URSA Cine 12K: The ultimate Blackmagic camera for world-class productions

Blackmagic launches the new URSA Cine 12K camera, a camera aimed at meeting the demands of “high-end” productions with a 36x24mm RGBW sensor and interchangeable mount for PL, LPL, Hasselblad and EF lenses.

The new Blackmagic URSA Cine features a new sensor designed to capture images working in resolutions ranging from 4K to 12K based on the same technology as the URSA Mini Pro 12K version, with larger photodiodes offering a 16-stop dynamic range. The sensor stands out for integrating the unique RGBW architecture, which provides an equal amount of red, green and blue pixels. In this way, the camera has been optimized to deliver vivid colors in all resolutions, as well as exceptional flexibility and image quality.

By using the entire sensor, the URSA Cine 12K captures an image with an aspect ratio of 3:2, a decision dedicated to favoring the reframing of shots during post-production. Alternatively, it is possible to take advantage of the sensor size to record content in anamorphic format and deliver it in a wide variety of aspect ratios with 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.66, 1.8 and 2x crop factors. In addition, the camera allows shooting in 4K, 8K or 12K without cropping in order to preserve the full field of view with the lens. It even offers 2-, 3- or 4-perforation modes in Super 35 9K format, providing compatibility with classic cine lenses.

The Blackmagic URSA Cine model features a professional quality optical low pass filter that complements the sensor. It also incorporates a modern infrared filter that improves response at far-red wavelength frequencies while preserving color and image detail when processing Blackmagic RAW content.

In addition, the Blackmagic URSA Cine model has an interchangeable mount for PL, LPL, EF and Hasselblad lenses. In addition, each mount has electronic pins that allow the lens metadata to be read from the lens for monitoring and use in post-production. Camera and lens metadata, as well as white balance, digital clapperboard information and custom conversion tables, are stored in Blackmagic RAW files to ensure image consistency during on-set shooting and post-production.

A construction ready for demanding productions

The Blackmagic URSA Cine model offers a wide variety of content monitoring options to help you work faster. It features a folding monitor with a 5-inch HDR touchscreen on one side and a second external 5-inch LCD on the right side of the camera, which includes a help desk that allows the unit to be used without the need for external monitors.

However, an optional electronic viewfinder can be attached to the system to facilitate both on-location and handheld shooting. This accessory includes a high-quality OLED display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, an integrated proximity sensor and a four-element glass diopter with wide focus adjustments for greater precision. It also features a digital adjustment chart that provides the possibility to configure the device in the best way.

Blackmagic has taken special care with the housing of the new camera. This has been manufactured from a highly resistant magnesium alloy and coated with a polycarbonate and carbon fiber composite. Lemo and Fischer connectors allow the camera to be operated remotely, while supplying power to the lens and other accessories. This model also features a 12G SDI output , a 10G Ethernet port and an XLR audio input.

Naturally, the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K features industry standard connections. The 7-pin Lemo and 3-pin Fischer connectors on the front of the unit allow you to start or stop recording, connect 24V power supplies, and use optional accessories such as focus motors. The camera is powered by an 8-pin 24 V Lemon connection, while an additional 2-pin 12 V Lemon connection is used at the rear for lower voltage accessories.

Breaking down barriers between production and post production

The Blackmagic URSA Cine model is the first digital cinema camera with Cloud Store technology. The system includes the Blackmagic Media Module 8TB storage unit, allowing you to shoot up to 4 hours of Blackmagic RAW clips in 12K resolution or 20 hours in 4K. Alternatively, off-the-shelf drives can be used with the optional Blackmagic Media Module CF device, which includes two CFexpress card slots.

The Blackmagic Media Dock accelerates post-production workflows by speeding up and simplifying the start of editing and color correction. 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.

When recording, the Blackmagic URSA Cine model creates an H.264 proxy file along with the original. This lower resolution file can be uploaded to the Blackmagic Cloud platform in seconds, so content is instantly available in the studio. The ability to transfer files directly into DaVinci Resolve as editors work is revolutionary and unprecedented. Similarly, the Blackmagic URSA Cine model has an integrated RTMP and SRT compatible streaming engine that allows you to stream across all major platforms directly to the client. Simply access the Internet from the Ethernet port, a high-speed wireless network or even via mobile data from a 4G or 5G phone.

Power and accessories

The Blackmagic URSA Cine model features an 8-pin Lemo connector on the rear that supports 12V and 24V voltage for external power supplies. This gives the user a variety of options for supplying power to the camera. In addition, this version includes a 250 W power supply and a B-mount battery holder developed by manufacturers such as IDX, Blueshape, Core SWX, BEBOB and others.

The Blackmagic URSA Cine model includes everything you need to start shooting on set. Each camera comes in a rugged Pelican case with foam cutouts that fit the unit and accessories snugly. The PL lens mount is already installed on the frame, and an interchangeable EF mount is also provided so that heavier cinema lenses can be used safely. In addition, the URSA Cine 12K includes a top handle, antennas for high-speed wireless connection, a stand, a 24V power supply and a high-voltage B-mount battery holder.