Blackmagic UltraStudio Express 3G: specs, price

Blackmagic Design's new UltraStudio Express 3G family adds USB4 capture and monitoring in a pocket-sized, bus-powered design. Priced at $175, shipping now.

Blackmagic Design has introduced the new UltraStudio Express 3G family, compact USB4 capture and playback devices compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux computers with USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 connections.

The family includes two models: UltraStudio Express Recorder 3G, an input-only unit that captures from 3G-SDI and HDMI, and UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G, an output-only unit that plays back to 3G-SDI and HDMI.

Both support SD and HD video up to 1080p60, including 525i59.94 and 625i50 in SD, and 720p, 1080i and 1080p in HD, with switchable level A/B for 3G-SDI sources.

Both models are advertised as “pocket-sized” and draw power over their single USB cable, allowing them to run from a laptop battery. They use the DeckLink API, so they work with most video software, including DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Media Composer, Premiere Pro, Fusion, After Effects and Photoshop, as well as streaming software such as Open Broadcaster.

Format support includes Apple ProRes, DNxHD and 10-bit uncompressed, with capture and playback available at 10-bit 4:2:2 YUV or RGB, compressed or uncompressed. A free developer SDK for Mac, Windows and Linux is available for building custom solutions, and Blackmagic Design's OEM team is available for manufacturers building products around the hardware.

Pricing and availability

Both the UltraStudio Express Monitor 3G and UltraStudio Express Recorder 3G are available now from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide for $175.