CCU Control with Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras
Introduction
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera line (4K, 6K, Pro) is designed primarily for digital cinema, but many production teams want to integrate them into broadcast-style workflows with tally, camera shading, and CCU control. With the right setup, you can treat a Pocket Cinema Camera much like a studio camera—complete with remote control from an ATEM switcher.
There are two main approaches: a wired workflow using Blackmagic Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 3G Converter , or a wireless workflow using the Middle Things APC-R Controller for gimbals, drones, and other mobile setups.
Option 1: Wired Workflow (BiDirectional SDI/HDMI Adapter)
If your Pocket Cinema Camera is stationary on a tripod or set position, the simplest option is a Blackmagic Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 3G/12G Converter .
- Camera SDI Output → Adapter → ATEM SDI Input
(delivers the live camera feed) - ATEM Program Return SDI → Adapter → Camera HDMI Input
(delivers return feed, tally, and CCU metadata)
This return feed carries:
- Program video (so the operator can see what’s on-air)
- Embedded metadata on channels 15/16 (shading, white balance, gain, tally, etc.)
With this setup, your ATEM switcher acts as the CCU hub, passing control data into the return feed. From there, you can use the ATEM Software Control, ATEM Micro Camera Control Panel, or ATEM Camera Control Panel to shade the Pocket Cinema Camera just like a URSA Broadcast or Studio Camera.
Option 2: Wireless Workflow (Middle Things APC-R)
For gimbals, Steadicams, or mobile rigs, a wired solution isn’t practical. That’s where Middle Things APC-R Controller comes in.
- The APC-R connects to your ATEM over Ethernet or Wi-Fi, intercepting camera control data.
- It then forwards that data over Bluetooth to the Pocket Cinema Camera.
- This allows wireless CCU control, even when the camera is mounted on a DJI gimbal or moving rig.
The APC-R Mini combines tally and control into a compact form factor with a built-in tally light—perfect for handheld setups.
Conclusion
With either the BiDirectional Adapter for wired control or the Middle Things APC-R for wireless, you can seamlessly integrate Pocket Cinema Cameras into a professional broadcast workflow. This makes them a flexible option for productions that want the image quality of digital cinema with the convenience of CCU shading, tally, and return video.
References for Further Reading
About Atomic
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