Best Professional Video VTR Decks in 2022

Last update: December 14, 2022

Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Studio Pro 2 HYPERD/ST/PRO2 Review:


Currently, Blackmagic produces 3 full-size Rack mount SSD Recorders.1.) 1080p/30 Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Studio 2 features2.) 1080p/60; 4k/30; Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Studio Pro 23.) Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Studio 12G, which offers 1080p/60 and 4k/60 features.Connectivity...One of the main reasons we chose the HyperDeck Studio Pro 2 as our primary full size Rack mount SSD Recorder is that it has the most ports for just about everything. The HyperDeck Studio 12G model would be the best value for the money if it weren't for the XLR rear connections. HyperDeck Studio 12Gs would be added once SSD Recorders were added in the future. One HyperDeck Studio Pro 2 will suffice for all connectivity needs. It's interesting to note that we've just used SDI and HDMI connections. The XLRs have not yet been required for use.Setting Up



Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Shuttle 2 SSD Video Recorder, 2.5" SATA SSD Drives, HD-SDI Input & Output Review:


Any amateur or professional's gear collection should include some great and reasonably priced Blackmagic products. Another excellent option that offers outstanding performance in a very reasonable packaging is the HyperDeck Shuttle 2.Connect an HDMI source, a compatible SSD disk, and press record. I'm done now. The drive will save an uncompressed HD Quicktime file on the solid state drive that may be imported into the majority of well-liked Mac and Windows editing programs. The device can be configured to record in ProRes 422 or an Avid format with a simple configuration tool. In my tests, there was no conversion or transcoding required, and I was able to edit the recorded ProRes file right away in Final Cut Pro X.The gadget features inputs and outputs for both SDI and HDMI. The outputs can either mirror what is being recorded back out or playback previously recorded stuff from the drive. To enable concurrent live streaming, that output can be routed through additional hardware, such as the Blackmagic Design Intensity Extreme.I'm recording product reviews and podcasts in my basement utilizing the HyperDeck and the equally incredible Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio Production Switcher. It made my recording process simpler and gave me access to a video file of higher quality.The cost of entry has been decreased thanks to compatible SSD drives like the SanDisk Extreme SSD 240 GB and the OCZ Vertex 3/4 Series, which are currently available for under $200.Look no farther if you need a capable recording deck. This piece of gear is excellent.



Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Studio 2 Review:


The device performs well, records in excellent quality, and has no lag. The video has already been saved to SSD when you stop recording. Other, comparable machines we've tried took long to load the video after the recording was stopped. Unlike another brand/unit we used, the SSD doesn't overheat (which stopped working after 6 months). We've had HyperDeck for two months now, and it's been faultless.The only issue I have—and it appears that everyone who owns the identical unit on the Blackmagic forums—is that the date stamp is inaccurate. Manual adjustment is not an option (at least, I haven't found it yet).



Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4.6K Digital Cinema Camera (EF-Mount) Review:


Fantastic camera! I don't have any vignetting or magenta cast. Incredible Dynamic Range Don't expect to shoot with this camera right out of the box if you typically use a DSLR. Since this is a movie camera and not a low-light camera, lighting is frequently required. Adjust your hue in post-production if you have a magenta cast. The green cast on Arri and Red cameras must be removed in postproduction. You have a nice camera if it doesn't have magenta corners or FPN. Enjoy it while you can!



Atomos ATOMNJA003 Ninja-2 10-Bit HDMI DSLR Video Hard Disk Field Recorder Review:


I've been using the Ninja 2 as an external recorder with my Nikon D800 for about six weeks, and I can tell that it performs admirably. The D800 can provide "clean" HDMI to the Ninja 2, where I may record to an SSD disk, with the appropriate settings. When I say the files are "clean," I mean they have not been compressed, as they would be if I were recording to the camera's internal card. These movie files are naturally quite huge. However, recording and transfer are simple and dependable when using an SSD. Because the recorder could be bumped during a shoot and the drive could be disrupted, I DO NOT use a spinning disk, even though it would be less expensive. I use Final Cut Pro X to edit. Therefore, since there is no "conversion" when the files are imported into FCPX, it is quite advantageous to record in ProRes422. Other recording formats are available on the Ninja 2, offering you a variety of choices that are simple to select from the menu screens. This function is helpful and enhances video workflow.There is an HDMI out that can be used to connect a second monitor or any item that requires HDMI.Clear and simple menus are available. Large buttons are used. On the screen, files can be selected for playback separately.By the way, a "caddy" that fits the Ninja 2 must be used to install the SDD drive. This takes around two minutes. Be sure to purchase additional caddies if you want to use more than one drive on a task; the Ninja 2 only comes with one.You must take the drive out of the recorder and attach it to the USB docking station that comes with the Ninja 2 in order to transfer files from the drive to your computer. Everything works smoothly and simply, so there are no problems.There are numerous additional features, all of which are listed in the online handbook. We won't go over this again.Here are a few things that I don't think are that great. The screen is not particularly sharp or bright. You'll need a hood in daylight; Atomos offers them or you may create your own. The Nikon's monitor is smaller but appears slightly sharper. My Canon XF100 camcorder's monitor also appears to be sharper. Having said that, the Ninja 2 is a recorder with monitor and playback capabilities; I didn't purchase it as a monitor. At this price, combining them has resulted in compromise, and I accept that. Therefore, if you believe you can avoid a serious monitor, you may want to think again or try out a device to see whether it suits your needs. (Remember that the Ninja 2 has an HDMI out so you may connect an additional monitor if you like.)The chilly shoe mount is yet another factor that falls short of ideal. It isn't as safe as it ought to be. Although it supports the unit atop my Nikon, it can be shaky. A better connecter need to be standard equipment that comes with this machine considering the price. The good news is that you can mount using a better way thanks to a tapped hole, which is what I'll do when I put the Ninja 2 in a cage setup around the Nikon.Conclusion: This device accomplishes the purpose for which I purchased it by recording the HDMI signal from the D800 and importing the files directly into FCPX without conversion. What matters is that I've already utilized it with great success.



Generic K6000 2.7" Full HD 1080P DV Car Camera DVR Camcorder Video Recorder with Night Vision Review:


The unit's capabilities for the price caught me off guard. I pondered how much I could obtain for $11 in the form of a 1080p, High-Def Motion-Detecting Windshield mounted Camera. Much more than I anticipated. The case initially seems a little "cheap," but it was made for functionality, not aesthetics. And yes, it works perfectly. It starts up once I plug it into my additional cigarette lighter outlet. The motion detection is extremely accurate, and the menu system is fairly simple although a little slow. I installed it high above my rearview mirror, and if I move, or have moved in the past few minutes, or anything moves in front of me (a car passes, or someone goes by), it starts recording in high definition very immediately, and you can see it on the tiny 2.7" monitor on the back of it. The only reason I awarded it four instead of five stars is because it struggles in low light (night driving). Though the menu reacts somewhat slowly, it DOES record when things move at night, and you can see anything that your headlights or streetlights shine on, so that is not too horrible. The daytime footage is crystal clear, and I have it set to 720p to conserve capacity on the SD card. VALUE FOR THE MONEY!



Blackmagic Design ATEM Production Studio 4K Review:


This production switcher is loaded with several functions required for live video streaming. It fulfills all of its commitments. The fan noise is the only drawback. The studio 4K uses a fan to cool down the device, unlike its predecessor Atem1 M/E, and if your environment is calm, you will undoubtedly detect the fan.