Does it downres and record 2k DCI from a 4K DCI signal?

And just like that.. This monitor became awesome (v1.1)

Very good update. But, does it take 4k and internally convert to 1080 over HDMI yet?

I bought one of this monitor to use with a GH4. First impression, it's pretty solid and well built. It's pretty sharp and you can easily pull focus with. I did the firmware v1.1 and all the updates work. Works pretty well so far with GH4 but I haven't had enough time yet to do a comprehensive test. I am also waiting for a faster sdxc card to use with it as it was droping frames because of my card.

Blackmagic Video Assist 1.2 firmware

• Adds DNxHD codec
• Adds extended Zebra range
• Adds SD card record time remaining on status overlays
• Adds clip playback information panel
• Adds HDMI record trigger

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/support

Has anyone tested GH4 and VA in PAL mode an 50p so far? I would like to know if the issue was fixed with the latest firmware upgrade

Hey guys, and gals. Just wondering if anyone is using this recorder with C100 MK1 or 2, and what you're doing to record 24p video over the cam's 59.94i hdmi. A workflow explanation would be very appreciated. (editing in PPCC and AECC). Thanks in advance..

PR

November 18, 2016 - Blackmagic Design today announced Video Assist 2.3, a major new update for Blackmagic Video Assist customers that adds 3D LUTs to both models. This update also adds features to the 5” Blackmagic Video Assist including improved DNxHD and DNxHR support, false color monitoring, expanded focus options and new screen rotation features. The Video Assist 2.3 update is available for download now from the Blackmagic Design website and is free of charge for all Blackmagic Video Assist customers.

Video Assist 2.3 Update is being demonstrated at InterBEE on the Blackmagic Design booth 8216.

Customers using the Video Assist 2.3 update can now load up to six 3D LUTs when monitoring video on set with their 5” or 7” Blackmagic Video Assist. 3D LUTs have become an important part of digital filmmaking because they transform the camera images into a look that closely approximates the final look the director wants. The benefit of monitoring with 3D LUTs is that the crew can see the footage as the director intends it, and it’s completely non destructive because the original camera footage remains untouched. The six x 3D LUTs can be stored and recalled at any time by the user and this new feature is available on both the 5” Blackmagic Video Assist model and the 7” Blackmagic Video Assist 4K model.

For customers using the 5” Blackmagic Video Assist model, this update adds new features that were previously released only on the 7” Blackmagic Video Assist 4K model.

These new features include the ability to record to DNxHD and DNxHR files in MXF format which improves compatibility with Avid systems running on Windows. In addition, customers can now choose between DNxHD 220, 145 and 45 bit rates, or between DNxHR HQ, SQ and LB formats when recording.

The Video Assist 2.3 update also adds false color monitoring exposure tools to the 5” Blackmagic Video Assist model. False color exposure tools make it easier to properly set exposure in different parts of the image by highlighting specific color ranges of luminance with a solid color overlay. For example, green indicates neutral grey, while pink tones are good references for skin, which is typically one stop over neutral grey. Using false color helps camera operators keep exposure consistent from shot to shot. In addition, Video Assist 2.3 update also expands the options for focus assist so customers can now choose whether they want to see red, green, blue, black, white or traditional focus peaking indicators. This makes it easier for customers to accurately adjust focus in a wider range of scenes and under a variety of different lighting conditions. Customers will now also have the ability to manually control the screen orientation and turn off the auto rotate feature which makes it easier for customers to use the 5” Blackmagic Video Assist model with handheld gimbals and other equipment designed to move the camera and rig simultaneously.

“Blackmagic Video Assist is perfect for customers that need better monitoring and higher quality recording,” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. “This new update adds incredible LUT monitoring to both models, and brings some of the same powerful high end features from the 7” Blackmagic Video Assist 4K model to customers that have the 5 inch Blackmagic Video Assist model. We think the massive number of features on the 5 inch Video Assist model is amazing when you consider it only costs $495! Thats why Blackmagic Video Assist has become an essential part of every filmmakers toolkit because they help customers shoot and capture higher quality video with everything from DSLRs to older tape based camcorders, and even the latest digital film cameras!”

Before you bite, check carefully what you need!

I tested the Video Assist and the Shogun Flame (I personally own the older Shogun). My main points are:

Blackmagic Video Assist 4K pros

• cheaper
• sturdy, whole frame is metal while the Shogun has a protective rubber frame
• same size and pixel count
• recording to SD cards, two slots for continuous recording
• option for ProRes and DNxHD/HR (not yet available in Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro)
• both .mov and .mxf containers
• two battery slots for continuous supply
• large connectors for HDMI and SDI built in
• multi-language GUI

VA 4K cons

• no RAW recording, only up to 30p in UHD
• no transfer of file names, only TC (can be a problem for matching to RAW footage in some NLEs)
• only 350 nit
• no option for recording with a LUT, only display
• no option for recording proxies or a backup on the second card
• mini XLR jacks instead of standard size
• less precise colors than the Neway CK550S (see my other report)
• no option for calibration other than LUTs generated externally

Atomos Shogun Flame

• RAW recording up to 4K DCI RAW with some cameras by Canon, Panasonic and Sony
• 1500 nit (not really HDR according to emerging standards, but over 2 stops more than VA)
• recording on large and cheap regular SSDs (but be careful with SSD models)
• filenames transferred from Red cameras
• contrast ratio better than 1:1000
• can be calibrated with a Spyder (meh) or X-Rite probe
• LUTs can be baked in if needed
• two battery slots for continous recording
• very intuitive GUI (but only in English)
• tagging and subclips per XML
• lots of options for a limited support of HDR
• log correction for many current cameras offered
• external power between 6.2 and 16.8 V

Shogun cons

• audio connections only by breakout cable (another thing dangling around)
• plastic box, lettering tends to come off
• more expensive (quite a bit now, but who knows if Atomos will react)
• no .mxf container

My verdict

The VA is a nice offer for owners of BM cameras, but the Shogun can be used in many other configurations up to full DCI in RAW and already offers limited HDR functionality. If you need to deliver a color-corrected recording immediately while doing RAW in camera it's the better choice too.