Last Thursday Blackmagic Design had a live stream where they released some new products for both HD and 4K Live production workflows. As has become the norm, as I watch the live stream I was constantly thinking “I Wants all of these!”. So I thought that I’d write a post about these new products and what a workflow with these new products would entail and how much they will cost. So let’s have a look at what’s new.
Hyperdeck Studio
Blackmagic spent a good chunk of time on their Hyperdeck Studios. There are now 4 models of Hyperdeck Studio, The HD mini, HD Plus, HD Pro, 4K Pro. The Higher up the product stack you go the more features you get. They all have a USB-C port for an SSD port, 2 SD Card/UHS Card slots and can record in Blackmagic’s H.264 SDI format (though not all editing software supports it at this time). They also have both Timecode and Reference in and out.
The HD Mini is limited to 3G SDI and only has one SDI In & Out. This will be great for basic products or if you have large video walls that run off of an SD Card. The HD Plus has 6G SDI Ports with additional an SDI Loop Output, SDI B out (so you can do key and fill) as well as an HDMI Output. The Studio HD Pro has two SSD slots on the front of the unit as well as the SD/UHS Card slots and has a better button layout of the front and a large metal jog wheel. The 4K Version is the same as the HD Pro except that it records 4K at 60 fps and has a redundant power supply.
Studio Camera
Not only did Blackmagic update the Hyperdeck Studio they also updated their Studio Cameras too. They released a 4K version and a 1090P version. Both still have the MFT lens mount and have 2 USB-C ports that allow you to record to SSD as well as use accessories, they still have tally and have improved audio and have improved low light capabilities. They also have a 7″ touch screen on the back with a removable sunshade. Brightness contrast and peaking knobs as well as programable function buttons. You can also load 3D LUTS directly on the cameras.
The 4K (Pro) model has an HDMI output, 1 SDI in 1 SDI out, 10Gb Ethernet and can be powered either using a Blackmagic standard power adaptor, a 4 pin adaptor or PoE (more about that in a sec). It has 2x XLR audio inputs, a 5 pin broadcast headset port as well a 3.5mm microphone and a TRS headset port. They have removed the optical fibre port from the previous model and replaced it with the 10Gb Ethernet port I mentioned earlier.
You can use the port to provide the camera with power, send your video feed to the switcher, receive a program feed as well as a separate HDMI and talk back to the camera by running an ethernet cable to their new Studio Converter. I love this idea as now you can replace your 2 SDI cables, power cable and 2 XLR Cables for talkback with one Ethernet cable that runs to your rack making setup super easy.
The HD model is barren by comparison as it only has a power port, an HDMI out port, two USB-C ports and 2 3.5mm jack for mic and headphones. This model has been designed to work with the ATEM Mini range of switchers.
Blackmagic also announced 2 new accessories for the Studio cameras the Blackmagic Focus Demand and Zoom Demand that enable you to control your focus and zoom without having to reach round to the front of the camera and both connect to the camera via USB-C. The Confusing thing about these (as Blackmagic sticking with MFT) is that there are very few MFT Lens that have electronic zoom built into them and even less with variable speed electronic zoom.
The Cost
So that’s all the new gear but how much is this going to cost and how much as part of a Live Broadcast Kit? Well, wait no further I’ve updated my previous ATEM TV Studio 4K setup and ATEM Mini Extreme ISO setups to include the new gear. you can check them out below.
I’m pretty sure I’ve missed something in both of these tables (if you find it let me know.) but the results are quite remarkable It’s a far simpler setup and, for the Studio 4K setup at least, it’s a fair chunk cheaper, £15,392.85 to be precise. The ATEM Mini Pro ISO is around £77.80 cheaper, nothing to be sniffed at but still not quite as big a saving. That saving on the Studio 4K setup is definitely something that makes that kit list very tempting.
Which of these setups would you be most tempted to go for? What changes would you make? Let me know in the comments below. Don’t forget to check back soon as I’m sure I’ll take a bit more time to dial in the Studio 4K Setup at some point in the not so distant future.
Jim, with a vibrant career spanning 18 years in Customer Services and Event Production, has been on an exhilarating journey. From working in venues across the UK to being the go-to techie for some of his favorite bands, Jim’s passion for live events shines through.
He honed his skills at East Riding College, where he earned a BA in Contemporary Media, Design, and Production. These days, while he may not be as active in the live events industry, Jim keeps a watchful eye on the scene. His dream? To establish his own production house, championing local homegrown talent.
When he’s not immersed in the world of events, Jim enjoys family life with his wife and two children. And every now and then, he gets to share his intriguing discoveries through blog posts.
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