New Firmware Adds SDI Record Trigger and Timecode Output for Better Compatibility with External Recorders

The original Blackmagic Production Camera 4K, first shipped in February 2014, just got a new firmware update that expands the available workflow options when using an external recorder with the camera. 

First, the v3.4 firmware adds start and stop triggering via SDI, allowing external video recorders (including Blackmagic's own Video Assist) to start and stop recording in lockstep with the camera itself. Second, the new firmware adds support for RP-188 timecode output over SDI, allowing files to be recorded with the same timecode internally and on the external recorder. That makes it much easier to record edit-ready proxies (such as ProRes or DNxHD) externally, and then link back to the much heavier-weight camera-original raw files for grading and finishing.

Blackmagic said the update brings the Production Camera more in line with subsequent models including the Ursa and Ursa Mini. It's a free download from the Blackmagic Design website.