Blackmagic
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Revolutionary affordable MFT cinema camera that democratized BRAW filmmaking.
$1,295
Launch priceReleased Sep 2018
Panasonic
HC-X1600
Mid-tier 4K60p camcorder with 1/2.5-inch MOS sensor, 24x 25–600mm zoom, 3G-SDI, face-detection AF, and USB-PD power.
$1,699
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
HC-X1600 is 2.4 years newer.
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Wins
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Wins
HC-X1600
14 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BHC-X1600 has lower AF low-light limit (-4 EV vs 0 EV)
- BHC-X1600 has higher AF points / zones (225 vs 0)
- BHC-X1600 has higher AF frame coverage (90 % vs 0 %)
- APocket Cinema Camera 4K has higher Resolution (18.96 MP vs 8.29 MP)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to sharePocket Cinema Camera 4K
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
HC-X1600
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and HC-X1600 share virtually identical body dimensions.
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and HC-X1600 weigh the same.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm Pocket Cinema Camera 4K · 72mm HC-X1600
Sensor size, to scale
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
HC-X1600
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
HC-X1600: mount data unavailable
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Resolution
18.96 MP vs 8.29 MP — higher is better
Reasons to choose
HC-X1600
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs 0 EV — lower is better
AF points / zones
225 vs 0 — higher is better
AF frame coverage
90 % vs 0 % — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 6 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Pros
- ✓Affordable BRAW
- ✓Great value
- ✓MFT lens options
Cons
- –No stills AF
- –Crop sensor
- –Screen not tilting
HC-X1600
Pros
- ✓4K 60p internal recording
- ✓24x f/1.8–4.0 optical zoom
- ✓3G-SDI + full HDMI output
- ✓Face Detection AF/AE
- ✓USB-PD + dual SD slots
Cons
- –1/2.5-inch sensor
- –No XLR without handle unit
- –Smaller sensor than HC-X2
- –Superseded by HC-X2100 in lineup
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and HC-X1600 at major authorized retailers.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Panasonic HC-X1600
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Pocket Cinema Camera 4K or HC-X1600?
HC-X1600 scores 7.5/10 versus 6.5/10 for Pocket Cinema Camera 4K — 15fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and HC-X1600?
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is 18.96 MP and HC-X1600 is 8.29 MP, so the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and HC-X1600 have in-body image stabilization?
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while HC-X1600 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K or the HC-X1600?
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K reaches 15 fps electronic. HC-X1600 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and HC-X1600?
Both bodies weigh roughly 580 g.
Do the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and HC-X1600 record 4K video?
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K: 4K up to 60p. HC-X1600: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and HC-X1600 weather sealed?
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K: Yes. HC-X1600: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and 640 shots for the HC-X1600, giving the HC-X1600 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K launched at $1,295 and HC-X1600 at $1,699. The Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is $404 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Pocket Cinema Camera 4K vs HC-X1600 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.