GEAR
BLACKMAGIC PCC 6K G2
internally to a CFast card, or externally to a USB-C drive. This is becoming a very popular solution for Pocket Cinema Camera users, and many accessory companies now make rigs that let you attach popular SSD drives. However, using the USB-C port to record externally means you can’t trickle-charge the battery while shooting. The camera now takes Sony-fit NP-F batteries, which are plentiful and inexpensive – from all sorts of vendors. The big screen A new, large touchscreen isn’t as bright as the Pro model’s, but it’s still good enough for most scenarios. The vast majority of video-focused cameras now have fully articulating screens, whereas this only tilts. The camera is an odd mix of styles, but easy to get to grips with. Controls are clear, with a large Rec button on the top-plate and dial on the front to adjust iris, if you use a lens with auto controls. We tried an AF-style Canon DSLR optic and set of Xeen CF primes. These made far more sense, as it’s clearly designed as a cinema-style cam – not a fast- action, run-and-gun machine. “For the most data-intensive codecs, you will need a CFast card”
It’s like going back in time, if you are used to modern mirrorless or even cinema cameras. AF tracking does not feature at all. To help nail manual focus, the punch-in focus button helps enormously, especially in tandem with the large screen and focus peaking function. Navigate to, and change, settings using large, touch-screen menus. These are a joy. And to prove this is a camera for serious filmmakers, you can select shutter speed or angle.
There are buttons for ISO and white-balance, plus three customisable function switches which can be set to toggle features including false colour, display LUT and frame guidelines. On the back-plate are instant autoexposure, high frame rate, menu access, playback and AF buttons. The latter uses slow contrast detect AF – this works OK on an AF lens, as long as you understand the unsophisticated nature of one-shot, old-school AF.
GREEN AS GRASS The Blackmagic camera produces very natural hues and has a wide choice of gammas
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