Blackmagic Video Assist 3.12 Released – Adds BRAW Support from Panasonic LUMIX GH6

Firmware Update

by Jeff LochJuly 11^th, 2023

Blackmagic Design has just released a firmware update version 3.12 for its Blackmagic Video Assist 5 and 7-inch 12G HDR monitors/recorders that adds BRAW support from the Panasonic LUMIX GH6. The latest firmware update is available to download now, free of charge.

Last week, Panasonic released a firmware update version 2.3 for its LUMIX GH6 Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera. This update added external 12-bit RAW video recording to Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G HDR monitors/recorders and support for C4K and 4K 120P/100P over HDMI.

However, you’ll also need to update your Blackmagic Design monitor/recorder with the latest Video Assist 3.12 firmware update to benefit from all these new LUMIX GH6 improvements.

Blackmagic Video Assist 3.12 firmware update released

The latest Video Assist 3.12 firmware update is compatible with the Video Assist 5″ 12G HDR and Video Assist 7″ 12G HDR. Unfortunately, Video Assist 3G users won’t benefit from this update.

As mentioned, Video Assist 3.12 adds 12-bit BRAW recording from Panasonic LUMIX GH6 cameras. It is important to note that you can only capture BRAW footage in 5.7K, C4K, Anamorphic (4:3) 5.8K, and Anamorphic (4:3) 4.4K resolutions. Also, Panasonic recommends that when your camera’s recording quality is set to 5.7K at 60/50P or C4K at 120P/100P, you should set the codec quality of your BMD Video Assist 12G HDR to a constant bitrate of 5:1 or lower when recording to an SSD. If recording to an SD card, you should set your constant bitrate to 8:1 or lower.

Lastly, Blackmagic Design mentions that the Video Assist 3.12 firmware update improves general performance and stability, but does not give more details.

The Video Assist 3.12 firmware update can be downloaded now from Blackmagic Design’s website, free of charge.

What do you think about this firmware update? Were you waiting for Blackmagic Design to update their monitors/recorders? Do you prefer to record in BRAW or Apple ProRes RAW? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!