The Best Coax and Connectors for Making SDI Cables (2025)
This is a complete list of bulk coax cable, BNC connectors, BNC crimp tools, BNC compression tools, wire cutters, and coax wire stripper tools I use and trust for making SDI cables to interface cameras, video switchers, routers, converters, monitors, recorders, and more.
An industry standard coax made by an industry standard cable brand that is rated for all current SMPTE standards, including 12G-SDI.
This will cover a vast majority of needs and last for many years.
Simply a no-brainer.
Be aware that this cable is fairly stiff and not the easiest to manage in some situations. It's best used for permanent installs and static placement in mobile environments. If you need a more flexible cable for things like mobile cameras, I recommend the flexible variant listed in the specs below or a thinner alternative like 4855R.
|
*Distance provided from updated testing that allows for 40dB loss at 1/2 the clock frequency. |
|
| HD-SDI | 383' / 117m |
|---|---|
| 3G-SDI* | 538' / 164m |
| 6G-SDI | 374' / 114m |
| 12G-SDI | 257' / 78m |
| Environment | Indoor, Riser |
|---|---|
| Available Lengths |
1000' Per Foot |
| Recommended Wire Cutters |
Klein Tools 63050 Cable Cutter (Amazon / Markertek) Hakko CHP-170 Micro Cutter (Amazon) |
| Recommended Cable Stripper Tools |
Canare TS100U (Amazon / Adorama, Markertek) Paladin Tools CST with Black Cassette (Amazon / Markertek) |
| Recommended Crimp Connector & Tools |
Belden 4694RBUHD3 (Markertek) Belden BB3PHCT BNC Crimp Tool (Amazon / Markertek) Paladin Tools PA8049 CrimpALL / Tempo 8000 HDTV (Amazon / Markertek) |
| Recommended Compression Connector & Tool |
Belden 4694RBUHD1 (Markertek) Belden CPLCRBC-BR Double Bubble Compression Tool (Amazon / Markertek) |
| Alternate Versions |
Plenum - 4694P (1000', Per Foot) Flexible - 4694F (1000', Per Foot) |
I would venture to guess that there is more Belden 1694A being used for SDI transmission today (at least in North America) than any other coax.
While I still recommend running a coax rated for 12G-SDI as much as possible nowadays, this is going to be just as good for a vast majority of situations.
Shop around and you should be able to find it for less than $0.60 USD per foot.
Just like 4694R, this cable is fairly stiff and a bit difficult to manage. It works best for permanent installs and static placement in mobile applications. So if you need a flexible cable for a mobile camera or to make tighter bends, check out the flexible variant in the specs below.
|
*Distance provided from updated testing that allows for 40dB loss at 1/2 the clock frequency. |
|
| HD-SDI | 367' / 112m |
|---|---|
| 3G-SDI* | 509' / 155m |
| 6G-SDI | 340' / 104m |
| 12G-SDI | Not Rated |
| Environment | Indoor, Outdoor, Riser |
|---|---|
| Available Lengths | 500', 1000' |
| Recommended Wire Cutters |
Klein Tools 63050 Cable Cutter (Amazon / Markertek) Hakko CHP-170 Micro Cutter (Amazon) |
| Recommended Cable Stripper Tools |
Canare TS100U (Amazon / Adorama, Markertek) Paladin Tools CST with Black Cassette (Amazon / Markertek) |
| Recommended Crimp Connector & Tool |
Belden 1694ABUHD3 (Markertek) Belden BB3PHCT BNC Crimp Tool (Amazon / Markertek) Paladin Tools PA8049 CrimpALL / Tempo 8000 HDTV (Amazon / Markertek) |
| Recommended Compression Connector & Tool |
Belden 1694ABUHD1 (Markertek) Belden CPLCRBC-BR Double Bubble Compression Tool (Amazon / Markertek) |
| Alternate Versions |
Plenum - 1695A (500', 1000') Water Exposure - 1694WB (1000') Flexible - 1694F (1000', Per Foot) |
I know, I know... This breaks my rule by not having published ratings for SMPTE standards.
Don't @ me! 🫣
But, I get it. Sometimes you just need to get the job done with the least expense possible.
So if you are on a tight budget, only need a maximum length of 150', don't need to support any standard higher than 3G-SDI, and the cable will not be in a mission-critical position, then this could be your answer.
With that said, this coax is pretty impressive for the price point...
- Bare copper conductor
- Quad shielded
- Durable PVC outer jacket
- Rated for in-wall (CL2) and riser (CMR) applications
All in all, this is a great bang for the buck for less critical applications.
| HD-SDI | Not Rated |
|---|---|
| 3G-SDI | Not Rated |
| 6G-SDI | Not Rated |
| 12G-SDI | Not Rated |
| Environment | Indoor, Riser |
|---|---|
| Available Lengths | 500', 1000' |
| Recommended Wire Cutters |
Klein Tools 63050 Cable Cutter (Amazon / Markertek) Hakko CHP-170 Micro Cutter (Amazon) |
| Recommended Cable Stripper Tool | Paladin Tools CST with Black Cassette (Amazon / Markertek) |
| Recommended Compression Connector & Tool |
Klein Tools VDV813-613 BNC Connector (Amazon) Klein Tools VDV211-048 Crimper (Amazon) |
When you need ultimate performance, durability, and distance, this absolute beast of a cable is your answer.
Just be aware that this RG-11 coax is THICC, stiff, and heavy. So it's not the easiest to handle, especially in mobile environments.
But it is flat out 🤯!
|
*Distance provided from updated testing that allows for 40dB loss at 1/2 the clock frequency. |
|
| HD-SDI | 598' / 182m |
|---|---|
| 3G-SDI* | 828' / 252m |
| 6G-SDI | 566' / 173m |
| 12G-SDI | 383' / 117m |
| Environment | Indoor, Riser |
|---|---|
| Available Lengths | 1000' |
| Recommended Wire Cutters |
Klein Tools 63050 Cable Cutter (Amazon / Markertek) Hakko CHP-170 Micro Cutter (Amazon) |
| Recommended Cable Stripper Tool | Canare TS100E (Amazon / Markertek) |
| Recommended Crimp Connector & Tool |
Belden 4731RBUHD3 (Markertek) Kings KTH-1000 Crimp Tool (Markertek) Kings KTH-2060 Crimp Die (Mouser) |
| Alternate Versions | Plenum - 4731P (1000') |
Belden 4855R
The best coax for SDI transmission inside racks and tight spaces.
Get Price at MarkertekA miniature RG-59 rated for 12G-SDI transmission that is perfect for racks and short runs.
|
*Distance provided from updated testing that allows for 40dB loss at 1/2 the clock frequency. |
|
| HD-SDI | 221' / 67m |
|---|---|
| 3G-SDI* | 310' / 94m |
| 6G-SDI | 215' / 66m |
| 12G-SDI | 149' / 45m |
| Environment | Indoor, Riser |
|---|---|
| Available Lengths | 1000', 5000', Per Foot |
| Recommended Wire Cutters |
Klein Tools 63050 Cable Cutter (Amazon / Markertek) Hakko CHP-170 Micro Cutter (Amazon) |
| Recommended Cable Stripper Tools |
Canare TS100U (Amazon / Adorama, Markertek) Paladin Tools CST with Black Cassette (Amazon / Markertek) |
| Recommended Crimp Connector & Tool |
Belden 4855RBUHD3 (Markertek) Belden BB3PHCT BNC Crimp Tool (Amazon / Markertek) Paladin Tools PA8049 CrimpALL / Tempo 8000 HDTV (Amazon / Markertek) |
| Recommended Compression Connector & Tool |
Belden 4855RBUHD1 (Markertek) Belden CPLCRBC-BR Double Bubble Compression Tool (Amazon / Markertek) |
| Alternate Versions | Plenum - 4855P (1000', Per Foot) |
Maybe you fall into a rare position where you need slightly more performance than the top pick but don't have quite the budget for the premium pick. Or, maybe you just want a little extra peace of mind over the top pick and have some budget to spare.
Either way, this stuff is a great step up from Belden 4694R while not completely breaking the bank.
|
*Distance provided from updated testing that allows for 40dB loss at 1/2 the clock frequency. |
|
| HD-SDI | 494' / 151m |
|---|---|
| 3G-SDI* | 686' / 209m |
| 6G-SDI | 471' / 144m |
| 12G-SDI | 321' / 98m |
| Environment | Indoor, Riser |
|---|---|
| Available Lengths | 1000', Per Foot |
| Recommended Wire Cutters |
Klein Tools 63050 Cable Cutter (Amazon / Markertek) Hakko CHP-170 Micro Cutter (Amazon) |
| Recommended Cable Stripper Tool | Canare TS100E (Amazon / Markertek) |
| Recommended Crimp Connector & Tool |
Belden 4794RBUHD3 (Markertek) Kings KTH-1000 Crimp Tool (Markertek) Kings KTH-2060 Crimp Die (Mouser) |
| Alternate Versions | Plenum - 4731P (1000', Per Foot) |
Why You Can Trust Me
I have more than 26 years of broadcast television, international filmmaking, and corporate video production experience. I started my career as a freelance camera operator for major U.S. television networks including ABC, FOX Sports, and Speed Channel. Since then I have run countless miles of cabling for SDI in all kinds of mobile productions and permanent installs. In addition, I have spent the last decade running this website and consulting with other organizations to help them maximize their systems and results. Learn more about Joel