OFFICIAL: Blackmagic Design Releases Camera Utility 1.8!

After yesterday's false start, Blackmagic Design has posted the official version 1.8 of the Blackmagic Camera Utility here for US users and here for UK users.  Here's what's new:

Blackmagic Production Camera 4K

• Updated user interface
• Losslessly compressed RAW DNG recording support
• Addresses an issue where pixel artefacts are seen in edges with strong highlights while shooting in 1080 mode
• Adds autofocus support for compatible EF lenses

Blackmagic Cinema Camera

• Updated user interface
• Adds autofocus support for compatible EF lenses Improved debayering when shooting to ProRes or DNxHD
• Improved focus peaking display
• Improved ISO handling when shooting at ISO 1600
• Improved general audio performance
• Iris setting is retained when switching between camera recording and clip playback

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera

• Updated user interface
• Improved performance when recording using internal microphones
• Improved instances where a grid-like pattern may occur in some flare highlights
• General improvements in autofocus with active MFT lenses
• Adds supports for stabilization in MFT lenses without physical O.I.S switches
• Improved support for Sigma MFT lenses
• Improved support for Lumix 12-42mm PZ lens
• Improved support for Olympus 60mm f/2.8 MFT lens
• Iris setting is retained when switching between camera recording and clip playback

Blackmagic Studio Camera

• Improved phantom power compatibility
• Addresses an issue with interlaced video being output as progressive video

Get the full run down in this video from Blackmagic Design CEO Grant Petty.

The big news, of course, is that the Blackmagic "4K" Production Camera now records to Cinema DNG RAW. The improvements for the other cameras in the line are nice, but not as significant. It would have been a real win for Blackmagic if they had been able to fix the BMCC's black dot problem, for example.

If you want to shoot UHD and want 12-bit color depth and the flexibility and gradeability of RAW in post, the Blackmagic Design 4K Production Camera ($2995 with free Sony UWPV1 Lavalier Microphone, Bodypack Transmitter & Portable RX Wireless System at Adorama) is pretty much the only game in town below $10,000. If anything here has helped you to make a purchase decision, please support our sponsors by clicking on the links or pictures above or the display ads below and in the margins. It won't cost you anything extra, and it will help to keep these posts coming. Thanks so much for your support!

Off to update my BMPCC to see how well these updates work!