The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is a strong contender for users prioritizing ease of use, computational photography, and long battery life in a compact form factor. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 8K is better suited for users who need the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, prefer raw video capture for extensive post-production, and require higher dynamic range, despite its shorter battery life and lack of built-in image stabilization.
| Attribute | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (Computational Photography) | Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 8K |
|---|---|---|
| Image Sensor Size | 1/1.3" main camera sensor (rumored), all three rear cameras are expected to be 48MP | Super 35 sensor (23.1 x 12.99 mm on some 6K models). The URSA Mini Pro 12K has a Super 35 sensor with dimensions of 12,288 x 6480. |
| Maximum Video Resolution | Expected to support 8K video recording | Up to 6K (6144 x 3456) at 50 fps. Some models can shoot at higher frame rates with windowed sensors. The URSA Mini Pro 12K has a 12,288 x 6480 12K Super 35 sensor. |
| Dynamic Range (Stops) | Significantly improved dynamic range is expected, potentially enabling real-time HDR processing at high frame rates like 4K 120fps Dolby Vision | 13 stops. The URSA Mini Pro 12K has 14 stops of dynamic range. |
| Lens Mount Compatibility | Fixed lenses, but adapters can be used with a 17mm lens mount, or M or T series mounts (requires compatible iPhone cases) | EF mount (6K models), MFT mount (4K models). Adapters can be used for various other lens mounts. |
| Internal Recording Codecs | ProRes is expected, with enhanced support | Blackmagic RAW, ProRes. |
| External Recording Capabilities (e.g., ProRes RAW) | ProRes video recording up to 4K at 120 fps with external recording is expected | Via USB-C to external drives. |
| Computational Photography Features | Enhanced AI-powered computational photography is expected, with features like improved low-light performance, AI-assisted photography, and scene recognition | Not a primary focus; emphasizes raw capture for post-production manipulation. |
| Image Stabilization Type | Sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) is expected on the main lens. Some reports mention second-generation sensor-shift OIS | No built-in IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization). |
| Display Brightness (nits) | Expected peak brightness of 2,800 nits to 3,000 nits | 1500 nits on some models (e.g., 6K Pro). Other models may have lower brightness. |
| Battery Life (Video Recording) | Up to 35 hours of video playback is possible. The battery capacity may reach 5,000mAh | Approximately 30-45 minutes with standard LP-E6 batteries. Battery grips can extend this to 3 hours or more. |
| Weight (grams) | Around 227 grams | Not available |
| Price | $1,299 - $1,900 | Prices vary depending on the model. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is $1,095.00. The Blackmagic Design has reduced the list price of the Cinema Camera 6K from $2,595 to $1,575. |