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The Blackmagic Pocket 4k uses a single CFast and a single SD UHS-II memory card configuration.
You can also use the USB-C expansion port to connect to high-capacity USB-C flash disks. Plugging in a USB-C drive will take the place of the UHS-II slot and any card in that slot will become unavailable.
For high-resolution and high-frame-rate recording, Blackmagic recommends using CFast cards as they produce faster write speeds than UHS-II V90 cards.
However, for lower resolutions, frame rates, and bitrates, UHS-II v90 or V60 cards will function great and offer better cost savings.
Blackmagic has an official recommendation memory card list you can use, but here are some of the best cards off that list.
Recommended Memory Cards Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4k
Here are some of the best CFast cards recommended by Blackmagic.
This will allow you to record 4K DCI Blackmagic RAW 3:1 up to 60 fps, or 4K DCI ProRes HQ up to 60 fps.
You’ll also want these cards for 4k ProRes 422LT as that codec runs at 110-117.88 MB/s.
| CF Memory Cards | Rated Write Speeds | Rated Read Speeds | Check Price |
| Lexar Professional 3500x 256GB | 445 MB/s | 525 MB/s | B&H |
| Sandisk Extreme Pro 512/256GB/128GB | 450 MB/s | 525 MB/s | B&H |
| Angelbird AV Pro 1TB/512GB | 498 MB/s | 560 MB/s | B&H |
| Exascend CFX 256/128GB | 530 MB/s | 550 MB/s | B&H |
| Wise Advanced 3500X 1TB/512GB | 450 MB/s | 525 MB/s | B&H |
| Wise Advanced 3400X 256GB | 450 MB/s | 510 MB/s | B&H |
Recommended SD Cards
Here are the official UHS-II V90 SD Memory Cards recommended by Blackmagic. They will get you up to 4K DCI Blackmagic RAW 12:1 up to 30 fps, or 4K DCI ProRes HQ up to 60 fps.
You can use v60 cards if you’re shooting in lower bitrates, but you will need to match the card to the appropriate bitrate.
Sony G Tough cards are some of the best SD Memory cards with a tough build and top-of-the-line read and write speeds.
Sony G Tough V90 UHS-II SD Memory Card
The Sony G Tough v90 UHS-II SD memory card has a tough build and comes in sizes between 32-256GB.
Tested Write Speed: 258 MB/s
Tested Read Speed: 296 MB/s
Rated Sustain: 90 MB/s – 720Mbps
Warranty: Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty
See Details: Sony G Tough V90 UHS-II Review
Delkin Black v90 memory cards are also one of the best SD cards you can buy. They feature a tough build and very fast read and write speeds.
Blackmagic Pocket 4k Memory Card Capacity
The Blackmagic Pocket 4K doesn’t set a limit on SD card size, but be aware that Cinema Raw files are large.
A 256GB card will only record for 53 minutes in this codec. You may want to consider larger capacity cards for longer shoots.
Blackmagic Pocket 4k Camera Specs
Sensor Size: 8.85MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS Sensor |
Blackmagic Pocket 4k Record Times – Memory Card Capacity
This table provides a general overview of some of the recording times for different card sizes and codecs on the Blackmagic Pocket 4K. For a more precise estimate tailored to your specific settings, use my handy tool (link provided). – bitrate-calculator.
| Pocket 4k Record Times | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
| 4k DCI BRAW | ||||
| 1088Mbps | 136MB/s | 8min | 16min | 31min | 63min |
| 4k UHD ProRes | ||||
| 943Mbps | 110MB/s | 10min | 19Min | 39min | 78min |
| 2k BRAW | ||||
| 504Mbps | 63MB/s | 17min | 34min | 68min | 135min |
Memory Cards For Blackmagic Pocket 4k | Conclusions
The Blackmagic Pocket 4K, a nimble powerhouse with a Micro Four Thirds sensor, excels in capturing stunning visuals in a vast array of formats, including bitrate-hungry Cinema Raw and ProRes codecs. But with such flexibility comes a crucial decision: choosing the right memory card.
Unlike cameras with fixed codec options, the Pocket 4K demands tailoring your memory card to your shooting format.
Remember: The “perfect” memory card hinges on your format. Shooting Cinema Raw for an hour-long documentary? A 1TB UHS-II card is your hero. Capturing a quick ProRes interview? A 256GB UHS-II card will do the trick.
Think of it as an investment in your workflow. Choosing the right card ensures smooth operation, prevents frustrating compatibility issues, and lets you focus on what truly matters – creating captivating content.
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The Blackmagic Pocket 4k is a micro-four-thirds system, I keep a list of every Micro Four Thirds Lens. This includes third-party lenses so check that out next time you’re hunting for lenses.
