Blackmagic Announces New Beta of Camera OS

Blackmagic Design is currently developing an update to the operating system that powers their Cinema Cameras.

The new Blackmagic Camera 8.6 Beta OS adds up to 13 new features to the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras, and the G2 and Pro 6K Cinema Camera models.

The Blackmagic Camera 8.6 Beta update improves the reliability of Gyro Metadata and USB Drive Detection.

Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K with EVF

Image Credit: Blackmagic Design

It will also introduce new tools, such as networking support, proxy upload to Blackmagic Cloud (for 6K models only), and mobile phone tethering that allows users to connect to the camera when out in the field.

Additionally, the update will feature a media pool file browser, clip deletion support, and the ability to use cameras as a webcam or UVC device.

Users will now be able to directly upload original camera files to DaVinci Resolve projects and transfer them using the file transfer protocol. The update will also provide support for SMB file sharing and the use of the media pool file browser for confirmation and review.

Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K Rear

Image Credit: Blackmagic Design

Other new support features include the ability to connect the camera via Ethernet to update and manage it from a tethered condition. The update will also offer REST API control for remote access and control. Users can also log in and secure certificates from within the camera menu structure.

In addition, the update will include the latest versions of Blackmagic RAW Player, Blackmagic RAW Speed Test, Blackmagic RAW SDK, and Blackmagic RAW plugins.

Downloading and Installation

It is important to remind users that this is a beta version that is currently in development mode. This means that some features may be changed, removed, or added during the process.

Beta testing will provide Blackmagic with important data points to streamline the builds as they work towards the update’s official release. If users need their cameras to be in a reliable condition for work, it is advisable to wait until the update is fully approved for work.

Users running Blackmagic Cameras with Camera 4 or above should export the camera’s presets and LUTs onto a media card as they will be removed during the 8.6 update.

The Camera 8.6 Beta update is available from the Blackmagic Support website for macOS running 13.0 Ventura or later and for Windows running 64-bit Windows 10 or later.

[Source: Blackmagic Forum]

Order links:

  • Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro (B&H)
  • Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 (B&H)
  • Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K (B&H)
  • Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (B&H)
  • Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K (B&H)

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