Fremont, CA—Among Blackmagic Design’s product rollouts at the 2024 NAB Show was the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K digital film camera. The camera introduces new technologies with integration into the postproduction workflow. Moreover, the model includes a new large-format RGBW 36x24mm sensor with larger photo sites for 16 stops of dynamic range. It also features interchangeable PL, LPL and EF lens mounts and industry standard Lemo and Fischer connections.
Further, the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K comes with 8TB of internal storage and includes high-speed networking for media upload and syncing to the Blackmagic Cloud.
“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 company announced. “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.”
Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K Features
The URSA Cine boasts an evenly weighted camera body with a magnesium alloy chassis and lightweight carbon fiber polycarbonate composite skin for more portability. Integrated in the body are 12G‑SDI out, 10G Ethernet, USB-C and XLR audio.
In addition, the full sensor area gives users a 3:2 open gate image that lets them reframe their shots in postproduction. Or they 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, operators can shoot in 4K, 8K or 12K using the entire sensor without cropping, retaining the full field of view of their lenses. There are also 9K Super 35 4-perf, 3-perf and 2-perf modes for compatibility with classic cinema lenses. Plus, they can switch between PL, LPL, EF and Hasselblad mounts. Moreover, each mount has contact pins to read lens metadata for monitoring and use in postproduction.
What’s more, there are multiple monitoring options. The foldout monitor has a 5-inch HDR touchscreen on one side and an external color status LCD on the other. On the right side of the camera, there’s also an assist station with a second 5-inch HDR touchscreen. Consequently, crews can work around the camera without needing external monitors. Plus, there’s a dedicated focus puller’s mode to help users focus.
Additionally, a range of connections make the camera a solution for high-end cinema production. The 7-pin Lemo and 3-pin Fischer connectors at the front provide record start/stop and 24V power for onboard accessories likes 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.
More Features
Furthermore, Blackmagic RAW files store camera metadata, lens data, white balance, digital slate information and custom LUTs for consistency of image on set and through postproduction. The URSA Cine records to the included Blackmagic Media Module 8TB. This allows operators to capture 4+ hours of Blackmagic RAW in 12K or 20 hours in 4K.
The camera also has an optical low pass filter that is matched to the sensor. The OLPF incorporates updated IR filtering that improves far red color response. When combined with Blackmagic RAW processing for the camera, it preserves color and image detail. It also employs Generation 5 Color Science with a new film curve.
Moreover, this is Blackmagic’s first digital film camera with ultrafast, high-capability Cloud Store technology. Its 8TB of storage also lets users record at the highest resolutions and frame rates for hours and access their files over 10G Ethernet. Or they can use the media they already own with the optional Blackmagic Media Module CF with dual CFexpress slots.
Further, the camera supports creating a small H.264 proxy file in addition to the original media when recording. This means the small proxy file can upload to the Blackmagic Cloud so media is available back at the studio in real time. Also, the ability to transfer media directly into the DaVinci Resolve media bin as editors are working has never before been possible.
Operators can also livestream from film sets. The URSA Cine has a built-in hardware streaming engine that supports RTMP and SRT streaming to major platforms or to clients. Connect to the Internet via Ethernet, Wi-Fi or even a 4G or 5G phone for mobile data.
What’s in the Package
What’s more, the URSA Cine comes in a rugged Pelican case with custom foam cutouts that fit the camera and its accessories. The PL lens mount comes preinstalled on the camera body. However, users can get an interchangeable locking EF mount for attachment when using heavier cine lenses. They can also get an 8TB Media Module preinstalled and formatted. Also included is a top handle, antennas for Wi-Fi, a baseplate, a 24V power supply and a high-voltage B-mount battery plate.
The Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K is available now. It has a suggested retail price of $14,995.
