The Blackmagic Design Studio Camera HD 2 is an updated compact and lightweight broadcast camera designed for live production. This is version 2, which removes the internal battery, making for a studio camera that is both lighter and simpler to ship to locations without running afoul of airline shipping restrictions. Constructed from a magnesium alloy body, the camera is light even for travel, yet durable enough for use in the field. It has a large 10" LCD screen with detachable sunshade and an active Micro Four Thirds lens mount for compatibility with a wide range of lenses. The camera also provides features you'd expect to find in larger studio cameras, such as tally indicators, talkback, XLR audio connections, 3G-SDI inputs/outputs, and even optical fiber via an optional module.
The camera offers 1080i and 1080p resolutions at frame rates of 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, and 60, as well as 720p at 60, 59.94, and 50. It outputs 10-bit 4:2:2 video via its 3G-SDI output. For power, the camera has a standard 4-pin XLR power input for external power sources. The camera control buttons have been placed right below the viewfinder, letting you easily make adjustments without taking your eyes off your subject. The camera can also be controlled via ATEM switchers with a future update. The update will be available as a free download for both the camera and the ATEM switchers, and will send camera control commands down the SDI program feed to the camera to control focus, iris, gain, and more straight from your ATEM production switcher.