F35: Blackmagic video assist?

SJX

SJX

Veteran
Blackmagic video assist with F35. Anybody use? I'm thinking of swapping my hyperdeck for this. But I don't like that video assist is SD card. Hyperdeck is SSD.
Will video assist monitor work with F35? I have cheap Lilliput monitor that doesn't work because F35 send psf. Is quality of recording as good as hyperdeck? I think video assist have nothing for exposure or focus. So is it basically SD card hyperdeck with screen? Or more features? Thanks guys.
 
I've added the Blackmagic Video assist to my list of recorders for F35, and what it can do not do.. check it out:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?345168-recorder-option-for-F35

In a nut shell the Blackmagic Video Assist is an amazing and unique little device because it features a single 6G-sdi interface. I don't know any other small screen display / recorder that features a single link that goes higher than 1.5G so the Blackmagic Video Assist is very special. Unfortunately the F35 outputs are single 1.5G so you can do 30p in HD max with most external recorders and if you want to go up to 50p in full 1080 HD you'd need an SDI multiplexer like the 3GM from AJA. ($500 USD)

When you look at all the recorder options on my page, even with a $500 SDI multiplexer the BlackMagic Video Assist solution is the cheapest way to record full HD in up to 50p in 422 from all the way down to ProRes proxy up to ProRes HQ.

Damn great combination and the recorder option I'm looking at if I can find a good deal on a F35.
 
I was just able to pick up an ex demo 7Q on ebay for $1200 USD, I'll only really be using it as an onboard monitor for my F5 (for LUTs, False Colour, and HD sharps for my ACs). But if you can find one at that sort of price, it strikes me as a simpler and considerably more feature-rich option to the BM Video Assist + Mutiplexer for only $100 or so more.

So keep your eyes open for various bargains.
 
I've been eyeing that one on ebay for a few days! No media however.

There's no doubt the 7Q is a far better recorder than the Blackmagic Video assist, but I was thinking for really light F35 setup without VF a nice 5" screen would be perfect.. plus no power taps needed either. But the mini SDI can be quite flakey and I would suggest some additional support to keep it from breaking.

My hunt for used F35 still on.
 
I also picked up a 512GB Samsung Pro SSD for $219, that's enough media to cover a full day's shooting - you only need to add Convergent's handles. I don't know how much lighter it would be once you add a multiplexer and the additional power and SDI cables for that setup. Should work really nicely when you're just shooting 10-bit 4:2:2 up to 30p though (and don't need any of the other bits and pieces).
 
"So is it basically SD card hyperdeck with screen?"

No. It has a rudimentary histogram, variable aspect ratio crops, zebras and focus peaking/punch in. It's already had 2 FW upgrades since launch and it seems BM are being pretty responsive to user feature requests. It's a little while since I looked at the relevant forums, but last time I saw the most popular feature requests were for pull-down, false colour and LUT support - all of which should be possible, so who knows where it will go.
 
Do you need the interface box if you only want 10-bit 4:2:2 23.98/24/25p out of the camera? Or will the SDI ports on the body give you that in a clear feed? (would be a good way to streamline the camera even further)
 
Thanks for replies guys. But any F35 owners used video assist? Hands on experience? 7q is too expensive. I don't need 50p. SD card is OK? I wish video assist was SSD.
 
I'd love to hear what you think of it with F35.

Make sure you have latest firmware, BMD added some exposure goodies.

Only thing missing from it now is 1:1 pixel.
 
OK so I used it yesterday.
Very compact. I like that. Screen seems to be really good and bright, but too contrasty perhaps? I need to dial the brightness settings.
The touchscreen works decently well, better than other brands.
We got an error recording our first take. That wasn't good. It never happened again in the next 6hours or recording.

2016-03-17 12.53.11.jpg

Three Sony F35, 2 Odysseys, 1 Blackmagic video assist monitor and one Sony a6300 just for the fun!
 
OK, after messing up with the brightness/contrast values today, I have to say the screen is really good. It matches my calibrated dreamcolor nicely. Suuperbright if you boost up the brightness. The borders are brighter than they should but color wise it's pretty solid. I wish it did 444 like the Odyssey but for $500 is super awesome.
 
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