REUPLOAD – In the previous version I made the erroneous claim that the PYXIS Monitor couldn’t be used with the BMMSC 4K G2 and a USB hub to allow simultaneous monitoring and recording. The issue was that the monitor uses HDMI over USB-C, not USB-C data. So it will only work with hubs that support USB-C HDMI alt mode, none of which I had. Apologies if this misled anyone; It was definitely not my intent, as I very much wanted the monitor + SSD to be usable! Though a bit embarrassed, ultimately I’m glad I was wrong about it.

Here’s the USB-C hub from the intro that *does* work with an SSD + PYXIS: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRG9K3BJ (Not affiliated nor sponsored.)

The original video is still available in unlisted mode for posterity, to preserve the comments and etc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cGBQrV702o

The title isn’t clickbait. After messing around with the monitor, the BMMSC 4K G2 and various USB accessories, I found a bog standard USB-C touchscreen monitor from Amazon that provides the same functionality as the PYXIS. To be fair, I tried two other 1080p touchscreens and neither worked, so it’s not universal compatibility.

Here’s the product, but it’s *not* an affiliated link nor am I shilling for the brand (which has a silly name anyhow): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DF1P542S (PeakDo 7 inch Portable Touchscreen etc..)

All that being said, the PYXIS monitor does have a much better look and feel than a cheap alternative, and advantages include a locking USB port, 1/4″ mounting threads on 2 sides, a sunshade, and 3 function buttons on the back that are extremely flexible (you can assign them to do most anything).

IMO if budget isn’t an option and a 5″ monitor is good enough for you, go with the PYXIS. It’ll probably be less pain in the log run. Then again, maybe go with an HDMI or SDI monitor, because the monitor won’t work via a USB hub (I tested 3 of them and none worked, anyways), and if you occupy the BMMSC 4K G2’s single USB-C port with the monitor *you can’t record to external media*.

So you’d either need the PYXIS as well as an HDMI/SDI recorder, or something like a Video Assist 5 or Atomos Ninja to monitor and record.

When used in a studio, I’d think a cameraperson would prefer a monitor larger than 5″.

If Blackmagic Design added another USB port to the camera, it would solve many problems. Or enable the Video Assists to work with USB for camera menus. IDK, either way it seems like a hole in BMD’s product line that they probably want you to fill with a PYXIS camera (or URSA) rather than making the BMMSC capable of fully competing with those when rigged out.

Part 2 of this video shows one way to add WiFi connectivity to the camera. It’s slightly convoluted in that it uses a WiFi bridge device which essentially passes networking from the wireless network to an Ethernet port. That Ethernet cable can then be connected to a USB-C Ethernet adapter attached to the camera. (There may be other WiFi bridges that have a USB Ethernet adapter built in. IDK, this is the one I found.)

The reason for using a bridge is that you can’t just connect a USB WiFi adapter directly to the camera. There’s no way to configure SSID and password (or etc.) in the camera’s interface. However, the camera does natively recognize a USB Ethernet adapter and will (by default) use DHCP to grab an IP address.

Micro Studio Camera 4K G2 video.

I’m sprucing things up in the studio (basement), which includes removing most light stands and tripods. They’ll be attached to the ceiling instead, and with that comes re-wiring everything. Also, upgrade of a couple of full-size Blackmagic Studio Cameras (gen 1) to the much smaller and lightweight Micro Studio Camera 4K G2. Unfortunately, whereas the old BMSC devices have SFP slots for fiber connectivity, the BMMSC G2 does not.

So I’m also using a couple of Blackmagic Mini Converter Optical Fiber 12G modules with the cameras, but as with the cameras they require power which can’t be provided by fiber. (I did look at structured cable, but it wasn’t worth it.) To keep things somewhat neat and tidy, I decided to provide power remotely using 4-pin XLR cables going into custom splitter boxes with 3 barrel jack outputs. That’ll run the camera, converter, and a small LCD monitor if necessary.

Mostly this video ended up being about the adapter box, and I didn’t get into the fiber converter as much as I intended to from the outset. That’s because the whole project got a bit sidetracked by the power supply not working out of the box. I’d picked up a Core SWX Cube 200 Power Supply from B&H, which is supposed to put out 14.3V constantly, but was putting out 16V occasionally when I banged on it. Just a faulty unit, I suppose. Might return it or investigate further.

In a subsequent video I’ll go over the actual setup of the cameras using the adapter boxes, as well as the fiber converter (and hopefully a working high-amp PSU).

As usual, nothing in this video was sponsored and I’m not promoting anything. I paid for all this stuff out of my own pocket, for my own reasons.

I laboriously go through the process of unboxing and testing the new-ish Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K G2, or BMMSC G2 as it’s slightly more easily said. It’s kinda a combo of the old BMMSC G1 and the Micro Cinema Camera. Also got two Mini Converters to apply LUTs to both cameras over SDI, also from Blackmagic Design, of course.

I talk about my experiences troubleshooting and testing the Blackmagic Design ATEM Studio Converter 2, and then open it up for good measure.

This is a quickie, wherein I swap the cosmetic faceplate on a Blackmagic Design Teranex mini converter for a smart panel. I thought it might be useful if someone wanted to check out the process before buying one.

But I’ll spoil it by saying that it’s just a matter of removing the 4 screws holding on the faceplate, and then pushing the smart panel onto an edge connector that protrudes from the Teranex device.

3D Version

What??

I had the idea that my videos would be better in 3D. Well, maybe not better. More involved to produce, anyhow. And since I make videos mostly for the love of the process than because I like being on camera (I hate it), more complexity equals more fun! Well, maybe fun is the wrong word. But, you know… something.

There are other reasons, too. I cover all that in the video. :)

I also get into the reasons for choosing Blackmagic Micro Studio Cameras (small, light, 4K, genlock) and why I’m using both a Video Assist 4K and an Atomos Shogun. Which isn’t due to a very good reason at all.

Importantly, the 3D version of this video is purely experimental. This is the first 3D video I’ve ever made (aside from some test shots), so please have pity on me if it gives you a head ache or makes you vomit in a combination of rage and illness. I’m just getting started, so besides the pity I’m open to any and all suggestions to improve things going forward!

I’m currently comparing the Blackmagic Video Assist 4K and the Atomos Shogun, and will be doing a review shortly. If you have any questions, comments, or things you’d like to see me cover please let me know in the comments (here or on YouTube).

I know that the VA4K is a current product, and the Shogun is a discontinued previous version. So why compare them? Well, because I’m focused on people like me: Low-budget shooters that want good equipment for their money. The VA4K is priced comparably to a used (but excellent quality) Shogun. So for a particular budget, those seem to be the most compelling options for a 4K recorder.