Blackmagic Design today announced a major update for their 4K flagship URSA cameras. Blackmagic Camera 2.3 is a software update available right now for free from the BMD support page.
This is a serious update, to the tune of:
- adds support for HD window mode allowing 150fps recording in 1920 x 1080 resolutions;
- adds support for ProRes 444 XQ;
- allows recording onto 2 CFast 2 cards simultaneously in RAW allowing higher frame rates in RAW;
- adds support for the new V2 4K URSA image sensor which allows Ultra HD capture to 120 fps.
For some more info, check out Blackmagic’s press release and stay tuned for some test footage from ProductionWorld.net, as we’ll be testing this update on our own URSA in Las Vegas next week.
Major new software update adds improvements for Blackmagic URSA digital film cameras
NAB 2015, Las Vegas, USA – April 10, 2015 – Blackmagic Design today announced Blackmagic Camera 2.3, which is a major update for Blackmagic URSA cameras. This new software adds support for HD window mode allowing 150fps recording in 1920 x 1080 resolutions, adds support for ProRes 444 XQ, allows recording onto 2 CFast 2 cards simultaneously in RAW allowing higher frame rates in RAW and also adds support for the new V2 4K URSA image sensor which allows Ultra HD capture to 120 fps.
This new software update is available now to download from the Blackmagic Design support web site.
Since its introduction, Blackmagic URSA has been used on multiple television commercials and feature films worldwide. These high end customers have provided some great feedback on features most needed and this free software update incorporates many of the requests.
The new “window mode” allows customers to select up to 150 fps for allowing slow motion effects and other creative cinematography. The window mode keeps data rates lower, even when running at high frame rates because it does not use the whole 4K image sensor, but takes a 1920 x 1080 resolution window from the center of the sensor. This allows the camera to capture to higher frame rates than possible when using the whole sensor.
The new ProRes 444 XQ codec allows Blackmagic URSA cameras to record into the highest quality ProRes format and this allows incredible compatibility with both DaVinci Resolve and also Final Cut Pro X. ProRes 444 XQ is ideal when you need extremely high quality, but also need compatibility with a wide range of software that might not handle RAW files.
This software update also allows recording RAW to two CFast 2 cards simultaneously. This allows every second RAW frame to be sent to alternate CFast 2 cards so the recording data rate is doubled in comparison to using a single card. Because CFast 2 cards are extremely fast, being able to use two of them at the same time when recording allows extremely high data rates, which is vital when recording RAW. Because the frame rate is not fixed in RAW files, this means shooting RAW is ideal for high frame rate shooting and is more flexible when customers need to change the speed of the clips during post production.
This new Camera Update 2.3 also adds support for a new version of the URSA image sensor that allows higher frame rates. This new 4K v2 sensor is now rolling out in new URSA cameras and allows high frame rates full resolution 4K of up to 120 fps. This means customers can now go beyond 80 fps and up to 120 fps when running high resolution. Because Blackmagic URSA is user upgradable, this new sensor will also be offered as an upgrade so customers can increase the frame rate of their URSA cameras if required. Details on availability and cost of this 4K v2 sensor update will be available late in April.
“We are extremely happy to make this software update available free of charge for URSA customers!,” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. “Blackmagic URSA customers have been giving us some great feedback on features they would like to see added to the camera and because URSA has so much power, we have been able to say yes! We have added these new features and there is more to come so we cannot wait to see what our customers do with this new update when they get the chance to use it in production!”
Camera Update 2.3 Key Features
- Adds support for windowed recording up to 150 fps in 1920 x 1080 HD resolution.
- Adds new ProRes 444 XQ codec for recording and playback.
- Adds support for recording to 2 CFast 2 cards at the same time in RAW allowing higher frame rates.
- Adds support for new Version 2 4K image sensor for recording to 120 fps in 4K.
Blackmagic URSA PL and URSA EF Key Features
Large high resolution 4K Super 35 mm sized sensor with superior handing of image detail.
Professional global shutter for smooth pans and image motion.
Wide 12 stops of dynamic range allows capture of increased details for feature film look.
Compatible with extremely high quality PL or EF mount lenses.
User upgradable design allows customers to upgrade and change the sensor and lens mount.
Built in dual CFast 2.0 card recorders allow unlimited duration recording in high quality.
Open file formats compatible with popular NLE software, such as Apple ProRes and compressed CinemaDNG 12 bit RAW. No custom file formats.
Support for ProRes HQ, ProRes 422, ProRes LT, ProRes Proxy recording at resolutions up to Ultra HD.
Features all standard connections, including dual XLR mic/line audio inputs with phantom power, 6G-SDI output for monitoring with camera status graphic overlay and separate XLR 4 pin power output for viewfinder power, 6G-SDI monitoring input, headphone – jack, LANC remote control and standard 4 pin 12V DC power connection.
Built in stereo microphones for recording sound.
3 separate built in LCD monitors for camera settings and metadata entry. Large 10 inch screen folds out for full resolution HD monitoring with wide viewing angle and high brightness.
Supports Ultra HD capture to 120 fps on v2 4K sensors and 150 fps in 1080 HD resolution.
Features liquid cooling system allowing higher frame rates when future sensors support this feature.
Supports quick release tripod mounts and adding V-Mount and Anton/Bauer mount battery plates.
Includes full copy of DaVinci Resolve software color grading and editing software.
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