Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF
Category Virtual Production
Since quality is paramount when making computer-generated images look photorealistic, high/extreme resolution cameras are essential for virtual production. The new Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF (from $14,995) is a revolutionary new digital film camera with a 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 12K includes a high performance, optical low pass filter (OLPF) 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.
The full sensor area gives users a stunning 3:2 open gate image which lets users reframe their shots in post production. Or 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, users 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. Users 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 users get perfect focus.
The wide range of industry-standard connections on URSA Cine makes it ideal for high-end production. The 7-pin Lemo and 3-pin Fischer connectors at the front provide record start/stop and 24V power, ideal for on-board accessories such as focus motors. Camera power is provided by a standard 24V 8-pin Lemo connection, and 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 users to capture over four hours of Blackmagic RAW in 12K or a massive 20 hours in 4K.
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 users record at the highest resolutions and frame rates for hours, as well as access their files directly over high-speed 10G Ethernet. Or users can use the media they already own with the optional Blackmagic Media Module CF, which has dual CFexpress slots.
Blackmagic Media Dock accelerates post-production workflows 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 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.
URSA Cine supports the optional Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF to make handheld shooting accurate and easy. Users 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 users get perfect viewfinder focus setup.
URSA Cine comes with everything users 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 users get an interchangeable locking EF mount for a strong and secure attachment when using heavier cine lenses. Users even get a massive 8TB Media Module preinstalled, formatted and ready to record. Users 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.
URSA Cine 12K’s high resolution provides incredible clarity and amazing sharpness around objects, making it ideal for working with green screen and VFX, including compositing live action and CG in virtual production setups.
