Selecting HDMI to SDI converters for DSLR cameras that change resolution during recording

Gear

ZephyrCan I fly my Alexa or RED on a Zephyr?389

Master SeriesIs a used Master Series rig worth buying as a first big rig?191

BFDHow do I power my BFD receiver from my camera or sled?186

VoltCan I retrofit a Volt onto my existing sled or gimbal?168

ArtemisHow do I power my camera and accessories from an Artemis sled?166

MDRWhere can I mount my Preston MDR on my rig?143

ModulusIs there a Modulus option for HD wireless video?141

G-70Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?126

FI+ZCan I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?60

HU3Where can I get my HU3 repaired, refurbished or repainted?60

CineLiveHow do I pack and case my CineLive rig for transport?54

G-70XHow does the G-70X compare to Pro Titan, Xarm and other arms?46

Trinity 2Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?46

Ultra VestWhich vest should I choose for my body size, comfort and operator type?39

2012Video Assist and Video Accessories forum

14 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

Blackmagic Design offers HDMI to SDI converters in three hardware variants: original casing, heavy duty casing, and heavy duty casing with integrated battery, all accepting up to 31 volts DC according to the manufacturer.
Early generation Blackmagic converters in the original casing accepted only 14 volts or less, while newer generation models with the same external appearance accept 12 to 31 volts and can be identified by a '2' at the end of the serial number.
Blackmagic mini converters can handle resolution drops when recording from DSLR cameras, though the response time varies and some firmware versions may not handle the transition properly.
The Blackmagic HyperDeck Shuttle recorder functions as both an HDMI to SDI converter and recording device, but does not handle HDMI resolution changes during recording and cannot be upgraded to support this feature.
Mini SDI connectors on devices like the HyperDeck Shuttle are mechanically fragile and require careful handling to avoid damage.
Powering HDMI to SDI converters from battery sources (P-tap) is feasible with proper voltage specifications, avoiding the need for external voltage regulation cables on newer models that accept wide voltage ranges.

The discussion focuses on DSLR models from 2012 and earlier, with primary examples being the Canon 5D Mark II, T2i, and 60D.
Firmware versions affect converter performance, and some versions may not handle resolution transitions properly according to user reports.
The HyperDeck Shuttle's inability to handle resolution changes during recording was stated as a limitation that could not be upgraded.
Information about resolution change handling in the HyperDeck Shuttle 2 model was not confirmed through direct experience in the thread.