Blackmagic Design is responsible for some of the industry’s most talked-about products, thanks in part to their belief in nurturing real creativity. With considerable experience in high-end telecine, film, and post-production, as well as a genuine desire for perfection, Blackmagic set out to change things by creating affordable, high-end software and hardware.
Yesterday, Blackmagic presented a special event live stream. Prior to the stream, no information about the items was released, which is typical for Blackmagic. As soon as it started, CEO Grant Petty made a series of announcements regarding new and updated equipment aimed at live production, multi-camera recording, and broadcast television segments. Here were some of the biggest products announcements:
Blackmagic Design Studio Camera 4K Pro and 4K Plus
- Carbon fiber reinforced chassis
- 4K sensor with 13 stops of dynamic range
- Up to 25,600 ISO
- MFT lens mount
- USB-C port, record direct to external drives
- Blackmagic RAW recording
- Professional mini XLR inputs with 48v phantom power
- Built-in stereo mics
- 7” HDR Touchscreen
Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro and 4K Plus are both designed for live productions and were standout announcements. They’re a significant improvement from prior versions. The Micro Four Thirds mount will remain the same. They’ll feature a considerably higher ISO performance, 13 stops of dynamic range, as well as a built-in color corrector, improved microphones, and a large tally light which signals that you’re “on air.”
It looks to have some pieces made of carbon fiber and the sunshade folds down and can be easily removed. The new screen is smaller at a 7-inch display but the touchscreen controls are similar to those found on the Pocket and Ursa cameras. LUTs can be used inside the camera without having to burn them into the BRAW files. The 4k Pro is available for $1795.
The Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Plus is a slimmed down version of the 4K Pro. It has a majority of the same features but lacks SDI, XLR, and PoE ports. It will have one HDMI output that will work with an ATEM Mini video switcher. Camera commands are sent back via HDMI. An ATEM Mini switcher can also control the color corrector and lens via HDMI. The Studio Camera 4k Plus is available for $1,295.
Design Zoom Demand and Focus Demand
Blackmagic has introduced two new camera controllers that allow you to electronically adjust the Iris, Focus, and Power Zoom.
The Blackmagic Focus Demand is a large turning knob that can be attached to the handle of a video head. You can adjust the focus of your MFT lens via a USB-C connection linked to your camera.
The Blackmagic Zoom Demand is used for power zoom. It contains a few programmable controls as well as a zoom rocker. Both units have two USB-C ports enabling daisy-chaining and attaching to cameras with a single cable.
Both products are available for $245.
Web Presenter HD 4K Key Features:
- Supports live streaming on most social media platforms
- Supports streaming via Ethernet
- Broadcast quality hardware
- Tethers to phones for remote streaming
- Includes Web Presenter Utility software
- Both AC and DC connections for fail safe power
The Blackmagic Web Presenter was particularly popular among streamers during the lockdown last year. The Web Presenter 4K is smaller and can stream Full HD and UHD video at up to 60 frames per second. The body and ports are the same as on the previous model. It can downconvert an HD stream from UHD to FullHD, but it can also do the opposite, which can be useful when not all outputs are similar.
When connected to a computer, the new 4K model replicates a USB camera. The USB webcam capability offers 1080p HD or 2160p Ultra HD resolutions. It will be available for $695.
HyperDeck Studio HD Mini, HD Pro, and 4K Pro
- New elegant design
- Built in color LCD with deck status
- Dual media card slots
- Records standard H.264/5, ProRes and DNx
- Supports latest broadcast connectivity
- Choose 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI or 12G-SDI models
- Advanced HDR support into recorded files
- Professional multi channel digital audio
- Built in timecode and sync generators
- Supports most editing and VFX software
HyperDeck Studio HD Mini
Depending on the needs of your production, HyperDeck Studio is now available in a range of new models. The HyperDeck Studio HD Mini occupies the same amount of space as the original Studio Mini. It lacks 6G-SDI, UHD and high-frame-rate choices, although it is less expensive than the current Mini.
Direct recording to external storage is now possible thanks to a new USB C port. It also has two SD card slots and supports the ProRes, DNxHD, and H.264 codecs for recording. Additional control — as well as AC and DC power inputs — are included on the front panel. Because the HyperDeck Studio HD Mini operates as a camera, it can be connected to a computer and used with any video editing software. It’s a more budget friendly option at $495.
HyperDeck Studio HD Pro
The HyperDeck Studio HD Pro features a tough industrial design, two SSD drive slots, and two SD card slots. It has an XLR input and output for timecode input and output. When in shuttle mode, you receive transport control buttons and a metal search dial with an electronic clutch to limit rotation. Additionally, there are specialized jog, shuttle, and scroll search dial buttons.
HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro
When working in Ultra HD, the HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro has more processing power. The SDI is now full 12G-SDI with a loop 12G-SDI output. Because the two SDI outputs are 12G-SDI, ProRes 4444 files can be used for true Ultra HD fill and key out.
Two AC power supplies and one DC power input provide fail-safe power. For UHD, both ProRes and DNxHD files are supported. Although H.264 may be recorded in SD and HD, the HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro switches to H.265 when recording UHD. After a future upgrade, the unit will be able to play back computer-rendered H.264 and H.265 files. It includes a 10G Ethernet connector for fast data transfer and is available for $1,495.
Want more information?
Blackmagic Design is continually refining its products and meeting the demands of its consumers. Any of these products would be a significant upgrade to your current setup if you are a content creator, streamer, church service, or small production company that does multi-camera studio shoots.
All of the products detailed above, as well as others, are now available at Adorama. You can learn more about all of the newly available items by visiting the official Blackmagic site.
