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Posted on by Octavia Skyripper

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2: A Cinematic Powerhouse for Filmmakers

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 (BMPCC 6K G2) is a compact, professional-grade digital cinema camera that delivers Hollywood-quality footage at an accessible price point. Announced in June 2022, it builds on the original BMPCC 6K with a redesigned body, enhanced features, and the same 6K Super 35mm sensor as the 6K Pro, but without built-in ND filters, making it a cost-effective choice for filmmakers. This article explores its key features, pricing in the Kenyan market, where to purchase it (new and refurbished), and who this camera is best suited for.

Key Features of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2

The BMPCC 6K G2 combines advanced imaging technology with a user-friendly design, offering professional features for cinematic production. Here are its standout features:

  1. 6K Super 35mm HDR Sensor:
    • The 6144 x 3456 Super 35mm sensor delivers 13 stops of dynamic range, capturing detailed images with accurate skin tones and vibrant colors. It supports resolutions including 6K (50fps), 6K 2.4:1 (60fps), 5.7K 17:9 (60fps), 4K DCI/Ultra HD (60fps), 3.7K 6:5 anamorphic (60fps), 2.8K 17:9 (120fps), and 1080p (120fps), providing flexibility for various frame rates and aspect ratios.
  2. Dual Native ISO:
    • With dual native ISO settings (400 and 3200, up to 25,600), the sensor minimizes noise in low-light conditions, producing clean, cinematic footage even in challenging lighting environments.
  3. Canon EF Mount:
    • The active Canon EF mount supports a wide range of EF and EF-S lenses, with electronic control for iris, focus, and zoom on compatible lenses. This allows filmmakers to use affordable, high-quality Canon lenses for cinematic depth of field.
  4. Generation 5 Color Science:
    • Featuring the same Gen 5 color science as the URSA Mini Pro 12K, the 6K G2 delivers stunning color accuracy and a 12-bit gamma curve for richer highlights and shadows. Blackmagic RAW preserves color data via metadata, enhancing post-production flexibility with DaVinci Resolve Studio (included).
  5. 5-Inch Tilting Touchscreen LCD:
    • The 5-inch capacitive touchscreen (1920 x 1080) offers intuitive control, precise focus, and on-screen overlays (e.g., histogram, focus peaking, frame guides). The tilting design enables easy monitoring from any angle, though it lacks the 1500-nit brightness of the 6K Pro’s HDR display.
  6. Blackmagic RAW and ProRes Recording:
    • Records Blackmagic RAW (3:1, 5:1, 8:1, 12:1, Q0, Q1, Q3, Q5) or ProRes (422 HQ, 422, LT) to CFast 2.0 or SD UHS-II cards. A USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 port supports direct recording to external SSDs for extended clips. RAW files embed 3D LUTs and metadata for efficient editing.
  7. Professional Audio Inputs:
    • Features two mini-XLR inputs with 48V phantom power, a 3.5mm stereo input, and internal stereo mics, supporting 4-channel 24-bit 48 kHz audio. This ensures high-quality sound for professional productions.
  8. Compact and Lightweight Design:
    • Made from carbon fiber polycarbonate composite, the camera weighs 900g (body only) and measures 7 x 4 x 3.8 inches, ideal for handheld, gimbal, or drone shooting. The multifunction grip includes tactile controls for ISO, white balance, shutter, and iris adjustments.
  9. Advanced Blackmagic OS:
    • The Blackmagic OS offers a modern, intuitive interface with tap-and-swipe gestures, instant boot-up, and tools like false color, zebra, and digital slate. It supports vertical video tagging for social media and integrates with ATEM Mini switchers for live streaming.
  10. Optional Accessories:
    • Supports an optional Pro EVF (1280 x 960 OLED, -4 to +4 diopter) for precise outdoor focusing and a Pro Battery Grip for extended shooting (over 3 hours with NP-F570 batteries). A 30W power supply enables simultaneous charging and operation.

Pricing in the Kenyan Market

The price of the BMPCC 6K G2 in Kenya varies depending on whether it’s new or refurbished and the retailer. Below are approximate prices based on available data:

  • New BMPCC 6K G2:
    • Local Retailers:
      • Cameras Africa: KSh 355,080 (body only, as of 2022, verify current pricing).
      • Jiji.co.ke: Prices range from KSh 350,000–450,000, depending on seller and accessories (e.g., battery, strap).
    • International Retailers (shipped to Kenya):
      • B&H Photo Video: ~KSh 259,000 (converted from $1,995, excluding shipping and duties).
      • Amazon: ~KSh 259,000 (body only, excluding shipping and duties).
      • CVP: ~KSh 259,000 (body only, excluding shipping and duties).
  • Refurbished BMPCC 6K G2:
    • Local Market:
      • Jiji.co.ke: Used/refurbished units start at KSh 250,000–350,000, depending on condition, hours (e.g., 200–1000), and accessories (e.g., cage, SSD).
    • International Retailers:
      • eBay: Used units range from KSh 195,000–325,000 (converted from $1,500–$2,500, excluding shipping and duties), often including accessories like Tilta cages or batteries.
      • ShareGrid: ~KSh 260,000 (converted from $2,000, used with accessories, excluding shipping and duties).
      • Amazon Renewed: ~KSh 246,000 (converted from $1,895, body only, 90-day warranty, excluding shipping and duties).

Note: Prices are approximate and reflect a 2022 launch price of $1,995 USD. Import duties (16% VAT + 25% customs duty) and shipping may add 30–40% to international purchases. Local prices may vary due to promotions or stock availability. Always confirm with sellers and factor in customs fees.

Where to Buy the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 in Kenya

New Cameras

Several retailers in Kenya and international platforms stock the BMPCC 6K G2. Here are top options with links:

  1. Cameras Africa:
    • Location: Nairobi
    • Price: KSh 355,080 (body only)
    • Link: Cameras Africa – BMPCC 6K G2
    • Offers: Professional gear retailer with delivery options; verify current pricing.
  2. Jiji.co.ke:
    • Location: Nationwide (online marketplace)
    • Price: KSh 350,000–450,000
    • Link: Jiji.co.ke – Cameras
    • Offers: Multiple sellers; verify ratings and condition before purchasing.
  3. B&H Photo Video:
    • Location: International (ships to Kenya)
    • Price: ~KSh 259,000 (body only, excluding shipping/duties)
    • Link: B&H Photo Video – BMPCC 6K G2
    • Offers: Trusted retailer; confirm shipping and customs fees.
  4. Amazon:
    • Location: International (ships to Kenya)
    • Price: ~KSh 259,000 (body only, excluding shipping/duties)
    • Link: Amazon – BMPCC 6K G2
    • Offers: Wide selection; verify shipping eligibility.
  5. CVP:
    • Location: International (ships to Kenya)
    • Price: ~KSh 259,000 (body only, excluding shipping/duties)
    • Link: CVP – BMPCC 6K G2
    • Offers: Competitive pricing; check shipping options.

Refurbished Cameras

Refurbished or used BMPCC 6K G2 units are available through local and international platforms:

  1. Jiji.co.ke:
    • Price: ~KSh 250,000–350,000
    • Link: Jiji.co.ke – Cameras
    • Notes: Verify seller reviews, request photos, and confirm hours and accessories (e.g., CFast cards).
  2. eBay:
    • Price: ~KSh 195,000–325,000
    • Link: eBay – BMPCC 6K G2
    • Notes: Offers used/refurbished units, often with accessories (e.g., Tilta cage, batteries); check seller ratings and shipping.
  3. ShareGrid:
  4. Amazon Renewed:
  5. MPB:
    • Price: ~KSh 260,000 (converted from ~€2,000, excluding shipping/duties)
    • Link: MPB – BMPCC 6K G2
    • Notes: Six-month warranty; trusted for refurbished gear.

Tip: For refurbished units, ensure the camera is tested, includes essentials (e.g., NP-F570 battery, lens cap), and has low hours (ideally <500). International retailers like eBay or MPB offer reliable options with warranties, while Jiji.co.ke reduces import complexities but requires vetting.

Who the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 Is Best For

The BMPCC 6K G2 is a specialized cinema camera designed for filmmakers who prioritize image quality and professional features over ease of use. It’s best suited for:

  1. Independent Filmmakers:
    • The 6K resolution, 13 stops of dynamic range, and Blackmagic RAW make it ideal for indie films, short films, and music videos. Its compact size and DaVinci Resolve Studio inclusion suit small crews or solo shooters.
  2. Documentary Filmmakers:
    • The dual native ISO and lightweight design (900g) are perfect for run-and-gun documentary work in Kenya’s diverse environments, from Nairobi’s streets to the Maasai Mara’s wildlife. The mini-XLR inputs ensure high-quality audio capture.
  3. Content Creators and YouTubers:
    • Advanced creators producing high-end content for YouTube or social media benefit from the cinematic look, anamorphic lens support, and vertical video tagging, streamlining workflows for platforms like TikTok or YouTube Shorts.
  4. Gimbal and Drone Operators:
    • Its compact form and EF mount compatibility make it ideal for gimbal (e.g., DJI Ronin) or drone shoots, capturing 6K footage with shallow depth of field for dynamic projects.
  5. Cinematographers on a Budget:
    • Priced lower than the 6K Pro, the 6K G2 offers near-identical features (minus ND filters), making it a cost-effective choice for professionals invested in the Blackmagic ecosystem, especially those pairing it with URSA or 4K models.

Not Ideal For:

  • Beginners or casual users, as the camera requires rigging (e.g., external ND filters, batteries) and technical knowledge to maximize its potential.
  • Photographers, as stills are limited to 21.2MP DNG frames, requiring specialized software.
  • Those needing built-in ND filters, as the G2 relies on external solutions (unlike the 6K Pro).
  • Action shooters needing autofocus, as the EF mount offers limited single-shot AF with compatible lenses.

Considerations:

  • Users praise the 6K G2’s image quality, color science, and price-to-performance ratio but note its short battery life (NP-F570, ~45 minutes), requiring spares or a grip. The lack of internal ND filters necessitates external filters, adding weight and cost. Compared to the Sony FX3 (full-frame, better autofocus) or Canon C70 (built-in NDs), the 6K G2 offers superior resolution and RAW flexibility at a lower price.

Conclusion

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 is a compact, cinematic powerhouse that delivers 6K Super 35mm footage with professional features at an affordable price. Its 13-stop dynamic range, dual native ISO, and Blackmagic RAW recording make it a versatile tool for filmmakers. In Kenya, new units are available from retailers like Cameras Africa for ~KSh 350,000–450,000, while refurbished units can be found on Jiji.co.ke or eBay starting at ~KSh 195,000–350,000. Its lightweight design and robust features make it ideal for Kenyan indie filmmakers, documentarians, and content creators.

Whether shooting music videos in Nairobi, documentaries in the Serengeti, or vertical content for social media, the BMPCC 6K G2 empowers creators to produce Hollywood-quality visuals. While it requires technical expertise and additional accessories, its cinematic output and value make it a standout choice for professionals. Choose the BMPCC 6K G2, and you’re investing in a camera that redefines affordable filmmaking.

NOMA NTV THURSDAY 24TH APRIL 2025 FULL EPISODE

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