Blackmagic Design updates Studio Camera series

Along with the new 6K Cinema Camera, Blackmagic Design also unveiled two new studio cameras and more at IBC2023.

The first new studio camera is the $1,345 Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Plus G2. This is more of a minor evolution of the previous camera, adding 12G SDI connectivity so that it can be connected to switchers like the ATEM Constellation. Additionally, support for remote camera control via REST API's has been added, along with talkback for 3.5mm headsets.

Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K G2

The camera that has received the biggest overhaul is the Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K G2. The new Micro retains the MFT mount style of the previous model, but upgrades the sensor to 4K resolution, with frame rates up to 60p being available.

Despite its small size, connectivity on the Micro Studio Camera 4K G2 is very good. Image: Blackmagic Design.

Blackmagic claims the camera can capture 13-stops of dynamic range, as well as featuring dual native ISO for a high S/N ratio in low light. ISO values can go as high as 25,600, although clearly this is the maximum the camera is capable of, and not necessarily an indication of how usable the image will be at such a value.

Connectivity wise, the Micro Studio Camera G2 features 12G-SDI to allow 2160/60p to be piped through to switchers and recording devices, as well as sporting a USB-C interface for direct Blackmagic RAW recording to external drives. The camera can also be networked controlled via ethernet. As with all the latest BMD cameras, the Micro G2 features the latest fifth generation colour science, with standard video recording modes being available alongside the Film log profile setting.

Micro Studio Camera 4K G2. Image: Blackmagic Design.

Power can be delivered into the camera via a 12v locking connector, or by Canon E6 style batteries. An adaptor can also be used to allow V-Lock batteries to be used, for much longer remote operation. A neat feature is that the E6 batteries are kept trickle charged when the 12v input is used, so power can't be interrupted if it somehow becomes disconnected from the power supply.

The Micro Studio Camera G2 will be a handy, low cost addition to any studio setup. It can be mounted in places where a full size camera can be awkward, such as overhead setups, or on counter tops in a cooking show scenario, for instance. At $995 it won't break the bank, and it will be available to purchase from October 2023.

ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel 20 and 30

Other new products in BMD's recent IBC announcement include the new ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel 20 and 30 models. According to Blackmagic, the new panels feature a similar design to the 2 M/E and 4 M/E Advanced Panels, but more compact to allow easier installation into any broadcast studio.

The ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel 30. Image: Blackmagic Design.

The number designation for the new panels signifies the number of input buttons. So, the Advanced Panel 20 features 20 input buttons and 2 system control LCDs, while the 30 has 30 input buttons and 3 system control LCDs. Both of the new products have controls for up to 4 upstream keyers, 4 downstream keyers and 4 M/E rows.

The panels giver users full control over the Constellation series switchers, and also feature

• Transition control for quick selection of transition styles
• Fader bar for manual control of transitions.
• Quick selection of wipe styles from the system control LCDs.
• DVE transitions and positioning with joystick.
• Separate system control LCD for each M/E row.

The new ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel's will be available in October, priced from US$3,899.

Blackmagic Videohub 80x80 12G

Lastly, Blackmagic announced the VideoHub 80x80 12G. The VideoHub aims to drastically simplify studio cabling and setup by allowing users to connect and route any combination of SD, HD and Ultra HD on the same router at the same time.

The Blackmagic Videohub 80x80 12G can show users live video of all inputs, with full labelling so it is clear to see which one is being viewed. With 80 inputs and 80 outputs, the system can cater for a huge number of simultaneous connections. What's more, each 12G-SDI input is re-clocked on input to ensure the highest video quality, without dropouts or jitter that can happen over long cable distances.

The Blackmagic 80x80 Videohub 12G. Image: Blackmagic Design.

The router also features

• Zero latency 12G-SDI up to 2160p60.
• Built in control panel with direct entry buttons and spin knob control.
• LCD monitor with live video and labels for visual routing.
• SDI re-clocking on all 12G-SDI inputs.
• Works with Videohub Master Control Pro and Videohub Smart Control Pro control panels.
• Supports Videohub Software Control for Mac, Windows and iPad.
• Includes free SDK for integration into broadcast automation systems.
• 2 x 100 - 240V AC power connections for redundancy.
• Ethernet for remote control from external hardware or software control panels.
• Localized for 13 popular languages.

The Blackmagic VideoHub 80x80 12G will be available from November from US$9,995.