Questions About Blackmagic Video Assist

Hi guys,

I was considering buying a BMVA monitor and have some questions:

1) The 5” model is plenty big for my needs, but should I get the 3G or the 12G version?

It feels like the 12G version has much better brightness at 2500 nits, as compared to the 3G version at a mere 300 nits! My Pocket 4K screen is much brighter at 1500 nits.

Besides brightness, what advantages does the 12G have over the 3G?

2) Is the battery draw much less if using it simply as a monitor attached to the cam, as opposed to when using it as a recorder? is there a specific button on the VA that differentiates when you want to use as just a monitor vs when you want to use as a recorder?

3) If using the 6k Full Frame (a which offers no internal ProRes), can I record ProRes to the BMVA? I heard you can only record ProRes 1080p on this cam with the VA, but can someone confirm if that’s true?

As a frame of reference, I have a Pocket 4K that already has the Tilta flip screen mod, as well as a BMPCC original. I’m also considering getting the 6k Full Frame cam. I love that the VA has the amazing same menu interface as the BM cams were all used to, that’s a primary reason I’m drawn to it over any other brand monitor.

If I got the 12G it would help on my Pocket 4K & BMPCC Original with brightness is direct sunlight. I would see no advantage to the 3G in this scenario.

If anyone with experience using these monitors can help with advice, would come most appreciated!

… 1) The 5” model is plenty big for my needs, but should I get the 3G or the 12G version?

I’ve relied on the BMVA12G7 for years. Although the 5” is popular, The scopes on the 7” are so much more detailed. I usually have the waveform view on top of the video view, but even relying on the histogram view shows you so much more precision. On the 5” you might think all is well but the 7” will show if you’re actually clipping.

It feels like the 12G version has much better brightness at 2500 nits, as compared to the 3G version at a mere 300 nits!...

The 12G is usable in bright sunlight once you’re about 1500 to 2000 nits. At 2500 nits outdoors using battery power, the batteries drain like you’re drinking a glass of water after crossing a desert. I’ve managed to shoot on the beach in sunlight at 2500 nits, but I had to lower the brightness as my two NP-F970 batteries were not going to be enough to handle 2500 nits for long. I think I ended up using 1500 nits with a jacket acting as a hood over my camera that was pretending it was an 8x”10” view camera.

2) Is the battery draw much less if using it simply as a monitor attached to the cam, as opposed to when using it as a recorder? is there a specific button on the VA that differentiates when you want to use as just a monitor vs when you want to use as a recorder?

Screen brightness draws more energy than recording ProRes 422 HQ. The Record options only appear when you have at least one SDXC card mounted in the slots.

3) If using the 6k Full Frame (a which offers no internal ProRes), can I record ProRes to the BMVA? I heard you can only record ProRes 1080p on this cam with the VA, but can someone confirm if that’s true?

When the Video Assist is connected to aBMD camera, you can only record ProRes 1080p. When connected to an appropriate 3rd party camera, you can record 2160p and BRAW subject to how the 3rd party camera is communicating to the VA.

... I love that the VA has the amazing same menu interface as the BM cams were all used to, that’s a primary reason I’m drawn to it over any other brand monitor…

Yes, everything is familiar. There are other good very bright monitors but I like the option of being able to record ProRes as a critical backup to my BMD BRAW or CinemaDNG camera recordings. The BMVA12G7 isn’t an inexpensive monitor but I consider it good value.

When the Video Assist is connected to aBMD camera, you can only record ProRes 1080p. When connected to an appropriate 3rd party camera, you can record 2160p and BRAW subject to how the 3rd party camera is communicating to the VA.

Everything you say is bang on, Rick. Except with any BMD camera that has SDI, where you can record up to 4K/UHD/60p. It's useful occasionally to hand off full edit ready media in Prores/DNxHR or proxy on SD cards, for the Ursas. It's a pity Braw can't be recorded too for the Pockets, as with 3rd Party cameras; and camera control a la SmallHD too, though.

When the Video Assist is connected to aBMD camera, you can only record ProRes 1080p. When connected to an appropriate 3rd party camera, you can record 2160p and BRAW subject to how the 3rd party camera is communicating to the VA.

Everything you say is bang on, Rick. Except with any BMD camera that has SDI, where you can record up to 4K/UHD/60p. It's useful occasionally to hand off full edit ready media in Prores/DNxHR or proxy on SD cards, for the Ursas. It's a pity Braw can't be recorded too for the Pockets, as with 3rd Party cameras; and camera control a la SmallHD too, though.

Thanks Steve. Curious, which BM cams have SDI? For example I think the Pyxis will, how about the 6k FF?

So then on the Pyxis with the BMVA, one would be able to do ProRes 4K then? Would it offer every flavor of ProRes that the Pocket 4K has internally?

Thanks Steve. Curious, which BM cams have SDI? For example I think the Pyxis will, how about the 6k FF?

All the Ursas, John, such as my UBG2 and I think the pro studio cameras too. Yes with SDI I think so, and DNxHR too.

When the Video Assist is connected to aBMD camera, you can only record ProRes 1080p. When connected to an appropriate 3rd party camera, you can record 2160p and BRAW subject to how the 3rd party camera is communicating to the VA.

Everything you say is bang on, Rick. Except with any BMD camera that has SDI, where you can record up to 4K/UHD/60p...

Thanks, Steve. It appears that the older URSA Mini 4.6K with firmware 4.8 only supports 1080p from my 12G SDI Out. the option for 2160p is greyed out. Ergo my BMVA12G7 only offers ProRes 422 HQ flavours.

… 1) The 5” model is plenty big for my needs, but should I get the 3G or the 12G version?

I’ve relied on the BMVA12G7 for years. Although the 5” is popular, The scopes on the 7” are so much more detailed. I usually have the waveform view on top of the video view, but even relying on the histogram view shows you so much more precision. On the 5” you might think all is well but the 7” will show if you’re actually clipping.

It feels like the 12G version has much better brightness at 2500 nits, as compared to the 3G version at a mere 300 nits!...

The 12G is usable in bright sunlight once you’re about 1500 to 2000 nits. At 2500 nits outdoors using battery power, the batteries drain like you’re drinking a glass of water after crossing a desert. I’ve managed to shoot on the beach in sunlight at 2500 nits, but I had to lower the brightness as my two NP-F970 batteries were not going to be enough to handle 2500 nits for long. I think I ended up using 1500 nits with a jacket acting as a hood over my camera that was pretending it was an 8x”10” view camera.

2) Is the battery draw much less if using it simply as a monitor attached to the cam, as opposed to when using it as a recorder? is there a specific button on the VA that differentiates when you want to use as just a monitor vs when you want to use as a recorder?

Screen brightness draws more energy than recording ProRes 422 HQ. The Record options only appear when you have at least one SDXC card mounted in the slots.

3) If using the 6k Full Frame (a which offers no internal ProRes), can I record ProRes to the BMVA? I heard you can only record ProRes 1080p on this cam with the VA, but can someone confirm if that’s true?

When the Video Assist is connected to aBMD camera, you can only record ProRes 1080p. When connected to an appropriate 3rd party camera, you can record 2160p and BRAW subject to how the 3rd party camera is communicating to the VA.

... I love that the VA has the amazing same menu interface as the BM cams were all used to, that’s a primary reason I’m drawn to it over any other brand monitor…

Yes, everything is familiar. There are other good very bright monitors but I like the option of being able to record ProRes as a critical backup to my BMD BRAW or CinemaDNG camera recordings. The BMVA12G7 isn’t an inexpensive monitor but I consider it good value.

Thanks so much Rick! Feels like the 12G would definitely be the one to get.

Would the new Pyxis attached to the BMVA 12G via SDI offer all the same flavors of ProRes that the Pocket 4K offers internally?

When the Video Assist is connected to aBMD camera, you can only record ProRes 1080p. When connected to an appropriate 3rd party camera, you can record 2160p and BRAW subject to how the 3rd party camera is communicating to the VA.

Everything you say is bang on, Rick. Except with any BMD camera that has SDI, where you can record up to 4K/UHD/60p...

Thanks, Steve. It appears that the older URSA Mini 4.6K with firmware 4.8 only supports 1080p from my 12G SDI Out. the option for 2160p is greyed out. Ergo my BMVA12G7 only offers ProRes 422 HQ flavours.

You need to set your recording resolution to 4k or higher.

Ah! That was my error as i’ve been using 2K lately with the B4 Super 16 lens. Once I set Record to UHD or higher, the 2160p option is not greyed out. And the BMVA12G7 reflects the proper resolution. Thank you for the correction!

“Three strikes and you’re out” so I better not have anything more to say today or I may be banned for the day!

Thanks Steve. Curious, which BM cams have SDI? For example I think the Pyxis will, how about the 6k FF?

All the Ursas, John, such as my UBG2 and I think the pro studio cameras too. Yes with SDI I think so, and DNxHR too.

Would the new Pyxis attached to the BMVA 12G via SDI offer all the same flavors of ProRes that the Pocket 4K offers internally?

I have a question along the same lines. If the Pyxis can send out a 4KUHD signal via its SDI, what is the bit depth of the color? If it's at least 10bit, this would mean I could record ProRes 10bit, which, for my workflow, would be an amazing time saver.

When the Video Assist is connected to aBMD camera, you can only record ProRes 1080p. When connected to an appropriate 3rd party camera, you can record 2160p and BRAW subject to how the 3rd party camera is communicating to the VA.

Everything you say is bang on, Rick. Except with any BMD camera that has SDI, where you can record up to 4K/UHD/60p. It's useful occasionally to hand off full edit ready media in Prores/DNxHR or proxy on SD cards, for the Ursas. It's a pity Braw can't be recorded too for the Pockets, as with 3rd Party cameras; and camera control a la SmallHD too, though.

Seeking some confirmation on this subject as I just picked up a Micro Studio Cam 4K G2 and have a 12G Micro BNC cable connected to the SDI out on Camera and SDI in to a 5" 12G Video Assist. Samsung T5 is connected to Camera via USBC.

Camera is set to record to SSD UHD RAW @ 2160P23.98, VA is stating codec not supported. It displays fine when I set it to ProRes 422 or any other ProRes options. Camera and VA have the latest software updates.

Seems odd that BM would not support BRAW recording via VA on its own cameras.





Thanks!

The 12G is usable in bright sunlight once you’re about 1500 to 2000 nits. At 2500 nits outdoors using battery power, the batteries drain like you’re drinking a glass of water after crossing a desert. I’ve managed to shoot on the beach in sunlight at 2500 nits, but I had to lower the brightness as my two NP-F970 batteries were not going to be enough to handle 2500 nits for long.

That cracked me up. But it's true. I haven't used my VA 12G (5") since I got the BMCC6K cuz that screen has been working well. But I'm struggling with using it on the Cinesaddle (sticks out into my chest) so decided to try out the monitor. Hadn't thought about recording on the VA, but realized I could record to Prores HQ or DNxHR HQX to an SD card there, sadly 1080p only, as noted above. As a backup. Anyway, during my testing I was realizing that my "just charged" battery was going down...down...down. I turned down the brightness because I didn't need it, but it was in the red faster that I thought it would be. I've ordered the pieces I need to attach this to the new camera's cage. I'm hoping this will make easier handling with the Cinesaddle.

Strange thing I've noticed is the firmware updates. Decided I'd better update since I can't remember ever doing so since I bought it. The June 2024 update said 3.15 and my VA was on 3.2.1. Contacted support and looked it up on the internet and sure enough, 3.2.1 was the Aug 2020 update. Ran the new one and it was fine. Whatever.

Like others, I don't get the whole not able to record braw to the VA but since these are older and now at a lower price, perhaps newer models with that ability will come on the market.

My BMVA12G7 is at firmware 3.9 but I don’t know if that’s the latest. I use the Video Assist with the UM4.6K at 4.8 so it works well with the older software. I could easily connect it to a later Camera Setup to see if there’s an update if you like.

Rick, it's 3.15. The only updates relate to adding 3rd party cameras to the list for Braw. It's worth noting the point in all BMD firmware update naming conventions. Therefore .15 is higher than either 2.1 or .9.

Regarding Braw and BMD cameras: it's down to the camera - no BMD camera outputs Braw via SDI/HDMI currently. Since it's a kind of real raw, with partial debayering in camera, that processing would have to follow. Obviously since they already have Braw internally, and other 3rd party cameras don't, it's perhaps assumed to be unnecessary. The option to record a back up to Prores or DNxHR though is still very useful, often to hand over edit ready familiar codecs to clients, for example.

Rick, it's 3.15. The only updates relate to adding 3rd party cameras to the list for Braw. It's worth noting the point in all BMD firmware update naming conventions. Therefore .15 is higher than either 2.1 or .9…

Thanks, Steve. I probably should apply firmware update 3.15 to my 3.9, although I think I did pass on that since I don’t have those relevant 3rd party cameras.

Rick, it's 3.15. The only updates relate to adding 3rd party cameras to the list for Braw. It's worth noting the point in all BMD firmware update naming conventions. Therefore .15 is higher than either 2.1 or .9.

Regarding Braw and BMD cameras: it's down to the camera - no BMD camera outputs Braw via SDI/HDMI currently. Since it's a kind of real raw, with partial debayering in camera, that processing would have to follow. Obviously since they already have Braw internally, and other 3rd party cameras don't, it's perhaps assumed to be unnecessary. The option to record a back up to Prores or DNxHR though is still very useful, often to hand over edit ready familiar codecs to clients, for example.

Thank you for the explanations on both fronts. I hadn't considered using the monitor for recording but was curious when I saw the options. I updated the VA and it was fine.

I recorded a backup clip and it was fine.

I have a 5 inch VA 12G and the truth is that I love it for many things, already mentioned here.
However, I am going to mention some things that I don't like and that should be included in a monitor that is not cheap.

1. Vertical security frames. I hate the vertical format, but many times the client asks us for a version for the RRSS and we have to frame for both formats. It would be useful to see a vertical frame.

2. You don't have the possibility of being able to overlay an image so that it frames with the next shot. That would be very useful.

3. I would love it if you could include the new exposure metering system called EL Zone System.

Hopefully all these things will be included in future updates, however, they are tools that are already being used for some years, so it should have been updated a long time ago, so it makes me suppose that they will never come...