BMPCC 6K vs Sony a7S III | What should you buy?
Sony a7S III is a beast in low-light performance. This hybrid mirrorless camera is one of its types and is a treat for photographers. The advanced sensor and image processor inside a7S III allows it to capture outstanding 4K videos up to 120 fps. The Blackmagic BMPCC 6K, on the other hand, is a dedicated video recording camera that shoots astonishing 6K videos. This camera is praised for its ultimate RAW recording capability, thanks to the efficient Blackmagic RAW format. BMPCC 6K is a great and affordable choice for independent filmmakers. Both models have their pros and cons. Let’s compare BMPCC 6K vs Sony a7S III and see where one outshines the other.
Price Comparison | BMPCC 6K vs Sony a7S III
| Camera Model | Pricing & Availability |
|---|---|
| BMPCC 6K | Check Current Price |
| Sony a7S III | Check Current Price |
BMPCC 6K vs Sony a7S III
Sensor Size
Sony a7S III equips a larger 35 mm back-illuminated full-frame sensor compared to the Super 35 format of the BMPCC 6K camera. The back-illuminated sensor along with a larger pixel size in Sony a7S III produces magnificent results while shooting in low light conditions. Even with a lower pixel count of 12.1 MP, this camera can capture decent stills.
BMPCC 6K accommodates a larger pixel count on a smaller sensor whereas the Sony a7S III equips a large sensor with lesser pixel count.
Sony A7S III is praised for its impeccable performance in low light and hence if you are planning to work on low light conditions an a7S III will be your best bet. Even though the BMPCC 6K offers decent results in low-lighting, it is nowhere near the Sony model.
Winner: Sony a7S III (Amazon)
Crop Factor
If you are switching from a full-frame camera to a BMPCC 6K, be careful about the crop factor. BMPCC 6K features a smaller sensor and hence has a crop factor value of 1.558x. Make sure that you use focal length compensation by using the correct lens to obtain the right field of view you want. On the other hand, the Sony A7S III uses a full-frame sensor, and hence, no crop is happening there.
Winner: Sony a7S III (Amazon)
Autofocus and IBIS
If you are looking for powerful AF and IBIS systems, stay away from BMPCC 6K. This camera is not for you if you are not an experienced manual mode shooter. Sony a7S III, on the other hand, features a modern dual-pixel AF system that uses a hybrid phase-detect technology and comes powered with an incredible algorithm for head tracking, eye tracking, animal tracking, and face tracking. The Af focus points are spread over 93% of the sensor area, and hence you will have no problem in tracking the subject.
In-Body Image Stabilization is the next option BMPCC 6K doesn’t give you. Sony a7S III on the other hand features a modern 5-axis IBIS that compensates up to 5.5 stops. IBIS is a crucial aspect if you are planning to shoot hand-held. If you are a person that uses a gimbal or tripods while shooting, BMPCC 6K could produce beautiful RAW videos just like you want it.
Winner: Sony a7S III (Amazon)
6K, 4K, and the Others
Blackmagic BMPCC 6K can record ProRes or Blackmagic RAW for all supported formats and all frame rates internally and externally. This lets you take your creativity to another level with color grading and highlight recovery from RAW. Also, BMPCC 6K provides one of the best video editing software in the market: Davinci Resolve. Blackmagic RAW goes extremely well with Davinci Resolve. At Full HD resolution, BMPCC 6K supports only up to 120 fps in FHD recording whereas the Sony a7S III can shoot up to 240 fps for wonderful slow-motion shots.
Just like BMPCC 6K, Sony A7S III can shoot RAW as well, but not internally. Sony a7S III supports 16-bit 4K RAW up to 60 fps only via an external recorder. Note that a7S III is capable of recording 4K 4:2:2 10-bit videos up to 120 fps internally.
Winner: Sony a7S III (Amazon)
Storage and Ports
Both models provide dual storage ports that support UHS-II cards and CF cards. However, the big difference here is the ability of BMPCC 6K to record to an SSD via USB port. SSDs are the fastest multi-terabyte storage available.
Both models feature a full-size HDMI port, 3.5 mm jack for headphone and microphone. The BMPCC 6K camera, in addition, also features a mini XLR port which lets you connect a wide range of audio recording devices from the professional array.
Winner: BMPCC 6K (Amazon)
Specifications | Blackmagic BMPCC 6K vs Sony a7S III
| Feature | Blackmagic BMPCC 6K | Sony a7S III |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Size | 23.1 x 12.99 mm (Super 35) | BIS-CMOS 35.6 x 23.8 mm Exmor R |
| Resolution | 6144 x 3456 | 4240 x 2832 |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF | Sony E |
| ISO (Extended) | 100 to 25600 | 40 – 409600 |
| Still Image Capability | Very poor | Excellent |
| Dynamic Range | 13 stops | 15 stops |
| Autofocus | No | Dual Pixel AF |
| 6K Video Recording | Yes | No |
| IBIS | No | Up to 5.5 stops |
| RAW Support | 6144 x 3456 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50 fps (49 to 483 MB/s) 6144 x 2560 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (37 to 359 MB/s) 5744 x 3024 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94/60 fps (40 to 395 MB/s) | 4K 16-Bit RAW up to 60 fps externally |
| Other Video Recording Options | ProRes 422HQ 3840 x 2160p at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60 fps (22.4 to 110 Mb/s) ProRes 422 3840 x 2160p at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60 fps (73.6 MB/s) ProRes 422LT 3840 x 2160p at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60 fps (51 MB/s) 1920 x 1080p at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60, 120 fps (12.75 MB/s) | H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-Bit at 23.976, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94, 100, 119.88 fps (50 to 280 Mb/s) H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:0 10-Bit at 23.976, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94, 100, 119.88 fps (30 to 200 Mb/s) H.264/XAVC S 4:2:2 10-Bit FHD at 23.976, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94, 100, 119.88, 200, 239.76 fps (50 Mb/s) H.264/XAVC S 4:2:0 8-Bit FHD at 23.976, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94, 100, 119.88, 200, 239.76 fps (16 to 100 Mb/s) |
| External Recording | 4:2:2 10-Bit via HDMI:1920 x 1080p at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60 fps Via USB: 6144 x 3456 at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50 fps 6144 x 2560 at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60 fps 5744 x 3024 at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60 fps | 4:2:2 10-Bit 4K at 23.976, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94 fps FHD at 23.976, 50, 59.94 fps 4:2:0 8-Bit 4K at 23.976, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94 fps FHD at 23.976, 50, 59.94 fps |
| Encoding Formats | ProRes 422HQ, ProRes 422, ProRes 422LT, ProRes 422 Proxy | MPEG-4, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-1, H.264, H.265 |
| Screen | 5″ LCD monitor | 3″ Articulating Touchscreen TFT LCD |
| Weight | 898 g | 614 g |
| Dimensions | 7 x 4 x 3.8″ / 177.8 x 101.6 x 96.52 mm | 5.07 x 3.81 x 2.74″ / 128.9 x 96.9 x 69.7 mm |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Conclusion | BMPCC 6K vs Sigma FP
Overall Winner: Sony a7S III (Check Price)
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