Blackmagic URSA Cine - 12K Cinema Camera with PL Mount

 

The new Blackmagic URSA Cine features a new sensor designed to capture images of exceptional quality in all resolutions from 4K to 12K. It is based on the same technology as the URSA Mini Pro 12K version, with larger photodiodes providing 16 levels of dynamic range. The unique RGBW architecture provides an equal amount of red, green and blue pixels, so the camera is optimized to deliver vibrant colors at all resolutions, as well as exceptional flexibility and image quality. It is now possible to capture much more detail with a wider dynamic range. In addition, the built-in resize function allows shooting in different resolutions without cropping the image.
 

The Blackmagic URSA Cine is designed to meet the demands of any high-end production. Its chassis is made of a high-strength magnesium alloy and covered with a polycarbonate/carbon fiber composite, making it easy to move around the set. In addition, backlit physical buttons allow the various controls to be seen in any environment. The camera includes a 5-inch fold-out display for reviewing shots and accessing various settings, as well as a help desk on the other side of the unit with a 5-inch LCD screen and additional controls. The use of Lemo and Fischer connectors allows the camera to be operated remotely while providing power to the lens and other accessories. In addition, this model has a 12G SDI output, a 10G Ethernet port and an XLR audio input.

 

 

The large sensor on the Blackmagic URSA Cine offers unprecedented flexibility in terms of aspect ratios, lenses and shooting formats. By using the entire sensor, a 3:2 aspect ratio image can be captured, allowing shots to be re-framed in post-production. Alternatively, the sensor size can be used to capture content in anamorphic format and deliver it in a variety of aspect ratios with 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.66, 1.8 and 2x crop factors. In addition, the camera can shoot in 4K, 8K or 12K without cropping to maintain the full field of view of the lens. It even offers 2, 3 or 4 perforation modes in Super35 9K format for compatibility with classic cine optics. The result is outstanding images of exceptional quality.
  

The versatility of the Blackmagic URSA Cine with its interchangeable mount is an invaluable tool for filmmakers and photographers seeking the highest image quality and adaptability for their projects. The ability to switch between PL, LPL, EF and Hasselblad lenses allows users to take advantage of the best of both worlds: the precision and optical quality of cinema lenses and the flexibility and unique character of photographic lenses. This feature not only expands creative possibilities, but also makes it easier to integrate different types of lenses into a workflow, which is especially useful for productions that require a wide range of visual styles. The pins on each mount further enhance the experience by providing real-time metadata readout, which is critical for on-set monitoring and post-production efficiency. Ultimately, the Blackmagic URSA Cine is positioned as an exceptional choice for professionals who value flexibility, performance and precision in their image capture tools.

 
 
 

The URSA Cine is designed to provide efficient and versatile content monitoring. The camera features a folding monitor that includes a 5-inch HDR touchscreen for detailed viewing and a second external 5-inch LCD on the right side. This configuration allows users to operate the camera without the need for additional monitors, which is ideal for fast, mobile shooting environments.

The 1500 nits main display is especially useful in bright conditions, allowing users to see the image clearly regardless of external conditions, and an optional anti-glare visor can be attached. In addition, the camera displays vital information such as unit status, shooting data, histogram, framing guides and other relevant data directly on the image in real time. 

For focusing professionals, the URSA Cine model includes a special mode that makes it easy to achieve precise focus, a critical feature for producing very high quality content.
 

Lemo and Fischer connectors are widely recognized in the audiovisual industry for their reliability and durability, where connection quality and consistency are critical. Lemo 7-pin connectors offer a robust solution for starting and stopping recordings, as well as powering optional accessories such as focus motors. On the other hand, 3-pin Fischer connectors provide a secure and stable connection for applications requiring fewer pins.
 
The camera's main power supply via an 8-pin Lemo connection ensures a constant and reliable 24V power supply, while the additional 2-pin 12V connection at the rear allows the integration of accessories working at a lower voltage, contributing to a more efficient and tidy system design, avoiding cable clutter.
 
The 12G-SDI outputs are essential for real-time image quality monitoring, allowing users to connect two different monitors and customize the information overlaid on each according to specific production needs. This is particularly useful in environments where multiple team members need access to different types of monitoring information simultaneously.
 
Finally, the 10G Ethernet port is a valuable feature for file management, especially with Blackmagic Cloud integration, enabling fast and efficient file synchronization and transfer. This is crucial in modern production, where speed and efficiency in data transfer can have a significant impact on the overall workflow.
 
The combination of Lemo and Fischer connectors, along with versatile power options and advanced monitoring and synchronization capabilities, make the unit a comprehensive solution for the demands of contemporary audiovisual production. These technical features not only improve workflow efficiency, but also ensure recording integrity and production quality.
 

The Blackmagic RAW format represents a significant advance in video capture technology, offering filmmakers and post-production professionals unprecedented flexibility and quality. This format allows a wide range of data to be captured from the camera's sensor, resulting in images with greater detail and dynamic range. Built-in metadata simplifies the workflow, allowing nondestructive adjustments during editing and color grading. In addition, constant quality and constant speed options provide versatility to balance image quality with storage requirements. For example, the Blackmagic URSA Cine model with its 8TB storage unit allows for long recording sessions, ideal for large scale film productions. Specifically, you can shoot up to 4 hours of Blackmagic RAW clips at 12K resolution or 20 hours at 4K.
  

The Blackmagic 5th generation colorimetry represents a significant advance in image quality for filmmakers and post production professionals. With a more advanced cinematic curve, this technology enables better interpretation of color data captured by the Blackmagic URSA Cine camera's sensor, resulting in more natural skin tones and more accurate representation of saturated colors, such as those found in neon lights or high-contrast night scenes.

BRAW image processing is another highlight, as it maintains the integrity of color and dynamic range metadata. This is crucial for post-production, where color detail and tonal gradation are essential for visual storytelling. In addition, backwards compatibility with previous Blackmagic RAW files ensures that older projects can benefit from improvements in color reproduction.
 
In specialized forums, users have discussed the differences between Blackmagic's fourth and fifth generation colorimetry, highlighting Gen 5's ability to better handle saturated LED lights and offer a flatter curve, which can be advantageous in certain lighting conditions. It is also mentioned that while the Gen 4 curve already captured the full dynamic range that P4K/6K sensors can offer, Gen 5 introduces more aggressive handling of saturated colors, which may be preferable for some cinematographers.
 

Filming technology has advanced significantly to address the challenges presented by the high frequencies of certain synthetic materials and LED arrays in large displays. These elements can cause interference patterns, known as moiré, especially when using high-precision lenses and high-resolution sensors. To counteract these effects, OLPF optical low-pass filters are employed, which are capable of minimizing the interference and improving image quality. A prime example of this technology is the Blackmagic URSA Cine model, which not only includes a professional-grade optical low-pass filter, but also features an advanced infrared filter. The latter enhances the capture of red wave frequencies, maintaining color fidelity and fine detail when processing images in Blackmagic RAW format. These innovations enable filmmakers and content creators to achieve new levels of visual and artistic fidelity in their productions
  

 
  
The Blackmagic URSA Cine's built-in Neutral Density Filters are a key component of this camera, allowing users to control image exposure without affecting color or contrast. With 2-, 4- and 6-step options, these filters offer the flexibility to work in a variety of lighting conditions while maintaining color integrity thanks to a design that matches the camera's colorimetry. In addition, the ability to uniformly filter both the visible spectrum and infrared wavelengths helps prevent infrared contamination, resulting in clearer, more accurate images. The fast and precise adjustment mechanism, along with clear on-screen display of settings, facilitates operation in dynamic shooting environments, ensuring that filmmakers can quickly adapt to changes in light and capture the perfect shot.
 

The Blackmagic URSA Cine is like multiple cameras in one, allowing you to shoot at popular resolutions and frame rates in 4K, 8K, Super 35 9K and even 12K with unprecedented levels of detail, or at up to 100f/sec in 12K (17:9, 12,288x6480) or 120f/sec in 12K (2.4:1). For higher frame rates, it is possible to use a resolution of 8192x5360 at a maximum of 144f/s or 8192x3408 at 180f/s, and even record in 8K 2.4:1 (8192x3408) at 224f/s. This model's frame rate and resolution options provide unparalleled flexibility to achieve better image reproduction, with sharper edges in 8K and 4K, even at lower frame rates. It also offers the ability to capture 100 megapixels per frame at 80 fps in BRAW format, making it ideal for capturing perfect still images and moving objects.
 

The Blackmagic URSA Cine is the first digital cinema camera to feature high speed, high capacity Cloud Store technology. The Blackmagic Media Module provides a fast and reliable solution with 8TB of storage, which is like having a Blackmagic Cloud Store Mini device built into the unit. The high-speed storage makes it easy to record for hours at high resolutions and frame rates, and access files directly over a 10G Ethernet network.
 

 
Alternatively, off-the-shelf drives can be used with the optional Blackmagic Media Module CF, which includes two CFexpress card slots. This module can be easily removed from the camera and connected to a Blackmagic Media Dock, which can be used to transfer content to a network or the Blackmagic Cloud for immediate collaboration with other professionals.
 

The Blackmagic Media Dock accelerates post-production workflows by making it faster and easier to start editing and color grading. Up to three Blackmagic Media Modules can be mounted, making it easy to access files from multiple Blackmagic URSA Cine cameras simultaneously. The four high-speed 10G Ethernet ports provide the ability to directly connect up to four independent workstations and are extremely fast, even with multiple users connected at the same time. In addition, the USB-C port supports Ethernet networking, so files can be transferred using a simple USB-C cable connected to a computer. There is also an HDMI output that allows you to check the status of the device in real time, either on a monitor or a TV.

 

When shooting, the Blackmagic URSA Cine camera creates an H.264 proxy file along with the original. This lower resolution file can be uploaded to the Blackmagic Cloud platform in seconds, making content instantly available in the studio. The ability to transfer files directly into DaVinci Resolve as editors work is revolutionary and unprecedented. Anyone doing the editing can access the footage, no matter where they are. If multiple cameras are used, the new multi-source feature in the Montage module will show every angle simultaneously. The Blackmagic Cloud offers exceptional global workflows for post-production.

When streaming live or uploading files to the Blackmagic Cloud, it is possible to use an iPhone or Android phone to connect to the Internet via mobile data using the camera's USB-C port. This feature supports 4G or 5G phones, and it is also possible to connect via a high-speed wireless network or via the 10G Ethernet port. Built-in live streaming capabilities make it easy for clients and post-production teams to monitor shots from anywhere in the world. This provides a global post solution that is compatible with the Blackmagic Cloud and leads to exceptional creative groups.
 

Now it's possible to stream live from the location. The new Blackmagic URSA Cine camera has a built-in streaming engine that supports RTMP and SRT protocols, so you can stream directly to the client on all major platforms. Simply access the Internet via the Ethernet port, a high-speed wireless network, or even mobile data from a 4G or 5G phone. The camera's display and screen show the transmission status and transfer rate. The signal can also be streamed to a Blackmagic ATEM Streaming Bridge for a wireless connection to the studio. This H.264 decoder allows you to get an SDI signal back. That way, everyone can see what's going on during the shoot. 
 

The Blackmagic URSA Cine allows you to connect an optional electronic viewfinder to facilitate both location and handheld shooting. This accessory includes a high quality 1920x1080 resolution OLED display, a built-in proximity sensor and four element glass optics with wide focus adjustment for greater precision. It also features a digital setting chart that allows you to configure the unit for optimum performance. In addition, the display allows you to view critical information such as framing guides. Adding the viewfinder to the camera is extremely easy, as it is placed on the supplied mount and connected to the unit via a USB-C cable. The viewfinder can be positioned in a variety of ways, and two types of eyepieces are available.
 

The Blackmagic URSA Cine has an 8-pin Lemo connector on the back that supports 12V and 24V voltage for external power supplies. This gives the user a variety of options for supplying power to the camera. The front of the unit has additional Lemo and Fischer connectors that supply power to the lens and other accessories. This version also includes a 250W power supply and a B-mount battery holder developed by manufacturers such as Swit, IDX, Blueshape, Core SWX, BEBOB and others. It is also possible to install Blackmagic V-Lock or Gold Mount battery mounts.
 

Blackmagic Design's operating system incorporates the latest technology and is very intuitive and easy to use. It has a modern structure where all camera functions work independently for ease of use and allows the unit to boot up without delay. It has the same controls and menus as other Blackmagic cameras, so you can easily switch between different models. To configure settings, add metadata or view recording status, simply tap or swipe the screen. You can also control focus and exposure tools, conversion tables, dynamic range, metadata, timecode and RAW settings.