The precision pad measures 14.33 x 7.18 inches, which is approximately the size of a computer keyboard. It has an iPad Pro mounting slot and connects via either Bluetooth or USB-C. Besides being smaller than Blackmagic's other palettes, the Micro is also much cheaper (next palette – Small plate (Listed at over $2,000 on Blackmagic's website). It comes with three weighted trackballs, which the company says will still feel professional. 12 control knobs can be used to adjust things like shadows, highlights, contrast and mid-tones.
Blackmagic says that many of the other controls on the right and left sides of the new panel — such as static scanning, cursor, and selection — can typically only be found on the larger Mini and Advanced panels. She says she kept many of the controls in the same position as on the larger panels, to keep things familiar for editors.
The device is more than half the company's $895 price Micro boardwhich features three weighted trackballs and 12 control knobs, like the new Precision Pad, but connects only via USB-C and lacks an iPad slot.
“The legacy DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel model was popular with customers who wanted a compact classification panel, but we wanted to design a solution that was more portable and affordable,” said Grant Beatty, CEO of Blackmagic Design. He added that the company will sell translated versions “in multiple languages so you don't need to learn another language to use it.”
If you're in attendance at NAB 2024, Blackmagic says it will be displaying the board in its display booth (#SL5005).