Blackmagic DesignVideo Assist 7" 12G-SDI/HDMI HDR Recording Monitor (HYPERD/AVIDA12/7HDR)

The Blackmagic Design Video Assist 7 12G HDR (HYPERD/AVIDA12/7HDR) is a feature-packed video recording and monitoring device that offers a range of capabilities for professional filmmakers, videographers, and content creators. With its impressive specifications and advanced features, it serves as an excellent companion for both studio and on-location shoots. While it does have a few drawbacks, its advantages far outweigh them.Advantages:Exceptional Image Quality: The Video Assist 7 12G HDR boasts a vibrant 7-inch HDR display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, delivering accurate colors and excellent contrast. This display ensures accurate monitoring, allowing users to capture footage with utmost precision.High-Quality Recording: This device supports recording in various formats, including ProRes and DNx, providing professionals with flexible options for post-production. It can record in up to 4K resolution at 60fps, ensuring high-quality footage capture.Versatile Connectivity: Equipped with HDMI 2.0 and 12G-SDI inputs and outputs, the Video Assist 7 12G HDR offers seamless integration with a wide range of cameras and other production equipment. This versatility allows for smooth monitoring and recording workflows.Professional Monitoring Tools: The device provides an extensive set of monitoring tools, such as focus peaking, zebra stripes, histogram, waveform, and false color, enabling precise exposure and focus adjustments on the fly. These tools contribute to enhanced image quality and overall production value.Robust Build Quality: Blackmagic Design has constructed the Video Assist 7 12G HDR with a durable metal housing, making it suitable for demanding shooting environments. Its compact and lightweight design further enhances portability and ease of use on set.Disadvantages:Limited Battery Life: The device's battery life could be improved. It tends to drain relatively quickly when using some of the more power-intensive features. Users may need to have spare batteries or consider external power options for extended shoots.Limited Audio Connectivity: The Video Assist 7 12G HDR lacks XLR inputs or dedicated audio controls, limiting its audio recording capabilities. Users may need to rely on separate audio recording solutions or additional adapters for professional audio setups.No Built-in LUT Support: Unlike some of its competitors, the device lacks built-in support for Look-Up Tables (LUTs). While it can still apply LUTs during recording or playback, this process requires external software or editing tools.Conclusion:Overall, the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 7 12G HDR is an exceptional video recording and monitoring tool, offering a multitude of features for professional filmmakers and videographers. With its superb image quality, versatile connectivity options, and professional monitoring tools, it proves to be a valuable asset on set. Although it has a few shortcomings in terms of battery life, audio connectivity, and built-in LUT support, these can be mitigated with additional accessories and external solutions. For those seeking a reliable and powerful companion for their video productions, the Video Assist 7 12G HDR is a compelling choice.

I mainly shoot photography and some video as a side business. One of my friends purchased the 5” version, and after playing with it, I knew I had to buy the 7” version. It goes everywhere my camera goes and I use to both preview and setup my shots.The screen brightness is amazing, even in sunlight, and the touch screen is ultra responsive. I’ve also used it to record video and as a webcam capture device for streaming video on Zoom and Microsoft Teams.So far it has worked great and for a portion of the price when compared to the Atomos units.

There are cheaper monitors out there that work similarly to this one, but they feel plastic and flimsy which may be helpful to some. But this thing feels like it can survive some beatings. Pair it with a small rig cage and it’s pretty solid. I plan on using it for awhile across different cinema cameras. Works well as a secondary recorder, just make sure you’re using a high speed SD or SSD.

I've been using a BMPCC4k for about 4 years with generic monitors, but needed a) a monitor bright enough to see outdoors in harsh sunlight, and b) backup recording.Having a backup ProRes file of every shot was a great insurance policy - there was an instance of the USB connection coming loose on the camera during a shot, and for some reason the SD card didn't kick in to record, but the Video Assist saved the day.Much of the movie was shot outdoors in 100 degree bright sunlight, and this monitor delivered. It was always visible, even without a sunshade, and never overheated (the first AC was using a Shinobi to pull focus remotely, and that thing got so hot he wasn't able to hold it without gloves).I was pleased at the battery life - for typical 12 hr shoot day, I'd swap the batteries out once and be good.All the extras - scopes, LUTS, false color, peaking, etc., are awesome, and in typical Blackmagic fashion, the menu system is a breeze. This thing is absolutely worth $995, at $795 it's a steal, and I'm impressed enough that I'll likely get another for b-cam and the 5" for gimbal use.While a monitor is not necessarily one of the sexiest filmmaking purchases, I'm extremely pleased with the Video Assist and highly recommend it to all Blackmagic users, and those who use systems that can make use of the BRAW recording.

Nice brightness and its handy to have a .mov backup for the raw footage captured in camera.

Worked great on a project. A week later the image was not displaying correctly. Even the menu system onscreen looked washed out as if a white filter was over it. I checked to make sure the firmware was updated, false color was off, and no lit was applied. Still the screen fails to display correctly. The cable is the recommended one. HDMI out from the unit displays correctly just not it’s screen. Support has failed to respond to my second email. Glad it’s within the return window.

If you have an ATEM Mini Pro, you need this. Trust me it works better than described and so straight forward. I guess I’ll read the instruction manual for fun