Blackmagic has repeatedly solidified its reputation for relatively affordable cinema cameras. The recent Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K improved on its predecessors with a full-frame sensor and a flexible L-mount that can accept a wide array of lenses to the camera body, all for a starting price of a reasonable $2,595. Now, you can buy one for $1,000 less than usual at B&H and Adorama.
The Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is now $1,575 at select retailers, making it cheaper than the older Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2, which doesn’t even have a full-frame sensor. Blackmagic hasn’t put an end time on this sale but says that “stock is extremely limited,” so this deal might not last very long.
This camera uses Leica’s L-mount system, which has a short enough flange focal distance that, with the right adapter, you can use lenses designed for the Canon EF mount, Nikon F-mount, and many other lens systems. (The only notable exception is Micro Four Thirds lenses, but that still leaves a huge swath of available lenses.)
It’s a full-frame camera too, meaning the sensor is as large as a 35 mm film frame. This can capture more of a scene in a frame (if you’re coming from a camera with a cropped sensor). The bigger pixels also can deliver more colors and less noise at higher ISO settings. It’s worth noting that this camera does not have in-body image stabilization or autofocus tracking.
If you were on the fence about buying this particular camera—or an affordable cinema camera in general—it’s hard to imagine you’ll find a better opportunity.