- Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express Recorder 3G Video Capture Device
Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express Recorder 3G Video Capture Device
- Captures SD and HD video through 3G-SDI or HDMI
- Supports video standards up to 1080p60
- Provides 10-bit broadcast-quality video connections
- Connects through USB Type-C with USB 40Gbps support
- Works with compatible USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 computers
- Supports Mac, Windows, and Linux systems
- Handles up to 16 embedded SDI audio channels
- Handles up to 8 embedded HDMI audio channels
Bring a professional camera, deck, and video sources into your production computer with the Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Express Recorder 3G. This compact input-only video capture device accepts SD and HD signals via 3G-SDI or HDMI, making it a practical choice for live streaming, editing, content archiving, and supported image-processing workflows.
Capture SD and HD Video up to 1080p60
The UltraStudio Express Recorder 3G supports common SD and HD video standards up to 1080p60. Its switchable SDI input handles 270 Mb, 1.5G, and 3G rates, while the HDMI 2.0 Type A input accepts standard definition and high definition sources. Broadcast quality video connections support compressed and uncompressed formats for flexible acquisition workflows.
Fast USB4 Computer Connectivity
A USB Type C interface supports USB 40Gbps signaling for connection to compatible USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 computers. The device receives power through the same Type C connection, helping reduce cable clutter during desktop, studio, and portable production. Supported operating systems include Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Production Software and Embedded Audio Support
The recorder works with supported applications including DaVinci Resolve, OBS, vMix, Wirecast, Zoom, and other capture software. Embedded audio support provides up to 16 channels through SDI and 8 channels through HDMI. Media Express, Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility, and Blackmagic drivers support setup, capture, and device management. HDMI input cannot capture copy-protected sources.
SDI Connections
| SDI Video Inputs | 1 x 10 Bit SD and HD Switchable |
| SDI Rates | 270 Mb, 1.5G, 3G |
| SDI Audio Inputs | 16 Embedded Channels in SD and HD |
| SDI Video Sampling | 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 |
| SDI Audio Sampling | 48 kHz, 24 Bit |
| SDI Color Space | Rec 601, Rec 709, and Rec 2020 |
| SDI Metadata Support | RP 188, SMPTE 12M-2, and Closed Captioning |
| SDI Compliance | SMPTE 259M, SMPTE 274M, SMPTE 296M, SMPTE 424M, and SMPTE 425M Level A and Level B |
HDMI Connections
| HDMI Video Inputs | 1 x HDMI 2.0 Type A Connector |
| HDMI Audio Inputs | 8 Embedded Channels in SD and HD |
| HDMI Video Sampling | 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 |
| HDMI Audio Sampling | 48 kHz, 24 Bit |
| HDMI Color Space | Rec 601, Rec 709, and Rec 2020 |
| HDMI Color Configuration | HDMI 2.0 Supports Deep Color |
| Copy Protection | Cannot Capture Copy Protected HDMI Sources |
Computer Interface
| Interface | 1 x USB Type C Supporting USB 40Gbps |
| Required Connection | USB Type C Port with 40Gbps Signaling Rate |
| Compatible Computer Connections | USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 |
| Power | Powered Through the USB Type C Cable |
Supported SD Video Standards
| 525i59.94 NTSC | |
| 625i50 PAL |
Supported HD Video Standards
| 720p50, 720p59.94, and 720p60 | |
| 1080i50, 1080i59.94, and 1080i60 | |
| 1080PsF23.98, 1080PsF24, 1080PsF25, 1080PsF29.97, and 1080PsF30 through SDI | |
| 1080p23.98, 1080p24, 1080p25, 1080p29.97, 1080p30, 1080p50, 1080p59.94, and 1080p60 |
Supported 2K SDI Standards
| 2KPsF23.98 DCI, 2KPsF24 DCI, 2KPsF25 DCI, 2KPsF29.97 DCI, and 2KPsF30 DCI | |
| 2Kp23.98 DCI, 2Kp24 DCI, 2Kp25 DCI, 2Kp29.97 DCI, 2Kp30 DCI, 2Kp50 DCI, 2Kp59.94 DCI, and 2Kp60 DCI |
Color Precision
| SDI | 8, 10, and 12 Bit RGB 4:4:4 up to 1080p30 |
| SDI | 8 and 10 Bit YUV 4:2:2 in All Standards |
| HDMI | 8 Bit RGB 4:4:4 in All Standards |
| HDMI | 8 Bit YUV 4:4:4 in All Standards |
| HDMI | 12 Bit YUV 4:2:2 in All Standards |
Hardware Frame Buffer
| v210 | 10 Bit YUV |
| 2vuy | 8 Bit YUV |
| ARGB and BGRA | 8 Bit RGB |
| r210 | 10 Bit RGB |
| R12B and R12L | 12 Bit RGB |
Supported Codecs
| AVC Intra, AVCHD, Canon XF MPEG2, Digital SLR, DV NTSC, DV PAL, DVCPRO50, DVCPROHD, DPX, HDV, and HEVC | |
| XDCAM EX, XDCAM HD, XDCAM HD422, DNxHR, and DNxHD | |
| Apple ProRes 4444, Apple ProRes 422 HQ, Apple ProRes 422, Apple ProRes 422 LT, and Apple ProRes 422 Proxy | |
| Uncompressed 8 Bit 4 | 2:2, Uncompressed 10 Bit 4:2:2, and Uncompressed 10 Bit 4:4:4 |
Included Software Support
| Mac and Windows | Media Express, Disk Speed Test, LiveKey, Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility, and Blackmagic Driver |
| Linux | Media Express, Blackmagic Desktop Video Utility, and Blackmagic Driver |
| Firmware Upgrade | Loaded Through the Software Driver |
Operating System Compatibility
| Mac 15.0 Sequoia | |
| Mac 26.0 Tahoe or Later | |
| Windows 10, 64 Bit | |
| Windows 11 | |
| Linux |
Environmental Specifications
| Operating Temperature | 5 to 40 Degrees C, 32 to 104 Degrees F |
| Storage Temperature | Negative 20 to 45 Degrees C, Negative 4 to 113 Degrees F |
| Relative Humidity | 0 to 90 Percent Noncondensing |
Reserve Your PlaceReserve your place in line before inventory arrives.
No Payment TodayYou won't be charged until your order is ready to ship.
Stay InformedWe'll email you with updates if your expected ship date changes.
Priority FulfillmentOrders are fulfilled in the order they're received as inventory becomes available.
Shop with ConfidenceBacked by Focus Camera's customer support and standard return policy after shipment.
Expected Release August 2026 . Orders begin shipping as inventory arrives.
Reserve Your PlaceReserve your place in line before inventory arrives.
No Payment TodayYou won't be charged until your order is ready to ship.
Stay InformedWe'll email you with updates if your expected ship date changes.
Priority FulfillmentOrders are fulfilled in the order they're received as inventory becomes available.
Shop with ConfidenceBacked by Focus Camera's customer support and standard return policy after shipment.
Expected Release August 2026 . Orders begin shipping as inventory arrives.
Starting at $14.58/mo
Estimated over 12 months with Affirm, subject to eligibility and approval.
Flexible payment options available
Interest-free installments and monthly financing may be available through Shop Pay on eligible purchases.
Starting at $43.75
No interest if paid in full by the promotional terms. Minimum monthly payments required and subject to credit approval.
Shipping Policy
Orders of $25 or more qualify for free standard shipping on eligible items.
Most in-stock orders placed before 1 PM EST Monday–Thursday ship the same business day. View Shipping Policy
Free Local Pickup
Please call for store stock availability. Requests made before 2:30 PM EST can be available for next-day pickup. Learn more
Tab: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I return an item?
How do I return an item?
Returns are incredibly simple. Please log into your account, find your item you wish to return and follow the prompts to make a return. If you do not have an account, click here to find your order and make a return.
Will I receive a full refund when I return an item?
Will I receive a full refund when I return an item?
You will receive a full refund when you return an item in its original manufacturer’s packaging, undamaged and unmarked. If the item you are returning is priced at less than $35, you will be charged a 15% restocking fee. Please note you will not be refunded any shipping charges.
How many days do I have to make a return?
How many days do I have to make a return?
You have 30 days to make a return. During the holiday season, from November 1 to December 31, we extend the return window to 60 days.
My item was damaged in transit. How do I place a return?
My item was damaged in transit. How do I place a return?
If your order has been noticeably damaged in transit, we strongly recommend that you refuse delivery and notify us immediately. Claims for missing items or items damaged in transit must be made within 48 hours of delivery. If there is carrier damage, please contact support@focuscamera.com with your order number and a description of the damage.
There’s an issue with my order, what should I do?
There’s an issue with my order, what should I do?
Oh no! Please contact our customer service team so we can resolve the issue immediately. You can call us on 1.800.221.0828, email us at support@focuscamera.com, or send us a message here.
Can I exchange an item?
Can I exchange an item?
We do not currently offer exchanges. Please return the item you purchased within 30 days and order what you’d like instead.
If I ordered a kit, do I have to return all the items?
If I ordered a kit, do I have to return all the items?
If you ordered a kit, you must return all components and accessories to receive a full refund.
I ordered a product that included a free item. I’d like to return it, do I need to return the free item as well?
I ordered a product that included a free item. I’d like to return it, do I need to return the free item as well?
If you ordered a product that included a free item, you must include the free item with your return. If not, your return will not be accepted and you will not receive a full refund.
Do you offer repairs?
Do you offer repairs?
We currently only offer camera repairs at our Brooklyn store. The item must be dropped off and collected in person as we do not accept shipped items for repair. For more information, please call our Brooklyn store on 1.718.431.7900.
What is your return policy?
What is your return policy?
Most items can be returned within 30 days for a full refund. Click here to read our full return policy.