Blackmagic Design Studio Camera 6K Pro

About: Blackmagic Design Studio Camera 6K Pro

Designed as the ultimate studio camera, Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro adds a larger 6K Super 35 sensor and EF lens mount for true cinematic images in live production. There are built in ND filters that let you reduce the amount of light entering the camera, allowing you to work in a wider range of situations, including in bright sunlight. Plus stream direct to the internet with built in streaming! You also get 12G‑SDI, HDMI and 10G Ethernet which allows all connections on a single cable for a SMPTE style workflow that's much lower cost.

Designed for Live Production

While Blackmagic Studio Camera is designed for live production, it’s not limited to use with a live switcher! That’s because it records Blackmagic RAW to USB disks, so it can be used in any situation where you use a tripod! The large 7" viewfinder makes it perfect for work such as chat shows, television production, broadcast news, sports, education, conference presentations and even weddings! The large bright display with side handles, touch screen and physical controls makes it easy to track shots while being comfortable to use for long periods of time. Because it’s so lightweight, it’s perfect when you're constantly changing locations and doing different kinds of work.

Revolutionary Studio Camera Design

Large broadcasters use expensive studio cameras that are extremely large, so they’re not very portable. The distinctive Blackmagic Studio Camera has all the benefits of a large studio camera because it’s a combination of camera and viewfinder all in a single compact design. It features a lightweight carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate body with innovative technology in a miniaturized design. The camera is designed for live production so it’s easy to track and frame shots with its large 7" viewfinder. The touchscreen has menus for camera settings, and there's knobs for brightness, contrast and focus peaking. Plus a tripod mount with mounting plate is included for fast setup!

Exceptional Low Light Performance

In advanced cameras, ISO is a measurement of the image sensor’s sensitivity to light. This means the higher the ISO the more gain can be added so it’s possible to shoot in natural light, or even at night! The Blackmagic Studio Camera features gain from -12dB (100 ISO) up to +36dB (25,600 ISO) so it's optimized to reduce grain and noise in images, while maintaining the full dynamic range of the sensor. The primary native ISO is 400, which is ideal for use under studio lighting. Then the secondary high base ISO of 3200 is perfect when shooting in dimly lit environments. The gain can be set from the camera, or remotely from a switcher using the SDI or Ethernet remote camera control.

Get Cinematic Images in Live Production!

Amazing sensors combined with Blackmagic generation 5 color science give you the same imaging technology used in digital film cameras. That means you can now use cinematic images for live production! Plus, when combined with the built in DaVinci Resolve primary color corrector you get much better images than simple broadcast cameras. The color corrector can even be controlled from the switcher. With 13 stops of dynamic range, the camera has darker blacks and brighter whites, perfect for color correction. Great for both HD and Ultra HD production, the 4K models feature a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and the 6K model has a resolution of 6144 x 3456. Plus, all models support 23.98 to 60 fps.

Affordable Photographic Lenses!

With the popular EF or MFT lens mounts, Blackmagic Studio Cameras are compatible with a wide range of affordable photographic lenses. Photographic lenses are incredible quality because they're designed for use in high resolution photography. Plus, the active lens mount lets you adjust the lens remotely! To eliminate the need to reach around to adjust the lens manually, the optional focus and zoom demands let you adjust the lens from the tripod handles just like a large studio camera! This means you avoid camera shake when adjusting the lens so you can track shots and operate the camera without taking your hands off the tripod! It gives you the same feel as an expensive B4 broadcast lens!

Physical and Touchscreen Controls

Blackmagic Studio Cameras feature physical buttons and knobs as well as controls on the touchscreen. Knobs on the right side of the camera allow adjusting of the brightness, contrast and focus peaking. The focus peaking knob is incredibly useful as it lets you fine tune the detail highlight so you can get perfect focus as you zoom. The 3 function buttons on the left can have functions assigned to them, such as zebra, false color, focus peaking, LUTs and more! Plus you can change the function assigned to each button in the menus. The touchscreen also includes a heads up display with the most important shooting information, as well as menus for all camera settings, LUTs and custom presets.

Built-in Tally for On Air Status

Blackmagic Studio Cameras feature a very large tally light that illuminates red for on air, green for preview and orange for ISO recording. The tally light also includes clip on transparent camera numbers, so it's easy for talent to see camera numbers from up to 20 feet away! The Blackmagic Studio Cameras support the SDI tally standard used on all ATEM live production switchers and the HDMI tally used on ATEM Mini switchers. This means that a director can cut between cameras and the tally information will be sent back to the cameras via the SDI program return feed, lighting up the tally light on the camera whenever it's on air. SDI tally eliminates complex wiring so job setup is faster.

Communicate with the Director via Talkback

Unlike consumer cameras, the Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro G2 and 6K Pro models have SDI connections that include talkback so the switcher operator can communicate with cameras during live events. That means the director can talk to the camera operators to guide shot selection, eliminating the problem where all cameras could have the same shot, at the same time! The talkback connector is built into the side of the camera and supports standard 5 pin XLR broadcast headsets. Talkback uses audio channels 15 and 16 in the SDI connection between the camera and the switcher, and in the program return from the switcher to the camera. This means any embedded SDI audio device can work with talkback!

Powerful Broadcast Connections

Blackmagic Studio cameras have lots of connections for connecting to both consumer and broadcast equipment. All models feature HDMI with tally, camera control and record trigger, so are perfect for ATEM Mini switchers! You also get headphone and mic connections, and 2 USB-C expansion ports. The advanced Blackmagic Studio Camera Pro models are designed for broadcast workflows so have 12G-SDI, 10GBASE-T Ethernet, talkback and balanced XLR audio inputs. The 10G Ethernet allows all video, tally, talkback and camera power via a single connection so setup is much faster! That's just like a SMPTE fiber workflow, but using standard Category 6A copper Ethernet cable so it's much lower cost.

Get Low Cost Camera Control via SDI

All Blackmagic Design ATEM switchers can control cameras via a protocol embedded into the camera's SDI video connections. Setup is easy because all ATEM switchers broadcast control commands from the switcher’s SDI program output to the camera via the SDI program input. The switcher can perform color correction, tally and lens control and these are sent to all cameras. All you need to do is select the correct camera number and it all works. Even ATEM Mini switchers can control Blackmagic Studio Cameras because the HDMI output to the switcher has return data communication that can send control information back to the camera. All this means the camera operator is free to focus on framing shots.

Low Cost SMPTE Fiber Style Workflow

The Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro G2 and 6K Pro models support connecting cameras via a single Ethernet cable. It’s so simple, just plug in and you're ready! Traditional broadcast studio cameras use SMPTE fiber to communicate and power cameras, however SMPTE fiber is very expensive. Blackmagic Studio Camera Pro models have 10G Ethernet as an alternative to SMPTE fiber so it's much lower cost. The Ethernet includes all camera video, program return feeds, tally, talkback, camera control and also power. The Blackmagic Studio Converter handles all video conversions at the switcher end plus adds power to the Ethernet cable. That means you don't need to connect power to the camera!

Live Streaming for Global Remote Cameras

Now you can place cameras remotely, anywhere in the world as the Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro G2 and 6K Pro models have built in live streaming! This means you can place a camera in a remote location and it can generate a H.264 HD live stream that is sent over the internet back to the studio. Simply connect the camera to the internet using the built in Ethernet connection, or you can connect a 4G or 5G phone to the USB-C port to stream via remote data! The live stream is received in the studio by an ATEM Streaming Bridge where it's converted back to video for connection to a switcher. The ATEM Streaming Bridge can even send tally, talkback and camera control back to the camera!

USB Expansion Port for Accessories

The Blackmagic Studio Camera features a high speed USB-C expansion port that allows you to record to external disks or connect to a wide range of accessories. Plug in an external USB flash disk and the camera can record high quality 12-bit Blackmagic RAW files for later editing and color correction. That means you can just move the disk to a computer to work, and you don't need to waste time with file copying. You can even plug in optional focus and zoom demands to allow full lens control. Plus the USB port will power any phone or disk that’s plugged in!

Incredible Blackmagic RAW Quality

Blackmagic RAW is a revolutionary new format designed to capture and preserve the quality of the sensor data from your camera. Some file formats such as H.264 are highly compressed, so add noise and artifacts, causing sensor detail to be lost forever. Blackmagic RAW eliminates this problem so you get stunning images with incredible detail and rich color throughout the whole post production pipeline. Blackmagic RAW also saves camera settings as metadata so you can change ISO, white balance and exposure later in DaVinci Resolve. Plus the files are small and fast, so editing responsiveness is incredible. Only Blackmagic RAW gives you the highest quality, smallest files and fastest performance!

Includes Built-in Microphones

Blackmagic Studio Cameras include built in microphones so you get sound included in the design making setup much faster. Plus the built in microphones are shock and wind resistant, so you get great sound even in tough conditions! With each microphone placed at the edges of the screen, you get the advantage of the studio camera design for better stereo separation than what is possible on a regular video camera. There’s also a 3.5mm audio input for connecting video camera microphones as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack. On the Blackmagic Studio Camera Pro model you get professional XLR audio inputs and a built in speaker for listening to the program return audio.

Monitor Program Video

The Blackmagic Studio Camera lets you view program video from the switcher at the press of a button! Simply press the camera’s PGM button and the viewfinder will switch from the camera display to the program return feed from the switcher. Plus the built in speaker lets you monitor the switcher audio. Program return is a fantastic feature as sometimes on large live shows, camera operators can be left waiting a long time for their camera to be used, so program return lets them watch the show while they wait. This means even if the camera operator is a large distance away from the switcher, they can still keep up with what’s happening and remain alert.

Built In ND Filters

Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro features high quality, remote controllable ND filters that let you quickly reduce the amount of light entering the camera. Designed to match the colorimetry and color science of the camera, the 2, 4 and 6 stop filters give you additional latitude even under harsh lighting. The filters are designed to filter both optical and IR wavelengths evenly, eliminating IR contamination of the images. The ND filters can be electronically controlled by the function buttons on the back of the camera, using buttons on the demand and remotely. Because they can be controlled remotely by the camera control operator, the camera operator is free to focus on getting the perfect shot!

Powers From DC or 10G Ethernet

Blackmagic Studio Cameras have lots of different power options! All models have a common 12V DC locking power connector so the cable won't be accidentally pulled out. Plus, the camera includes a power supply with 5 different AC socket adapters for different countries. However if you're using a single Ethernet cable to connect to the Blackmagic Studio Camera Pro models, then the whole camera and its accessories can be powered from the Ethernet connection. The Blackmagic Studio Converter has a large power supply that adds PoE power to the Ethernet cable so you don't need any power connection to the camera. That’s a great solution when there's no power available where the cameras are placed!

Camera Features

• Effective Sensor Size: 23.10mm x 12.99mm (Super 35)
• Lens Mount: Active EF mount.
• Lens Control: Iris, focus, zoom on supported lenses.
• Dynamic Range: 13 Stops.
• Dual Native ISO: 0dB and 18dB gain.
• Sensitivity at 0dB Gain
  • f11 with 2160p59.94.
  • f12 with 2160p50.
  • at 2,000 lux with 89.9% reflectance.
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 64.62dB for 2160p
  • Ultra HD scaled from 5.3K
• Recording Resolutions
  • 6144 x 3456 (6K) up to 50 fps
  • 6144 x 2560 (6K 2.4:1) up to 60 fps
  • 5376 x 3024 (5.3K 16:9) up to 60 fps
  • 3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD) up to 60 fps
• Video Output Standards: 2160p, 1080p, 1080i
• Frame Rates
  • Project frame rates of 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94 and 60 fps supported.
  • Off-speed frame rates 5 ‑ 50 fps in 6K, and 5 ‑ 60 fps for all other recording resolutions.
• Built in ND Filters: Four position ND filter with clear, 2‑stop, 4‑stop and 6‑stop IR ND filters.
• Focus: Auto focus available using compatible lenses.
• Screen Dimensions: 7 inch 1920 x 1200
• Screen Type: LCD capacitive touchscreen.
• Screen Brightness: 2000 nits
• Controls: Touchscreen camera settings and menus with rotary settings dial, program button, F1, F2 and F3 assignable function buttons, brightness contrast and peaking dials.
• Mounting Options
  • 2 x 1/4 inch tripod mount.
  • 1 x 3/8 inch tripod mount.

Connections

• SDI Video Inputs: 1
• SDI Video Outputs: 1
• SDI Rates: 1.5G, 3G, 6G, 12G.
• HDMI 2.0 Video Outputs: 1
• Analog Audio Input
  • 2 x XLR analog switchable between mic and line levels. Phantom power support.
  • 1 x 3.5mm Stereo Input. Can also be used for Timecode input.
• Analog Audio Output
  • 1 x 5-pin XLR for talkback headset.
  • 1 x 3.5mm TRRS mini jack for headphones with mic.
• SDI Audio Output
  • 2 channels of program audio embedded in 1.5G/3G/6G/12G-SDI.
  • 2 talkback channels on 15 and 16.
• Reference Inputs: Tri-Sync or Black Burst when used with optional Blackmagic Studio Converter.
• Remote Control: Remote camera control over SDI, HDMI or Ethernet.
• Ethernet: 10Gb/s
• Computer Interface: 2 x USB Type‑C 3.1 Gen 1 (up to 5Gb/s) expansion ports for external recording and focus / zoom demand connection. Software updates using USB‑C Port A.

Audio

• Microphone: Integrated stereo microphone.
• Built in Speaker: 1 x mono speaker.

Streaming

• Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro supports direct live streaming using Real Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) over ethernet or a shared mobile internet connection over USB‑C.

Standards

• SD Video Standards: None
• HD Video Standards
  • 1080p23.98, 1080p24, 1080p25, 1080p29.97, 1080p30, 1080p50, 1080p59.94, 1080p60,
  • 1080i50, 1080i59.94, 1080i60
• Ultra HD Video Standards
  • 2160p23.98, 2160p24, 2160p25, 2160p29.97, 2160p30, 2160p50, 2160p59.94, 2160p60
• SDI Compliance
  • SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 424M, SMPTE 425M level A and B, SMPTE 2081‑1, SMPTE 2081‑10, SMPTE 2082‑1 and SMPTE 2082‑10
• SDI Audio Sampling
  • Television standard sample rate of 48 kHz and 24‑bit.

Media

• Media: 2 x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 expansion ports for external media for recording Blackmagic RAW.
• Media Format: Can format media to ExFAT (Windows/Mac) or HFS+ (Mac) file systems.

Supported Codecs

• Blackmagic RAW Constant Bitrate 3:1
• Blackmagic RAW Constant Bitrate 5:1
• Blackmagic RAW Constant Bitrate 8:1
• Blackmagic RAW Constant Bitrate 12:1
• Blackmagic RAW Constant Quality Q0
• Blackmagic RAW Constant Quality Q1
• Blackmagic RAW Constant Quality Q3
• Blackmagic RAW Constant Quality Q5

Storage Features

• Storage Type: 2 x USB‑C 3.1 Gen 1 expansion ports for external media.
• Recording Formats: Blackmagic RAW 3:1, 5:1, 8:1, 12:1, Q0, Q1, Q3 and Q5 in 6K (6144 x 3456), 6K 2.4:1 (6144 x 2560), 5.3K 16:9 (5376 x 3024), Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) at the selected frame rate.

Storage Rates

Storage rates based on 30 frames per second.

• 6144 x 3456 (6K)
  • Blackmagic RAW 3:1 - 323 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW 5:1 - 194 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW 8:1 - 121 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW 12:1 - 81 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q0 - 242 to 483 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q1 - 162 to 387 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q3 - 108 to 277 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q5 - 65 to 162 MB/s
• 6144 x 2560 (6K 2.4:1)
  • Blackmagic RAW 3:1 - 240 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW 5:1 - 144 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW 8:1 - 90 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW 12:1 - 60 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q0 - 180 to 359 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q1 - 120 to 287 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q3 - 80 to 205 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q5 - 49 to 120 MB/s
• 5376 x 3024 (5.3K 16:9)
  • Blackmagic RAW 3:1 - 248 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW 5:1 - 149 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW 8:1 - 94 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW 12:1 - 63 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q0 - 186 to 371 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q1 - 125 to 297 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q3 - 84 to 212 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q5 - 50 to 125 MB/s
• 3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD)
  • Blackmagic RAW 3:1 - 127 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW 5:1 - 77 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW 8:1 - 48 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW 12:1 - 32 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q0 - 96 to 190 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q1 - 64 to 153 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q3 - 43 to 109 MB/s
  • Blackmagic RAW Q5 - 26 to 64 MB/s

Power Requirements

Power Supply

• 1 x External 12V DC 60W power supply.

Power Inputs

• 1 x 12V DC locking 5.5 mm barrel connector.
• 1 x 12V DC 4 pin XLR input for external power supply or battery use.
• 1 x RJ45 Ethernet connector for power from Type 4 PoE power supplies.

Power Usage

• 32 ‑ 52 W using DC input.
• 38 ‑ 59 W using Type 4 PoE input.