Blackmagic Design Video Assist 3G-SDI/HDMI 5" Recorder/Monitor Review
We've aggregated 9 high-signal reviews and 3 live retailer prices below.
Our editorial take on the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 3G-SDI/HDMI 5" Recorder/Monitor
The Blackmagic Video Assist 3G model stands as a benchmark for what an affordable monitor-recorder should be. It successfully packages professional-grade features into a compact and accessible unit, offering a straightforward solution for creators looking to bypass compressed internal recording. The combination of a sharp, 1920x1080 touchscreen, flexible I/O with both SDI and HDMI, and the ability to capture robust 10-bit 4:2:2 ProRes or DNx files makes it a genuine workhorse. This isn't merely a monitoring tool; it's a significant upgrade to a production workflow, delivering files that hold up far better in post-production.
Of course, its affordability comes with a clear limitation: recording is capped at 1080p60. This device is not intended for the 4K RAW or HDR workflows that its more expensive 12G siblings cater to. Instead, its strength lies in its focus. For the vast majority of web content, corporate video, and documentary work where a high-quality HD deliverable is the goal, the Video Assist 3G provides exceptional value. Practical design choices, like its durable aluminum body and dual slots for common Canon LP-E6 batteries, reinforce its role as a reliable, no-nonsense tool for the working professional on a budget.
- Records in professional 10-bit 4:2:2 ProRes and DNx codecs
- Bright and sharp 5-inch full HD touchscreen
- Versatile I/O with both 3G-SDI and HDMI connections
- Excellent value for a combination monitor and recorder
- Uses widely available Canon LP-E6 batteries
- Durable aluminum construction
- Recording resolution is limited to 1080p60
- Lacks support for 4K or HDR workflows
- Touchscreen-only interface isn't ideal for all shooting conditions
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About this product
The Blackmagic Design Video Assist 3G-SDI/HDMI 5" Recording Monitor adds professional monitoring and high-quality recording to your camera. It features a bright 5" 1920 x 1080 display with 300 cd/m² brightness and provides 3G-SDI micro-BNC and HDMI inputs. It can monitor and record video resolutions up to 1080p60 10-bit 4:2:2 and up to 16 channels of embedded 24-bit 48 kHz audio.
Specs
- Wi-Fi
- No
- Weight
- 14.46 oz / 410.00 g
- Battery
- 2x L-Series Mount on Fixed Plate
- Wireless
- No
- Audio I/O
- 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Output
- Bluetooth
- No
- Power I/O
- 1x Barrel Input
- Video I/O
- 1x HDMI Input, 1x Micro BNC (3G-SDI) Input, 1x HDMI Output, 1x Micro BNC (3G-SDI) Output, 1x USB-C Output
- Dimensions
- 5.83 x 3.54 x 1.44" / 14.81 x 8.99 x 3.66 cm
- Panel Type
- LCD
- Color Gamut
- 100% Rec. 709
- Hdr Support
- No
- Input Power
- 12 VDC
- Lut Support
- Yes
- Touchscreen
- Yes
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Display Size
- 5.0" / 12.7 cm
- Color Support
- 16.7 Million Colors
- Phantom Power
- No
- Camera Trigger
- No
- Embedded Audio
- HDMI: 8-Channel, SDI: 16-Channel
- Pre-Roll Record
- No
- Built-In Speaker
- Mono
- Encoding Formats
- Up to 1920 x 1080 ProRes 422, 422 HQ, LT, Proxy 10-Bit 4:2:2 at up to 60 fps, DNxHD 45, 45 MXF, 145, 145 MXF, 220x, 220x MXF 10-Bit 4:2:2 at up to 60 fps
- Metadata Tagging
- Yes
- Timecode Support
- Yes
- Native Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Maximum Brightness
- 300 nits / cd/m2
- Storage Conditions
- -4 to 113°F / -20 to 45°C
- Pulldown Conversion
- No
- Maximum Audio Tracks
- 16
- Operating Conditions
- 32 to 72°F / 0 to 40°C up to 90% Humidity
- Mobile App Compatible
- No
- Media Memory Card Slot
- Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) [Supports Recording]
- Environmental Resistance
- No
- Material Of Construction
- Aluminum
- Video Format Hdmi 10-Bit
- 1080p: 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98, 1080i: 60/59.94/50, 720p: 60/59.94/50, 576i: 50, 480i: 59.94
- Viewing Angle Horizontal
- 135°
- Tripod Accessory Mounting
- Top/Bottom 3x 1/4"-20 Female
- Video Format Sdi 10-Bit 4:2:2 Yuv
- 1080p: 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98, 1080PsF: 30/29.97/25/24/23.98, 1080i: 60/59.94/50, 720p: 60/59.94/50, 576i: 50, 480i: 59.94
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