When Blackmagic Design announced its low-cost Video Assist 4K and Video Assist monitor/recorders, they lacked many of the professional features we see in Atomos, Convergent Design and Video Devices from Sound Devices. With the release of firmware 2.5, they've inched closer to include professional vectorscope, waveform monitor, RGB parade and histogram.
Blackmagic Design Video Assist 4K
The update, which only effects the Video Assist 4K, allows scopes to be used in full screen or as an overlay on top of the video. Additionally, if using anamorphic lenses, they've included desqueeze options and a "display blue only" command for 3D LUTs (they added the ability to load six 3D LUTs with update 2.3).
Currently priced under $600, the Video Assist 4K has a 7" 1920 x 1200 LCD and can record internal 10-bit 4:2:2 up to 4K UHD at 30p to high speed UHS-II SDHC/XC memory cards to either Apple ProRes (HQ, 422, LT, Proxy) or Avid DNx codecs. An intuitive touchscreen and easy-to-navigate menu allows you to adjust settings for focus peaking, audio, timecode display, and others. Single 6G-SDI and HDMI inputs/outputs and two balanced mini XLR inputs (with phantom power) provide connectivity support. The unit can run off hot-swappable batteries or AC power.
While the Video Assist 5" 1920 x 1080 monitor lacks 4K UHD internal recording and mini XLR inputs, it can monitor up to 2160p30 over SDI, and right now under $400. You can compare full specs here.
New Video Assist 4K Features
- Multiple Scopes
- Anamorphic Desqueeze
- Blue only for 3D LUTs
Video Assist 4K Tech Specs
- 1920 x 1200 Touchscreen LCD
- Records UHD 4K/HD Up to 30 fps
- 10-Bit, 4:2:2
- HDMI and 6G-SDI Video Inputs
- Dual SD Media Card Slots Supports UHS-II
- Two Mini XLR Inputs with Phantom Power
- Dual LP-E6 Hot-Swappable Battery Slots
- AC Adapter Included
This free upgrade can be downloaded on Blackmagic Design's support page.
Source: Blackmagic Design
