Blackmagic unveils all features of URSA Broadcast G2, its new broadcast camera

Blackmagic Design has unveiled the new Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2, a live studio camera designed to bring “cinematic quality” to traditional broadcast and webcasting.

The new Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2, available now, features a 6K sensor and the Blackmagic Design fifth-generation colorimetry, enabling “both television and film productions”. When using B4 lenses (parafocal and with a very wide depth of field), the URSA Broadcast G2 design allows recording in 4K UHD definition, while choosing PL or EF lenses allows the full resolution to be exploited. The solution is also compatible with HD workflows. When shooting in HD, the camera reduces the usable sensor area to accommodate all HD 1080 formats. The sensor performs processing at the sub-pixel level to achieve greater edge attenuation and “extraordinary” sharpness.

On the other hand, it has a 13-step dynamic range, which provides “deeper blacks and brighter whites”; and a gain ranging from -12 dB (100 ISO) to +36 dB (25 600 ISO), in order to optimize the reduction of noise and graininess in images while maintaining the full dynamic range of the sensor. This parameter can be adjusted from a knob on the camera, the LCD screen or remotely via the SDI protocol for camera control.

The URSA Broadcast G2 includes neutral density filters to reduce the amount of light entering the camera. These 2, 4 and 6-step filters have been specifically designed in combination with the sensor and colorimetry of this version to provide additional latitude and improved color perception. This gives the possibility to use different combinations of shutter angle and aperture. In addition, the infrared filters filter out optical and infrared waves evenly. These settings are indicated on the camera display by a fraction, a number or the reduction in steps.

Encoding and cards

The Blackmagic new camera is designed for compatibility with traditional file formats used in all editing software and broadcast systems. It supports ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 codecs in QuickTime files, or even H.265, with a compression ratio of 60:1 to 285:1 and 10-bit quality. It also supports 12-bit Blackmagic RAW.

In addition, the URSA Mini Pro G2 includes two CFast 2.0 card slots and two SD or UHS-II card slots for flexibility in choosing a storage medium. The two slots for each type of card provide the opportunity for uninterrupted shooting, as the camera automatically uses the second drive when the first one has no more capacity.

The Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 model also has a high speed USB-C expansion port that allows a wide variety of accessories and large capacity external drives to be connected. In turn, these drives can be connected to computers for editing material without the need for prior copying. The USB port can also be used to power any device connected to it.

URSA Broadcast G2 accessories

There is a wide range of accessories specially designed for the URSA Broadcast G2, including a shoulder mount, V-Lock battery mount and top handle, as well as an additional EF mount that allows the use of photographic lenses. It is also compatible with the Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder and Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder. An optional fiber optic converter provides the ability to power the camera from a distance of two kilometers using a single SMPTE cable, while the URSA Mini Recorder offers the option of recording to external disks for extended periods of time.

Optional accessories to control focus and focal length allow the use of photographic lenses during live productions. These feature 2 USB-C ports that facilitate electronic lens control and can be connected in series.

Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, believes that with the new URSA Broadcast G2, users “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!”

New URSA Studio Viewfinder G2

The announcement of the URSA Broadcast G2 has been accompanied by the new Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder G2, which is now available.

The Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder G2 attaches to the top of the camera or fiber optic converter, if one is installed on the unit, via a conventional V-Lock mount. It includes a bright 7-inch, 2000-nit display with handles that allow its position to be changed independently of the camera. In turn, the mount provides the opportunity to tilt and rotate it, and it is possible to vary the degree of tension of these movements by means of lateral adjustments. In addition, it has a metal visor that facilitates use in bright outdoor conditions, and this can be quickly removed when not needed.

The solution includes physical and touchscreen controls for adjusting focus and framing. The dial makes it easy to access the various menus and modify different parameters as needed. The three rotary knobs on the right side of the viewfinder offer the possibility to control the brightness and contrast of the display, as well as the focus indicator. Three programmable buttons provide access to other tools, such as the zebra function, false color, luminance graph and conversion tables.

The pilot light turns red when the camera is on-air, green if the captured images correspond to a preview, or orange if it is an isolated recording. When the director cuts with the mixer, the information is transmitted to the camera via the return SDI signal. Consequently, the light is turned on or off accordingly. Simply set the camera number in the URSA Broadcast G2 menus. In addition, the size of the light makes it easy to see if the presenter is far away from the camera, as well as the numbers that are attached to the camera for clear identification of the unit.