Black Magic Camera's Superpower: Auto Focus

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is a cinema-quality video camera that comes in 4K and 6K versions. It does have autofocus, but it is not a continuous autofocus and has to be set before recording. The autofocus feature is rudimentary and lacks the sophistication of autofocus in Canon or Nikon cameras. However, the camera has a large 5-inch touchscreen that helps with manual focusing, and the included DaVinci Resolve software allows for focus adjustments in post-production.

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K's autofocus features

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a rudimentary autofocus feature that can be activated by tapping on the desired subject on the touchscreen. However, it does not have the autofocus system found in most cameras today, as it won't follow the subject and adjust focus automatically. The autofocus feature is not suitable for "run and gun" filmmaking, and the camera is not ideal for this style.

The autofocus function can be inconsistent, and users have reported issues with the focus button on the back of the camera and the screen tap function to set the focus. A firmware update was released to address these issues, but it is recommended to use manual focus while shooting video with this camera.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is designed for cinema-level filming, and even most amateur filmmakers will use manual focus. The camera has a large 5-inch LCD touchscreen that helps with focusing shots by providing a red or green outline when the shot is in focus.

The camera also includes DaVinci Resolve Studio, a video editing suite considered one of the best software for colour grading. This software can be used to adjust and correct focus in post-production.

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro's autofocus features

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is a handheld 6K digital film camera with a Super 35 high-resolution HDR sensor, dual native ISO, an EF lens mount, and direct recording to USB-C disks. It features a 5-inch adjustable HDR touchscreen, built-in ND filters, and a larger battery for longer runtime.

The camera supports autofocus using compatible lenses. The autofocus feature is more similar to that of a point-and-shoot camera, where the focus is locked onto a selected point. The camera does not support continuous autofocus or subject tracking.

The autofocus can be activated by pressing the record button halfway down, or by pressing the autofocus button on the back of the camera, or by touching the desired subject on the LCD screen.

While the autofocus feature may not be suitable for all use cases, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro offers a range of other advanced features, such as manual focus control, a large touchscreen display, and a variety of recording formats, making it a versatile tool for filmmakers and cinematographers.

Blackmagic autofocus via iPhone app

Autofocus is a feature that is notably lacking in Blackmagic cameras. However, there are now a few iPhone apps that can help Blackmagic camera users to achieve autofocus, as well as offering other benefits.

Focus Puller

The Focus Puller app allows users to connect their iPhone to their Blackmagic camera via Bluetooth. It provides remote focus pulling on lenses that support electronic autofocus. The app can also send the iPhone's LiDAR data to the camera to manage focus in 3D space. This feature is similar to the DJI LiDAR Rangefinder, but without the $600 price tag.

To use the app, users need to enable the Bluetooth auto-connect option in the Blackmagic setup menu. They will then receive a code to input into the app, which connects the phone to the camera. Once connected, the app can control the manual focus at a range of up to 30 feet. It also has a marker feature, allowing the camera to rack focus from one distance to another.

The Focus Puller app is free to download, but users must pay a $12 fee to unlock the recording function.

Blackmagic Camera

The Blackmagic Camera app gives users digital film camera controls and operating systems, allowing them to create a cinematic 'look' for their videos. It has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, with all the professional features needed for feature films, television, and documentaries. Users can adjust settings such as frame rate, shutter angle, white balance, and ISO all in a single tap. The app also allows users to record directly to Blackmagic Cloud Storage, enabling easy collaboration on projects.

The Blackmagic Camera app is free to download.

Bluetooth+ for Blackmagic

The Bluetooth+ for Blackmagic app allows users to control their Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K/6K and Ursa Mini Pro from their iPhone or iPad. It offers a range of features, including the ability to trigger autofocus, control white balance and ISO, and start and stop recording. The app also has a Multi-Cam mode, which allows users to control up to 12 Blackmagic cameras at once and create distinct control groups for different settings.

Bluetooth+ for Blackmagic is free to download, but some features require an in-app purchase to access.

Blackmagic autofocus with active M4/3 lens

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC 4K) does not have a built-in autofocus feature. However, autofocus can be achieved with an active m4/3 lens or an active lens adapter.

The autofocus function with an active m4/3 lens is slow and not comparable to native Canon cameras. It is recommended to stick to manual focus.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K supports single-point autofocus, which means it will focus on the selected area but will not continuously follow or adjust the focus.

For autofocus to work with Canon EF lenses, a specific firmware version (e.g., 2.3 or 3.3) might be required for certain lens adapters like Viltrox or Metabones.

Native M4/3 lenses from Panasonic and Olympus offer better autofocus performance on the BMPCC 4K. For example, the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 II ASPH is a good option for its autofocus capabilities and price.

If autofocus is a crucial requirement, it is suggested to consider a different camera system, such as a Sony camcorder or a mirrorless camera.

Blackmagic autofocus with a lens adaptor

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K does not have built-in autofocus. However, it is possible to achieve autofocus with third-party lenses and lens adapters.

Some users have reported success with Canon EF lenses and a Metabones adapter, although the autofocus performance may not be as fast or reliable as on a native Canon camera. It is important to note that the autofocus function may require downgrading to a specific firmware version for compatibility.

Additionally, active M4/3 lenses or active lens adapters can provide autofocus capabilities to the Blackmagic camera. However, the autofocus speed may be slow, and it may not run continuously, requiring manual adjustments.

For those seeking continuous autofocus, a new gadget called the Time of Flight (ToF) system bypasses the camera's internal autofocus and enables continuous autofocus during shooting. This system utilizes sensors to calculate the distance to the object and wirelessly sends focus commands to the camera.

It is worth noting that cinema cameras, in general, do not prioritize autofocus features, as filmmakers often prefer manual focus control for creative purposes.

Frequently asked questions