This guide will show you how to setup Blackmagic design camera control from Portkeys monitors (BM5 WR, BM5 III +BT1, LH5P, and LH5H) .
The signal (HDMI/SDI) cable must be connected to allow the monitor to communicate with the camera. The Camera Control of Portkeys monitors is available via wireless and wired connections. If you use a BMPCC 4K, 6K, or 6K Pro, you will no need to use the camera’s control cable, instead, you can connect with the camera through a Bluetooth paired connection. Less cabling is always welcome.
How to setup camera control Blackmagic Design cameras?
Method 1: Camera Control via LANC control cable
Establishing all physical connections, including connecting power supply for the Portkeys monitor, connecting Portkeys monitor with your camera using LANC control cable, as well as setup a wired HDMI or SDI connection, you should be able to use the control functionality.
Applicable Blackmagic Design Cameras
When using the correct cable, the Portkeys monitor supports multiple Blackmagic Design cameras, which actually depend on your Blackmagic Design camera model. The camera models that support wired control are as follows:
- BLACKMAGIC URSA MINI 4K
- BLACKMAGIC URSA MINI 4.6K
- BLACKMAGIC URSA MINI PRO 4.6K G2
- BLACKMAGIC URSA BROADCAST
- BLACKMAGIC CINEMA CAMERA 2.7K
- BLACKMAGIC CINEMA CAMERA 4K
- BLACKMAGIC MICRO STUDIO CAMERA 4K
Camera Control Access via Wired
The settings that can be controlled by Camera Control through wired connection are as follows:
- *REC
- *IRIS
- *AUTO IRIS
- *AUTOFOCUS
- *MANUAL FOCUS
Method 2: Camera Control for BMPCC via Wireless (Bluetooth Paired)
The wireless connection via Bluetooth is only for BMD Pocket 4K/6K/6K Pro currently. Portkeys monitor enables users to start/stop recording or adjust shutter speed, white balance, ISO, etc. To enable this feature, you must first pair your monitor with the Pocket Cinema Camera via Bluetooth. You need to use the latest Pocket Cinema Camera firmware and the latest firmware on the Portkeys monitor.
How to use Portkeys monitor to wirelessly control BMPCC 4K/6K/6K Pro
If have a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, 6K, or 6K Pro, you might be wondering how to control your camera settings wireless with your portkeys monitor. Here is how:
Before you begin:
a. Establishing all physical connections.
b. Need to connect to the signal (HDMI/SDI) before setting.
Steps to pair with BMPCC 4K/6K/6K Pro via Bluetooth:
Step 1: Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your Blackmagic Design camera.
To do this, open the camera menu and navigate to the Setup screen, go to the last page, until you see a flip switch for Bluetooth turn this on.
Step 2: Pair the Portkeys (BM5 WR, BM5 III+BT1, or LH5P) monitor with your Pocket camera.
1. On your monitor, swipe down from the top of the screen to access the “Camera Control” settings.
2. Tap the Bluetooth icon on the right panel of the screen.
3. Tap “My device” then, tap “Add my device“, then select your Pocket Cinema Camera that displayed.
4. Enter the passcode (the six-digit password provided by the camera after turning on Bluetooth).
5. After the paired successful, the Bluetooth icon will be displayed in yellow.
Step 3: After paired successfully, you can control your BMPCC using the Portkeys monitor.
Camera Control Access through BM5 WR (Built-in wireless module)
The following settings of Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K/6K/6K Pro could be adjusted directly via the touchscreen.
- *Start/stop recording
- *IRIS
- *Focus
- *ISO
- *Shutter
- *Auto exposure
- *White balance mode selection
- *Resolution
- *Project frame rate
- *Codec and quality
- *Off speed frame rate
- *Off speed recording
How to adjust camera settings on monitor (Ex: Focus settings)?
Step 1: Tap Focus on the panel.
Step 2: Adjust the parameter on the progress bar.
Camera Control Access through BM5 III + BT1
- *Start/stop recording
- *IRIS
- *Focus
- *ISO
- *Shutter
- *Auto exposure
- *White balance mode selection
- *Resolution
- *Project frame rate
- *Codec and quality
- *Off speed frame rate
- *Off speed recording
Camera Control Access through LH5P(Built-in Bluetooth module)
- *Start/stop recording
- *IRIS
- *Focus
- *ISO
- *Shutter
- *Auto exposure
- *White balance mode selection
- *Resolution
- *Project frame rate
- *Codec and quality
- *Off speed frame rate
- *Off speed recording
