Blackmagic Video Assist 7 12G HDR review: all-round high-end performance

The Blackmagic Design Video Assist 7 12G HDR is a mighty beast that makes shooting a breeze

Blackmagic Video Assist 7 12G HDR used outside in a wooded area
(Image: © James Abbott / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Blackmagic Video Assist 7 12G HDR is a great monitor/recorder that provides a large, sharp and bright screen, but this in itself makes it much less portable than 5-inch models. The features on offer aid shooting hugely, as intended, to ultimately provide an excellent shooting experience.

Pros

  • +

    Large and bright screen

  • +

    4K Raw capture

  • +

    Analogue audio inputs

  • +

    Uses NP-F570 batteries

Cons

  • -

    Expensive

  • -

    Too heavy for hotshoe mounting

  • -

    Not ideal for run and gun operators

  • -

    No batteries or mounting device included

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Blackmagic is a big player in the video industry, not least for its amazing Davinci Resolve software. But the company also produces editing controllers and high-end video monitors/recorders, including the Blackmagic Video Assist 7 12G HDR. 

I've been sitting on the fence about whether or not I need a video monitor, but after using the Video Assist 7 12G HDR I can see some huge benefits for myself and anyone who shoots a lot of video. So, aside from the generous size of the screen and the features, which we'll discuss later, one of the Video Assist 7 12G HDR's key features is its ability to capture 4K Raw codecs at up to 60fps, aiming it squarely at professional users rather than enthusiasts, with a price that confirms this.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Screen size7-inch
Resolution1920x1200
Screen brightness2500nits
SD interface2x UHS-II SD slots
HDMIInput and output
SDIInput and output
Analog audio inputs2 x balanced mini XLR with phantom power
Analog audio outputs1x 3.5mm headphone jack
Dimensions193x356x37mm / 7.6x5.14x1.45 inches
Swipe to scroll horizontally
FeaturesEverything you need for precise shooting and control is available.★★★★★
Design A well-built professional product with solid all-round handling. ★★★★☆
PerformanceThe screen is sharp and bright, while the touchscreen and UI are fantastic.★★★★★
ValueIt's not a bad price considering what the Video Assist has to offer. ★★★★☆
Image

Blackmagic Video Assist 5 3G
If you're on a tight budget and only require 1080p Raw video capture, the Blackmagic Video Assist 5 3G is a lower-end model that comes in at less than half the price of the Video Assist 7 12G HDR.

Atomos Shinobi

Atomos Shinobi
Some videographers are happy recording video in camera, and if this is you the Atomos Shinobi is a 5.2-inch monitor with a reasonably bright 1000nits screen with a compact design.

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James Abbott

James Abbott is a landscape and portrait photographer based in Cambridge. He’s also an experienced photography journalist specializing in camera skills and Photoshop techniques. He is also a CAA-approved drone pilot and professional aerial photographer.