At a worldwide press conference on Wednesday, February 17, Blackmagic Design announced a number of new products, including the ATEM Mini Extreme and the ATEM Mini Extreme ISO, as well as the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, all of which are now available. The ATEM Mini Extreme is a larger model of the ATEM Mini live production switcher, while the Pocket Cinema Camera 6k is a more powerful model that includes features for high-end digital film. The latter includes a brighter 1,500 nit adjustable HDR touchscreen screen, built in ND filters, larger battery, plus support for an optional electronic viewfinder. Also available is the Blackmagic Web Presenter HD, a self-contained streaming solution that includes a broadcast quality H.264 processor for direct streaming to platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and more.
The ATEM Mini Extreme ($995) includes 1 M/E switcher that features 8 inputs, 4 ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers, a total of 6 independent DVEs, 2 media players, 2 downstream keyers, 16 way multiview, 2 USB connections and multiple HDMI aux outputs. The ATEM Mini Extreme ISO ($1,295) adds to those features a more powerful recording engine that can record all 8 inputs plus the program for a total of 9 streams of recording. Both new models include a broadcast quality streaming engine for live streaming to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and more. (More specs on both of these below.)
Blackmagic Design CEO Grant Petty says, “These two new models of ATEM Mini are a massive increase in creative features and are now our most powerful 1 M/E switchers! With our ATEM Mini customers really pushing the edge in live production, we feel they are innovating in new and exciting ways and inventing new workflows that we have never seen before. So we felt it was important to build a new model of ATEM Mini that would take the features well beyond what was available now, so our customers can continue to innovate with these new workflows. These new models are big, powerful and still incredibly affordable.”
Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro retails for $2,495 and besides the new features above, it also includes latest generation 5 color science, Super 35 HDR image sensor with 13 stops of dynamic range, dual native ISO of 25,600 and a popular EF lens mount. “With the new Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, we wanted to include all the high end features from digital film cameras into a Pocket Cinema Camera design,” says Petty. “This means you get an extremely portable digital film solution but with all the advanced features like the amazing ND filters, optional viewfinder and bright HDR touchscreen. We think our digital filmmaker customers will love it!”
There are also a few new accessories for the above, also now available: the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera Pro EVF ($495) and the Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Pro Grip ($145).
The Backmagic Web Presenter HD, which retails for $495, features a compact design that includes a 12G-SDI input with down converter, so customers can connect to HD or Ultra HD equipment and stream in full 1080p video. Also included is a built in front panel with LCD and menus, USB webcam features, plus a unique monitoring output with audio meters, streaming status and full SDI and embedded audio technical details. Of this, Petty says, “We are so excited to have this new model of Web Presenter that now has all the streaming features built in. This means you don’t need any streaming software because it will stream direct to services such as YouTube, but because it still retains the USB webcam feature, you can use it with any computer software, such as Zoom and Skype. Imagine live streaming, while conferencing with Zoom, all at the same time. Plus it has an amazing monitoring output with lots of technical information I think broadcasters will love. It’s an exciting update for live streaming.”
Here is a ton more info about the new ATEM Mini models from the press release:
“ATEM Mini switchers make it easy to create professional multi camera productions for live streaming to YouTube and innovative business presentations using Skype or Zoom. Simply connect ATEM Mini and customers can switch live up to 8 high quality video camera inputs for dramatically better quality images. Or connect a computer for PowerPoint slides or gaming consoles. The built in DVE allows exciting picture in picture effects, perfect for commentary.
There are loads of video effects too. All ATEM Mini models have USB that works like a webcam so customers can use any streaming software while the ATEM Mini Pro and ATEM Mini Extreme models add live streaming and recording to USB disks. There’s also HDMI out for projectors. Microphone inputs allow high quality desktop and lapel mics for interviews and presentations.
ATEM Mini’s compact all in one design includes both a control panel as well as connections. The front panel includes easy to use buttons for selecting sources, video effects and transitions. The source buttons are large so it’s possible to use it by feel, letting the presenter do the switching. Customers even get buttons for audio mixing. On the ATEM Mini Pro and Extreme models customers also get buttons for record and streaming control, as well as output selection buttons that let customers change the video output between cameras, program and multiview. On the rear panel there are HDMI connections for cameras or computers, extra microphone inputs, USB for webcam out plus an HDMI “aux” output for program video.
ATEM Mini Pro and ATEM Mini Extreme models have a built in hardware streaming engine for live streaming via their ethernet connections. That means customers can live stream to YouTube, Facebook and Twitch in better quality, without dropped frames and with simpler settings. Just select the streaming service and enter the streaming key. There are palettes in ATEM Software Control for streaming setup, plus streaming status is also displayed in the multiview. Streaming status is easy to understand as the data rate indicator shows internet speed required for the video format users are using. If users are technically minded, customers can update the streaming profiles in an XML settings file to load new services.
If users are doing live production on location then the ATEM Mini Pro and Extreme models support connecting an Apple or Android phone to the USB port to use mobile data. It’s also a great backup for the main Ethernet connection. Phone tethering works with the latest high speed 5G phones plus the more common 4G phones. The ATEM switcher will automatically detect when a phone is connected and switch its internet connection to use it, eliminating the need for changing settings. When connected, the phone will power from the USB port so it remains charged from the switcher. By using phone tethering and mobile data, ATEM Mini Pro and ATEM Mini Extreme become the perfect mobile production solutions.
The ATEM Mini Pro and Extreme models also support direct recording of their streaming data to USB flash disks. That means customers get very long recordings in the same H.264 video files with AAC audio that customers streamed, so customers can direct upload to any online video site, such as YouTube or Vimeo. Recording to multiple disks is also supported via a USB hub or Blackmagic MultiDock, so when a disk fills recording can continue to a second disk for non-stop recording. Record settings and disk selection are set up in ATEM Software Control and there’s a record status view in the built-in multiview.
The ATEM Mini Pro ISO and Extreme ISO models allow customers to edit their live event as they can record multiple video streams, including clean feeds of all inputs and program, all at the same time. Media pool images used are also saved with the video files. The video files include metadata tags such as synced timecode and camera numbers. Imagine re-editing their show with new color grades, effects and graphics. Even the audio sources are all recorded so customers can professionally remix their audio.
The ISO models also save a DaVinci Resolve project file, so with a single click customers can open their live production as a video edit. All cuts, dissolves and media pool graphics will be loaded. This means customers can fine tune edit points or even completely replace shots. The DaVinci Resolve Sync Bin lets customers select new shots via a multiview so it’s very easy to use. Customers can even relink to Blackmagic RAW camera files for adding professional color correction and finishing in Ultra HD.
With two independent 3.5mm stereo audio inputs, customers can connect desktop and lapel microphones. With 2 extra stereo audio inputs, customers can ensure a host and guest both have lapel microphones when doing interviews. Plus all models feature a Fairlight audio mixer with all HDMI inputs and both microphone inputs are all connected to the audio mixer so customers can live mix from all audio sources. The ATEM Mini Extreme also adds a headphone output.
Each of the HDMI inputs feature their own dedicated standards converter. That means ATEM Mini will automatically convert 1080p, 1080i and 720p sources to the switcher video standard. The HDMI outputs are a true “aux” output so customers can clean switch each HDMI input to the output. Plus the ATEM Mini Extreme models support 2 low latency direct loops. On the more powerful ATEM Mini Pro and ATEM Mini Extreme models, the HDMI output can be selected to display a full multiview.
The ATEM Software Control app unlocks the hidden power of ATEM Mini and allows access to every feature in the switcher. ATEM Software Control features a visual switcher user interface with parameter palettes for making quick adjustments. Although customers can normally connect via USB, if customers connect using Ethernet it’s possible for multiple users to connect to ATEM Mini using separate copies of ATEM Software Control on different computers. Customers can even save the switcher state as an XML file. If customers need clip playback, customers can even control HyperDeck disk recorders via Ethernet.
The built in “media pool” allows the loading of up to 20 separate broadcast quality RGBA graphics for titles, opening plates and logos. Customers can even use still frames for complex effects such as graphic wipes. Graphics can be loaded via ATEM Software Control or downloaded directly from Photoshop using the ATEM Photoshop plug-in.
The ATEM Mini Extreme models include 4 upstream chroma keyers and this allows customers to build exciting virtual sets. With 4 independent chroma keyers, customers get a keyer per camera so customers can build a virtual set for up to 4 cameras. With ATEM Mini Extreme customers have 8 inputs, 4 to use for cameras and the other 4 can be connected to a virtual set computer for the rendered backgrounds. Or customers don’t need to move their cameras, customers can do fixed camera virtual sets by loading pre rendered still image backgrounds from the media players and media pool. Customers can setup macros to change cameras and load the correct background into the media players. Or even use a DeckLink Quad HDMI and live virtual set software.
In addition to 2 independent DVEs in the ATEM Mini Extreme models, there’s also a powerful SuperSource multi layer processor with 4 extra DVE layers plus a background layer, that all appear to ATEM Mini Extreme as an additional input source. Any ATEM Mini Extreme video input can be used for each SuperSource DVE, then it’s all layered together over a media pool custom background. SuperSource is perfect for doing multiple picture in picture displays with people being interviewed because customers can set up the effect before putting it to air, still keeping both main DVEs free for other tasks. SuperSource is just like having an extra multi-layer VFX switcher built in.
When doing larger live productions with multiple cameras, it’s very useful to see all their video sources at the same time on a single monitor. The ATEM Mini Pro and ATEM Mini Extreme models include a professional multiview that lets customers see all video inputs, preview and program on a single HDMI television or monitor. Each camera view includes tally indicators so customers know when each source is on-air, and each view also has custom labels and audio meters. Plus the ATEM Mini Extreme models allow customers to select up to 16 custom views. Multiview even includes status for recording, streaming and the audio mixer.
The ATEM Streaming Bridge is a video converter that lets customers receive a H.264 stream from any ATEM Mini Pro or ATEM Mini Extreme and convert it back to SDI and HDMI video. This means customers can send video to remote locations around their local Ethernet network, or via the internet globally. That’s possible because it uses advanced H.264 codecs for higher quality at very low data rates. Setup is easy as the ATEM software utility can create setup files that customers can email to remote studios.”
ATEM Mini Extreme and ATEM Mini Extreme ISO Features:
Supports connecting up to 8 cameras or computers.
Supports streaming via Ethernet or tethered phones via USB.
Tethers to 5G or 4G phones for mobile remote streaming.
Records to USB flash disks in H.264.
Two stereo audio inputs for connecting desktop or lapel microphones.
Automatically standards converts and re-syncs all HDMI inputs.
Includes free ATEM Software Control for Mac and Windows.
Internal media for 20 RGBA graphics for titles, opening plates and logos.
4 upstream ATEM Advanced Chroma keyers for green/blue screen work.
2 independent DVEs plus SuperSource with 4 extra DVEs.
16 way multiview for monitoring all cameras, recording and streaming status.
And more detailed info about the Pocket Cinema Camera 6k, also from the press release:
“The elegant design of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera packs an incredible number of high end digital film features into a miniaturized, handheld design. Made from lightweight carbon fiber polycarbonate composite, the camera features a multifunction handgrip with all controls for recording, ISO, WB and shutter angle right at their fingertips. Because it’s an advanced digital film camera, the sensor is designed to reduce thermal noise allowing cleaner shadows and higher ISO. Plus the large 5 inch LCD makes it possible to get perfect focus at 4K and 6K resolutions.
Featuring a larger 6144 x 3456 Super 35 sensor and EF lens mount, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K lets customers use larger EF photographic lenses to create cinematic images with shallower depth of field, allowing creative defocussed backgrounds and gorgeous bokeh effects.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro includes additional pro features such as built in 2, 4 and 6 stop ND filters, adjustable tilt HDR LCD with a bright 1500 nits that’s ideal for use in bright sunlight. It also includes two mini XLR audio inputs and a larger NP-F570 style battery.
Whether users are shooting in bright sunlight or in almost no light at all, the 13 stops of dynamic range with dual native ISO up to 25,600 provide stunning low noise images in all lighting conditions. Plus the 6K models feature a larger Super 35 sensor that allows shooting with a shallow depth of field and anamorphic lenses. All models let customers shoot up to 60 fps in full resolution or 120 fps windowed. An amazing sensor combined with Blackmagic color science means customers get the same imaging technology as the most expensive digital film cameras.
The 6K models feature an EF lens mount so customers can use lenses customers already own from other cameras such as DSLR, URSA Mini Pro or even the original Blackmagic Cinema Camera. Customers can use commonly available photographic lenses that provide incredible creative choice and wonderful feature film quality lens effects. The active lens mount lets customers adjust focus and iris from the buttons on the camera or the touch screen.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro features high quality, motorized IR ND filters that let customers quickly reduce the amount of light entering the camera. Designed to match the colorimetry and color science of the camera, the 2, 4 and 6 stop filters provide customers with additional latitude even under harsh lighting. The IR filters have been designed to filter both optical and IR wavelengths evenly, eliminating IR contamination of the images. Activation buttons are located on the rear of the camera body, placed within easy reach of their thumb from the multi function hand grip. User selectable filter settings can even be displayed as either an ND number, stop reduction or fraction on the LCD.
The Pocket Cinema Cameras feature dual native ISO up to 25,600, which means they’re optimized to minimize grain or noise in images, while maintaining the full dynamic range of the sensor. The native ISO of 400 is ideal for scenes with on-set lighting. The gain is set automatically as customers adjust the ISO setting, so it’s easy to capture great images when customers don’t have time to set up lights.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera records using standard open file formats so customers don’t have to waste time transcoding media. Recording works in industry standard 10-bit Apple ProRes files in all formats up to 4K or 12-bit Blackmagic RAW in all formats up to 6K. Developers can download and use the free Blackmagic RAW SDK to add support into their applications. Best of all media files work on all operating systems plus customers can format media cards and disks in HFS+ for Mac and ExFAT for Windows.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera features a large, bright 5 inch touchscreen that makes it easy for customers to frame shots and accurately focus. On screen overlays show status and record parameters, histogram, focus peaking indicators, levels, frame guides and more. The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro LCD monitor is a more advanced HDR display that can be tilted up and down so it’s easy to monitor their shot from any position. Plus the 6K Pro model’s HDR display features 1500 nits of brightness, ideal for use in bright sunlight.
Featuring the same generation 5 color science as the high end URSA Mini Pro 12K, the new Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro delivers an even greater advancement in image quality with stunning, accurate skin tones and faithful color in every shot. Customers get a new dynamic 12-bit gamma curve designed to capture more color data in the highlights and shadows, for better looking images. The color science also handles some of the complex Blackmagic RAW image processing, so color and dynamic range data from the sensor is preserved via metadata which customers can use in post production.
The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro supports an optional viewfinder to make outdoors and handheld shooting accurate and easy. Customers get an integrated high quality 1280 x 960 color OLED display with built in proximity sensor, 4 element glass diopter for incredible accuracy with a wide -4 to +4 focus adjustment. A built in digital focus chart ensures customers get perfect viewfinder focus setup. Customers can also view critical status information such as frame guides. The Pocket Cinema Camera Pro EVF connects quickly to the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro via a single connector. The viewfinder has a 70 degree swivel range and comes with 4 different types of eyecups for both left and right eyes.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras feature a mini XLR input with 48 volts of phantom power for connecting professional microphones such as lapel mics and booms. The 6K Pro model features 2 mini XLR connections, allowing customers to record 2 separate audio tracks using 2 mics, without an external mixer. The four built in mics have an extremely low noise floor and are shock and wind resistant, capturing great sound in any location. There’s also a 3.5mm audio input for connecting video camera microphones, along with a built in speaker for playback and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and 6K use removable LP-E6 type batteries while the 6K Pro model uses larger NP-F570 batteries. A locking DC power connector is used so customers won’t have to worry about losing power during a shoot. Plus the included AC plug pack can power the camera and charge the battery simultaneously. Even the USB-C expansion port can trickle charge the battery, so customers can use portable battery packs, mobile phone chargers or laptops. The optional battery grip lets customers add extra batteries to dramatically extend the power of the camera so customers can keep shooting all day.
All Pocket Cinema Camera models include a full version of DaVinci Resolve Studio, which is the same software used in Hollywood for creating high end feature films, episodic television shows, commercials and more. DaVinci Resolve features the new cut page with intelligent editing tools and innovative new features designed to help customers quickly find the footage customers want, edit it together and output it fast. In addition to the new cut page, customers also get DaVinci’s legendary professional editing, advanced color correction, audio post and visual effects tools, all in a single software application.”
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro Features:
Designed from carbon fiber polycarbonate composite.
6144 x 3456 sensor with 13 stops and dual native ISO up to 25,600.
Compatible with a wide range of popular EF lenses.
Built in motorized 2, 4 and 6 stop ND filters.
Up to 25,600 ISO for incredible low light performance.
Standard open file formats compatible with popular software.
Adjustable, HDR 1500 nit LCD screen.
Includes Blackmagic Generation 5 Color Science.
Optional Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera Pro EVF.
Professional mini XLR inputs with 48 volt phantom power.
Larger NP-F570 battery, optional Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Pro Grip.
Includes full DaVinci Resolve Studio for post production.
And finally, more information on the Blackmagic Web Presenter HD:
“Blackmagic Web Presenter is a complete streaming solution that includes a professional hardware streaming engine for direct streaming via Ethernet to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and more. It’s just like a modern broadcast television transmitter for a new global streaming audience. Plus the built in USB connections work like a webcam, so customers can connect a computer and use any streaming software, or even Skype or Zoom. For redundancy, customers can stream to the internet via Ethernet or connect a 5G or 4G phone to use mobile data. Web Presenter also includes a technical monitoring output that includes video, audio meters, trend graphs and even SDI technical data.
Blackmagic Web Presenter supports the most popular streaming platforms. Plus the built in hardware streaming engine has been designed for live streaming at professional broadcast quality. That means customers get a self contained solution for live streaming that works without dropped frames. Customers only need to connect it to the internet. Setup is easy, as the Web Presenter Utility software lets customers select the streaming platform and update the streaming key.
Blackmagic Web Presenter is a self contained solution that includes a powerful hardware encoder, software for connecting to streaming platforms, and network connections. That means customers don’t need to buy an expensive computer or use complicated streaming software. Simply connect an SDI video source such as a live production switcher or a camera, then connect to the internet using the built in Ethernet connection. Or plug in a mobile phone to use mobile data. With settings built in for popular streaming platforms, customers simply need to enter a streaming key and press on air. Plus customers can simultaneously use the USB webcam output to connect to a computer, allowing other video software to be used.
If users are streaming from a remote location, or customers need a backup for the main Ethernet connection, customers can plug in an Apple or Android phone to connect to the internet via mobile data. For convenience, there are USB connections on both the front and rear panel that can be used for tethering phones. Plus it works with the latest high speed 5G phones, as well as 4G phones. Blackmagic Web Presenter will auto detect when a phone is connected and switch its internet connection to use it. Customers can select Ethernet or phone priority, which makes phone internet backup fully automatic.
For increased compatibility, Blackmagic Web Presenter also features two USB connections that operate as a simple webcam source. That means customers can plug into any computer and work with any video software. The software is tricked into thinking the web presenter is a common webcam, but it’s really a broadcast quality SDI video source. That guarantees full compatibility with any video software and in full resolution 1080 HD quality. Web Presenter works with any video software including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster and more.
Traditional broadcast transmitters are critical equipment in a television station, however now the streaming server is just as critical because millions of viewers can be watching globally. To help, Blackmagic Web Presenter includes a feature rich technical monitoring output. The graphics based monitoring output includes a video view, audio meters with accurate ballistics, trend graphs for codec data rates and cache fill, plus a summary of the streaming settings and detailed SDI technical information. Plus the technical monitoring output works in full 1080 HD and outputs to both SDI and HDMI. That means customers can use an SDI router for monitoring multiple units, or connect a simple HDMI TV.
The Blackmagic Web Presenter Utility software provides a single place to manage multiple web presenters and to update the settings and software. Simply plug directly into the front of the web presenter’s USB connection, or connect using Ethernet so customers can configure remotely, which is important when users are managing multiple remote sites. The familiar menus and controls make it very easy to set up a live event, so customers can get started fast. Plus the front panel LCD menus have the same settings and controls. The Blackmagic Web Presenter Utility software is included free and runs on both Mac and Windows platforms.
Blackmagic Web Presenter includes a 12G-SDI input with support for all HD and Ultra HD formats up to 2160p60. A 12G-SDI loop output is included enabling customers to loop video through more than one web presenter, so customers can stream to multiple services. Blackmagic Web Presenter features Teranex conversion technology on the SDI input for incredibly clean looking video. Blackmagic Web Presenter takes the incoming HD or Ultra HD input signal and automatically converts it to high quality, low data rate 1080p HD, which is sent to the hardware H.264 encoder for streaming and to the computer when using the USB webcam outputs.
Blackmagic Web Presenter includes redundant features to help ensure customers stay online. Customers get dual internet connections, so customers connect to the internet using the built in Ethernet or a tethered phone for 5G or 4G mobile data. Plus the internet automatically switches in case of an outage. Or customers can use 2 separate units to stream to both the primary and secondary YouTube servers. With both AC and DC inputs, customers can use a broadcast battery pack for redundant power.
While Blackmagic Web Presenter can send video to a wide range of streaming services, it can also be used as a private broadcast SDI video link between studios. The ATEM Streaming Bridge is a video converter that lets customers receive the H.264 stream from Blackmagic Web Presenter and then convert it back to SDI video. This means customers can send video between remote locations across their local Ethernet network, or via the internet globally. That’s all possible due to the built in H.264 hardware codec that decodes the Web Presenter stream.
Blackmagic Web Presenter is based on the modular Teranex Mini design allowing desktop or rack use. The extremely portable design is only 5.5 inches wide, which means customers can mount 3 in a single rack unit, perfect when customers need to stream to multiple independent services all at the same time. Plus customers can combine Blackmagic Web Presenter with other products such as the ATEM Television Studio HD switcher for a live production and streaming solution in a single rack unit.
Blackmagic Web Presenter HD Features:
Complete streaming solution for YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and more.
Supports streaming via Ethernet or tethered phones via USB.
Built in broadcast quality hardware H.264 encoder.
Tethers to 5G or 4G phones for mobile remote streaming.
USB looks like a webcam allowing support for all video software.
Monitoring output includes meters, trend graphs and SDI technical data.
Includes Web Presenter Utility software for Mac and Windows.
12G-SDI input with down conversion for any HD or Ultra HD source.
Both AC and DC connections allows redundant power.
1/3rd rack width design allows 3 streams in a single rack unit.
All of the above products are immediately available from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide.
All images courtesy Blackmagic Design – click on images for larger versions.
