Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 Rental

The new Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 camera is a high-end model, designed for broadcasting over traditional media or the Internet. It is designed to be used as a 6K digital cinema camera or in studio and production environments in 4K resolution. It supports a wide variety of lenses and batteries, and records to SD, UHS-II, CFast 2.0 cards or external drives, in popular formats such as H.265, ProRes and Blackmagic RAW, making it compatible with all editing software. It is even possible to change the mount.

Three cameras in one

Professional production camera

The URSA Broadcast G2 is ideal for broadcasters, with controls located on the side of the unit for easy positioning and a brightness sensor that lets you capture great images in natural light. These features make it easy to broadcast news and other programmes.

Studio camera

The URSA Broadcast G2 includes colour correction tools and can be operated remotely. By changing the mount, all types of lenses can be used, e.g. studio or B4 lenses, and even controlled from the tripod handle using a variety of accessories.

Digital cinema camera

The URSA Broadcast G2 features a 6K digital cinema sensor, and it is possible to change the mount to use PL or EF lenses. In addition, its wide dynamic range, exceptional low-light performance and Blackmagic RAW compatibility deliver Hollywood-calibre images.

Digital cinema quality productions

With the 6K sensor and Blackmagic's fifth generation colourimetry, it uses the same technology as digital cinema cameras, so broadcasters can benefit from this quality. With a resolution of 6144x3456, the sensor offers the opportunity for television and film productions. When using B4 lenses, it allows recording in 4K UHD definition, while using PL or EF lenses, the full resolution can be utilised. The 13-stop dynamic range, meanwhile, provides deeper blacks and brighter whites, which are ideal for colour grading.

Exceptional low-light performance

The new URSA Broadcast G2 lets you shoot in ambient light, or even under moonlight. The sensor's ISO sensitivity ranges from -12dB (100 ISO) to +36dB (25600 ISO) to optimise noise reduction and image graininess while maintaining the full dynamic range of the sensor. The primary ISO setting is 400, ideal for studio use, while the secondary setting of 3200 is recommended when shooting in low light conditions. Gain can be adjusted via an on-camera switch, the on-screen menu, or remotely via the SDI control protocol.

B4 Lenses

The URSA Broadcast G2 features a B4 mount, with optical components to match the camera's sensor. This makes it easy to use modern UHD lenses or cheaper HD versions. B4 lenses are parafocal, and have a very wide depth of field, so focus is preserved as the image is zoomed in and out. The electronic management of these lenses, in turn, makes it easy to adjust focus, aperture and zoom. By changing the mount, it is also possible to use PL and EF lenses.

Built-in Neutral Density Filters

URSA Broadcast G2 features high quality neutral density filters that allow you to reduce the amount of light entering the camera. These 2, 4 and 6-stop filters have been specifically designed, in combination with the sensor and colourimetry of this model, to provide additional latitude and improved colour perception. This gives the possibility to use different combinations of shutter angle and aperture. In addition, infrared filters eliminate infrared evenly. These settings are indicated on the camera's display by a fraction, a number or the reduction in steps.

Common recording formats

This camera has been designed to be compatible with traditional file formats used in all editing software and broadcast systems. It supports ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 codecs in QuickTime files, or even H.265, with a compression ratio of 60:1 to 285:1 and 10-bit quality. It also supports Blackmagic RAW, an innovative format designed to record all the information captured by the sensor and preserve its quality.

Uninterrupted recording

This model features two CFast 2.0 card slots and two SD/UHS-II card slots, giving you greater flexibility in your choice of storage media. The two slots for each type of card offer the opportunity for uninterrupted recording, as the camera automatically uses the second drive when the first one has no more capacity. In addition, the G2 model allows recording of high quality ProRes and H.265 files, even in UHD at high frame rates, or 12-bit Blackmagic RAW. This makes it easy to integrate into existing broadcast systems.

Direct recording to external drives

The Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 includes a USB-C port on the back of the camera, so you can connect a wide range of accessories and external drives to record high quality 12-bit H.265 or Blackmagic RAW files for editing and colour grading. These discs can also be connected to computers to process the footage without the need for copying. The USB port can also be used to power any device connected to it. It is even possible to add focus and focal length control systems.

Lightweight and rugged design

The frame of the URSA Broadcast G2 is designed using magnesium alloy for comfort when using the camera for long periods of time. External switches and controls allow direct access to the most important settings. These are logically arranged for ease of use, allowing you to change settings without having to look at the buttons. In addition, the fold-out touch screen offers the possibility to monitor images, view camera status and change settings via the menus. This model also features SDI 12G and XLR connections, a USB-C port and a 4-pin XLR input for 12V DC power.

LCD touch screen  

The foldable touch screen allows you to monitor images and control the camera. Despite having a large number of knobs and buttons, the screen includes controls and provides important information for recording, superimposed on the image, as well as giving access to the various camera settings. The back of the camera has additional buttons and volume knobs. There are also three programmable buttons, to which different functions can be assigned via the menus.

External display

The liquid crystal display is designed for easy viewing, even in bright daylight. It provides various data such as gain, timecode, frame rate, shutter angle, white balance and aperture. There are battery and memory card status indicators, and digital vu-meters for monitoring audio levels. It is also possible to turn the display backlight on when working in dimly lit areas, and off when working outdoors to increase contrast and make information easier to read.

Video monitoring

During live productions, it is sometimes necessary to monitor the signal transmitted by the mixer. For this purpose, by pressing the PGM button, the broadcast signal can be viewed, while the built-in speaker facilitates audio monitoring. This feature is very useful, as during complex live events, cameras are used sporadically, so the operator can watch the programme while waiting, and be aware of what is going on, even if he is at a great distance from the mixer.

3D LUTs that recreate cinematographic styles

When recording, digital film cameras use a logarithmic colour space to preserve dynamic range, which is optimal for the post-production process. However, when images are viewed on a monitor, they appear dull and without contrast. In this sense, three-dimensional conversion tables are the ideal solution, as they allow you to attribute a certain look during the shoot, to get a better idea of how the material will look when edited. These can be applied temporarily when monitoring image quality, or integrated into Blackmagic RAW files for use when editing. The URSA Broadcast G2 model includes a number of preset tables and also supports 17 or 33 point 3D LUT files.

Broadcast connections

The URSA Broadcast G2 model includes state-of-the-art technology and 12G SDI connections, for transmitting the images and receiving the return signal. These support multiple resolutions up to a maximum resolution of 2160p60. The camera also features a headphone connection, a USB-C port, an XLR connector with phantom power and an input for timecode and reference signals. There is also a 12-pin Hirose connector for lens control and power supply, an HD SDI output for monitoring content, and a 4-pin XLR output for 12V DC power.

All frame rates supported

Whether it's a sporting event or breaking news, the URSA Broadcast G2 lets you capture slow motion pictures in crystal-clear clarity. It not only supports frame rates of 60 f/s, but also offers the option of using a secondary value to achieve this effect. You can set the desired frame rate from the on-screen menus and then toggle between the two options by simply pressing the HFR button on the side of the unit. In this way, the frame rate can be increased quickly, instantly, when the action requires it.

Built-in microphones and professional audio connections

The URSA Broadcast G2 includes a professional microphone and audio recording system, eliminating the need for additional equipment. The XLR connections are capable of supplying 48V power, facilitating compatibility with a wide variety of microphones. It is also possible to link the camera's audio inputs for use with lavalier microphones to a single mono connection for the purpose of recording sound on two channels. It is also worth noting that this model features on-screen digital vumeters and rotary knobs for adjusting the audio intensity, even when filming with the unit on the shoulder.

SDI camera control

All Blackmagic Design ATEM mixers allow camera control via a protocol built into the SDI connection. Setup is simple, as commands are transmitted from the output of the device to the respective input on the unit. This provides the opportunity to activate the Tally light and adjust colour or aperture, among many other possibilities. Simply select the camera number and that's it. In this way, one person can take care of adjusting colour and gain, so that the camera operator is not distracted and can concentrate exclusively on the correct focusing of the shots.

HD / UHD compatibility

The URSA Broadcast G2 can record in both HD and UHD. The high-resolution sensor and 5th generation colourimetry enable you to capture images with high dynamic range and colour fidelity. When shooting in HD, the camera reduces the usable sensor area to accommodate all 1080 formats. This makes it easy to stream content anywhere in the world. The sensor performs sub-pixel level processing to achieve greater edge definition and outstanding sharpness. 

Interchangeable B4, PL, EF and F Mounts

The URSA Broadcast G2 features a B4 mount, which is easily interchangeable with EF, PL or F mounts. In addition to the installed B4 mount, the camera comes with an additional EF mount, which allows the use of inexpensive photographic lenses that offer unrivalled quality, as they are designed for high-resolution images. PL and F versions can also be purchased separately. When shooting film, PL mounts are the most suitable, as they are the most common mount for use with cine lenses. This gives great flexibility in choosing the professional lens that best suits the needs of each project.

Fifth-generation colorimetry

Using the same fifth-generation colourimetry as the URSA Mini Pro 12K model, the new URSA Broadcast G2 delivers improved image quality, with incredible, highly accurate skin tones and true colours in every shot. In addition, its innovative 12-bit dynamic tonal response curve allows more information to be captured in highlights and shadows. Colourimetry performs part of the complex processing of Blackmagic RAW images, so the colour and dynamic range information captured by the sensor is retained in the metadata for use in post-production. This gives a natural, cinematic look and feel when making colour adjustments with DaVinci Resolve Studio.

Exceptional Blackmagic RAW quality

Blackmagic RAW is an innovative format, designed to record all the information captured by the sensor and retain its quality. The processing applied to ordinary files results in the loss of some of the original detail. However, Blackmagic RAW eliminates this problem and provides the ability to produce exceptional images with stunning sharpness and colour throughout production. Camera settings are saved as metadata so you can change ISO, white balance and exposure in DaVinci Resolve.

Blackmagic Operating System

The Blackmagic operating system is very intuitive and easy to use. It has a modern structure in which all camera features work independently for ease of use and allows the unit to boot up immediately. It has the same controls and menus as other Blackmagic cameras, so you can switch between different models seamlessly. To configure settings, add metadata or view recording status, simply tap or swipe the screen. You can also control focus and exposure tools, 3D conversion tables, dynamic range, metadata, timecode and RAW settings.

Built-in TC Generator

Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 includes a time of day timecode generator that lets you sync cameras and edit shots shot with multiple units. By connecting an external generator to the BNC input, the unit will detect the timecode and sync it automatically. As a result, all shots captured with the cameras will have the same timecode. This makes it possible to record music festivals with multiple units. DaVinci Resolve's sync tray will then make it easy to edit the synced footage.

Focus and zoom control

Optional focus and zoom control accessories allow photographic lenses to be used during live productions. They feature 2 USB-C ports for easy electronic lens control and can also be connected in series to the camera via a single USB connection. In addition, the advanced design allows unparalleled precision in focusing and adjusting the lens without taking your hands off the tripod. Different functions can be assigned to each of the buttons, and everything needed to mount them on the tripod handles is included.

Viewfinders, mounts and SMPTE fibre

There is a wide range of accessories specially designed for the URSA Broadcast G2. These include the shoulder mount, V-Lock battery adapter and top handle, as well as an additional EF mount, which allows the use of photographic lenses. In addition, it is compatible with the Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder and Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder. There is also an optional fibre optic converter, which provides the ability to power the camera from up to two kilometres away via a single SMPTE cable, while the URSA Mini Recorder offers the option of recording to external drives for extended periods of time.

SSD and U.2 Recording

The optional Blackmagic URSA Mini Recorder allows you to record to fast 2.5 inch SSDs, including the latest NVMe U.2 Enterprise versions, which offer unprecedented speed and data transfer rates of up to 900MB/sec. This provides the ability to record for extended periods of time in Blackmagic RAW 4K and 6K 12-bit formats, with the highest quality codec (Q0). The recorder is mounted directly on the back of the camera, between the chassis and the battery, and is controlled via the USB-C port, so there is no need to do this manually.

Bluetooth wireless control

When the camera is mounted on the end of a crane or in a hard-to-reach location, it can be controlled via Bluetooth, up to 9 metres away. This can be done by downloading the Blackmagic Camera Control app for iPad devices.

Multiple battery types

All URSA versions are compatible with a wide variety of battery mounts. The camera includes a V-Lock battery mount that can be swapped out for the optional Blackmagic URSA Gold Battery Plate. In addition, the URSA Broadcast G2 model features a conventional 4-pin XLR connector for batteries and external power supplies, which supports a voltage of 12 to 18V. This provides compatibility with existing batteries and power supplies. The optional fibre optic converter allows you to power the camera from up to 2km away using a single SMPTE cable.

Includes DaVinci Resolve Studio

URSA Broadcast G2 includes DaVinci Resolve Studio, the same software used in Hollywood to create feature films, television series and high end commercials. The innovative editing module features intelligent editing options and cutting edge features designed to help you process your footage quickly. DaVinci offers editing, colour grading, audio post-production and visual effects tools in a single application.