Blackmagic Design Announces Video Assist 12G 7 "and 5" Recorders / Monitors

Blackmagic Design has announced the Video Assist 12G in two sizes: 7 "and 5". The new monitors have an all-metal design with a brighter 2,500-nit display than previous Video Assist models. Both models are touch screens and run the Blackmagic BMD operating system.

A number of feature and feature enhancements should make it an interesting upgrade to previous Video Assist models from the company.

Enhanced screen

The Video Assist 12G display now offers a claimed brightness of 2,500 nits and uses the wide P3 color gamut. This should make them more usable than previous models in bright environments, but also better for HDR workflows.

Tools included

The 12G Video Assist features waveform, RGB, vector, and histogram tools, especially useful for mirrorless cameras that do not necessarily have them integrated. There is also a useful picture-in-picture feature that allows you to preview what you are shooting. at the same time as displaying tools on the screen.

LUTs can also be applied: either temporarily for monitoring only, or they can be burned into files when capturing Blackmagic RAW. There are several built-in functions in Video Assist 12G. You can also import your own custom 3D LUT files.

Blackmagic RAW recording formats and support

Monitors record in single (5 ") or dual (7") SD card slots in a variety of 10: 4: 2: 2 ProRes or DNx formats at resolutions up to 2160p60. Blackmagic's BRAW codec is also supported by Panasonic EVA1 and Canon C300 MkII cameras.

Media options

In addition to SD cards, it is also possible to record directly to a USB key like the Samsung T5 via a USB-C connector. If you use a USB splitter, you can even hold two recordings simultaneously via the USB port. If you disconnect the player, Video Assist will automatically start using the internal SD cards. You may want to break the velcro because no mounting hardware is included.

I / O

Both models feature a full-size HDMI 2.0a input and output. SDI inputs and outputs are also standard, but on the 5 "model, the connectors are micro-BNC. They are full size on the 7 "version. The 7 "model also includes dual dual XLRs for analog audio input and a launcher port. Both models have a 3.5mm headphone jack and a pilot light on the top of the case.

Power

For power, the Video Assist 12G now uses Sony L-type batteries for longer run times than previous models, which used Canon LP-E6 batteries. There are two hot-swappable slots and the monitor will first empty the least charged battery to maximize uptime.

There is also an AC adapter with a lock connector in the box. Both models also have a cooling fan – we do not know how strong it is at the moment, but hopefully it will not be too noisy, even with all those pixels flying.

Mounting options

The top and bottom of each unit have three 1/4 "-20 jacks for mounting on magic arms. It also seems possible to secure third cages securely via these connections.

Price and availability

The Video Assist 12G 7 "will cost $ 995 and the 5" model will sell for $ 795. Both will be available in October.