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Blackmagic launches feature-packed Ursa Cine 12K digital film camera for professional filmmaking

Blackmagic releases feature-packed Ursa Cine 12K digital film camera for filmmakers. (Source: Blackmagic)
Blackmagic releases feature-packed Ursa Cine 12K digital film camera for filmmakers. (Source: Blackmagic)
Blackmagic has launched the Ursa Cine 12K, a feature-packed digital film camera for prosumer and professional cinematography. The Ursa shoots 12K up to 120 fps with 16 stops of dynamic range using a large-format sensor. Footage can be stored to 8TB of swappable storage, cloud-synced, or live-streamed from the camera, and reviewed on dual 5" FHD touchscreen LCD monitors.

Blackmagic has launched the Ursa Cine 12K, a feature-packed digital film camera using a 36 x 24mm sensor for professional filmmaking and live streaming. The $14,995 Ursa produces ultra high-resolution footage that exceeds what top Alexa, Red, and Venice cameras can create. Notable features include dual 5” HDR monitors with 1500 nits of brightness, swappable EF/LPL/PL/Hasselblad lens adapters, 8TB storage module, live-streaming, and Bluetooth remote camera control.

Blackmagic has created a new storage system to handle the enormous data storage demands of 12K footage. The Ursa Cine 12K generates footage at up to 4GB/s even after lossless compression with the Blackmagic RAW codec, so the camera uses swappable 8TB Blackmagic Media Modules to store a minimum of 33.5 minutes of 12K footage each. Uniquely, when the Modules are mounted in an external Blackmagic Media Dock, multiple connected editors can work on the footage captured by several attached Ursa cameras without waiting for transfers.

Live streams are possible over Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and 4G/5G mobile phone connections. To compensate for slower internet connections, Ursa cameras can upload proxies while recording, enabling remote Blackmagic DaVinci editors to work in near real-time, even with multiple cameras.

The $14,995 Ursa Cine 12K camera checks all the boxes filmmakers want including:

  • 35.64 x 23.32 RGBW sensor with 16 stops of dynamic range and optical low pass filter
  • Wide range of aspect ratios including 3:2 open gate, 16:9, 2.4:1, and 6:5 anamorphic
  • Up to 12K (12,288 x 8,040 pixels or 99 megapixels) resolution
  • Up to 80 fps at 12K 3:2 open gate, 120 fps at 12K 2.4:1, and 224 fps at 8K 2.4:1
  • Swappable 8TB Media Modules
  • 33.5 minutes of 12K 3:2 open gate at 80 fps footage per 8TB
  • 2.9 hours of 12K 2.4:1 at 24 fps footage per 8TB
  • Built-in 2-stop, 4-stop, and 6-stop neutral density filters
  • Includes swappable EF and PL lens mounts, optional LPL and Hasselblad lens mounts
  • Dual 5” touchscreen LCD monitors with 1500 nits of brightness
  • Built-in timecode clock and digital slate
  • Wireless Bluetooth camera control from Android and Apple smartphones or tablets
  • Live streaming over Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB-C cellular connections
  • Remote NTP, FTP, SMB, and Web management of media files on connected drives
  • Standard 12V/24V power source compatibility, Lemo accessory power connectors
  • XLR, Ref, TC, Fischer, and 12G-SDI connectors
  • 8.72 lbs. magnesium alloy camera body
  • Packed in a Pelican case with 24V power supply

Readers ordering the $14,995 Ursa Cine 12K kit should pick up a nice PL-mount lens (like this one at Amazon) because this is the only critical item it does not come with.

The Ursa Cine 12K has swappable mounts for compatiblity with a broad range of lenses. (Source: Blackmagic)
The Ursa Cine 12K has swappable mounts for compatiblity with a broad range of lenses. (Source: Blackmagic)
The Ursa can record in multiple aspect ratios, compression modes, and bitrates, including 12K 2.4:1 at 120 fps. (Source: Blackmagic)
The Ursa can record in multiple aspect ratios, compression modes, and bitrates, including 12K 2.4:1 at 120 fps. (Source: Blackmagic)
The Ursa records to 8TB Blackmagic Media Modules at up to 4 GB/s rates in 12K mode. (Source: Blackmagic)
The Ursa records to 8TB Blackmagic Media Modules at up to 4 GB/s rates in 12K mode. (Source: Blackmagic)
Dual 5" FHD LCD touchscreen monitors on the camera allow an assistant to monitor the recording along with the camera operator. (Source: Blackmagic)
Dual 5" FHD LCD touchscreen monitors on the camera allow an assistant to monitor the recording along with the camera operator. (Source: Blackmagic)

BLACKMAGIC DESIGN ANNOUNCES NEW BLACKMAGIC URSA CINE 12K

Revolutionary large format digital film camera with RGBW 36 x 24mm sensor, 16 stops of dynamic range and Blackmagic RAW syncing to DaVinci Resolve!

NAB 2024, Las Vegas, USA - Friday, April 12, 2024 - Blackmagic Design today announced Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K, a revolutionary new digital film camera that introduces new advanced technologies with total integration into the post production workflow. This new model includes a new large format RGBW 36 x 24mm sensor with larger photo-sites for 16 stops of dynamic range, interchangeable PL, LPL and EF lens mounts, and industry standard Lemo and Fischer connections. Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K comes with 8TB of high performance storage built in and also includes high speed networking for media upload and syncing to Blackmagic Cloud. Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K is available immediately from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide from US$14,995.

The Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K will be demonstrated on the Blackmagic Design NAB 2024 booth #SL5005.

URSA Cine features a revolutionary new sensor designed for incredible quality images at all resolutions from 4K to a massive 12K. The larger sensor builds on the technology of URSA Mini Pro 12K with larger photo-sites leading to an astounding 16 stops of dynamic range. The unique RGBW architecture provides equal amounts of red, green and blue pixels. This means it is optimized to deliver incredibly rich colors at all resolutions and provide the ultimate in image quality and flexibility.

URSA Cine is designed to meet the demands of any high end production. The evenly weighted camera body is built with a robust magnesium alloy chassis and lightweight carbon fiber polycarbonate composite skin to help customers move quickly on set. Standard Lemo and Fischer connectors let customers control the camera remotely while providing power for lens motors and other accessories. Customers also get 12G‑SDI out, 10G Ethernet, USB-C, XLR audio and more.

The full sensor area gives customers a stunning 3:2 open gate image which lets customers reframe their shots in post production. Or customers can use the large sensor area to shoot anamorphic and deliver in a range of aspect ratios with 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.66, 1.8 and 2x de-squeeze factors. Plus, customers can shoot in 4K, 8K or 12K using the entire sensor without cropping, retaining the full field of view of their lenses. There are even 9K Super 35 4-perf, 3-perf and 2-perf modes for full compatibility with classic cinema lenses.

Different projects require different lenses which is why URSA Cine features an interchangeable lens mount. Customers can quickly switch between PL, LPL, EF and Hasselblad mounts. Plus, each mount has contact pins to read lens metadata for monitoring and for use in post production.

URSA Cine lets crews work faster on set with multiple monitoring options. The fold out monitor has a large 5″ HDR touchscreen on one side and an external color status LCD on the other. On the right side of the camera, there’s a dedicated assist station with a second 5″ HDR touchscreen which allows crew to work around the camera without needing external monitors. There’s even a dedicated focus puller’s mode to help customers get perfect focus.

The wide range of industry standard connections on URSA Cine make it perfect for high end cinema production. The 7 pin Lemo and 3 pin Fischer connectors at the front provide record start/stop and 24V power so are ideal for on board accessories such as focus motors. Camera power is provided by a standard 24V 8 pin Lemo connection, plus there's an additional 2 pin Lemo 12V connection at the rear for lower voltage accessories.

Blackmagic RAW files store camera metadata, lens data, white balance, digital slate information and custom LUTs to ensure consistency of image on set and through post production. URSA Cine records to the included Blackmagic Media Module 8TB, allowing customers to capture over 4 hours of Blackmagic RAW in 12K or a massive 20 hours in 4K.

URSA Cine includes a high performance, optical low pass filter that is precisely matched to the sensor. The OLPF also incorporates updated IR filtering that improves far red color response which, when combined with Blackmagic RAW processing for the URSA Cine, preserves color and critical image detail for new levels of image fidelity.

URSA Cine is the first digital film camera with ultra fast high capability Cloud Store technology built in. Blackmagic Media Module is fast, rugged and includes a massive 8TB of storage. The high speed storage lets customers record at the highest resolutions and frame rates for hours and access their files directly over high speed 10G Ethernet. Or customers can use the media customers already own with the optional Blackmagic Media Module CF, which has dual CFexpress slots.

Blackmagic Media Dock accelerates post production workflow by making it faster and simpler to start editing and color correction. Mount up to three Blackmagic Media Modules for high speed access to media from multiple URSA Cine cameras all at the same time. The four high speed 10G Ethernet ports allow up to four separate edit workstations to connect directly and it is extremely fast, even when a lot of users are connected at the same time.

URSA Cine supports creating a small H.264 proxy file in addition to the camera original media when recording. This means the small proxy file can upload to Blackmagic Cloud in seconds so their media is available back at the studio in real time. The ability to transfer media directly into the DaVinci Resolve media bin as editors are working is revolutionary and has never before been possible.

Now customers can live stream from film sets. URSA Cine features a built hardware streaming engine that supports RTMP and SRT streaming to major platforms or directly to clients. Simply connect to the internet via Ethernet, high speed wifi or even connect a 4G or 5G phone for mobile data.

URSA Cine supports the optional Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF to make outdoors and handheld shooting accurate and easy. Customers get an integrated high quality 1920 x 1080 color OLED display with built in proximity sensor, 4 element glass diopter for incredible accuracy with a wide focus adjustment. A built in digital focus chart ensures customers get perfect viewfinder focus setup.

URSA Cine includes an 8-pin Lemo power connector at the back of the camera that works with 24V and 12V power supplies. That means it’s easy to use the camera with existing power supplies, batteries and accessories. URSA Cine comes with a massive 250W power supply and B Mount battery plate so customers can use a wide range of high voltage batteries from manufacturers such as IDX, Blueshape, Core SWX, BEBOB and more.

URSA Cine comes with everything customers need to get started on set. Every camera comes in a rugged Pelican case with custom foam cutouts that precisely and securely fit the camera and its accessories. The PL lens mount comes preinstalled on the camera body, plus customers get an interchangeable locking EF mount for a strong and secure attachment when using heavier cine lenses. Customers even get a massive 8TB Media Module preinstalled, formatted and ready to record. Customers also get a top handle, antennas for high speed wifi, baseplate, 24V power supply and high voltage B mount battery plate for quick set up.

"We wanted to build our dream high end camera that had everything we had ever wanted," said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO, "Blackmagic URSA Cine is the realization of that dream with a completely new generation of image sensor, a body with industry standard features and connections, and seamless integration into high end workflows. There’s been no expense spared in designing this camera and we think it will truly revolutionize all stages of production from capture to post!"

Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K Features

  *  Cinematic large format sensor with a massive 16 stops of dynamic range.

  *  Lightweight, robust camera body with industry standard connections.

  *  PL and locking EF mounts included with optional LPL mount available.

  *  Blackmagic RAW for real time 12K editing.

  *  Generation 5 Color Science with new film curve.

  *  High performance OLPF for reduced moire and aliasing.

  *  Build in ND filters for shooting in varying conditions.

  *  Shoot up to 80 fps in 12K, 144 fps at 8K and 240 fps at 4K.

  *  High performance Blackmagic Media Module 8TB for recording included.

  *  Recording media compatible with the Blackmagic Media Dock.

  *  High speed wifi, 10G Ethernet or mobile data for network connections.

  *  Built-in RTMP and SRT live streaming.

  *  Optional Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF.

  *  Includes DaVinci Resolve Studio for post production.

AVAILABILITY AND PRICE

Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K is available now from US$14,995, excluding local duties and taxes, from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide.

PRESS PHOTOGRAPHY

Product photos of the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K, as well as all other Blackmagic Design products, are available at www.blackmagicdesign.com/media/images.

ABOUT BLACKMAGIC DESIGN

Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in post production, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to www.blackmagicdesign.com.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2024 04 > Blackmagic launches feature-packed Ursa Cine 12K digital film camera for professional filmmaking
David Chien, 2024-04-16 (Update: 2024-04-16)