Micro Studio Camera 4K G2 - BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 12G

I finally received my Micro Studio Camera 4k G2 and am trying to connect this with a BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 12G Micro Converter to get program return set up, but can't get it to work.

I'm going from the HDMI output of this camera into the HDMI input of the micro converter, and then sending the video feed via the converter's SDI output into my ATEM switcher. And then I'm bringing in the program return from the switcher back into the SDI input of the converter. In theory, this should work since I use the same approach for my BMPCC 6K camera flawlessly; it gets me program return which allows me to shade remotely. However, I haven't had any luck with this new setup. And I've made sure to check the ATEM tally number on both devices, which are set identically.

I'm also trying to avoid using the camera's onboard SDI input and output because (a) it uses two mini/micro SDIs (which I don't have) and (b) it's not cheap to get a mini/micro-to-regular-size-SDI-cable. What else am I missing? Or is it something on Blackmagic's end that could be fixed with a potential firmware update?

[Gary Adams]

Hi Patrick. I tested both the Bidirectional 3G/12G with the Micro Studio Camera G2 and camera control and tally work correctly. It sounds like you connected everything correctly. The camera ID needs to be set in the Converter as the Camera ID in the camera doesn't apply in this case. When you say it doesn't work, do you get video from the camera to the Switcher? Do you get tally at the camera? Is camera control enabled in the switcher settings? I sometimes forget to power the Microconverter.

Gary

Thanks, Gary. Yes, I did make sure that both camera tally IDs matched on the Micro Studio camera as well as the Bidirectional converter. And yup, I'm able to get the camera feed to the switcher. And I sent program return back into this camera via the bidirectional converter, but it didn't "work" because I couldn't remotely shade. Anyway, all that to say, I gave up on it and just purchased a 12G SDI micro BNC cable and removed the converter in the equation and it now works! I'm able to get the camera feed into the switcher and then get program return back into the camera so it corresponds to any shading adjustments that are done remotely. Appreciate your efforts and desire to help!