Blackmagic Design OB02408 Video Assist 5

Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design OB02408 Video Assist 5" 12G HDR Monitor

Name: Blackmagic Design OB02408 Video Assist 5" 12G HDR Monitor
Brand: Blackmagic Design
SKU: OB02408

★★★★★4.4 (70 reviews)

HDR

Professional 5-inch 12G HDR monitor and recorder with a blazing 2500-nit display for confident on-set monitoring.

$725.00*

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5" 12G HDR is a professional on-camera monitor and recorder built for filmmakers and video professionals who need accurate, high-brightness monitoring in any environment. Its 2500-nit HDR touchscreen panel delivers true-to-life color and contrast, making it a reliable reference even under harsh outdoor lighting. With both 12G-SDI (via Micro BNC) and HDMI 2.0a connectivity, it pairs seamlessly with cinema cameras, DSLRs, and mirrorless systems alike, supporting resolutions up to 2160p60 over SDI.

Beyond monitoring, the Video Assist doubles as a capable recorder, capturing footage to standard SD cards in professional codecs that often surpass in-camera recording quality. The unit includes a comprehensive suite of production tools including waveform monitors, vectorscopes, histograms, focus peaking, zebra exposure, false color, and 3D LUT support. Its 16-channel embedded SDI audio and 8-channel HDMI audio handling ensures complete audio monitoring. The compact, durable build keeps your rig lightweight while delivering the kind of professional monitoring tools that were previously reserved for much larger and more expensive units.

Key Features

2500nits screen brightness

SDI Audio Input/Output - 16 channels embedded via 12G-SDI; HDMI Audio Input/Output - 8 channels embedded via HDMI 2.0a

Ideal for professional video production

Good product with good quality

SDI Video Input/Output x1 Micro BNC; HDMI 2.0a Video Input/Output x1

Supports 12G HDR video

Durable

Specifications

Display Size

5 inches

Screen Brightness

2500 nits

SDI Video I/O

1x Micro BNC (12G-SDI)

HDMI Video I/O

1x HDMI 2.0a

SDI Audio

16 channels embedded via 12G-SDI

HDMI Audio

8 channels embedded via HDMI 2.0a

HDR Support

Yes (12G HDR)

Brand

Blackmagic Design

Model

OB02408

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

2500-nit HDR screen provides exceptional visibility even in direct sunlight
Supports both 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0a inputs for broad camera compatibility
Records to affordable SD cards in professional codecs like ProRes
Compact 5-inch form factor is lightweight enough to mount directly on camera rigs
Built-in scopes and monitoring tools eliminate the need for separate analysis hardware

👎 Cons

5-inch screen may feel small for critical focus pulling compared to 7-inch alternatives
Uses Micro BNC connectors for SDI which require adapters for standard BNC cables
LP-E6 batteries drain relatively quickly at full brightness, requiring frequent swaps
SD card recording speeds can limit available codec and resolution combinations

Frequently Asked Questions

What recording formats does the Video Assist 5" 12G HDR support?

It records to standard SD cards in professional codecs including ProRes and DNx, allowing you to capture higher-quality footage than most in-camera codecs provide.

Can this monitor be used with both SDI and HDMI cameras simultaneously?

The unit has one 12G-SDI input via Micro BNC and one HDMI 2.0a input, but it handles one active input at a time. You can switch between them depending on the camera you're working with.

How does the 2500-nit brightness help in production?

The 2500-nit panel lets you clearly see your image in bright outdoor sunlight or high-ambient-light environments where standard monitors wash out, and it enables accurate HDR preview.

What power options are available for the Video Assist 5" 12G HDR?

It uses standard LP-E6 style batteries and can also be powered via the included DC barrel connector, giving you flexibility between battery and mains power on set.

Does this monitor support scopes and focus assist tools?

Yes, the Video Assist includes built-in 3D LUTs, waveform, vectorscope, histogram, focus peaking, zebra, false color, and other monitoring tools essential for professional shoots.