It may have dropped in price, but this is no toy.

The Blackmagic Design Pocket Camera could be the camera that launches 1,000 careers. Oscar audiences over the next few years will probably get bored of cinematographers thanking Blackmagic for giving them their first big break.

The Blackmagic Design Pocket Camera could be the camera that launches 1,000 careers. Oscar audiences over the next few years will probably get bored of cinematographers thanking Blackmagic for giving them their first big break. If you don’t believe me, watch this!

ProRes 422, CinemaDNG 12 bit RAW, 13 stops of dynamic range and a large sensor… it’s a great camera. But, it’s a camera that’s begging to be accessorized….

Barebones – a great starter kit

• Panasonic LUMIX X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH. Lens

• Alphatron VPA-10 plate with quick release tripod adapter

• Battery Pack (twin)

• camRade CBSS

• 64GB ProRes compatible SDXC Card

With the Barebones kit, there are potentially a couple of minor issues. Keeping such a small camera steady can be a problem. So can seeing the screen in bright sunlight. A simple sun-shade accessory will make the screen much easier to see and (pressed against your face) will help keep the camera stable. They’re available from the likes of Zacuto and Hoodman.

The Complete Kit – professional quality shoulder-mount system with remote monitoring

• Zeiss Distagon T2 25mm lens with an EOS adapter

• Cambo Rig 7

• Alphatron ProPull-19 follow focus

• Alphatron Mattebox Rod Support

• Battery Pack (twin)

• camRade travelMate outBag

• Teradek Bolt Pro wireless monitoring unit

• Alphatron EVF-035W-3G Electronic ViewFinder 

• 64GB ProRes & RAW Compatible SDXC Card

The Complete Kit is the kind of system we would all like. HD viewfinder, wireless monitoring, cinema-class lens and grip – each component adds to the whole experience.

Happy shooting!