Blackmagic introduces new Studio Cameras 4K Plus / 4K Pro
[23:56 Thu,29.July 2021 by blip]
Blackmagic announces several new products for broadcast and live streaming and production, including a new generation of studio cameras. Two models will be released, the slightly simpler Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Plus, which can be combined with ATEM Mini live mixers, and the Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro for professional SDI or HDMI mixers. It offers all the features of the Plus model, but adds 12G SDI, professional XLR audio, a brighter HDR LCD, and 5-pin talkback and 10G Ethernet IP connection.
New features include the ability to record 12bit Blackmagic RAW to external drives via USB-C, so the cameras can theoretically be used in studios without live character. At 1315 euros for the Plus model and 1825 euros for the Pro version, the studio cameras become even more affordable than before.
Both models support tally, camera control and trigger recording via HDMI, for use with ATEM Mini mixers, for example. In addition to an integrated microphone, headphone and microphone ports, there are two USB-C expansion ports and an HDMI output. Also, an internal color corrector.
The built-in 17.78 mm x 10 mm (Four Thirds) 4K sensor has a dynamic range of 13 stops. Gain values range from -12 dB (100 ISO) to +36 dB (25,600 ISO), and gain can be specified by the camera or by a mixer via remote SDI or Ethernet control. Blackmagic Generation 5 Color Science has also been implemented in the new Studio Cameras. Framerates from 23.98 to 60 fps (4K/UHD) are supported.
The 7" touch-enabled display (or viewfinder) has two side handles, as well as knobs for brightness, contrast and focus peaking. Onscreen overlays show status and recording parameters, a histogram, focus peaking indicators, levels, image margin markers and more. For monitoring, 3D LUTs are available with color and looks as desired. The Plus model has a display brightness of 600 cd/m², the Pro model has 2000 cd/m².
The Blackmagic Studio Cameras' common MFT lens mount ensures compatibility with a wide range of affordable photo lenses. Users can add optional Focus and Zoom Demands to the camera to adjust aperture zoom and focus via the tripod handle, similar to expensive B4 broadcast lenses, rather than manually as with large studio cameras. Via USB-C, the new Focus and Zoom Demands are compatible with all Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K models. All Zoom and Focus Demands offer two USB-C ports to connect them in series and connect to the camera via the other USB port.
For power, both models have a 12V DC power connector with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental unplugging. When using the Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro model, the entire camera and accessories can be powered via a single cable, the Ethernet connection. Since Ethernet cables are powered by PoE through the powerful Blackmagic Studio Converter, there is no need to plug the camera into power.
A machined metal tripod thread is found in the carbon fiber-reinforced polycarbonate housing, and a quick-mount plate is included.
Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro
With 12G-SDI, 10GBASE-T Ethernet, talkback and balanced XLR audio inputs, the enhanced Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro model is designed for broadcast workflows. For faster setups, the 10G Ethernet connection alone supports video, tally, talkback and power. This is similar to an SMPTE fiber-optic workflow, but with lower-cost Category 6A Ethernet copper cable.
All signals can be fed into the camera via Ethernet IP link over the same connector -- camera feed, feedback program feed, timecode, reference, tally, talkback, and control are all done over a single cable. On the mixer side, the additional Blackmagic Studio Converter needed converts all video signals and provides power to the Ethernet cable. So you don't have to connect the camera to power separately.
The Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro model also has SDI connections for talkback, so the vision mixer can communicate with the cameras during live events. The talkback port is built into the camera side and supports common 5-pin XLR broadcast headsets.
The professional XLR input for two channels of balanced audio supports line levels of +24 dBu. In addition to an equivalent input noise of -131 dBV(A), they are equipped with an ultra-low noise microphone preamp with P48 phantom power. This is followed by two analog-to-digital converters for HDR at 117 dB for high-end sound as demanded by broadcasters and sound engineers.
The new Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Plus and 4K Pro are said to be available now for €1315 and €1825 respectively. The Blackmagic Focus and Zoom Demands ksten 255 euros each.
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