This summer, Blackmagic Design re-engineered its Studio 4K cameras into a lighter more portable frame to target live production ranging from news to sports and corporate shows.
Blackmagic states that the new devices — which are retailing beginning at $1,295 — have the same features as large studio cameras, including the renowned gen 5 color science that Blackmagic is known for, and they can range from -12db (ISO100) through to +36db (ISO 25,600).
Targeting the live production market, Blackmagic Design’s re-engineered Studio 4K cameras have the same features as large studio cameras. 
Targeting the live production market, Blackmagic Design’s re-engineered Studio 4K cameras have the same features as large studio cameras. 
Targeting the live production market, Blackmagic Design’s re-engineered Studio 4K cameras have the same features as large studio cameras. 
Targeting the live production market, Blackmagic Design’s re-engineered Studio 4K cameras have the same features as large studio cameras.
Other features include talkback functionality, a large tally light, built in color corrector, and Blackmagic RAW recording to USB disks. It comes with a 7” display with side handles to make all day use comfortable. This touch screen can be used for camera settings, and can also have its brightness, contrast, and focus peaking adjusted using physical knobs.
The camera uses an MFT-style lens mount, but Blackmagic has given the option of focus and zoom demands, which can be operated from the tripod handles with compatible lenses. Of course, the one limitation of using compatible stills lenses in such a way is that they are generally not parfocal. In other words, if you zoom into something and then zoom out again they will not hold focus. But this type of control will be useful with dedicated video lenses.
Other features with the Pro version include SDI with talkback and a standard 5-pin talkback XLR connection for headsets. The Pro version of the camera also features 12-G SDI, 10GBASE-T Ethernet. The latter providing video, tally, talkback, and camera power through a single socket.
Blackmagic is providing the ethernet connection between cameras as a direct and far less expensive alternative to SMPTE fiber workflows. The Blackmagic Studio Converter deals with video conversions at the switcher end as well as adding power to the ethernet cable.
The Studio Camera Pro’s XLR inputs support +24dBu line level with 48v phantom power support with an equivalent input noise of -131dBv(A). A/D converters are specced at 117dB, which should result in some very low noise audio recording. Power comes via either a lockable 12v DC connector or through Ethernet.
