The new Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount Blackmagic 4K Studio Cameras – the 4K Plus and 4K Pro – feature a compact and portable design that Blackmagic says “will help a wider range of live production customers who need cameras with professional features that are also fast to setup on location.”
Features
Both cameras share most of the same design features, with the main difference being that the 4K Pro version includes 12G-SDI connections, professional XLR audio, a brighter HDR LCD, and 5 pin talkback and 10G Ethernet IP link.
The native 4K sensor features a resolution of 4096 x 2160 23.98 fps up to 60 fps and boasts 13-stops of dynamic range and up to 25,600 ISO with gain from -12dB (100 ISO) up to +36dB (25,600 ISO) which is optimized to reduce grain and noise in images, while maintaining the full dynamic range of the sensor.
Gain can be set from either the camera (4K Plus/Pro version), or remotely from a switcher using the SDI or Ethernet remote camera control (4K Pro version).
Both cameras also feature Blackmagic’s generation 5 colour science (providing the same imaging technology used in digital film cameras) and a built-in colour corrector that can also be controlled from a ATEM Mini video switcher over HDMI.
When on location, both cameras can also record 12-bit Blackmagic RAW to USB disks via the high speed USB-C expansion port without the need for a switcher.
The 7″ viewfinder features a large, bright display with side handles, touch screen operation with menus for camera settings as well as physical control knobs for brightness, contrast and focus peaking control.
The on screen overlays show status and record parameters, histogram, focus peaking indicators, levels, frame guides and more and also allows users to apply 3D LUTs for monitoring shots with the desired colour and look.
The body itself is constructed with lightweight carbon fiber reinforced with polycarbonate and features a tripod mount with mounting plate allowing for faster set-up.
Thanks to the MFT lens mount users are able to mount a wide range of high quality photographic lenses.
To eliminate the need to reach around to adjust the lens zoom and focus, the optional focus demand and zoom demand allows users to adjust the lens from the tripod handles, similar to what is found on a larger studio camera.
The focus and zoom demands have USB-C connections allowing them to work with all Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K models and can be daisy chained to connect to the camera with a single USB connection.
Both models feature built-in shock and wind resistant microphones and a 3.5mm audio input, for connecting video camera microphones, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The 4K Pro model’s two channel balanced XLR inputs support +24 dBu line level, feature an ultra low noise microphone preamplifier with P48 phantom power, and two 117 dB high dynamic range analog to digital converters.
Connections
Both models also feature HDMI with tally, camera control and record trigger, headphone and mic connections, and 2 USB-C expansion ports.
Because it is designed for broadcast workflows, the 4K Pro model also has 12G-SDI, 10GBASE-T Ethernet, talkback and balanced XLR audio inputs.
The built-in talkback connector on the 4K Pro supports standard 5 pin XLR broadcast headsets and allows the switcher operator to communicate with the camera operators directly during live events.
The 4K Pro’s 10G Ethernet port uses a standard Category 6A copper Ethernet cable to provide video, program return feeds, tally, talkback, camera control and power as well as the ability to connect multiple cameras via a single Ethernet cable.
A separate Blackmagic Studio Converter handles all video conversions at the switcher end as well as adding power to the Ethernet cable eliminating the need to connect power to the camera.
For situations where an ethernet connection isn’t possible, both models feature a common 12V DC locking power connector.
Blackmagic Studio Cameras Features
Image Credits: Blackmagic Design
