
Review Summary
2020-08-24T08:11:49
Super crisp image, great for mobile recording, easy to use!
TYLER C.
2020-04-23T06:25:19
Great product EXCEPT it doesn't accept most SD cards. It only works with tested SD cards listed on the Blackmagic Design website. Those SD cards can be found starting at $100+ with the price going up as they become more scarce. Many of those cards have been discontinued and Blackmagic support says their will be no more firmware updates or supported cards in the future. I returned this product and got an Atomos which works with SSD drives.
Jim S.
2019-12-12T11:32:28
I would have loved for an SD card to come with it. Noe No problems yet
CLIFTON L.
2019-05-21T09:24:55
Works as detailed. On/Off button is a little challenging but not a deal breaker. Prores images have been superior to AVCHD.
Jim C.
2019-01-09T01:15:03
Great way to capture prores video from dslrs. Only complaint is the need to get very specific memory cards that are compatible.
GARRETT E.
2018-12-03T08:04:54
Does as states, provides onscreen menu options for play, record and camera adjustments with a bright clear screen. If you have an old comparable DSLR you want to take HD video with, this is a great way to go.
Jason J.
2018-10-22T08:31:01
I would recommend to spend a few more dollars and get a SmallHD 502 bright. I bought one instead
Gustav K.
2018-10-15T17:49:03
Great monitor, not too heavy and not super bright for outdoors, but awesome for recording.
Robert M.
2017-05-16T12:04:38
There's something about Blackmagic's attention to detail and quality. The monitor is sturdy, has a bright picture and faithful reproduction of the video source fed into it. Caveat: not every camera or source can output a full image via HDMI but that is not the fault of the monitor. Check your specs for compatibility before you buy, but the monitor is one solid little piece of gear.
Dennis W.
2016-01-27T07:37:36
I'm using this with a Nikon D810 which outputs 8-bit 1080P/60 at 4:2:2 over HDMI. I could not find any other HDMI recorder on the market today that can handle that frame rate at 1080 for less than double the VA's price. I'm looking at you, Atomos. The D810 handshakes with Atomos products for start/stop handshaking but then I'd lose the frame rate. You can see the results of frame rate when watching a video but you don't see how you started the recording. Therefore, BlackMagic won this round. The VA works very well in combination with the recommended SanDisk Extreme Pro SD cards; there are no dropouts at ProRes HQ or below. The screen is extremely clear (looking similar to my iPhone's and iPad's Retina screens) and the touch function is perfectly responsive. The build quality is superb. Setting the clock on the Video Assist is quirky but can be accomplished with a simple work around. The new settings did not take when I first tried setting the clock and date, but it does work if I have an HDMI signal feeding into the VA. My VA came with firmware 1.1 pre-installed. A version of Da Vinci Resolve ships with the VA and it is MASSIVELY full featured. I need to spend a few hours watching instructional videos because at the moment I know exactly what I want to accomplish in my editing but have little luck locating the appropriate controls. I am already very fluent in PhotoShop and Lightroom, so maybe the way I'll get a familiar user interface is to switch to Adobe Premiere.
ANTHONY A.
2015-12-23T17:55:26
I originally purchased this to use with a Canon 60D running Magic Lantern (in order to disable the overlays). However, as I suspected from doing research beforehand the 60D (and most Canon DSLRs besides the 5D) can only output a 1620x1080 60i signal. This requires you to scale up the image by about 19% to fill a 16:9 1080 frame, which makes the already soft Canon footage even softer. As well, the deinterlacing complicates editing a bit, and means you'll have to drop or merge frames if you want to output 24p. Because of all this, the image quality recorded by the Video Assist generally looked worse than the internal recording, even in ProRes HQ. However, using this with the Panasonic GH4 is a dream. You have full control over the HDMI output signal on the GH4, including disabling overlays, and the 10-bit 4:2:2 output recorded in ProRes HQ does provide notable improvements over the 8-bit 4:2:0 internal codec recordings, especially when using the new VLog-L picture profile. In fact, from my tests and word around the web, a 10-bit recorder is a must to take full advantage of the flat VLog-L profile, otherwise you'll start to see gradient banding when adding contrast back in during color grading. I've found the highest quality video comes from downscaling the HDMI output to 1080p while in 4K video mode (an option in the HDMI Output Recording menu). This footage comes out surprisingly sharper than just outputting in 1080 mode, and the noise pattern is much smaller, though there is about a 10% reduction in FOV in this mode. As for the recorder itself, the color on screen differs a bit from what the camera is showing (often the Video Assist appears a bit green tinted), however the footage recorded internally to the camera and externally to the Video Assist does match. This leads me to believe the screen calibration is a bit off and while minor I wouldn't want to set white balance by eye using the Video Assist. The build quality is phenomenal though, and the touchscreen is responsive. As noted by others, the battery life is a bit lacking (you'll get 1-2 hours on two LP-E6 batteries depending on your recording time), but the batteries drain one at a time so you can hot swap in replacements as needed. The fan noise is minimal and is more air turbulence than fan whine (like a laptop). Focus peaking could use some work as the edge detection seems a bit weak compared to the GH4, and the overlay is often hard to see (no option to change the color from the default neon green). Zebras work great though and match the GH4. You absolutely need the highest speed UHS-I SD card to record ProRes HQ (and likely regular ProRes). The fast card I currently have has an average write speed of 60-70 MB/s and it still frequently drops frames if there is any significant camera motion. I have the Blackmagic recommended Sandisk Extreme Pro on the way (advertised write speed of 90 MB/s). If you have a camera that is designed to work with external records (not just output to an HDTV as most lower-end cameras are), and can output a clean HDMI signal at higher bit-depth and color sampling, then this could significantly improve the image quality of your footage. If your camera can't output a signal beyond the bit-depth and color sampling that it records internally, then you will likely not see a big benefit to recording externally with the Video Assist unless your internal codec also records at a low bit-rate (say, 30Mbps or less). However, in this situation the Video Assist could still serve as an excellent external monitor for pulling focus, though there are cheaper options. The Video Assist is not a silver bullet to make a low-end DSLR suddenly create beautiful 250Mbps, 10-bit, 4:2:2 1080p60 footage. Your camera really has to be able to take advantage of a recorder like this to make your investment worthwhile. The GH4 happens to be one of them, but make sure to do your research or you will be disappointed (mostly with your camera, not the Video Assist).
CHRISTOPHER G.
2015-10-29T07:08:30
First thing I want to make clear .. Check which SD cards are recommended by Black Magic Design before buying any I got the Lexar X1000 cards and they were not recognized at all by the device But luckily My Canon 6D's and Sony RX 10 mk II does. So no real loss there. I did end up getting 2 new SanDisk Extreme 95 MB/s Cards and they work Great.. Just too little storage for beyond 40 minutes of ProRes HQ footage. I will be testing the 128 version of those cards in the VERY near future.. Its small compact has a little heft due to being made of metal. Love the fact you can charge batteries with it (when on power) Screen is Very bright Clear and the menus are clean and easily removed for a nice clean view of your recording. Outside of the issue with the memory cards this is a well welcomed addition to any DSLR owner . My biggest issue has nothing to do with this device but my Canon 6D it does not have full frame HDMI out. Which makes this useless for those cameras lucky the Sony has a beautiful image.. I can answer questions if need be.
HAL W.
1 x SD/HD/3G/6G-SDI via DIN 1.0/2.3 connector
1 x SD/HD/3G/6G-SDI via DIN 1.0/2.3 connector
1 x HDMI type A connector
1 x HDMI type A connector
16 channels embedded in SD and HD in QuickTime files, 2 channels in Avid DNxHD MXF files
16 channels embedded in SD and HD in QuickTime files, 2 channels in Avid DNxHD MXF files
2 channels embedded in SD and HD QuickTime files and Avid DNxHD MXF files
2 channels embedded in SD and HD QuickTime files and Avid DNxHD MXF files
1 x 3.5 mm stereo analog audio output jack
1 x UHS-1 SD slot
Removable SDXC UHS-1 and SDHC UHS-1 card
Supports DS, HS, SDR12, SDR25, DDR50, SDR50 and SDR104 SD cards
Integrated capacitive touch LCD screen with onscreen controls for settings and navigating menus
5" 1920 x 1080p60 capacitive touchscreen LCD
Recorder Via the device's USB port or the device's user interface
1 x Mini-B USB 2.0 connector for initial setup, software updates and HyperDeck Utility software control
Supports: ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, ProRes 422 LT, ProRes Proxy, DNxHD 220x, DNxHD 145, DNxHD 45, DNxHD 220x MXF, DNxHD 145 MXF, DNxHD 45 MXF
625/50i PAL, 525/59.94i NTSC
625/50i PAL, 525/59.94i NTSC
1280 x 720p50, 1280 x 720p59.94, 1280 x 720p60, 1920 x 1080i50, 1920 x 1080i59.94, 1920 x 1080i60, 1920 x 1080PsF23.98, 1920 x 1080PsF24, 1920 x 1080p23.98, 1920 x 1080p24, 1920 x 1080p25, 1920 x 1080p29.97, 1920 x 1080p30, 1920 x 1080p50, 1920 x 1080p59.94, 1920 x 1080p60
1280 x 720p50, 1280 x 720p59.94, 1280 x 720p60, 1920 x 1080i50, 1920 x 1080i59.94, 1920 x 1080i60, 1920 x 1080PsF23.98, 1920 x 1080PsF24, 1920 x 1080p23.98, 1920 x 1080p24, 1920 x 1080p25, 1920 x 1080p29.97, 1920 x 1080p30, 1920 x 1080p50, 1920 x 1080p59.94, 1920 x 1080p60
SMPTE 259M, SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 296M, SMPTE 425M
HD RP188 and closed captioning
Television standard sample rate of 48 kHz and 24-bit
4:2:2 YUV
10-bit
REC 601, REC 709
SDI and HDMI switches between 270 Mb/s SD , 1.5 Gb/s HD , and 3.0 Gb/s 60P HD
10-bit
HDMI input is unable to capture from copy protected HDMI sources
Always confirm copyright ownership before capture or distribution of content
Mac OSX 10.9 Mavericks
Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite or later
Windows 7 or Windows 8
2 x rechargeable LP-E6 Lithium-Ion batteries
12V universal power supply included with international socket adapters or all countries
5 to 40 C (41 to 104 F)
Minus 20 to 45 C (-4 to 113 F)
0% to 90% non-condensing
5.63 x 1.20 x 3.54" (14.3cm x 3.04cm x 9cm)
12.77oz (0.36kg)
9338716003383
Great recorder for 1080p/60
By ANTHONY A.
I'm using this with a Nikon D810 which outputs 8-bit 1080P/60 at 4:2:2 over HDMI. I could not find any other HDMI recorder on the market today that can handle that frame rate at 1080 for less than double the VA's price. I'm looking at you, Atomos. The D810 handshakes with Atomos products for start/stop handshaking but then I'd lose the frame rate. You can see the results of frame rate when watching a video but you don't see how you started the recording. Therefore, BlackMagic won this round. ...
View full Review
Go for upgrading DSLR to HD
By Jason J.
Does as states, provides onscreen menu options for play, record and camera adjustments with a bright clear screen. If you have an old comparable DSLR you want to take HD video with, this is a great way to go.
Blackmagic Video Assist adds professional monitoring and high quality recording to any camera. SDI and HDMI inputs mean you can connect to any video camera or DSLR's. The 5" full resolution HD monitor ensures perfect focus and framing and the professional ProRes and DNxHD recorder uses high speed SD cards and saves files compatible with modern NLE software. The touchscreen allows settings, histogram, audio meters, timecode display and much more. Slots for dual LP-E6 batteries.
High Resolution, Large Monitor for Perfect Focus and Framing
Now it's easy to add professional monitoring and recording to your camera with the Blackmagic Video Assist! With a bright 5 inch high resolution 1920 x 1080 monitor, Blackmagic Video Assist can be added to any camera to ensure perfect focus and framing. The built in recorder uses high speed SD cards to record professional ProRes and DNxHD files with incredible quality and 10 bit color depth! Blackmagic Video Assist works with any camera where you need better monitoring and more professional high quality file recording.
Shoot Better Video - See and Capture Every Detail with Confidence
Whether it's a wedding, an indie film, or a television commercial, you need to make sure your images are perfectly sharp and captured at the highest possible quality, no matter what type of camera you use. The Blackmagic Video Assist works with everything from DSLR's to older tape based camcorders, and even the latest digital film cameras. When you're shooting a wedding, there's only one chance to get it right and if you're an indie filmmaker, you want your film to look as good as a Hollywood movie when projected at festivals. The Blackmagic Video Assist helps you make sure every shot is in focus and gives you professional images with the quality used by major motion pictures and prime time TV shows!
Professional HD Recorder - 10-bit 4:2:2 ProRes and DNxHD Recording
The Blackmagic Video Assist records your video at the highest 10-bit 4:2:2 quality, which means that you get incredible color, clarity and detail. Files are recorded on fast, inexpensive and readily available SD cards and saved as standard ProRes HQ or DNxHD files so you can start editing immediately without having to convert the files. Recording is automatically triggered on your Blackmagic Video Assist using your video camera's start/stop button, so you can remain focused on getting the shot without having to worry about operating additional gear!
Better Monitoring - Super Bright and Clear HD Display
The Blackmagic Video Assist has a bright 5 inch 1920 x 1080 high resolution display so you don't have to carry extra on set monitors and scopes. You can mount it on cameras as a large monitor for the crew, hand it to the cinematographer for composing the shot, or set it in front of the director to review each take. The screen has a wide 135 degree viewing angle, which means it's easy to see, even when several crew members are watching. Plus, the image auto rotates so no matter which way you set it up your cables always plug into the side you need them to. You can view any SD or HD format and, since it includes a 6G-SDI connection, you can even monitor Ultra HD!
Easy Touchscreen Controls - Use Simple Tap and Swipe Gestures to Make Adjustments
The built in monitor is also an interactive touchscreen that makes setting up the Blackmagic Video Assist incredibly intuitive. All of the functions are at your fingertips allowing you to use simple swipe gestures to display camera information, change settings and evaluate audio and video levels. The elegant heads up display is a semi transparent overlay that lets you change recording formats or view the current input frame rate, histogram, audio meters, timecode, and more, all while still keeping your eyes on the shot!
Portable All-in-One Design - Integrated On-Set Monitoring and Recording
Designed to be durable and light weight, Video Assist is incredibly small yet still incorporates a bright 5 inch 1920 x 1080 LCD monitor and touchscreen. It includes a built in high speed SD recorder and space for two rechargeable batteries which are hot swappable so you always have a battery to keep the shoot going. You can use the mounting points to attach it to the top of a camera or use the built in kick stand to set it up on a table. It's even comfortable enough to hold in your hands so you can pass it around to crew members, letting everyone from the cinematographer to the boom operator see the shot!
Video, Audio and Power Connections - Connect to Professional Cameras, Camcorders and DSLR's
The compact design of the Blackmagic Video Assist includes HDMI and 6G-SDI inputs so you can record from virtually any video camera or DSLR. The loop through output lets you monitor on larger HD broadcast displays or HDMI projectors. Audio can be monitored from the 3.5mm stereo headphone jack and for studio shoots, the 12V universal power supply gives you continuous operation. When you're on location the two side by side LP-E6 battery slots let you go completely mobile and give you enough power for longer shoots!
High Speed SD Card - Low Cost, High Performance Storage
The built in recorder uses SD memory cards which are even fast enough to capture and playback high frame rate 1080 HD video at 60 frames per second! That means you can use low cost removable media that's less than $1 per GB. SD cards are readily available and allow you to record up to 3 hrs of 1080p24 ProRes HQ on a single 256GB card! By connecting the Blackmagic Video Assist to your existing camera, you can eliminate proprietary and expensive media such as XDCAM, P2 and SXS. SD cards can even be mounted directly on your computer, so you don't have to deal with external card readers or docking units!
Work with Professional Software
The Blackmagic Video Assist captures ProRes 422 HQ and Avid DNxHD MXF files which are the most widely accepted post production video formats in the world. If you are working with popular editing software such as DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere Pro or Avid Media Composer, you can start editing and color correcting without having to transcode or convert the files. Since it comes bundled with DaVinci Resolve Lite, you can begin editing and creating looks on set! Even motion graphics and visual effects artists using software like Fusion and After Effects, or sound editors using ProTools can easily work with the files for fantastic collaboration!
On-Set Monitoring Recording and Playback
The Blackmagic Video Assist is the perfect accessory for any camera because it gives you everything you need to properly frame, focus and capture your shots! Any production using a DVCPRO, HDCAM or even a brand new full frame DSLR camera will instantly benefit from the larger high resolution screen and can use it to record professional quality ProRes or DNxHD video with full 10 bit quality. If you're using a true digital film camera, like the Blackmagic URSA, you can use the Video Assist to record HD while your camera simultaneously records RAW, allowing you to future proof every production and still quickly deliver incredible quality HD today.
Aluminum Metal Frame - Light Weight, Durable Construction
The frame of the Blackmagic Video Assist is made from aircraft grade aluminum which means you get an incredibly sturdy metal that barely adds any weight to your camera. The aluminum is precision machined into the intricate shape needed to house the connections and touchscreen display. It's also extremely strong, which makes it perfect for bracing the mounting points. You get a heavy duty metal that is comfortable enough to hold in your hand and still light enough to be mounted on even the smallest rig.
Large 5-Inch HD Monitor
The entire front of the Blackmagic Video Assist features the built in display, giving you a big bright monitor for clearly evaluating every shot. The on screen controls allow you to vary the brightness and contrast so it's perfect for shooting indoors or out. The wide 135 viewing angle makes it easy for multiple members of the crew to watch it at the same time. It even auto rotates so no matter which way you set it up the picture is always displayed correctly.
Touchscreen Control - Modern and Intuitive User Interface
The built in display is also an incredibly intuitive and responsive capacitive touchscreen, which is used to configure and control the Video Assist. Swipe gestures make it simple and quick to show or hide settings for the capture resolution and format as well as brightness and contrast of the screen. Swipe in another direction and you'll have access to transport controls, recording status, histogram, audio level, timecode, battery status, and more. Best of all, the controls are overlaid using a semi transparent heads up display, which allows you to always keep an eye on your shot!
Uninterruptible Power
The Blackmagic Video Assist includes a universal 110V - 240V power supply so you can use it anywhere. When connected to the 12V DC input you get continuous power or you can run it off of dual Canon compatible LP-E6 rechargeable batteries. Intelligent battery management will use the battery with less charge first, then immediately switch to the other battery without interrupting recording. When connected to AC power, the batteries can be charged in parallel while the Video Assist is still being used. That means you never have to turn the Video Assist monitor off while you're on a shoot!