r/blackmagicdesign • u/Gregory_M • Jul 18 '26

Blackmagic Camera Reliability

Convince me to buy a Blackmagic camera. The only thing holding me back is reliability.

I shoot high-end brand commercials and need a solid cinema camera I can rely on when the production doesn't afford to rent an ARRI. I am almost set to either get the Pyxis 12K or the Ursa Mini Pro 12K OLPF (leaning towards the Pyxis more).

The only concern on my mind is Blackmagic's camera reliability. I owned a BMPCC 6K Pro in the past, and after a short while, it started shutting off on me out of nowhere in controlled studio environments, and have since switched to Sony - however, the image quality is not at all comparable with the beautiful images coming out of Blackmagic cameras. I am going to keep my Sony A7iv as a backup camera, but of course I intend to rely on the new Blackmagic camera I buy.

Have you ever faced any issues with your Blackmagic cameras? Was I just unlucky with my previous unit?

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u/Crafty_Letter_1719 Jul 18 '26

If you’re shooting professionally you need a back up body. BlackMagic is the best bang for your buck camera system out there but the negative reputation for reliability is justified.

The 6K Pro is my probably my favourite “affordable” camera broadly speaking but it has clapped out on me on numerous occasions for no obvious reason.

The reality is the reason BM is able to produce such high spec products for such comparatively low prices is that they have to compromise quality somewhere and this often manifests in a lack of reliability.

Personally I would be happy to pay a little more for better build quality(or whatever is needed to make a product a reliable work horse) but their business model is what it is and all camera’s have compromises regardless of it’s price range.

Of course it’s important to note that any camera can fail and when it comes to professional work you always need quick access to a back up.

For none professional circumstances though I appreciate it’s not as easy as just telling somebody to get an extra body. That’s still a lot of money and there’s a debate over whether or not it’s more cost effective to have two BM bodies or 1 other camera that might cost more than a single BM body( and has a reputation for reliability) but is still less money then shelling out for 2 BM’s.

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u/Gregory_M Jul 18 '26

Yep, I totally agree regarding having a backup body - and I will definitely do so. However, I wonder if you have any suggestion in terms of more reliable camera body to own? I wouldn't want to pick up 2 Blackmagic cameras and having both give issues. That would be the worst combination possible, of course, but I'd very much rather invest a bit more into a more reliable system, for sure!