Blackmagic Design Introduces a $895 4K Disk Recorder / Monitor

by Sebastian WöberApril 19^th, 2016

Blackmagic Design just introduced their first 4K disk recorder / monitor, challenging the Atomos Shogun recorders with a high resolution 1080p display and SDI / HDMI connectivity at an impressive pricepoint of just $895.

Blackmagic Design Video Assist 4K

After Atomos surprised us with yet another version of their high end HDR disk recorder, the Atomos Shogun Inferno, Blackmagic seems to be right at their heels with the new Blackmagic Video Assist 4K. What is interesting about this 4K SDI / HDMI recorder is mainly its price of $895. In comparison, the original Atomos Shogun is still $1495.

At this point, I should also mention that the while the Blackmagic Video Assist 4K shares the SDI and HDMI connectivity of the Shogun, the Atomos has gone through a year’s worth of numerous firmware updates that have made it a very feature-rich tool. Just like the original HD Video Assist, I presume the Video Assist 4K is still very basic in terms of its features.

If you’re searching for basic functionality though, the Blackmagic Video Assist 4K looks like a pretty interesting deal. It also offers a few nice features: it records directly to affordable and compact UHS-II SDHC Media and can even record to both simultaneously for a quick backup solution. Also when one card is full it switches over to the next card for continuous recording.

There are also 2 mini XLR connectors for audio, including 48V phantom power for microphones and last but not least LANC control and HDMI and SDI rec-trigger: a very important feature when you’re working in the field and want to be quick as a single operator shooter.

The 6G SDI input will enable recording from some of Blackmagic’s new cameras for a higher data rate. In comparison, most other camera manufacturers still use 3G-SDI that cause problems when working with 4K footage, degrading external recordings like on the FS7.

Blackmagic Video Assist 4K Key Features

• 7 inch LCD touch screen with 1920 x 1200 high resolution monitor.
• 10-bit 4:2:2 HD ProRes or DNxHD recording.
• Dual high speed UHS-II SDHC card slots.
• Dual recorders allow non-stop recording.
• 2 mini XLR connectors with 48V phantom power.
• -128dBV electrical noise floor.
• LANC connection for remote control.
• Auto start/stop recording using HDMI or SDI triggers.
• Includes slots for 2 hot pluggable batteries as well as 12V DC power input.
• Included kickstand.
• Includes 6G-SDI input.

The Blackmagic Video Assist 4K is available now and retails for $895.