Monitor Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5 inch 12G HDR LCD IPS 1920x1080

Blackmagic Video Assist 5” 12G HDR is a 5-inch IPS LCD monitor with 1920x1080 resolution and a 2500 nit HDR panel. It provides professional monitoring and recording for SDI and HDMI cameras, supporting HD, Ultra HD, 2K and 4K DCI formats. The unit integrates a built-in SD card recorder that saves broadcast-quality 10-bit 4:2:2 ProRes or DNx files that are ready for immediate editing.

Advantages

The monitor offers a very bright HDR display suitable for critical exposure and focus decisions, support for 3D LUTs, and professional waveform and vectorscope tools. Its focus assist and exposure aids help set accurate focus and exposure, while dual SD card recording allows reliable capture in standard editing formats without conversion.

Suitable for

• On-camera monitoring and recording for documentary and narrative shoots
• Field production and ENG applications requiring SDI/HDMI connectivity
• Independent filmmakers and camera assistants needing accurate exposure and focus tools

Key specifications

• Display: 5-inch IPS LCD, 1920 x 1080 resolution, 2500 cd/m² peak brightness (HDR)
• Inputs/outputs: 12G-SDI and HDMI compatible with HD, Ultra HD, 2K and 4K DCI
• Recording formats: 10-bit 4:2:2 ProRes and DNx (to SD cards)
• Color workflow: supports 3D LUTs and includes professional scopes (waveform, vectorscope)
• Tools: focus assist and exposure aids for accurate framing and exposure
• Form factor: compact on-camera monitor with integrated recorder; weight about 0.41 kg

How to use

Attach the Video Assist to your camera using a compatible mount and connect via SDI or HDMI. Insert SD card(s) and choose the desired recording format (ProRes or DNx) from the monitor menu. Use 3D LUTs and built-in scopes to evaluate color and exposure, and enable focus assist when composing shots. Recordings start and stop from the unit controls or via supported camera start/stop triggers.

Recommendations

For reliable recording, use high-quality SD cards rated for sustained video recording (UHS-I or UHS-II as recommended by the manufacturer). When shooting in bright conditions, use the monitor's HDR mode and increase brightness to maintain visible image detail. Regularly format cards in the Video Assist before use to prevent file issues.