Blackmagic Camera 10.0 Update Adds 10-Minute Pre-Record Recording

Blackmagic Design seems to understand your frustration. They’ve just released the Blackmagic Camera 10.0 update, and the standout feature lets you pre-record for up to 10 minutes. That’s right, ten full minutes. It’s more than just a backup for missed moments. It’s like giving your camera a time machine.

Stop Chasing the Ghost with Blackmagic Pre-Record

If you’ve primarily worked in structured storytelling environments, you might be puzzled about the need for a ten-minute buffer. However, for those who have filmed documentaries or covered live events, it’s clear that real life doesn’t wait for you to shout “Rolling!” According to Blackmagic, the Camera 10.0 Update helps you capture unexpected moments without missing a beat.

Typically, cameras only begin recording when the button is pressed. This new update allows your camera to be in a state of “always ready.” It saves footage in temporary memory, so when you finally press the button, it adds the last few minutes of footage to your recording.

I believe this is a massive advantage for solo filmmakers. It lets you concentrate on framing and the story instead of worrying about whether you’re ready to hit the button. You don’t have to predict when an event will happen. You need to press the button at any time within ten minutes after it occurs.

How the 10-Minute Buffer Changes Your Workflow

Blackmagic Camera 10.0 Update is now available for the URSA Broadcast G2 and the new PYXIS 6K and 12K models. You’re not limited to a ten-minute recording window either. You can choose a duration as short as five seconds or as long as ten minutes.

According to Blackmagic, the interesting part is how it manages storage. The camera is always “recording” to the media card to maintain the buffer, but it only keeps the footage you actually want and deletes the rest. This should help you avoid needing a large number of CFexpress cards to capture a short, exciting clip.

However, I’m a bit worried about how this might affect the lifespan of your media over time. Since the card is being written to constantly to keep the buffer working, it will face a lot of wear. You may want to closely monitor the health of your card if you intend to use the pre-record feature throughout your entire shift.

Better Audio and a Smarter PYXIS

While everyone is excited about the pre-record feature, Blackmagic has also added some significant audio improvements. All three cameras can now record 4-channel audio. This setup is ideal for interviews, allowing for two lapel microphones, a boom microphone, and some background sound to create a more natural feel.

Everything syncs perfectly with the video, which makes life easier for those of us who dislike using external recorders and syncing audio in post-production. You’ll have two extra audio channels directly in your file, streamlining the editing process.

If you’ve bought the PYXIS 12K, you’ll also benefit from dynamic fan control. Blackmagic appears to be addressing the noise issues associated with high-resolution cameras. The fan can now adjust its speed while recording, keeping the camera cool without producing too much noise when capturing soft sounds. It feels like they are really paying attention to their indie users who might not always have someone dedicated to managing sound.

New Tools for the Remote Control Nerds

The Blackmagic Camera 10.0 update introduces new REST API commands for tech-savvy users of the URSA Broadcast G2 and both PYXIS models. While this might seem pointless if you prefer a simple point-and-shoot style, it’s significant for studio automation. It enhances remote control and allows for better integration in complex live environments.

Additionally, the URSA Broadcast G2 benefits from enhanced Blackmagic Cloud features and improved compatibility with a broader range of B4 lenses. Blackmagic is clearly aiming to keep the URSA at the forefront of the “Electronic News Gathering” (ENG) sector, and these enhancements bring it closer to the high-end Sony and Panasonic models that usually cost three times more.

Is This Update Actually Revolutionary?

Blackmagic appears to be making an effort to combine “film” with “practical use.” Typically, you either have cameras suited for movies that are difficult to use for live events or broadcast cameras that produce “TV-like” footage. With the new PYXIS, which features a large 10-minute pre-record function and a 12K cinema sensor, you can enjoy the benefits of both types.

You can download Blackmagic Camera version 10.0 from their support site right now.

Before heading out to capture something like a lightning strike, ensure your batteries are fully charged. The 10-minute buffer and four audio channels will drain your power quicker than usual. But that’s a small trade-off for the ability to record moments that just happened.

[via ymcinema; Image credits: Blackmagic]

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