Blackmagic Design unveils Studio Camera 4K Plus G2
Blackmagic Design used IBC2023 to introduce the Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Plus G2, an updated studio camera model which adds 12G-SDI, allowing customers to connect it to SDI-based switchers such as ATEM Constellation.
The new model also adds support for remote camera control over networks via REST APIs and talkback on 3.5mm headsets. Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Plus G2 retains the same 4K digital film sensor with 13 stops of dynamic range, MFT lens mount and compact all-in-one design of the previous model.
Blackmagic Studio Cameras have the same features as large studio cameras, miniaturised into a single compact and portable design. Plus with digital film camera dynamic range and colour science, they can handle difficult lighting conditions while producing cinematic looking images. The sensor features an ISO up to 25,600 so customers can create high-quality images even in dimly lit venues. Advanced features include talkback, tally, camera control, built-in colour corrector, Blackmagic RAW recording to USB disks, live streaming and more.
While Blackmagic Studio Camera is designed for live production, it’s not limited to use with a live switcher. That’s because it records Blackmagic RAW to USB disks, so it can be used in any situation where customers use a tripod. The 7in viewfinder makes it suitable for work such as sports, chat shows, television production, broadcast news, education and conference presentations. The large bright display with side handles, touchscreen and physical controls makes it easy to track shots while being comfortable to use for long periods of time.
With 13 stops of dynamic range, the camera has darker blacks and brighter whites, perfect for colour correction. Designed for both HD and Ultra HD production, the 4K models feature a resolution of 3840×2160 and the 6K model has a resolution of 6144×3456. All models support 23.98 to 60fps.
With the EF or MFT lens mounts, Blackmagic Studio Cameras are compatible with a wide range of photographic lenses. To eliminate the need to reach around to adjust the lens manually, the optional focus and zoom demands let customers adjust the lens from the tripod handles just like a large studio camera.
The camera features a high-speed USB-C expansion port that allows customers to record to external disks, control the camera via a network or connect to a wide range of accessories. Plug in an external USB flash disk and the camera can record high-quality 12-bit Blackmagic RAW files for later editing and colour correction. That means users can move the disk to a computer to work, and don’t need to spend time copying files.
“Customers loved the simplicity of a broadcast-style workflow using HDMI on the original Studio Camera 4K Plus but we really wanted to build an upgrade path for those customers when they want to move up to bigger switchers,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “That’s what we’ve done by adding support for SDI and talkback on 3.5mm headsets to this new model. Plus with support for simple REST APIs over a network, customers now have access to an easy-to-use remote camera control solution. Now more customers have access to a high-end broadcast workflow in their live productions. We can’t wait to see what our customers create.”