“Liliputian” is the first word that comes to mind when sizing up Blackmagic’s latest offering the BlackMagic Micro Studio Camera 4K. Blackmagic says it’s the world’s smallest pro studio camera.
The Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but is said to produce broadcast-grade Ultra HD video footage that the company claims has amazing clarity so viewers can see more texture and detail than ever. Usable for both HD and Ultra HD production, the Blackmagic Micro Stuido Camera 4K features a built-in color corrector, talkback, tally indicator, PTZ control output, B4 lens control output, and a Micro Four Thirds lens mount.
Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K Key Features
- Measures 2.57×3.25×2.74 inches, 10.7 lbs.
- Operates up to 2160p30 when operated in Ultra HD or up to 1080p60 when operated in HD.
- Supports SDI camera control protocol allowing full remote control vis single SDI connection.
- Compatible with high quality Micro Four Thirds lenses. Compatible with other mounts via common third party adapters such as B4 broadcast lens mount.
- Includes built in buttons along the front for quick access to menu navigation and settings.
- Includes a 12V power input or users can add an LP-E6 compatible battery for backup power.
- Includes an expansion port with a DB-HD15 connector for power, reference, PTZ and B4 connections.
- Expansion port supports multiple control connections such as PTZ serial output, B4 lens data link output and S.Bus input allowing customers to build customized camera control solutions.
- Built in, two way digital quality talkback connector using iPhone compatible headsets.
- Compatible with ATEM range of live production switchers for full SDI control of cameras.
Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K Performance
Blackmagic claims virtually no color loss when shooting regular HD, with full bandwidth RGB HD color and superior sub pixel anti-aliasing. The result is said to be comparable to or even better than the fine detail attainable with bigger, more expensive studio cameras.
The camera accepts Micro Four Thirds mount lenses—and others via adapters such as the B4 for traditional broadcast lenses—making it well-suited for a variety of multi-camera applications, including reality TV shows, news magazines, concerts and sport events. Thanks to its diminutive dimensions it can be hidden anywhere on the set, offering more camera angle options. They could also be mounted onto drones and flown overhead during sporting and other events.
The Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K body is constructed of magnesium alloy, and the body is only slightly larger than the lens mount. You can control the camera remotely via a switcher using Blackmagic’s SDI control protocol and 6G-SDI output. With this you can change camera settings such as gamma, lens, focus, iris, zoom and more from any ATEM switcher.
A new expansion port enables remote operation. There are multiple control connections, such as a PTZ serial output connection that can be used with motorized heads, and a B4 data link output for remote control of broadcast lenses.
The Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K costs $1,295, and will be available soon from Adorama. Pre-orders are being accepted and the camera will ship on a first-come, first-served basis.
