Blackmagic challenges space with its new mini cameras

The Australian company launches announces the new portable cinema version Ursa Mini that includes the most relevant features of its larger counterpart, as well as the same sensors and processing system.

The first Cinema Camera model from Blackmagic It was designed for handheld recording, similar to DSLR cameras. However, this was a digital cinema version with wide dynamic range and as such many users needed to rest it on their shoulder or place it on a tripod, but the frame did not lend itself to this.

Although the Ursa model solved these problems, it was designed to be used by different members of a film crew, so it has multiple screens and offers superior performance with higher frame rates. For this reason, it is a large version and is not as easy to transport compared to the original Cinema Camera model.

The result of these lessons is embodied in the new portable film version Ursa Mini. This includes the most relevant features of its larger counterpart, as well as the same sensors and processing system. Due to its frame made of magnesium alloy, it is extraordinarily compact, lightweight and easy to carry and hold in your hand.

Like the classic Ursa version, this model offers the option to choose between a 4K or 4.6K sensor, in addition to being compatible with the new Blackmagic Ursa Viewfinder electronic viewfinder. It also supports a frame rate of 60 f/s and has a 5-inch foldable Full HD touch screen that can be tilted to improve the viewing angle. It has two CFast card compartments that allow you to change them without stopping recording and uses the same battery mounting options as the larger version.

The Ursa Mini model is designed for use in productions such as feature films, television series, commercials, documentaries and music videos. The extraordinary quality of the 4.6K sensor with 15-stop dynamic range allows you to obtain spectacular shots with a cinematic look. Likewise, thanks to its compact design, it is ideal for working individually or in small teams.

It also has several threaded holes that provide the possibility of adding lenses, travel rails, filter holders and other accessories. For its part, the optional shoulder mount developed by Blackmagic consists of a pad with an integrated docking plate that allows you to easily attach or remove the camera and change its support from the shoulder to a tripod in a matter of seconds. This component was designed specifically for this new product line and, when combined with the exclusive viewfinder, gives the cameras an exceptional appearance.

This model also includes a side handle with buttons to start or stop recording, adjust focus and determine the diaphragm aperture that can be controlled via the LANC protocol. However, when using the shoulder support, it is possible to change the position of the handle using one of the rosettes located on the front side. In conclusion, it is an extraordinary version that provides stability when recording with the camera on your shoulder.

There are four different models depending on the type of mount and sensor. The 4K EF version will be available for $2,995, while its 4K PL counterpart will cost $3,495. The EF model with the new 4.6K sensor can be purchased at a price of $4,995 and the PL version at $5,495. This line of cameras will be available starting in July.

Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera

The Pocket Cinema Camera model is very popular as it is an extraordinarily compact and portable digital cinema version. Its small dimensions hide great potential that is not obvious.

Although its design is ideal for recording handheld, it is not suitable for capturing shots remotely as certain users usually do. In response to this shortcoming, we have been working on a dedicated camera for this purpose with an even smaller frame.

The result is the new Micro Cinema Camera model, a miniaturized digital cinema version with a Super 16 mm sensor and an expansion port that allows you to use remote controls with PWM and S.Bus technology to operate the camera and capture action scenes in all kinds of places.

These features allow you to use the same economical radio control equipment as those who practice airplane modeling. Typically, these receivers are connected to servomotors in order to produce motion by adjusting a knob on the handheld transmitter. They also use a voltage known as PWM, which the Micro Cinema Camera model also has, so it is possible to connect these devices to the camera to operate it remotely.

A particular channel can even be assigned to a certain function, for example, to the lens to adjust focus and aperture. A channel can also be used to start or stop recording at the right time and avoid taking up space on the SD card with unnecessary material.

It also has an HDMI connector and an output for composite video signals in NTSC/PAL definition that allow you to use low-cost transmitters to verify that the camera is recording and observe the captured images. Imagine receiving live signals from all kinds of hard-to-reach places! Without a doubt, it will be very interesting to see the creativity of users reflected in the mounting options and the filming angles that they can achieve.

On the other hand, the Micro Four Thirds mount supports all types of professional lenses and can be adapted to add other optical systems. This model can be mounted on a wall or car and operated directly from the buttons on the front panel. It also has a front pilot light that lights up when the camera is recording.

When it comes to image quality, it offers a 13-stop dynamic range for a truly cinematic look. This represents a significant improvement over mainstream cameras designed for shooting action scenes, allowing you to capture all the adrenaline without sacrificing the professional look of your footage.

The Micro Cinema Camera model will be available starting in July at a price of $995.

Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera 4K

Building on the compact design of the Micro Cinema Camera, Blackmgaci engineers soon discovered that by removing the integrated memory card recording slot and cooling system and replacing them with SDI connections and a 4K sensor, they could design a truly miniaturized live production camera.

Although the two models look the same at first glance, the new Micro Studio Camera 4K is completely different because it is a UHD version for filming in studios.

While it can be combined with an external recording device in other environments, it is really designed to be used in conjunction with a mixer when carrying out live productions. The UHD sensor allows you to record images in this definition, as well as achieve extraordinary results when carrying out projects in HD.

Dado que es una cámara para transmisiones en directo, ofrece casi todas las prestaciones de nuestro modelo Studio Camera 4K. Cuenta con conexiones SDI, herramientas para etalonaje y la posibilidad de controlarla mediante un mezclador a través del mismo protocolo SDI implementado en otros de nuestros productos. Ofrece una velocidad de transferencia de 6G, por lo cual es compatible con todas las frecuencias de imagen en UHD (máximo 30 f/s) y en HD 1080 (60 f/s) cuando se utiliza el área completa del sensor.

Este modelo incluye un cable de expansión con características particulares como una salida para accionar a distancia el mecanismo PTZ (movimiento vertical/horizontal y distancia focal) mediante el control de cabezales motorizados. Las señales provenientes de un mezclador que recibe la cámara a través de la entrada SDI se transmiten a la conexión PTZ y, en caso de que se cuente con un objetivo Micro Cuatro Tercios con zoom adaptable, este también podrá ajustarse de la misma manera.

Por otra parte, este cable ofrece una salida para conectar adaptadores y poder controlar objetivos profesionales B4. Los canales de televisión nos habían solicitado esta prestación en muchas ocasiones y ahora, gracias a esta conexión, es posible agregar accesorios a fin de crear una cámara integral. Imagina lo que sería poder emplearla como una cámara para estudios propiamente dicha con monitor externo y lentes de alta gama, o tener la opción de camuflarla en lugares de difícil acceso para captar tomas desde ángulos innovadores.
Su precio, 1.195 dólares y estará disponible en verano.

Nueva gama de modelos URSA con sensor 4.6K

El año pasado Blackmagic presentó el modelo Ursa como una cámara cinematográfica digital de alta gama con un diseño modular que permitiría actualizarla en el futuro. Optamos por esta estructura debido a que simultáneamente estábamos desarrollando sensores de alta generación que queríamos poner a disposición de todos los usuarios de este modelo sin que tuvieran que adquirir una versión más reciente.

Es muy gratificante saber que la inversión que realizamos en este nuevo sensor generó los resultados deseados. Logramos ofrecer exactamente lo que esperábamos, una resolución 4.6K y un rango dinámico excepcional de 15 pasos. Hemos estado grabando imágenes con este nuevo componente y te invitamos a ver un vídeo que publicamos en la página dedicada a las cámaras URSA en nuestro sitio web.

El revolucionario sensor Super 35 ofrece un rango dinámico de 15 pasos y permite captar imágenes con una resolución de 4608 x 2592 que es superior a la de muchos largometrajes grabados en cintas de 35 mm.

El sensor estará disponible en dos nuevos modelos de cámaras Ursa. La versión 4.6K EF costará 6995 dólares, mientras que su contraparte con montura PL tendrá un precio de 7495 dólares. Ambas saldrán al mercado en forma limitada el próximo mes de junio y su disponibilidad irá en aumento durante julio y agosto.

Asimismo, si ya tienes una cámara URSA, podrás adquirir el nuevo sensor a un precio de 1995 dólares en el caso del modelo con montura EF y 2495 para la versión PL. De este modo, para obtener una mayor resolución, basta con sustituir el módulo. Este se encuentra disponible en modelos EF o PL por si es necesario cambiar el tipo de montura.

Los nuevos modelos 4.6K EF y PL estarán disponibles a fines de julio.

Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder

Al diseñar el modelo Ursa, Blackmagic incluyó una salida SDI, una conexión para fuentes de alimentación y un punto de acoplamiento destinado para colocar un visor en la parte frontal. Ahora Blackmagic presenta este último componente adicional exclusivo para dicha línea de cámaras.

El visor ha sido diseñado para cubrir las necesidades de cineastas de primera línea e incluye una pantalla OLED a color de alta resolución (1920 x 1080). Ofrece asimismo una nitidez tan excepcional que no es posible diferenciar píxeles individuales, como ocurre con los visores ópticos en una cámara cinematográfica convencional.

También dispone de un sistema óptico de gran precisión fabricado en cristal y permite ajustar las dioptrías o utilizar la carta de enfoque digital integrada para lograr un resultado óptimo. Por otra parte, gracias a un sensor incorporado en la pantalla, esta se activa únicamente cuando el usuario mira a través del visor, prolongando de esta manera su vida útil.

Basta con fijarlo en la parte lateral delantera de la cámara y luego conectar los cables de alimentación y SDI. Asimismo, puede ajustarse tanto para el ojo izquierdo como el derecho, cuenta con una luz piloto y permite ver información sobre distintos parámetros de la imagen.

Este producto estará disponible a partir de julio a un precio de 1495 dólares.