For those who don’t know the tool: Blackmagic Design develops cameras, broadcast gear, and postproduction software including DaVinci Resolve, Fusion, and Fairlight. The Blackmagic Camera Setup utility keeps their cameras’ firmware up to date, adds new features, and includes the Blackmagic RAW toolset used in Resolve and other DCC workflows.

PYXIS learns to cool itself

Version 10.0 of Blackmagic Camera Setup, released just now, introduces a dynamic fan control system for the Blackmagic PYXIS 12K. The camera now adjusts its cooling behaviour automatically while recording.

Pre-record and expanded audio arrive

Both the PYXIS 6K, PYXIS 12K, and the URSA Broadcast G2 gain a pre-record mode, allowing the capture of a few seconds before the record button is pressed, a practical addition for live and documentary work. All three models also now support four-channel audio recording, mono headphone monitoring, and a 0% opacity option for frame guides, giving operators the ability to clear overlays entirely when composing shots.

API, proxies and lens support updates

The update adds new Camera Control REST API commands, aimed at remote operation and integration with external systems. Blackmagic also adds an option to inhibit proxy recording, which could be useful for locked-down or multi-camera workflows. For the URSA Broadcast G2, 10.0 also improves Blackmagic Cloud integration and B4 lens compatibility. Blackmagic has not detailed the nature of these improvements, and they are not independently verified at press time.

RAW utilities and system requirements

The installer continues to bundle Blackmagic RAW Player, RAW Speed Test, RAW SDK, and RAW plugins for host applications. The update supports macOS 14 (Sonoma) and macOS 15 (Sequoia) on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, as well as Windows 10 and Windows 11 64-bit systems. Blackmagic lists 8 GB RAM as the minimum for macOS.

Updfated PYXIS Manual

At the same time, BMD updated and released a new manual for the PYXISI Camera – geht the full PDF here for free or have a look if you think about getting one of them. https://documents.blackmagicdesign.com/UserManuals/BlackmagicPYXISManual.pdf?

Practical reminder

As always, users should verify firmware stability and feature compatibility before deploying updates in active production environments. Never update during production, which we heartily recommend, because yesterday a Windows-Update made this news you are reading a hectic morning duty instead of a relaxed last evening thing. Also: Check yourt backups, while you are at it.

The post Blackmagic Camera 10.0 brings fan brains and pre-record tricks first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

Blackmagic Design has introduced version 1.4 of its Blackmagic Camera app for Android, marking a notable step in mobile production flexibility. The update includes full support for Sony Xperia 1 V and Xperia PRO-I devices, making them viable options for VFX and filmmaking pros who rely on high-end mobile hardware.

The Blackmagic Camera app, originally developed for use with Blackmagic’s digital cinema cameras, allows Artists to control camera settings remotely via their Android devices. With the new Xperia integration, Blackmagic responds to the increasing trend of professional-grade mobile shooting, particularly in fast-paced environments like VFX-heavy productions.

Xperia and Mobile Production

Sony’s Xperia 1 V and Xperia PRO-I are smartphones known for their exceptional imaging capabilities, boasting features like 4K HDR OLED displays and advanced camera systems. This update lets users control these devices with the Blackmagic Camera app, creating new opportunities for mobile production setups. The benefit? For professionals working in post-production and visual effects, the combination of a mobile-friendly platform and Blackmagic’s control interface could streamline location shooting, offering rapid feedback on footage without the need for heavy equipment.

Version 1.4 brings more than just Xperia compatibility. The update includes performance improvements across the board, refining the app’s interaction with Android hardware to improve stability. Other notable enhancements include:

• Expanded device compatibility for Sony Phones, as well as some Oppo Models.
• Optimized performance for smoother control of Blackmagic’s URSA Mini and Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
• Better connection stability when using Wi-Fi

For a full list of updates, you can check the official documentation here.

Pricing and Availability

The Blackmagic Camera app is available for free in the Google Play Store. There are no additional costs tied to this update, which is great news for filmmakers and post-production professionals looking to add it to their Android workflow without budget concerns.

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While this update offers exciting possibilities, remember: before adopting any new tool in critical projects, thorough testing is key. Make sure it integrates well with your post-production pipeline and doesn’t introduce unexpected challenges.

For more information or to download the latest version of the app, visit the official Blackmagic Design site here.

The post Blackmagic Camera 1.4 Update for Android: Xperia Support and More first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.