJI Mini 4 Pro (currently DJI’s top-of-the-line sub-250g drone).

There is a 1/1.3”-type CMOS sensor with a 48MP resolution (2.4μm 4-in-1 pixels). DJI says the sensor features dual native ISO, but they did not disclose the native values. We only know the ISO in video mode is available between 100 and 6400 (normal color profile) or 100 and 1600 (D-Log M color profile).

The 24mm (full-frame focal length equivalent) lens has an 82.1° FOV and a fixed f/1.7 aperture. Minimum focusing distance is 1m/3.3ft. The Flip can shoot still images with either 48MP or binned 12MP resolution saved as JPEG or DNG raw file. DJI says its “Next-gen SmartPhoto^” function combines HDR imaging, scene recognition, and more for enhanced image quality.

In terms of available video resolutions and framerates, the DJI Flip can achieve up to 4K 60fps in standard mode or up to 4K 100fps in slow motion mode. Finally, DJI says the drone can shoot HDR video at up to 4K 60fps too.

• 4K: 3840×2160@24/25/30/48/50/60fps
• FHD: 1920×1080@24/25/30/48/50/60/100fps
• 2.7K Vertical Shooting: 1512×2688@24/25/30fps
• FHD Vertical Shooting: 1080×1920@24/25/30fps

The drone supports 10-bit D-Log M color profile in video mode. The resulting files use an MP4 container and feature a maximum bitrate of 150Mbps. DJI Flip has 2GB internal storage and supports MicroSD cards.

Just like the DJI Neo, the Flip drone can record audio via the connected phone or DJI Mic 2 transmitter and suppress the propeller sound in the background, according to DJI. In the end, the company labels the DJI Flip as a “vlogging camera drone.”

Smartphone control and automatic modes

As I mentioned above, DJI Flip can be launched without a controller. The drone can then perform one of the automatic moves or it can be controlled via smartphone with the help of a Wi-Fi connection. The app also includes a new one-handed interface for controlling the Flip as well as voice control.

The drone supports various automatic modes such as hyperlapse, MasterShots, QuickShots, panorama, and digital zoom. The QuickShots feature includes various modes: Dronie, Circle, Spotlight, Helix, and Boomerang. The Flip can perform these automatically with no remote controller needed. The exported footage (there is a fast wireless transfer option for smartphones) can be tweaked with DJI’s “Glamour effects.”

When connected to a DJI controller, the drone supports DJI O4 video transmission and can fly for up to 14km/8.7miles maximum distance (fcc mode). The drone is compatible with the DJI RC-N3 and RC 2 controllers. Of course, the range is limited when only using the wi-fi connection with a smartphone.

DJI Flip comes with the parallel charging hub known from the DJI Neo.

Price and availability

The DJI Flip drone is available now, and there are three pre-configured sets to choose from:

• DJI Flip – aside from the drone itself, this kit includes the DJI RC-N3 controller (without display), one battery, spare props, and a gimbal protector. It retails for $439 (from €439, including VAT in Europe).
• DJI Flip (DJI RC 2) – aside from the drone itself, this kit includes the DJI RC 2 controller (with display), one battery, spare props, and a gimbal protector. It sells for $639 (from €63,9, including VAT in Europe).
• DJI Flip Fly more combo (DJI RC 2) – aside from the drone itself, this kit includes the DJI RC 2 controller (with display), three batteries, spare props (three pairs), a charging hub, a gimbal protector, and a shoulder bag. It sells for $779 (from €779, including VAT in Europe).

Do you have experience with the DJI Neo or any other sub-250g drone? What do you think about the DJI Flip? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II was released in July 2024, and the least we can say is that it has impressive features. Indeed, the camera has a new 45MP full-frame back-illuminated stacked (BSI) dual-pixel CMOS AF sensor, it can shoot video internally in up to 8K at 60P in 12-bit RAW, it has IBIS, Canon Log 2/Log 3 picture profiles, a new cooling grip to prevent overheating, a full-size HDMI port, and much more. We recently added the camera to our CineD camera database if you want to learn more about it.

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II features two memory card slots: one CFexpress Type B for the most demanding video recording modes and one standard SD card slot for stills, proxy, and compressed video. However, Canon recently issued a statement that using some Sandisk SD memory cards could result in corrupted/abnormal files, especially for stills shooting.

Canon EOS R5 Mark II – Sandisk Extreme PRO SD card issues

Let’s start with the official statement issued by Canon USA:

Still images taken with Canon EOS R5 Mk II may be recorded as corrupted/abnormal due to incompatibility of certain Sandisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II 64GB, 128GB and 256GB V60 cards.

For more information, please see the link to SanDisk support: Steps to Resolve Sandisk Extreme PRO® SDXC™ UHS-II V60 64, 128, and 256GB Still Image Problem with a Canon EOS R5 Mark II | SanDisk

To learn about compatible SanDisk Memory Cards for EOS R5 Mark II, please visit the below link. Learn About Compatible Sandisk Memory Cards for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II Camera | SanDisk

This information is only for residents of the United States and its five territories. If you do not reside within these areas, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Service Strategy & Support Group
Canon U.S.A., Inc

When writing this article, only three memory cards were affected by this issue: the Sandisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II V60 64, 128, and 256GB. This particular memory card’s 512GB and 1TB models are unaffected. As a fairly logical move, I strongly advise you to avoid these. Sandisk reports you can contact them “if you have one of the incompatible cards about warranty replacement.” However, the Extreme PRO UHS-II V90 SDHC memory cards are all listed as compatible.

I can never stress it enough, but at the end of the day, all your footage is stored on tiny memory cards. Even though no brand is infallible, buying and investing in memory cards and storage solutions from companies you trust is crucial. Also, with so many different memory card standards, shapes, and ratings, ensuring that the memory card you plan on using or purchasing is officially listed as “compatible” with your camera is crucial nowadays.

Since Sandisk was purchased by Western Digital in October 2015, the company has faced reliability issues, especially with their Extreme Portable SSD V2 drives. The fact that the G-Technology brand was turned into Sandisk Professional doesn’t seem to have stopped these issues, and this new SD card issue surely won’t help.

What do you think about this Sandisk issue with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II? Have you already had issues with Sandisk products? What is your go-to brand when it comes to storage solutions? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!

It has been slightly over two years since DJI launched the previous generation of the Air Unit – the O3. It became apparent that the Chinese tech company follows a clear roadmap with these products. First, the new air unit found its way into the company’s own FPV drone and their Osmo action camera, and a few months after that, it was released as a standalone kit available for other FPV drone builders.

This remains the case with the new DJI O4 Air Unit Pro – first, we saw the camera in the Osmo Action 4, then in the DJI Avata 2 drone, and now the O4 Air Unit is here as a kit ready to be used in various FPV drone builds. Let’s take a look at the details.

DJI O4 Air Unit series – two models for different use cases

This is the first time DJI has released two different Air Unit models, and they are designed to cater to different use cases:

• DJI O4 Air Unit – This model is designed mainly for freestyle and drone racing, so image quality is not the main focus. It only weighs 8.2g/0.29oz and has a 1/2″ CMOS camera with 117.6° FOV capable of 4K up to 60 fps video. There is 23GB of built-in storage but no support for memory cards. With its single-antenna design, the O4 Air Unit has a 20ms lowest video transmission latency, up to 10km range, and 1080p 100fps H.265 (up to 60Mbps) live view quality. It seems that this is the same camera module as the one used in the DJI Neo.

• DJI O4 Air Unit Pro – designed for the highest image quality, so it will most likely find its way into cinewhoops and other drones whose main purpose is producing FPV videos.

As we at CineD tend to use drones primarily for video capturing, I will focus on the more interesting Pro version in this article.

DJI O4 Air Unit Pro – Avata 2 camera system now available for custom builds

The DJI O4 Air Unit Pro is basically the same system previously used in the DJI Avata 2 (as was the case with the Air Unit 3 and the first DJI Avata). The weight of the whole system is 32g/1.13oz.

The Pro version features a dual-antenna design that enables sending a 1080p 100fps H.265 (up to 60Mbps) live video signal to the goggles with a latency as low as 15ms over the maximum distance of 15km (O4 video transmission).

The camera module features a 1/1.3″ CMOS image sensor with an ultra-wide FOV of 155°, which is capable of various recording modes (and yes, just like the Avata 2, the O4 Air Unit Pro does not support 24fps and 25fps modes):

• 4K 4:3 (3840 x 2880) at 30, 48, 50, and 60 fps
• 4K 16:9 (3840 x 2160) at 30, 48, 50, 60, 100, and 120 fps
• 2.7K 4:3 (2888 x 2016) at 30, 48, 50, and 60 fps
• 2.7K 16:9 (2688 x 1512) at 30, 48, 50, 60, 100, and 120 fps
• 1080p 4:3 (1440 x 1080) at 30, 48, 50, 60, 100, and 120 fps
• 1080p 16:9 (1920 x 1080) at 30, 48, 50, 60, 100, and 120 fps

The video files use an MP4 container and have a maximum bitrate of 130Mbps. For maximum color flexibility, the camera can also record the videos in H.265 10-bit color depth with the D-Log M color profile.

Just like with the DJI Avata 2, the camera can apply RockSteady electronic stabilization to the footage without stabilizing anything in post-production. For more control, the footage also includes gyro data, so it can be stabilized with Gyroflow software.

The O4 Air Unit Pro only has 4GB of built-in storage, but it has a slot for a MicroSD card (it supports SDXC cards up to 512GB). DJI made the camera enclosure the same as the one in Avata 2, so you can use the Avata 2 ND filters for the Air Unit Pro.

Goggles compatibility

When it comes to compatibility with DJI Goggles and controllers, both O4 Air Units will work with the following models according to DJI:

• DJI Goggles 2 + DJI FPV Remote Controller 2
• DJI Goggles Integra + DJI FPV Remote Controller 2
• DJI Goggles 3 + DJI FPV Remote Controller 3
• DJI Goggles N3 + DJI FPV Remote Controller 3

Price and availability

Both DJI O4 Air Unit versions are available now, and DJI said they have already begun to ship the units. The pricing for the complete sets is as follows:

• DJI O4 Air Unit (including a camera module, transmission module, 3-in-1 cable, and antenna) sells for $109 (around €120 including VAT in Europe).
• DJI O4 Air Unit Pro (including a camera module, transmission module, 3-in-1 cable, and two antennas) retails for $229 (around €250, including VAT, in Europe).

In addition to offering complete sets, DJI also made the individual components available for purchase separately.

Do you use FPV drones for your productions? What do you think about the new DJI O4 Air Units? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section underneath the article.

AltCineCam (Alternative Cinema Camera) is the brainchild of creative partners Cole and Simon. Their respective backgrounds in technology, custom electronics, 3D printing, and glass design led them to form the company to modify ‘off-the-shelf’ cameras into cinema powerhouses.

AltCine Eclipse – a modified Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera

The Eclipse is a modified Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera transformed into a box-style camera. It is about the size of a RED KOMODO, 120mm wide (4.7in), 105mm tall (4.1in), and 130mm (5.1in) long. The top of the Eclipse features six chrome custom buttons, including Record, plus function buttons, and the jog dial to customize the screen (false color, focus peaking, etc.).

They customized their own OLPF moire filter and worked with PixelCNC to create carbon fiber panels for the camera. However, there is no word on specific lens mounting options.

Full features include:

• Modified Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera.
• Super 16 Fairchild sensor (1080p).
• Custom AltCine low pass filter.
• Carbon fiber, cube-style body construction. Removable side panels and vents.
• 4.3-inch display, 1000 nits, at the top (controlled by function buttons and job dial).
• Six chrome buttons including record at the top of the camera. Additional Record button on the right side, tally light on the left.
• Pogo pins on top to power proprietary accessories.
• Built-in ARRI Rosette.
• Multiple industry-standard mounting points.
• SD card slot.
• Full-sized HDMI out.
• 2x SDI out.
• Full-sized XLR in.
• 3.5mm microphone jack.
• TRS microphone in.
• 3.5mm headphone jack.
• SMA with 90 degree angled adapter, an antennae for REC remote receiver, and SMA Trough.
• Additional I/O ports: 12V DC in, REF in, S.BUS, Analog servo Ch.1, LANC, and USB-C 5V out.

Another Blackmagic Cinema Camera mod

Another company modifying Blackmagic Cinema Cameras is Nexus, who just announced that their G1 has reached the final design. It is a box camera made of magnesium alloy and carbon fiber and uses the Blackmagic Design 6K Super 35 RAW imaging system.

The working prototype has many interesting features, including a 0.71x speed booster to transform it into a full-frame camera. Plus, built-in LWS spaced 15mm rig rod mount system that slides in and out of the body itself. You can learn more about the Nexus G1 here.

Blackmagic does have its own box-style cinema camera, the PYXIS 6K, announced earlier in 2024. It has many of the features found in the mods and can accept multiple accessories. It starts at $2,995 with Canon EF, PL, and L mount options.

Price and availability 

AltCine plans to unveil an ARRI mod and their CinePi camera, an affordable 16-bit RAW 4K camera. The AltCine Eclipse doesn’t yet have a price, but the company should have more details soon. You can view footage in the video above and learn more about the Eclipse on their website.

What do you think about this new modification? Let us know in the comments!

When the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K debuted, it cost $1,295—a competitive price for its capabilities. Over six years, it became a popular choice for indie filmmakers, wedding videographers, and content creators. Its raw video recording, Max 12 stops of dynamic range, and DaVinci Resolve color science helped it stand out from other cameras in its class.

A brief history of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

Blackmagic has a history of making professional tools accessible. They reduced the price of the original Pocket Cinema Camera to $500, making it an easy option for many creators and enthusiasts. This latest price cut continues that trend.

According to their press release, improvements in manufacturing efficiency have allowed them to lower costs and pass those savings to users. Additionally, the camera’s seamless integration with Blackmagic’s ATEM Mini switchers expands its appeal. This compatibility makes it a flexible choice for digital film production, live events, and small studios.

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K – Specs that stand out

The Pocket Cinema Camera 4K offers excellent value, especially since it includes a free DaVinci Resolve Studio license. That license, worth $295, makes the camera’s effective price even more compelling. It delivers features often seen in more expensive cameras. 

Key features include:

• 4/3″-Sized HDR Sensor
• DCI 4K60, 2.8K80 Raw in 4:3 Anamorphic
• Dual Native 400/3200 ISO / up to 25,600
• Up to 2.6K 120 Raw for Super16 Lenses
• 5″ Touchscreen Display
• Active Micro Four Thirds Lens Mount
• CFast 2.0 & SD/UHS-II Card Slots
• External Recording via USB Type-C
• 13-Stop Dynamic Range, 3D LUT Support
• Includes DaVinci Resolve Studio License

These features make the camera versatile for different production needs. The dual native ISO provides clean images in low light. The up tp 12 stops of dynamic range capture detail in both shadows and highlights. Its 5-inch touchscreen allows for quick adjustments on set. The USB-C port adds flexibility for external recording, while the Micro Four Thirds lens mount works with a variety of lenses, making it adaptable to many shooting styles.

Comparing the BMPCC 4K, 6K G2, and 6K Pro

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera lineup includes three models. Each suits different filmmaking needs.

The BMPCC 4K features a 4/3-inch HDR sensor and a Micro Four Thirds mount. It’s compact and lightweight, making it portable and easy to use. It records DCI 4K footage, making it an affordable and flexible option.

The BMPCC 6K G2 upgrades to a Super 35 HDR sensor with an EF lens mount. It offers 6K resolution for more detail and post-production flexibility. The tilting LCD and longer battery life make it suitable for more demanding shoots.

The BMPCC 6K Pro builds on the G2 by adding built-in ND filters and an HDR touchscreen display. These features enhance usability in outdoor or high-contrast settings. It retains the Super 35 sensor and EF mount for high-quality imaging with added convenience for professional workflows.

For more details about the full lineup, visit Blackmagic’s official site.

What you need to complete your rig

At $995, the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is more accessible than ever. However, users should plan for additional accessories. While the camera provides a solid foundation, professional use may require a cage, external SSDs, ND filters, or external batteries. The Canon LP-E6 batteries have very limited runtime. For extended shoots, filmmakers should invest in V-mount or NP-F battery setups.

For more information on its capabilities, check out our original release coverage, including details on dual ISO performance and low-light footage here.

The bottom line

Blackmagic Design continues to make filmmaking tools accessible to more creators. This price cut makes the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K an even better choice for independent filmmakers or professionals looking for affordable gear.

There have been a lot of updates to the BMPCC 4K, and a bunch of 3rd-party accessories have been announced for this camera over the last 6 years. Give CineD a search and discover all of the great tools that have been made for this impressive camera since 2018.

Price and availability

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is available now from authorized resellers. Order your BMPCC 4K from B&H Photo for $995 and start your next project.

What do you think of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K’s new price? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Firmware details and download links

FUJIFILM’s latest firmware updates focus on enhancing autofocus performance across the X-T5, X-T50, X-S20, X100VI, and GFX100S II. Each update revises the AF algorithm to improve focusing accuracy and subject tracking, ensuring a smoother and more reliable shooting experience.

Here’s where to download the updates:

• X-T5 Ver. 4.10: Download here
• X-T50 Ver. 1.10: Download here
• X-S20 Ver. 3.10: Download here
• X100VI Ver. 1.20: Download here
• GFX100S II Ver. 1.10: Download here

These updates bring meaningful refinements to each camera, helping users achieve better results across a variety of shooting conditions. Be sure to download and install the latest firmware to take advantage of these improvements.

Exploring the upgraded FUJIFILM models

The FUJIFILM X-T5 is a versatile mirrorless camera loved for its 40MP sensor and ability to deliver sharp stills and video. Its robust design makes it a go-to for hybrid shooters. Priced at $1,599, it’s a solid option for enthusiasts and pros alike. You can check it out on B&H.

The X-T50, priced at $1,399, is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for FUJIFILM’s vibrant color science in a compact, user-friendly body. It’s a great starting point for creative photography. Learn more on B&H.

For creators, the X-S20 offers a lightweight design, 6.2K video, and a Vlog Mode, making it a fantastic tool for content production. It’s available for $1,299, and you can find it here on B&H.

The X100VI, priced at $1,599, is a sleek, compact camera with a fixed 23mm f/2 lens, ideal for street and travel photography. It’s a stylish pick for photographers who love a tactile experience. Check it out on B&H.

Finally, the GFX100S II delivers large-format digital photography in a surprisingly compact body, making it a top choice for professionals seeking the highest image quality. At $4,999, it’s an investment for serious photographers. Learn more on B&H.

FUJIFILM’s commitment to continuous improvement

FUJIFILM demonstrates their commitment to improving their cameras through regular firmware updates, ensuring they stay relevant to the needs of modern photographers and creators. By refining features like autofocus accuracy and subject tracking, these updates enhance both performance and usability.

This dedication echoes FUJIFILM’s efforts in past updates, as outlined in our previous article about firmware enhancements for models like the X-H2 and X-H2S. The latest updates for the X-T5, X-T50, X-S20, X100VI, and GFX100S II continue this focus, ensuring these cameras remain reliable tools for evolving creative demands.

If you’ve updated your camera, let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Are you noticing the changes in your work? We’d love to hear your experiences.

The Nikon Z 9 was released in 2021 and is their flagship full-frame, FX-format camera. It features a 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor (35.9 mm x 23.9 mm) and can film up to 8K UHD (7680 x 4320) / 30p, 25p, and 24p.

Other features include shutter speed from 1/32000 to 30 seconds (slowest shutter at 900 seconds), best-in-class AF scene detection and fast and silent AF, ISO 64-25600, CFexpress Type B, XQD Type Memory, 20 fps shooting in RAW at full resolution, 30 fps with JPEG at full resolution, and 120 fps with JPEG at II Megapixel, and more.

Firmware update ver. 2.0 allowed the Nikon Z 9 to record internally 12-bit N-RAW up to 8.3K / 60p and ProRes RAW HQ up to 4.1K / 60p. Other firmware updates brought other video tools and enhancements, such as the Hi-Res Zoom function, Auto Capture, improved flicker reduction, minimum ISO for N-Log, and more.

Please make sure you read my colleague Johnnie Behiri’s review of the Z 9. 

Nikon Z 9 firmware update 5.10 – features

The biggest new feature is the addition of a shutter angle [Shutter mode], which will allow the shutter angle to be set 15 steps between 5.6° and 360°. There is no longer a need to select a shutter speed based on the frame rate. Simply set the shutter angle to get the best motion blur, no matter the frame rate. It works in [M] shooting mode.

Additionally, monitoring tools are now customizable, including changing the color of the zebra pattern display. Also, display position, size, and transparency of brightness information displays can be customized. This includes the histogram and waveform monitor and helps confirm appropriate exposure, including high-contrast shots.

With this new update, the Nikon Z 9 continues to be a powerhouse full-frame FX-format camera. The addition of the shutter angle and customizable video monitoring and assist tools will definitely please filmmakers.

Price and availability

The Z 9 firmware update 5.10 is available now and is free. To download and install for Mac or Windows, click here. Additionally, you can learn more about the Nikon Z 9 on their webpage here. The camera retails for $4,995.95, a savings of $500 (lens not included).

Are you shooting with the Z 9? Also, what are your thoughts on the new firmware update 5.10? Let us know in the comments below!