Blackmagic Design has announced the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K. The suggested retail prices for the main lineup are as follows.
- Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K: $15,000
- Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K + EVF: $17,500
This camera is a digital film camera that fully integrates new advanced technology into post-production workflows. The new model is equipped with a new large format RGBW 36x24mm image sensor. The large photosight provides 16 stops of dynamic range. Compatible mounts are interchangeable PL, LPL, and EF lens mounts, with industry standard Lemo and Fischer connectors. Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K has 8TB of built-in high-performance storage and supports high-speed networking for uploading media and syncing to Blackmagic Cloud.
URSA Cine features a new sensor designed to deliver superior image quality at all resolutions from 4K to the massive 12K. This larger sensor is based on the technology of the URSA Mini Pro 12K and features a larger photosite for 16 stops of dynamic range. The unique RGBW architecture is optimized to have the same number of red, green, and blue pixels, resulting in incredibly rich colors at any resolution, providing ultimate image quality and flexibility.
URSA Cine is designed to meet all high-end videography needs. The weight-balanced body has a sturdy magnesium alloy housing and lightweight carbon fiber/polycarbonate finish, allowing for quick movement on set. It also includes standard Lemo and Fischer connectors, allowing users to power the lens motor and other accessories while controlling the camera from a distance. Also it is equipped with 12G-SDI output, 10G Ethernet, USB-C, XLR audio, and more.
The Blackmagic Design URSA Cine 12K Censor
By using the entire sensor area, you get incredible 3:2 open-gate images and the ability to reframe shots in post-production. Alternatively, users can shoot anamorphically using a larger sensor area, de-squeeze 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.66, 1.8, or 2x, and deliver in a variety of aspect ratios. Additionally, users can use the entire sensor to shoot 4K, 8K, and 12K without cropping, preserving the full field of view of the lens. 9K Super 35’s 4-perf, 3-perf, and 2-perf modes are also available, making it fully compatible with traditional cinema lenses.
Different projects require different lenses, so URSA Cine features an interchangeable lens mount. Quickly swaps between PL, LPL, EF, and Hasselblad lens mounts. Additionally, each mount’s connection pins can read metadata, making it convenient for monitoring and post-production use.
Monitor options
URSA Cine offers multiple monitoring options to help crew members work faster on set. The fold-out monitor features a large 5-inch HDR touchscreen on one side and a color status LCD on the other. To the right of the camera is an assistant station with a second 5-inch HDR touchscreen, so staff don’t need an external monitor to work around the camera. There is also a dedicated focus puller mode that allows users to get perfect focus.
It is also equipped with a variety of industry standard connectors. This design makes the URSA Cine ideal for high-end cinematography. The front 7-pin Lemo and 3-pin Fischer connectors support recording start/stop and 24V power, making them ideal for accessories such as focus motors. Camera power is provided by a standard 24V 8-pin Lemo connector, and there is also a 2-pin Lemo 12V connector on the back for low-voltage accessories.
Blackmagic RAW files store camera metadata, lens data, white balance, digital slate information, and custom LUTs to ensure image consistency on set and in post-production. URSA Cine records on the included Blackmagic Media Module 8TB, so you can record for over 4 hours in 12K Blackmagic RAW and 20 hours in 4K.
Optical Low-pass Filters and other Blackmagic features
URSA Cine has a built-in high-performance optical low-pass filter that precisely matches the sensor. The optical low-pass filter also features an improved IR filter for improved far-red color response. Combined with URSA Cine’s Blackmagic RAW processing, color and important image details are preserved for greater image fidelity.
URSA Cine is the first digital film camera to feature ultra-high-speed, high-capacity Cloud Store technology. The Blackmagic Media Module is fast, robust, and has 8TB of storage. This high-speed storage allows you to record for hours at the highest resolutions and frame rates, with direct file access over high-speed 10G Ethernet. Or use the media you already own with the optional Blackmagic Media Module CF, which supports dual CFexpress slots.
Blackmagic Media Dock accelerates post-production workflows by making it faster and easier to start editing and color correction. Mount up to three Blackmagic Media Modules for fast access to media from multiple URSA Cine cameras simultaneously. Four high-speed 10G Ethernet ports can connect up to four independent editing workstations. It is said to be extremely fast even when multiple users connect at the same time.
In addition to the camera’s original media created during recording, URSA Cine also supports the creation of small H.264 proxy files. Small proxy files can be uploaded to Blackmagic Cloud in seconds, allowing you to use media in real time in your studio. The ability to send media directly to DaVinci Resolve’s media bin while editors are working is an unprecedented and innovative feature.
The Ursa Cine as a live camera
Live streaming from movie sets is also now possible. URSA Cine has a built-in hardware delivery engine and supports RTMP and SRT delivery to major platforms or directly to clients. All that is needed is connect to the internet via Ethernet, high-speed WiFi, or mobile data from any 4G/5G phone.
URSA Cine supports the optional Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF for accurate and easy shooting outdoors and handheld. Equipped with a high quality 1920 x 1080 color OLED display and proximity sensor. Additionally, the 4-piece glass diopter supports a wide range of focus adjustment, allowing for extremely accurate focus. A built-in digital focus chart allows users to perfectly set up the viewfinder focus.
URSA Cine features an 8-pin Lemo power connector on the back of the camera and supports 24V and 12V power. This means the camera can be used with existing power, batteries, and accessories. The URSA Cine ships with a high-capacity 250W power supply and B-mount battery plate, allowing to use a wide variety of high-voltage batteries from manufacturers such as IDX, Blueshape, Core SWX, BEBOB, and more.
URSA Cine comes with everything needed to start shooting. The camera is housed in a sturdy Pelican case, with foam cutouts inside the case to precisely and securely fit the camera and accessories. A PL lens mount is attached to the camera housing, but an interchangeable locking EF mount is also included to securely secure heavier cinema lenses. An 8TB Media Module is also installed and formatted so users can start shooting immediately. Other features include a top handle, antenna for high-speed WiFi, base plate, 24V power supply, and high-voltage B-mount battery plate for quick setup.
Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, commented:
We wanted to create the high-end camera of our dreams, with all the features we wanted. Blackmagic URSA Cine is the realization of that dream. A completely new generation image sensor and housing with industry-standard features and connectors for seamless integration into high-end workflows. No expense was spared in the design of this camera. We are confident that this product will revolutionize all stages of production, from filming to post-production!
The Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K ison display at the Blackmagic Design booth (#SL5005) at NAB2024.
