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How to use Live Camera Sync to Blackmagic Cloud in DaVinci Resolve

Blackmagic cameras can now create and upload proxy files to Blackmagic Cloud in real time while recording, making footage available in DaVinci Resolve for editors to start work immediately. This guide covers setup and workflow.

How does Live Camera Sync to Blackmagic Cloud work in DaVinci Resolve?

Multiple Blackmagic cameras now support creating a small H.264 proxy file in addition to the camera original media when recording. This proxy file uploads to Blackmagic Cloud in seconds, making the media available back at the studio in real time for editors to start work. For multi-camera shoots, the new multi-source feature in the Cut page shows each camera angle in a multiview display.

Live Camera Sync is a camera-to-cloud workflow that eliminates the traditional delay between production and post-production. Instead of waiting for media to be offloaded from cards, transferred to storage, and ingested into Resolve, the proxy file is available in the DaVinci Resolve media pool within seconds of the camera stopping recording. Editors anywhere in the world can begin working on the footage immediately.

For more DaVinci Resolve tips, read our guide on DaVinci Resolve AI Tools for Colorists and Editors.

Which Blackmagic cameras support Live Camera Sync?

Blackmagic cameras from the URSA Cine, Pocket Cinema Camera, and Studio Camera lines support Live Camera Sync. The camera must be connected to the internet — typically through a wireless network or a tethered mobile connection. The feature is enabled through the camera's settings menu under "Cloud Sync."

When enabled, the camera records a full-resolution camera original to the internal media card or external SSD, and simultaneously generates a small H.264 proxy file. The proxy is a fraction of the original file size, enabling rapid upload even on limited bandwidth connections. On 4G or 5G connections, a 30-second clip typically uploads within 10-20 seconds of recording stopping.

The proxy file contains the same timecode and metadata as the original. When it reaches Blackmagic Cloud, DaVinci Resolve detects the new file and adds it to the project's media pool. The original camera file remains on the camera media and is offloaded through the traditional pipeline — the proxy is for immediate editing access.

How does multi-source multiview work with Live Camera Sync in the Cut page?

For multi-camera shoots, the Cut page in DaVinci Resolve features a multi-source view that displays each camera angle in a multiview layout. As each camera's proxy arrives through Blackmagic Cloud, its angle appears in the multiview automatically. The editor can switch between angles in real time or use the auto-switch feature to cut based on audio levels.

This is a significant innovation for live event and broadcast production. A multi-camera shoot can have proxies arriving from every camera within seconds of each take. The editor can begin assembling a rough cut while the camera crew is still on set. For live audience events, interviews, and sports productions, this reduces the time from capture to rough cut from hours to minutes.

How do you set up the full on-set to cloud workflow with DaVinci Resolve?

The complete on-set to cloud workflow involves several components working together:

1. Camera setup: Enable Cloud Sync on your Blackmagic camera. Connect to an internet network. The camera generates H.264 proxies alongside originals and uploads them to Blackmagic Cloud.
2. On-set storage: Camera originals are copied to a local Blackmagic Cloud Store on set. The Blackmagic Proxy Generator watches for new clips and auto-generates additional proxies if needed. Sound is synced and a rough timeline is created.
3. Cloud sync: Proxies are synced via Blackmagic Cloud. All collaborators with access to the project can open the timeline and see the proxy media.
4. Real-time grading and feedback: Colorists can grade the proxy clips immediately. The grades are visible to all collaborators in real time. The built-in chat allows the DIT on set to communicate with the post-production team directly.
5. Conform and finishing: When the original camera files arrive at the post facility, DaVinci Resolve automatically relinks to the originals for final conform. The proxy edits, grades, and effects transfer to the full-resolution media without rework.

For productions that want an additional upstream review layer, Cutsio can ingest the proxies or original files, index them with Visual Intelligence, and provide searchable review assets to the production team. Team members can search for specific moments across all camera angles, add notes, and export an EDL into the Resolve Cloud project.

How does Live Camera Sync compare to traditional camera-to-cloud workflows?

| Feature | Blackmagic Live Camera Sync | Traditional C2C | Third-party solutions |

|---|---|---|---|

| Proxy generation | In-camera (H.264) | External recorder or post-process | Varies |

| Upload method | Direct from camera | Card offload + upload | App or hardware |

| Resolve integration | Native, auto-ingest | Manual import | Manual or plugin |

| Multi-camera support | Built-in multiview | Manual sync | Varies |

| Latency | Seconds after recording | Hours | Minutes to hours |

| Cost | Included with camera | Separate hardware/software | Subscription fees |

The key advantage of Blackmagic's approach is integration. The proxy is generated in-camera, uploaded directly, and auto-ingested into Resolve — all without additional hardware, software, or manual steps.

FAQ

Do I need an internet connection on set for Live Camera Sync?

Yes. The camera must have an active internet connection to upload proxies. Mobile hotspot or wireless studio network are common setups.

Does Live Camera Sync replace traditional media offloading?

No. The camera original files remain on the camera media and must be offloaded through the traditional pipeline. The proxy upload is for immediate editing access only.

Can third-party cameras use Live Camera Sync?

No. Live Camera Sync is exclusive to Blackmagic Design cameras with built-in support. Third-party cameras require traditional offload or third-party camera-to-cloud solutions.

What internet speed is recommended for Live Camera Sync?

A minimum of 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended for reliable proxy upload. Higher speeds reduce the time between recording and availability in Resolve.

Does Live Camera Sync work with DaVinci Resolve free version?

Yes. The proxies appear in the media pool regardless of whether you use the free or Studio version of Resolve.