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Camera equipment: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 8K vs. Sony Alpha a7S IV

Quick Verdict

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 8K is geared towards filmmakers who prioritize a larger sensor and RAW recording capabilities. The Sony Alpha a7S IV is a more versatile option with IBIS, advanced autofocus, and potentially better low-light performance, making it suitable for a wider range of video applications.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeBlackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 8KSony Alpha a7S IV
Sensor SizeSuper 35 sensor. The 6K models have a sensor size of 23.1 x 12.99 mm. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K features a 4/3 image sensor.Full Frame, 19 megapixels (rumored)
Maximum Video Resolution6144 x 3456 (6K)6K at 24, 25, and 30 fps (expected), 6K at 100 and 120 fps (expected), Oversampled 4K up to 120fps (expected)
Dynamic Range (Stops)13 stopsApproximately 15 (based on a7 IV)
Internal Recording CodecsBlackmagic RAW, Apple ProRes. Records industry standard 10-bit Apple ProRes files up to 4K or 12-bit Blackmagic RAW up to 6K.XAVC HS, XAVC S-I (expected)
ISO RangeDual native ISO up to 25,600. Native ISO of 400, and a secondary high base ISO of 3200.100-51,200 (expandable to 50-204,800 for stills and 100-102,400 for video)
Autofocus SystemSupports autofocus with compatible lensesReal-time Eye AF tracking for humans, animals, & birds
Image StabilizationNo in-body image stabilization (IBIS)5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) with up to 5.5 stops of shake reduction
Mount TypeCanon EF Mount. Also available in MFT (Micro Four Thirds) lens mount.Sony E mount
RAW Recording CapabilityYes, Blackmagic RAWYes
Screen Size and Resolution5-inch LCD touchscreen. 1920 x 1080 HDR monitor output.3.0" screen, 1.03 million dots
Battery Life (Video Recording)Approximately 40 minutes to 1 hourApproximately 1 hour to 90 minutes of continuous recording with Sony NP-FZ100 battery pack, depending on frame rate. 4K 24p will have around 90 minutes, while 4K 60 or 120 will be closer to an hour
Weight (Body Only)Made from lightweight carbon fiber polycarbonate composite658g
PriceNot availableNot available
RatingsNot availableNot available

Overall Comparison

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 8K: Super 35 sensor, 6K resolution, 13 stops DR. Sony Alpha a7S IV: Full Frame sensor, 6K resolution, 15 stops DR (approximate), IBIS.

Pros and Cons

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 8K

Pros:
  • Larger Super 35 sensor allows shooting with a shallow depth of field and anamorphic lenses
  • Records industry standard 10-bit Apple ProRes files in all formats up to 4K or 12-bit Blackmagic RAW in all formats up to 6K
  • Dual gain ISO up to 25,600, optimized to minimize grain or noise while maintaining dynamic range
  • Features the same controls and menus as other Blackmagic Design cameras
  • Records to external media disks via USB-C
  • Full-size HDMI port
  • Sensor is designed to reduce thermal noise, allowing cleaner shadows and higher ISO
Cons:
  • No in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
  • Battery life approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour
  • Rolling shutter of the BMCC6K in 17:9 6K is 18.7ms

Sony Alpha a7S IV

Pros:
  • Excellent low-light performance (based on a7S series)
  • Real-time Eye AF for humans, animals, and birds
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
  • Full-frame sensor for better low-light performance and more control over depth of field
  • Can output uncompressed 4:2:2 4K video via HDMI
Cons:
  • Rolling shutter can be noticeable in fast-panning shots (based on a7 IV)
  • Can overheat, especially in 4K 60p (based on a7 IV)
  • XAVC S-I has large file sizes

User Experiences and Feedback