Blackmagic Camera 10.2.2 brings PDAF and pre-record to the Cinema Camera 6K

Blackmagic Camera 10.2.2 adds phase detect autofocus, cloud stream routing, pre-record and 4-channel audio to the Cinema Camera 6K, following July's URSA Broadcast G2 update.

The Blackmagic Camera 10.2 software, released in June, was a big deal as it made PDAF official on the PYXIS 6K and added a handful of other useful additions such as Blackmagic Cloud Streaming support.

As usual, the company has been busy since, and two point releases have dropped in recent weeks that add various bits and pieces to different cameras in the growing Blackmagic stable.

Blackmagic Camera 10.2.1 added improvements to the H.265 and H.264 recording and playback feature on Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2.

But Blackmagic Camera 10.2.2, which released today, is more extensive, at least for Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K users. This update adds phase detect autofocus, Blackmagic Cloud stream routing, pre-record and 4-channel audio recording to the popular camera.

Here's what the company had to say about it, with the list of all the changes below.

"Today we announced Blackmagic Camera 10.2.2 update for Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K which adds support for phase detect autofocus. This makes it easy to keep your subjects in focus, even as they move, with options added for continuous autofocus, object tracking or face tracking modes.

"This update also adds support for Blackmagic Cloud stream routing. This lets you route a live stream from the camera directly into your studio, or stream to multiple platforms at the same time using Blackmagic Cloud.

"In addition, this update adds support for up to 10 minutes pre-record on Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K. Now you can record up to 10 minutes of action before you press the record button. The pre-record function lets the camera continuously record to the media card, ensuring any unexpected event will never be missed. Simply select the pre-record duration you need, from 5 seconds to a full 10 minutes, and that cached media will be added to the start of each file you record. This means every important moment is safely captured, critical for unpredictable or fast changing environments like documentaries, news or live events. By only saving what’s needed, pre-record also helps reduce storage use because even though you are constantly recording, only the section before you press record is preserved.

"Also included in this update is support for 4 channel audio recording. This allows you to record two additional audio channels which is ideal for interviews, live events or documentaries where you might want separate mics for talent, ambient sound or scratch tracks, all perfectly synced within the video file."

Camera 10.2.x is available now from the Blackmagic Design support page.

What's new in Blackmagic Camera 10.2.1

Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2

• Improved H.265 and H.264 recording and playback.
• Manufacturing improvements.

What's new in Blackmagic Camera 10.2.2

Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K

• Adds phase detect auto focus (PDAF) support.
• Adds continuous autofocus support.
• Adds face detect autofocus support.
• Adds object detect auto focus support.
• Adds support for autofocus transition speed settings.
• Adds support for assigning autofocus mode toggle to shortcut keys.
• Adds support for pausing continuous autofocus when holding down the focus button.
• Adds support for Blackmagic Cloud Streaming.
• Adds support for 4 channel audio recording.
• Adds support for pre-recording.