Connections:
The Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5" 3G is a handy little tool for videographers. The monitor does a lot more than show camera images on its display - it records onto a UHS-I SD card, supports multiple formats, and works with all HDMI and SDI cameras. The sound and image come from the camera, while recordings are captured in ProRes as well as AvidDNx. This means that footage can be edited with any editing software, such as Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve, Blackmagic's proprietary software for video editing and colour correction. Via a computer interface, software updates can be downloaded and, last but not least, content can be streamed online. What is more, users can mount the Video Assist very flexibly on the camera or on a tripod.
One look at the touchscreen that controls the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5" 3G immediately reveals the scopes and controls for recording and playing back clips. The display can be customised, and numerous features such as focus zoom, focus peaking, zebra, histogram, 3D LUTs, and audiometer are provided, in addition to which a loudspeaker for clip playback is also built into the front of the monitor. On the back, a tally light indicates which camera is currently active. All connection sockets except for the USB-C connection to the computer are in turn located on the sides of the monitor. When using SDI, users can record two to 16 channels of audio. The monitor weighs in at just 410 grams, and those who prefer a wireless power supply can make themselves truly mobile with optionally available clip-on batteries. Last but not least content can be streamed with a 1080p FHD resolution.
The Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5" 3G offers both ambitious hobby filmmakers and professionals useful features for shooting and streaming. Those who like to shoot videos in their free time no longer have to bend over the viewfinder, and can instead enjoy a larger screen compared to those found on cameras. On longer shoots without a tripod, the lightweight design of the monitor makes its presence on the camera barely noticeable, which makes working on set more comfortable, even for professionals, enabling greater awareness of one's surroundings. Additionally, older broadcast systems can be upgraded with the Video Assist to work with current file formats and new editing software. And to make streaming even easier, the Video Assist is recognised as a webcam on the computer.
Founded in 2001, the Australian company Blackmagic Design is one of the world's leading pioneers and manufacturers of creative video technology. Known for its outstanding codecs, Blackmagic offers professional technology at affordable prices. The manufacturer demonstrated this in 2002 with the release of the DeckLink capture card. This enabled the editing of uncompressed 10-bit video material on a Macintosh OS X system. The products of the ATEM Live series are used in major productions worldwide. Grant Petty, founder and CEO of the company, describes the guiding principle of his company itself as follows: "Blackmagic Design strives to make video of the highest quality affordable to everyone so that production and television can become a truly creative industry."
Users who want to start an internet stream for an audience or show their customers live images on location via Skype only need to supply the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5" 3G with power via the included power supply unit and connect it to a computer via the USB-C port. On the computer, they can use any streaming software, such as OBS, and if they want to be free to shoot - regardless of whether or not a mains connection is available - they can plug two optionally available Sony-compatible NP-F batteries onto the back of the monitor. The connected computer recognises the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5" 3G as a webcam, allowing the user to immediately start streaming to platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, or Zoom. For streaming newcomers, the operating instructions include an illustrated step-by-step guide.