Blackmagic Design recently launched several new products which include the Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2, Micro Converter 12G models, and the Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder G2.
Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2
According to the company, the Blackmagic URSA Broadcase G2 is a next generation professional broadcast camera with 6K digital film sensor that brings digital film quality to both traditional and online broadcasters.
Blackmagic Design URSA Studio Viewfinder G2. Image courtesy of Blackmagic Design.
Additionally, the advanced 6144 x 3456 digital film sensor provides low light performance with dual gain ISO of up to +36dB as well as 13 stops of dynamic range, and also includes H.265 and Blackmagic RAW file formats, Blackmagic generation 5 color science, as well as a USB-C expansion port for external disk recording, and more.
In a statement, the company said that customers can record to common SD cards, UHS-II cards, CFast 2.0 cards or external USB disks, using common file formats such as H.265, Apple ProRes and Blackmagic RAW, making it compatible with most video software and broadcast media management systems.
Blackmagic also added that they designed the camera with the aim of bringing digital film to the broadcast industry. “Customers love the flexibility of the original URSA Broadcast and have been asking for a camera that also delivered the quality of digital film quality for broadcast use,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO.
“We’ve listened and the new URSA Broadcast G2 means that customers now don’t have to choose between a broadcast focused camera design or digital film images. With URSA Broadcast G2, they get both! URSA Broadcast G2 can be used as a production camera, a studio camera or a digital film camera, so it’s really 3 cameras in 1. We think both traditional and online broadcast customers are going to really enjoy the creativity of being able to shoot Hollywood quality digital film!”
Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 has the following features:
- Native 6K sensor with 13 stops of dynamic range.
- Up to +36dB ISO for incredible low light performance.
- USB-C port allows recording directly to external disks.
- Includes Blackmagic generation 5 color science.
- Features incredible quality Blackmagic RAW recording.
- Optional focus and zoom demands for lens control.
- Compatible with new Blackmagic URSA Mini Recorder.
- Includes full DaVinci Resolve Studio for post production.
Micro Converter 12G models
The Micro Converter 12G models, the second of the new Blackmagic products, lets customers use HDMI equipment with professional SDI systems. These new models feature custom hardware developed by Blackmagic Design and include features such as 3D LUTs and more SD, HD and Ultra HD video formats.
According to the company, the rugged and miniaturized design makes the new models small enough to be used anywhere and customers receive professional 3G-SDI or 12G-SDI connections, depending on the models, so customers can work with SD, HD and Ultra HD formats up to 2160p60.
Micro Converter HDMI to SDI 12G. Image courtesy of Blackmagic Design.
Furthermore, the Micro Converters use USB for power, so they can be powered directly from televisions or laptop computers without purchase of additional power supplies. It also supports DCI film rates including 4Kp24, 4Kp47.95 and 4Kp48.
In a statement, Blackmagic stated that the Micro Converter SDI to HDMI 12G model is ideal for connecting HDMI cameras and computers to professional SDI equipment while the Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 12G model can convert in both directions, in different standards at the same time.
Customers can convert SDI to HDMI and HDMI to SDI simultaneously. Plus it supports camera control protocol conversion, so customers can use Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras with professional SDI live production switchers.
Petty revealed other features of the new Micro Converter 12G which include:
- Compact design for portable operation.
- Supports upgrading software via USB connection.
- Includes 3D LUT for monitoring on SDI to HDMI model.
- Includes support for HDR via SDI and HDMI.
- Supports 12G-SDI and HDMI timecode standards.
- Features 12G-SDI technology with built in SDI re-clocking.
- Includes camera control features for Blackmagic ATEM switchers.
- Supports all video standards in NTSC, PAL, 720 HD, 1080 HD and 2160 Ultra HD.
“Our Micro Converters are very popular and these new models are now using a custom design that runs Blackmagic OS so we can now include many more features than the old models could support because these new models are intelligent,” says Petty.
Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder G2
The third Blackmagic product launched is a new studio viewfinder model, Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder G2, with a 2,000 nit display, ideal for use in bright sunlight.
In a statement, the company added that the Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder G2 is based on a large 7-inch display and suitable for tripod mounted studio camera use.
The Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder G2 mounts uses a standard V-Lock mount making it easy to attach to the top of a camera. It also features a bright 7″ 2,000 nit display with grip handles allowing it to be independently positioned on the camera, even while the camera is on air.
Blackmagic Design URSA Studio Viewfinder G2. Image courtesy of Blackmagic Design.
The mount also allows the viewfinder to be tilted up and down and rotated sideways while customers can adjust the lock knobs to vary the amount of tension on the viewfinder adjustments. There’s also a metal sunshade for use when in bright outdoor locations and the sunshade can be removed quickly when not needed.
Other features, which were released in a statement, are as follows:
- Physical dials, knobs and customizable function buttons.
- Large RGB LED tally indicator with clip on perspex camera numbers.
- Connects to SDI input and power from camera, so no extra cables or power supplies needed.
- Compatible with Blackmagic SDI Control Protocol for full control of camera functions.
“Customers have enjoyed the flexibility of being able to transform their URSA Broadcast into a live production camera for studio or outdoor live events, and have been asking for a brighter display particularly for use in bright sunlight,” acknowledges Petty. “We have worked very hard to build this studio viewfinder at a lower cost, and we think even more people will be able to take advantage of this price reduction to move into a more advanced and much higher quality live production workflow.”
