Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 2023

The Pocket 6K G2 gives you that gorgeous Blackmagic 6K image and internal RAW for a lot less than the Pro, but you'll miss the built-in ND filters and the brighter screen. If you're a filmmaker okay with rigging up your own filtration, it's a steal.

Blackmagic took the 6K Pro, yanked out the internal NDs, and dimmed the screen a bit. That's the G2 in a nutshell. If you can live without those two things, you're getting the same 6K sensor, Gen 5 color science, dual mini-XLR jacks, and that big tilting 5-inch touchscreen for a lot less money. Prices swing by over $500 depending on where you look, so it's worth hunting for a deal.

This is a no-nonsense cinema camera for people who want Blackmagic's buttery RAW image without the Pro price tag. It records 6K BRAW up to 50fps, 4K at 60, and 1080p at 120. You'll need your own ND filters and maybe a hood for that screen outdoors, but the core image quality is basically identical to its pricier sibling.

Image quality is where this camera sings. In our tests, video performance lands in the 91st percentile, which is basically top of the charts for a cinema camera in this price bracket. The 6K BRAW files have serious dynamic range, and Gen 5 color science looks great straight out of camera. But you pay for that with zero stabilization, so handheld footage is shaky unless you rig up, and the contrast-based autofocus is, well, not something you'll want to rely on for anything fast. Battery life is mediocre too, so plan on packing a few NP-F570s. On the plus side, that Super 35 sensor delivers a clean, filmic image that's well above average for its class, and the display, even dimmed down, is still a bright spot compared to most cinema camera screens.

At $2,195 on the low end, this is an incredible entry point into proper cinema cameras with RAW recording. Compared to a fully rigged mirrorless setup, you're getting a dedicated filmmaking machine that's ready for production. Missing NDs stings, but if you're budget-minded and willing to work around it, the G2 is a lot of camera for the money. Prices can creep past $2,700 at some retailers, so definitely shop around.

Next to something like the Panasonic S5IIX or Sony a1 II, the G2 is a different animal. Those mirrorless cameras deliver phenomenal autofocus, IBIS, and solid internal RAW options (with the S5IIX) plus you get a stills camera. But they lack the dedicated cinema ergonomics, built-in XLR ports, and the sheer codec flexibility of the Blackmagic. The Canon R6 Mark III and Fujifilm X-H2S are closer in sensor size and video chops, but again, they're hybrids. If your only goal is video and you don't need the mirrorless niceties, the G2 is purpose-built and prices competitively especially when you factor in not buying an external recorder. But if you need a do-it-all camera that can also shoot wildlife or sports, this isn't it.

If you're used to the convenience of a mirrorless camera with solid AF and IBIS, this isn't a direct replacement. Run-and-gun shooters who rely on autofocus or need to grab quick handheld shots without a stabilizer should look at the Panasonic S5IIX or Sony a1 II instead. Also, if the idea of managing external ND filters sounds like a hassle, spend the extra for the 6K Pro.

This is a filmmaker's camera, plain and simple. If you light your scenes, pull focus manually, and don't mind rigging up a V-mount battery and an external monitor, the 6K G2 will reward you with an image that punches way above its price. It's ideal for indie productions, music videos, and YouTube creators who want full control. Skip it if you're a run-and-gun shooter who needs solid tracking AF and in-body stabilization.