Blackmagic launches an economical version of its popular Video Assist 3G

The new models feature image monitoring, better recording codecs, indicators and focusing tools for all types of cameras.

Blackmagic Design launches the new models Video Assist 3G, which are cheaper versions of their popular portable recording and monitoring. These include graphical representations, optimized batteries and 3G SDI and HDMI connections for SD/HD formats at a more affordable price.

All Video Assist models have a touch screen that allows you to record and play clips, ver graphical representations y adjust focus functions. The 7-inch versions include analog audio inputs and two SD card slots for seamless recording. Likewise, all versions have a luz tally in the back, alspeaker on front panel and one headphone connection. Video Assist devices have two compartments for L series batteries (Sony), so it is possible to change them without stopping recording.

Video Assist models include bright touch screens 5 and 7 inches that make it easier to frame shots and allow you to focus accurately. These display important information during shooting, such as time code, playback controls, VU meters, and a histogram for evaluating exposure. You can even customize the screen by adding or removing different options, such as the name of the open file, the focus indicator, the zebra and false color function, framing guides or conversion tables. These tables allow you to monitor shots with the desired appearance and color, and can also be integrated into the file if necessary.

Video Assist line products use common SD cards, simplifying storage on easy-to-purchase media. Additionally, the files generated are small, so longer recording times are possible on such drives or UHS-II versions. On the other hand, the 7-inch models have two slots that make it easy to replace the cards, even during recording, in order to avoid interruptions. These storage media offer great speed at an affordable price.

The Blackmagic Video Assist models are ideal as a complement to any common camera, as they offer a large bright 2500 nits screen y fprofessional anointings that facilitate focus, as well as better quality formats. Additionally, they are a great solution for older professional cameras, allowing you to record in modern file formats such as ProRes and DNx for use with the latest editing programs. On the other hand, the HDMI and 12G SDI inputs of these devices provide the possibility of connecting them to all types of cameras, whether common, professional or even DSLR.

The innovative touch screen provides absolute control. The device's interface includes buttons to record and start/stop playback, as well as a short timeline that allows you to scroll through images more easily. It is even possible to slide your finger on the screen to move forward or backward. It also displays volume indicators, time code, signal format, and storage unit status. You can also view various graphical indicators, activate focus and exposure wizards, and load or save three-dimensional LUTs.

All Video Assist devices offer a wide variety of connections for SD and HD signals, and also for UHD in 12G SDI versions. For its part, the HDMI port provides compatibility with common projectors and televisions. The 7-inch devices include mini XLR inputs for microphones and external audio consoles. In addition, all versions include a 12 V connection for direct current, and the 12G models have a connector for power supplies with a safety mechanism.

Video Assist models generate open format files, which avoids carrying out the transcoding process. In addition, they can be used in all post-production programs available on the market, so you can work with your favorite software, for example, DaVinci Resolve Studio.

On the other hand, these devices allow record in ProRes or 10-bit DNx or Blackmagic RAW format 12-bit (12G HDR SDI models) on compatible cameras. It should be noted that the files are compatible with all operating systems.

The Video Assist line devices include graphical representations of the signal that allow achieving precise exposure level in cameras and, likewise, guarantee compliance with broadcasting regulations. In this sense, they function as a portable waveform monitor that provides the ability to view the luminance level of the source or reproduced signal. On the other hand, the vectorscopio displays color intensity at a 100% SDI reference level. In turn, the RGB graph is ideal for establishing appropriate chromatic levels, while the histogram provides information about the loss of details or the distribution of lights and shadows in the image. It should be noted that these indicators can be superimposed on the image, and in turn it can be displayed in a small window in the upper right part of each of them.

When recording, digital film cameras use a logarithmic color space to preserve dynamic range, which is ideal for the post-production process. However, when these images are viewed on a monitor, they can appear dull, without much contrast. In this sense, three-dimensional conversion tables are the ideal solution, since they allow you to attribute a certain appearance during filming to have a better idea of ​​how the material will look when edited. The different Video Assist models are compatible with 17 and 33 point three-dimensional conversion tables (.cube). Likewise, it is possible to use those integrated into the devices, for example, Extended Video o Film to Video.

The virtual clapperboard avanzada permite añadir metadatos a cualquier toma con facilidad. Para acceder a ella, basta con deslizar el dedo sobre la pantalla hacia la izquierda o la derecha. Al comenzar y detener la grabación, el número de toma se incrementa automáticamente, a fin de evitar tener que introducirlo de forma manual. A su vez, el número de rollo aumenta cada vez que se formatea una tarjeta. Los metadatos se almacenan en los archivos para poder acceder a ellos desde programas tales como DaVinci Resolve durante la posproducción. En esta aplicación, la bandeja de sincronización del módulo Montaje permite encontrar y sincronizar todas las tomas automáticamente. Basta con desplazarse por la línea de tiempo y seleccionar los clips haciendo clic sobre ellos.

The SDI and HDMI connections support multiple transmission speeds, so they are capable of processing formats in SD (NTSC and PAL), HD 720 (720p50, 59.94), HD 1080 (1080i50, 59.94, 1080p23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60) and even 1080 PsF.

Audio

Video Assist devices record the sound quality much higher than that of most cameras, so it is not necessary to carry additional audio equipment. In SDI formats, it is possible record 2, 4, 8 or 16 channels of audio. For its part, in order to connect microphones, the 7-inch versions have two XLR inputs with phantom power that support a sampling rate of 192 kHz in 16 and 24 bits per sample. In turn, it is possible to change the ballistics of the audio meters (VU or PPM).

In addition, it is extremely easy to use any model since its interface is available in Spanish, English, German, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Turkish and Portuguese.

Files generated on Video Assist devices are compatible with all operating systems and most editing programs. In order to format storage units, the system is used exFAT o HFS+, so that they can connect directly to a computer equipment for the purpose of accessing its content. DaVinci Resolve is ideal for Video Assist models, allowing you to edit, grade, perform audio post-production and create visual effects in a single application.

"We've had a positive response from users regarding the Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR devices, thanks to their varied features. However, many do not need an HDR display or the ability to record in UHD, so we have designed new HD models that include many of the same great tools, but at a lower price. In addition, these also include graphical representations, three-dimensional conversion tables, focus assist, improved L-series battery compartments (Sony), pilot light, speakers and much more,” said Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design.

Main features

• Modern design with quick-to-use touch controls.
• Customization of on-screen options.
• Support for common SD/USH-II cards.
• Optimized monitoring and better recording codecs on different types of cameras.
• Large LCD screen with focusing tools similar to those used in digital cinematography.
• 3G SDI and HDMI connections to record SD and HD images at a maximum resolution of 1080p60.
• Open formats compatible with the most popular editing programs.
• Integrated indicators display waveform, vectorscope, RGB graph or histogram of the signal.
• Three-dimensional LUTs that can be applied when recording and monitoring images.
• Multiple channels for digital and analog audio.
• Interface in 11 languages.
• Compatibility with the most recognized non-linear editing programs, such as DaVinci Resolve.