Blackmagic Video Assist 3.8 Update Released – BRAW for FUJIFILM X-H2 and Z CAM E2 Series

Firmware Update

by Francesco AndreolaOctober 3^rd, 2022

Blackmagic Design has just rolled out an update for their Video Assist 5” and 7” external monitors/recorders. Blackmagic Video Assist 3.8 Update brings support for recording Blackmagic RAW from the FUJIFILM X-H2 and Z CAM E2 cameras.

The latest Blackmagic Video Assist firmware update brings some bug fixes and general stability improvements, along with the addition of an RGB histogram tool.

But most importantly, the company’s focus is on expanding the list of supported cameras in their Blackmagic RAW ecosystem, this time targeting FUJIFILM X-H2 as well as Z CAM E2 users. Let’s take a closer look.

Blackmagic Video Assist 3.8 Update: BRAW for FUJIFILM X-H2

While BRAW recording from the FUJIFILM X-H2S was already supported with firmware 3.7, the newly-released X-H2 now joins its “S” sibling. If you’d like to have an in-depth comparison between the two cameras, make sure to check out Johnnie’s review of the X-H2 here.

Over the “S” model, the X-H2 offers a higher resolution 40.2MP sensor, different flavors of internal ProRes recording up to 8K30p (the X-H2S is “limited” to 6.2K), as well as the ability to output 12-bit RAW video up to 8K30p over its full-size HDMI to an external recorder (again, the X-H2S is capped at “only” 6.2K30p in 3:2 or 4.8K60p in 16:9). The Blackmagic Video Assist 5” and 7” 12G HDR recorders can now take this 8K RAW data stream and encode it into a BRAW file.

Supported Z CAM E2 cameras

The latest Blackmagic Video Assist update also unlocks the ability to record Blackmagic RAW over HDMI from selected Z CAM E2 cameras. The list includes the E2, E2-M4, E2-S6, and E2-F6 models.

To benefit from this new feature, the camera’s firmware must be up to date (Firmware download links: E2 / E2-M4 / E2-S6 / E2-F6). The recently-announced Z CAM E2-F6 Pro, which was first unveiled at IBC, is not included in the list of supported cameras yet. 

Price and availability

The Blackmagic Video Assist 3.8 Update is now available to download for free from Blackmagic Design’s Support Center. The Blackmagic Video Assist 5” and 7” 12G HDR monitor/recorders currently retail for $795 and $995, while pricing for the FUJIFILM X-H2 and Z CAM E2 cameras is as follows:

• FUJIFILM X-H2 (B&H / CVP) – $1,999
• Z CAM E2 (B&H / CVP) – $1,999
• Z CAM E2-M4 (B&H / CVP) – $1,499
• Z CAM E2-S6 (B&H / CVP) – $2,199
• Z CAM E2-F6 (B&H / CVP) – $2,999

Do you own a Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR monitor/recorder? What do you think of this update? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!