We’re at the IBC 2019 trade show and we’re already seeing exciting new kit from Blackmagic
Today, Blackmagic has taken the wraps off some new pro video kit – the new ATEM Mini, a switcher designed for smaller productions and the Video Assist 12G HDR, a versatile monitor and recorder.
Let’s take a closer look at these new products in more detail!
Blackmagic ATEM Mini
Blackmagic’s ATEM Mini, pictured above, is designed to facilitate multi-camera setups for lower-budget productions. It’s geared towards YouTubers, streamers and even business presenters who want the flash of multi-camera shooting but don’t have the budget to buy or hire high-end professional kit.
Once you connect the ATEM Mini, you can switch live between four high-quality video inputs. You can also connect it to a computer if you want to drop in PowerPoint slides, or add a gaming console for streaming on platforms such as Twitch. Its built-in DVE allows for picture-in-picture effects (ideal for live commentary and “reaction” videos).
The ATEM Mini’s USB output functions like a webcam, making it easy to connect to a computer for streaming, and there’s also an HDMI out for projectors.
It’s designed for users who may not have much experience working with a tool like a switcher – every input and output is clearly labelled, and the controls and large and tactile, designed to be operated by feel. There are audio mixer buttons for live audio mixing, and additional microphone inputs for lapel or desktop mics.
We’re looking forward to seeing more of the ATEM Mini – it looks as though it has the potential to be a real game-changer for smaller content producers looking to add a little more professional gloss to their projects.
The ATEM Mini will be carrying a starting RRP of £306.
Click here to pre-order the Blackmagic ATEM Mini
Video Assist 12G HDR
Also new from Blackmagic, the Video Assist 12G HDR adds professional monitoring and recording to any SDI or HDMI camera in all HD, Ultra HD, 2K and 4K DCI formats. It’s available in 5-inch and 7-inch variations, and these two models offer mostly the same functionality and features, though the 7-inch version does find room for two SD card slots.
Newly designed, the Video Assist 12G HDR boasts a brighter touchscreen (2500 nits) specifically optimised for HDR work and to be usable in daylight. There’s also a tally indicator, four built-in scopes, improved focus-assist features, 3D LUTs and native Blackmagic RAW recording. Batteries have been upgraded, and the Video Assist 12G HDR also supports Sony L-series batteries – dual battery slots in both models also make it easy to swap batteries without interrupting recording.
Both of the models are equipped with 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0, meaning, to quote Blackmagic, “you get support for recording from virtually any device in all formats up to 2160p60.”
There are plenty of extra features to note – a front-panel speaker, a side-mounted headphone jack, a user-friendly LCD interface, direct recording to USB-C media, post-production-friendly file formats, and more. It’s fair to say we’re excited to see more of the Video Assist 12G HDR, and hopefully, we’ll be able to bring you a hands-on test in the future. It’ll be available for a starting price of £786.
Click here to pre-order the Blackmagic Video Assist 5-inch monitor
Click here to pre-order the Blackmagic Video Assists 7-inch monitor
About the Author
Jon Stapley is a professional journalist with a wealth of experience in a number of photography titles including Amateur Photographer, Digital Camera World and What Digital Camera.
Related articles
IBC 2019: Panasonic LUMIX confirm RAW output for the S1H
IBC 2019: Introducing the Sony FX9, the full-frame successor to the FS7/FS7 II
Blackmagic Announce a 6K S35 Version of the Pocket Cinema Camera
