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Blackmagic Design Video Assist 3G-SDI/HDMI 5" Recorder/Monitor

BH #BLVA3G5 • MFR #HYPERD/AVIDA03/5
126 reviews
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Blackmagic Design Video Assist 3G-SDI/HDMI 5" Recorder/Monitor
Key Features
  • 1920 x 1080 5" Touchscreen LCD
  • HDMI & 3G-SDI Video Inputs
  • Records up to 1080p60 Video
  • USB Type-C Webcam Video Output
Add professional monitoring and high-quality recording to your camera with the Video Assist 3G-SDI/HDMI 5" Recording Monitor from Blackmagic Design. It features a bright 5" 1920 x 1080 display with 300 cd/m² brightness to help you frame and focus your shots, and it provides 3G-SDI and HDMI inputs for recording the video output from professional and consumer cameras. You can monitor and record video resolutions up to 1080p60 10-bit 4:2:2 and up to 16 channels of embedded 24-bit 48 kHz audio. Firmware update 3.3.1 adds a video output via the USB Type-C port that can be used to convert your connected camera for webcam use. It also enables you to select channels for audio monitoring.
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Blackmagic Design Video Assist Overview

Add professional monitoring and high-quality recording to your camera with the Video Assist 3G-SDI/HDMI 5" Recording Monitor from Blackmagic Design. It features a bright 5" 1920 x 1080 display with 300 cd/m² brightness to help you frame and focus your shots, and it provides 3G-SDI and HDMI inputs for recording the video output from professional and consumer cameras. You can monitor and record video resolutions up to 1080p60 10-bit 4:2:2 and up to 16 channels of embedded 24-bit 48 kHz audio. Firmware update 3.3.1 adds a video output via the USB Type-C port that can be used to convert your connected camera for webcam use. It also enables you to select channels for audio monitoring.

The Video Assist 3G 5" records to an SDXC/SDHC memory card using a single UHS-I SD card slot. Use the USB Type-C port to record for configuring and upgrading the monitor. Video is recorded using industry-standard Apple ProRes (HQ, 422, LT, or Proxy) and Avid DNxHD codecs.

Up to 1080p60 Video
Supports video formats up to 1080p60
Upgrades Older Camera Viewing/Recording
Can be used to upgrade viewing and recording options with older cameras
5" Touchscreen Display
This monitor's touchscreen interface enables you to adjust settings and access monitoring features such as histogram, waveform, RGB parade, vectorscope, and many more scopes and exposure tools
3G-SDI and HDMI Input/Loop-Out
3G-SDI and HDMI input ports with loop-through outputs provide compatibility with a variety of cameras and wireless video receivers
3D LUT Support
3D LUT support for customized viewing
1080p USB Webcam Output
Sends a streaming-friendly 1080p video signal to your computer, enabling the use of your connected camera as a webcam
Tally Light
A tally light on top of the monitor indicates it is operating and recording
Metadata Entry
Direct metadata entry
SD Card Slot
Single SD card slot for ProRes recording
Selectable Audio Monitoring
Ability to select which audio channels you are monitoring
Power Options
Power the monitor using the included 12V power adapter or the separately available Sony L-Series type batteries on the dual battery slots
Multiple Language Displays
Choose from 11 languages for easier use of on-screen text displays and menu options:
  • English
  • Chinese
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Turkish
Minimum macOS System Requirements
  • macOS 10.15 Catalina
  • macOS 10.14 Mojave
  • USB 2.0 port for updates
Minimum Windows System Requirements
  • Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit
  • USB 2.0 port

Blackmagic Design Video Assist Specs

Key Specs
Display Size
5.0" / 12.7 cm
Native Resolution
1920 x 1080
Touchscreen
Yes
HDR Support
No
Video I/O
1x HDMI (Unspecified Signal) Input
1x Micro BNC (3G-SDI) Input
1x HDMI (Unspecified Signal) Output
1x Micro BNC (3G-SDI) Output
1x USB-C (Unspecified Signal) Output
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) [Supports Recording]
Video Format
SDI (10-Bit 4:2:2 YUV)
1080p: 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98
1080PsF: 30/29.97/25/24/23.98
1080i: 60/59.94/50
720p: 60/59.94/50
576i: 50
480i: 59.94
HDMI (10-Bit)
1080p: 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98
1080i: 60/59.94/50
720p: 60/59.94/50
576i: 50
480i: 59.94
Phantom Power
No
Battery
2x L-Series Mount on Fixed Plate
Display
Panel Type
LCD
Display Size
5.0" / 12.7 cm
Native Resolution
1920 x 1080
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Viewing Angle
Horizontal: 135°
Touchscreen
Yes
Maximum Brightness
300 nits / cd/m2
Color Support
16.7 Million Colors
HDR Support
No
Color Gamut
100% Rec. 709
LUT Support
Yes
Image Controls
Anamorphic De-Squeeze, Blue Only, False Color, Focus Peaking, Histogram, Image Flip, Picture-in-Picture, RGB Parade, Screen Markers, Vectorscope, Waveform, Zebra
Inputs/Outputs
Video I/O
1x HDMI (Unspecified Signal) Input
1x Micro BNC (3G-SDI) Input
1x HDMI (Unspecified Signal) Output
1x Micro BNC (3G-SDI) Output
1x USB-C (Unspecified Signal) Output
Embedded Audio
HDMI: 8-Channel
SDI: 16-Channel
Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Output
Built-In Speaker
Mono
Power I/O
1x Barrel Input
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) [Supports Recording]
Wi-Fi
No
Bluetooth
No
Mobile App Compatible
No
Format Support
Video Format
SDI (10-Bit 4:2:2 YUV)
1080p: 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98
1080PsF: 30/29.97/25/24/23.98
1080i: 60/59.94/50
720p: 60/59.94/50
576i: 50
480i: 59.94
HDMI (10-Bit)
1080p: 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98
1080i: 60/59.94/50
720p: 60/59.94/50
576i: 50
480i: 59.94
Timecode Support
Yes
Recording
Pulldown Conversion
No
Camera Trigger
No
Pre-Roll Record
No
Encoding Formats
Up to 1920 x 1080
ProRes 422, 422 HQ, LT, Proxy 10-Bit 4:2:2 at up to 60 fps
DNxHD 45, 45 MXF, 145, 145 MXF, 220x, 220x MXF 10-Bit 4:2:2 at up to 60 fps
Maximum Audio Tracks
16
Metadata Tagging
Yes
Phantom Power
No
Power
Input Power
12 VDC
Battery
2x L-Series Mount on Fixed Plate
Mounting
Tripod/Accessory Mounting
Top/Bottom
3x 1/4"-20 Female
General
Environmental Resistance
No
Operating Conditions
32 to 72°F / 0 to 40°C up to 90% Humidity
Storage Conditions
-4 to 113°F / -20 to 45°C 
Material of Construction
Aluminum
Dimensions
5.83 x 3.54 x 1.44" / 14.81 x 8.99 x 3.66 cm
Weight
14.46 oz / 410.00 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.9 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.8 x 7.5 x 4.1"

Blackmagic Design Video Assist Reviews

Great little screen

By Pawan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-04-21

I use this with my Komodo. Works amazing. The first item came faulty. The monitor could not power up using only the batteries. It could power up from AC and use it on battery but after a nightover, I have to go through the same process. However, B&H replaced the item and new unit works without any problem.

Pretty good.

By Sam
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2024-11-21

didn't communicate with my Blackmagic Micro G2. Found that disappointing.

See any errors on this page?

Can you enlarge monitor display, say 2x, 3x mode ...

Can you enlarge monitor display, say 2x, 3x mode for review of still images?
Asked by: Quintin
Double tap the display for a 2x zoom. You can pinch and zoom further.
Answered by: BMD Product Specialist
Date published: 2024-05-26

Is an uploaded 3DLuts implemented on the HDMI/SDI ...

Is an uploaded 3DLuts implemented on the HDMI/SDI output ports as well?
Asked by: John
No, the LUTS are only applied to the display.
Answered by: Victor
Date published: 2021-11-30

Will my URSA 12K camera trigger the recording?

Will my URSA 12K camera trigger the recording?
Asked by: Todd
Yes, you can set the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 3G-SDI/HDMI 5" Recorder/Monitor to use ‘timecode’ or ‘SDI/HDMI start/stop’ trigger recording.
Answered by: Elliot
Date published: 2025-03-17

Can I use NP-f550 batteries on this, or is the ...

Can I use NP-f550 batteries on this, or is the ONLY compatible battery the LP-E6?
Asked by: Richard
Yes, NP-F batteries (Also known as L-series Sony-style batteries), such as the NP-F550, will work with the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 3G-SDI/HDMI 5- Recorder/Monitor. This monitor does not take LP-E6 batteries.
Answered by: ericsc
Date published: 2023-04-16

Does this monitor have camera control for pocket ...

Does this monitor have camera control for pocket cameras 4k & 6k over HDMI?
Asked by: Theodore
For BMPCC camera control, look at the Portkeys BM5 with the BT1 module.
Answered by: Richard
Date published: 2020-10-03

Can the Blackmagic Assist 3g 5" record the ...

Can the Blackmagic Assist 3g 5" record the visible time/date stamp on the bottom of my camcorder frame?
Asked by: Frank
Yes, any signal that provides overlays through the SDI or the HDMI port can be captured in the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 3G-SDI/HDMI 5" Recorder/Monitor.
Answered by: Richard
Date published: 2023-01-26

Is the outer construction plastic or aluminum?

Is the outer construction plastic or aluminum?
Asked by: worship
No. The following unit is material of construction is aluminum.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2022-05-24

If I wanted to just use this as a monitor, would ...

If I wanted to just use this as a monitor, would I have any issue viewing what I am shooting if I am shooting 4k?
Asked by: Rich
When inputting video to the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 3G-SDI/HDMI 5" Recorder/Monitor, your video source needs to be in 1080p60 HD. For 4K signals, look for the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5" 12G-SDI/HDMI HDR Recording Monitor that supports 4K resolutions and frame rates for UHD 4K: 60/59.94/50/30/29.97/25/24/23.98. Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5" 12G-SDI/HDMI HDR Recording Monitor BH # BLVIDA125HRD
Answered by: Elliot A
Date published: 2025-04-04
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