Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G HDR Overview

Take your camera to the next level with the Video Assist 17.8 cm 12G-SDI/HDMI HDR Recording Monitor from Blackmagic Design. This monitor features a bright 17.8 cm display with 2500 cd/m² brightness to help you frame and focus your shots, as well as 12G-SDI and HDMI inputs for recording the video output from professional and consumer cameras. Additionally, two balanced 3-pin mini-XLR inputs with 48V phantom power support provide a crisp audio recording. The monitor can monitor and record HDR video up to DCI 4K, UHD 4K, 2K, or HD 10-bit 4:2:2, and up to 16 channels of embedded 24-bit 48 kHz audio. Plus, Blackmagic Raw recording is available for select Canon, FUJIFILM, Nikon, Panasonic, and SIGMA cameras.

The Video Assist records using dual high-speed UHS-II SD slots to SDHC/XC memory cards. You can also use the USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port to record to an external drive, as well as use it for configuring and upgrading the monitor. Video is recorded using industry-standard Apple ProRes (HQ, 422, LT, or Proxy) and Avid DNxHD and DNxHR codecs.

USB Webcam Output with Firmware Update 3.3

In firmware version 3.3, Blackmagic has introduced USB webcam output, allowing for Video Assist to send a full 1080p signal to your computer over USB using a streaming-friendly format. Also added is an audio monitoring channel selection. This 17.8 cm version also gains XLR audio mapping to different channels and XLR external timecode.

Bright 17.8 cm Full HD Display

The display features a bright 17.8 cm 1920 x 1200 display with 2500 cd/m² brightness for evaluating your shots. On-screen controls allow you to vary the brightness and contrast depending on the shooting situation.

4K Support

Monitor and record DCI 4K, UHD 4K, 2K, and HD resolutions with 10-bit 4:2:2 HDR support. 3D LUTs are also supported

12G-SDI and HDMI Connections

Video and audio are captured using 12G-SDI and HDMI 1.4 inputs, allowing you to record from professional cameras and camcorders, as well as popular DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The 12G-SDI BNC input even allows you to monitor Ultra HD footage. Loop-through outputs are provided so you can simultaneously display the live video or recorded clips on larger screens like 4K, 2K, or HD broadcast monitors or HDMI projectors while you monitor and record on the Video Assist. Up to eight channels of audio are embedded in the output and can also be monitored on headphones using the 3.5mm stereo jack.

Power Options

A universal power supply is included so you can use the Video Assist anywhere using the 12 VDC input, or run off two Sony L-series type batteries in the dual battery slots.

Audio Input

The monitor also features two balanced 3-pin mini-XLR inputs with 48V phantom power support for crisp audio recording.

Touchscreen Interface

The display provides intuitive capacitive touchscreen controls. Swipe gestures make it simple and quick to show or hide settings, such as capture resolution and format, as well as screen brightness and contrast. You'll have access to additional controls, recording status, histogram, waveform, vectorscope, battery status, and more. The controls have a semi-transparent overlay, so you can still be able to keep an eye on every part of your shots.

10-Bit 4:2:2 ProRes and DNxHD Recording

The Blackmagic Video Assist records your video at the 10-bit 4:2:2 quality. Files are recorded to dual high-speed UHS-II slots using SDXC/HC cards in Apple ProRes (HQ, 422, LT, Proxy) or DNxHD and DNxHR codecs. These are industry-standard formats, so you can start editing immediately without having to convert the files.

Blackmagic Raw

This monitor supports Blackmagic Raw recording for select cameras including:

• Canon EOS C300 Mark II
• FUJIFILM GFX100, FUJIFILM GFX100S
• Nikon Z6, Z6 II, Z7, Z7 II
• Panasonic AU-EVA1
• Panasonic LUMIX BS1H
• Panasonic LUMIX S1, S1H
• Panasonic LUMIX S5
• SIGMA fp, SIGMA fp L