Blackmagic Design (link is external) has rolled out a firmware update bringing new features to the URSA (link is external), Pocket Cinema Camera, (link is external) and yes, the original 2.5K Cinema Camera (link is external). Nearly three years after the BMCC hit the market, many thought that it’s update days were over, but no, Camera Setup 2.1 gives the 2.5K powerhouse a nice refresh.
The update features a handful of improvements to much of the BMD camera lineup. Most notably, the update will give the original BMCC the ability to shoot in compressed RAW, catching it up with the rest of Blackmagic’s pro camera lineup. This format looks exactly like uncompressed RAW, but will allow for a heck of a lot more footage to be saved on that SSD.
Additionally, Blackmagic Design has addressed some of the annoying functionality of BMCC. For instance, users now have the option to jump past the dashboard and straight to settings, simply by holding the MENU button down. Also, for the BMCC and BMPCC the camera will remember whether or not peaking was enabled before shutting down the camera.
The big URSA (link is external) gets the fewest changes of the trio, with some improved media formatting performance.
Here’s what the update looks like overall:
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera
- New Blackmagic Camera Setup software
- Adds support for more frame guide options
- Adds Japanese and Chinese language menu support
- Holding down MENU will bypass Dashboard and go straight into settings
- Peaking state is remembered after power cycle
Blackmagic Cinema Camera
- New Blackmagic Camera Setup software
- Adds lossless compressed RAW support
- Adds support for more frame guide options
- Holding down MENU will bypass the Dashboard
- Peaking state is remembered after power cycle
Blackmagic URSA
- New Blackmagic Camera Setup software
- Improved media formatting performance
The update is available for free right now at the Blackmagic Design Support Page
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