The world’s smallest USB-powered broadcast quality micro converters just got a spec bump with 3G-SDI and retain a very affordable price tag.
Converting from SDI to HDMI and vice versa is almost as common as attaching a lens adapter to a Sony camera these days. With the new Micro Converters 3G there is no reason not to have one of those little boxes in your kit – especially at this price point.
Adding to the already impressive and reliable lineup of converters that are easy to use and don’t break the bank, Blackmagic Design added these three new models:
- Micro Converter HDMI to SDI 3G
- Micro Converter SDI to HDMI 3G
- Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 3G
Build quality
The Converters have a solid housing with strong high quality connectors. The one-directional converters even allow you to actually connect two devices to one source, either before the conversion or after (depending on the model).
Unfortunately these broadcast quality converters don’t offer any mounting points or threads so you will have to attach them with velcro or a clamp if you would like to mount them on your rig.
Features
Aside from converting signals at up to HD 1080p60, the Micro Converters also include SDI re-clocking for longer SDI cable lengths and HDMI Timecode support.
The Micro Converter BiDirectional even supports Camera Control so you can for example control your Pocket Cinema Camera with an ATEM SDI switcher with the BiDirectional Converter in between.
You can make changes to the Converters’ settings with the help of “Blackmagic Converters Setup” Software for macOS and Windows.
Power
Power is delivered through USB-C so you will have to bring a power bank. Blackmagic Design also sells a USB-C power supply to plug in a wall socket for $35.
Pro-Tip: You can attach some velcro strips on the housing and attach a Blind Spot Power Junkie so you can use standard NP-F batteries to power the Micro Converters and your camera or accessories so you don’t have to worry about changing multiple batteries.
Price & Availability
The Micro Converters 3G are available now for $45 (HDMI to SDI 3G), $49 (SDI to HDMI 3G) and $65 (BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 3G). The Micro Converter Power Supply is available for $35.
Do you already own a Micro Converter or are you planning on adding one of these to your kit? Do you have experience with the new 3G Blackmagic Converters or older models? Let us know in the comments below.
