Last Updated on July 19, 2020
Blackmagic URSA 4K – The First Upgradeable 4K Digital Film Camera
The URSA is Blackmagic’s 4K production camera that is designed to be a workflow camera. This simply means that it was made with the intent to change the way you work on set. It was designed to handle the intricacies of shooting with a large film crew as well as for videographers who do solo work.
The Blackmagic URSA has a lot of things built into it, including a large 10-inch fold out on set monitor, a large Super 35 global shutter 4K image sensor that is user upgradeable, a 12G-SDI and internal dual RAW and ProRes recorders.
The URSA is also designed so that both the sensor and lens mount can be changed. This means that you can choose between an EF or a PL lens mount. Or, you can even use a broadcast video sensor with B4 mount. What this means overall, is that you can simply upgrade to the latest sensor technology that comes out while still managing to keep the investment you made on a camera body! How nice is that?
If you are looking for the latest BlackMagic URSA then look at the URSA MINI G2 Review
Blackmagic URSA 4K Review
Designed for use in feature films, television commercials and much more
The Blackmagic URSA was conceptualized to be used in shooting high-end feature films, commercials, television shows (by the episode), documentaries, electronic news gathering, music videos and so much more.
In a shoot featuring a rather large crew, the Blackmagic URSA can be dressed with high-quality cinema lenses, rails, follow focus, matte boxes and a whole lot more. The camera also features built-in scopes for exposure, focus and audio levels. With all of these features, it’s not hard for DOPs to get the results they want every time. The camera comes with a 10-inch screen which camera assistants can take a look at to check and update camera parameters independent of the DOP.
- Package Dimension : 43.18 centimeters L...
- Optical zoom: 20.0
- Package Weight: 28.9 pounds
- Video capture resolution: 1080p
When shooting alone, the large fold out on set monitor, built-in scopes and internal recorder simply means that you won’t have any more need for extra on set equipment because everything you need is built right into the camera.
Can you imagine? This camera has an entire film set of equipment built into one really portable design! Basically, with the URSA, a video crew can perform full production right off the bat.
Made by rethinking camera design
The URSA has a larger professional size which allows it to have space for powerful cooling. With this feature, the camera is capable of filming in higher frame rates, and at the same time, manages to keep the chassis really cool and keep the fan really quiet.
The Blackmagic URSA is built with a machined aluminum design which is really strong and was made with a large film crew in mind. Not only that, the camera was designed with the purpose that a user can upgrade to new sensors they desire to use.
In keeping with the theme of the camera being designed for a large crew, the URSAs workspace is divided into three separate regions: for the DOP, for the camera assistant and for the audio engineer. The workstation of the DOP is where the 10-inch large fold out on set monitor is located as well as a 5-inch screen for setting, camera status and scopes. The camera assist station features a separate screen for camera settings, status and scopes. Lastly, the audio engineer workspace features audio meters, controls and audio connections.
With a big screen, this simply means that you don’t need any more extra on set equipment to work with. With this, you can move freely about and quickly between shots.
Created to shoot outstanding Ultra HD quality videos
With a 4K sensor, global shutter and a very impressive 12 stops of dynamic range, the URSA is undeniably a true professional digital film camera.
With the wide dynamic range capability, it is easy for the URSA to take way better shots than regular video cameras and of course even high-end broadcast cameras. With this, you can get really great images that really look like true digital film.
Another great thing about the wide dynamic range is that it can preserve detail in dark shadows and bright highlights which give you a great range of options when color grading during post-production.
One of the best things about the URSA is that it’s built with an extra-large Super 35 size sensor that makes achieving creative shallow depth of field of shooting possible.
The URSA also comes equipped with the high-resolution Ultra HD 12-bit lossless Cinema DNG RAW so that you always come out with images with incredible quality.
The camera also gives you the option to shoot Ultra HD or HD in Apple ProRes so that post-production would be a breeze and it would just need the minimum storage requirements.
- Effective Sensor Size: 27.03mm x 14.25mm...
- Lens Mount: PL mount included....
- Lens Control: 12pin broadcast connector...
- Dynamic Range: 14 Stops
- Blackmagic Design Ursa Broadcast G2
- Video capture resolution: 4
- Max focal length: 0.0
- Display size: 4.0 inches
Fitted with dual recorder for non-stop recording
The URSA features dual recorders so that you don’t have to stop recording just to change media. This feature really comes in handy when you’re shooting a really historical moment, be it a news update or an interview, where you can’t stop shooting for fear of missing out on a really important detail.
To achieve this, a CFast card is loaded into the second recorder which automatically starts to continue recording once the primary card is already full. With this, you can change out the full card and still be able to continue shooting.
Designed for user-upgradeable sensor and mount
The Blackmagic URSA comes with a modular camera turret which can be easily taken out by just removing four bolts. The camera turret contains the sensor, lens mount, and lens control connections which can be upgraded once there are newer versions available in the market. This means that you don’t have to buy a new camera just to accommodate a newer technology.
Made for on-set monitoring
With the URSA, you no longer need a very big set monitor. Built with a 10-inch screen, you practically have a very huge viewfinder. The screen is really bright which means you won’t have issues when shooting outdoors and in direct sunlight.
The screen also has an ultra-wide viewing angle which you can pan and tilt to the extremes and still be rewarded with awesome looking images.
Built for full control on both sides of the camera
The URSA is built with a very intuitive advanced touch screen user interface. On each side of the camera, there are two 5” screens where you can input settings, controls and monitoring tools.
The left-hand side is where all the major settings are while the right-hand side is where the display settings – format, frame rate, shutter angle, etc. – are located.
Capable of broadcast connections
Standard broadcast connections are featured in the Blackmagic URSA which means you don’t have to worry about buying those expensive custom cables. There is also a 12G-SDI output which can be down-converted to HD or used directly for insane Ultra HD quality.
The 12G-SDI input is capable of displaying return video on the monitor when working on live events or an external video source.
There is also a separate SDI output where you can attach viewfinders and eyepieces.
When it comes to audio, two professional XLR connections are provided – with 48v phantom power – which enables you to use the best quality microphones in the industry.
Timecode in/out and a LANC connector are provided so you can remotely control the camera, lenses and accessories.
Compatible with industry standard power supplies
The URSA uses a standard 4-pin 12V to 30V XLR broadcast power connection which you can use to plug external power supplies. You can also mount third-party V-mount and Anton/Bauer gold mount back plates and batteries onto the rear end of the camera thanks to mounting points and a power transfer connector.
Built to be rigged
The Blackmagic URSA features multiple mount points to make it easier for you to attach your favorite accessories. There are standard tripod quick release attach points located on the bottom of the camera which allows you to use industry-standard tripod mounts.
The viewfinder also uses industry-standard power and BNC SDI connections for compatibility with any kind of viewfinder.
Standard 3/8” threaded on the top also allow you to connect whatever you like.
Lastly, you can use standard battery mounts on the rear end of the camera and you can also use standard rails in the rail mounts that is built into the camera base
Visit Blackmagicdesign.com/ursa to see more on the Ursa
Camera Features
Effective Sensor Size
21.12mm x 11.88mm (Super 35)
Effective Resolution
3840 x 2160
Shooting Resolutions
3840 x 2160, 1920 x 1080
Frame Rates
3840 x 2160p23.98, 3840 x 2160p24, 3840 x 2160p25, 3840 x 2160p29.97, 3840 x 2160p30, 3840 x 2160p50, 3840 x 2160p60, 1920 x 1080p23.98, 1920 x 1080p24, 1920 x 1080p25, 1920 x 1080p29.97, 1920 x 1080p30, 1920 x 1080p50, 1920 x 1080p59.94, 1920 x 1080p60, 1920 x 1080i50, 1920 x 1080i59.94 and 1920 x 1080i60
Sensor frame rate support
Up to 60 fps
Dynamic Range
12 stops
Focus
Focus button turns on peaking, focus bubbles, auto focus available on active lens mount.
Iris Control
Iris button automatically adjusts the lens iris settings so no pixel is clipped in film mode. Scene average auto exposure in video mode.
Lens Mount
EF Mount
Screen Dimensions
1 x 10.1” – 1920 x 1200
2 x 5” – 800 x 480
Screen Type
10.1” – TFT-LCD
5” – Integrated LCD capacitive touchscreen
Metadata Support
Automatic camera data and user data such as shot number, filenames and keywords.
Controls
Touch screen menus on 5” screen. Push button controls for navigating menus.
Microphone
Integrated mono microphone
Speaker
Integrated mono speaker
Mounting Options
Multiple 1/4”-20 UNC thread mounting on top of camera and on handle bar. Rosette on bottom. Integrated rods mounts compatible with 15mm Light Weight Support standard.
Storage Features
Storage Type
CFast 2.0
Storage Rates
Approx 880 Mbps using Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) at 3840 x 2160. Approx 220 Mbps using Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) at 1920 x 1080.
Compressed Recording Formats
Lossless compressed CinemaDNG RAW with film dynamic range at 3840 x 2160. Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) at 3840 x 2160 and 1920 x 1080 with either film or video dynamic range.
Connections
SDI Video Output
1 x 12G-SDI 10-bit 4:2:2. 1 x 3G-SDI down converted for external monitoring
SDI Video Input
1 x 12G-SDI
Ref Input
1 x Reference Input
Timecode Input
1 x Timecode Input
Timecode Output
1 x Timecode Output
Analog Audio Input
2 x XLR analog switchable between mic and line levels. Phantom power support.
Analog Audio Output
1/4” jack output for headphone monitoring
SDI Audio Output
2 channel
Remote Control
1 x 2.5mm LANC for Rec Start/Stop, Iris Control and Focus.
Computer Interface
USB 2.0 Mini-B port for software updates.
URSA 4K Test Footage
Slow Motion Test
- Package Dimension : 43.18 centimeters L...
- Optical zoom: 20.0
- Package Weight: 28.9 pounds
- Video capture resolution: 1080p
- Effective Sensor Size: 27.03mm x 14.25mm...
- Lens Mount: PL mount included....
- Lens Control: 12pin broadcast connector...
- Dynamic Range: 14 Stops
- Blackmagic Design Ursa Broadcast G2
- Video capture resolution: 4
- Max focal length: 0.0
- Display size: 4.0 inches
- URSA Mini Pro 4.6K 2nd Generation...
- Digital film camera with 15 stops of...
- Super 35mm 4.6K sensor with Blackmagic...
- Supports project frame rates up to 60...
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