Working in 12K resolution is now a reality with the Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro

The new digital cinema camera features a Super 35 12K sensor, 14 stops of dynamic range, 80 megapixels per frame, new colorimetry and the flexibility of the Blackmagic RAW codec.

Blackmagic Design has surprised again with the announcement of the launch of the new Ursa Mini Pro 12K, an innovative digital film camera that includes a sensor Super 35 (12 228 x 6480) and a 14 steps dynamic range to film at frequencies of up to 60 f/s in 12K with a resolution of 80 megapixels per frame.

This new version, available now, features the same design as the award-winning Ursa Mini Pro line and takes advantage of the company's fifth-generation colorimetry, while delivering improved performance when recording in Blackmagic RAW format.

The camera features a Super 35 (12,288 x 6,480) sensor and 14 stops of dynamic range built into the award-winning camera frame. With 80 megapixels per frame, new colorimetry and the flexibility of the Blackmagic RAW codec, working in 12K resolution is now a reality.

The process of upsampling at 12K resolution delivers the best images in 8K and 4K, with subtle skin tones and extraordinary details worthy of high-end cameras. Likewise, it is possible to film at 60 f/s in 12K, 110 f/s in 8K and up to 220 f/s in 4K (Super 16). On the other hand, this model has a interchangeable PL mount, integrated neutral density filters, two CFast and SD UHS-II card slots, and a SuperSpeed ​​USB-C expansion port.

The Ursa Mini Pro 12K model provides incredible details, wide dynamic range and vivid, intense colors. This camera is perfect for feature films, television series and IMAX format content. It also offers excellent definition around objects, making it ideal for working with green backgrounds and visual effects, including live compositions and computer graphics. Thanks to the 12K upsampling process, it not only allows for improved definition and color in 8K resolution, but also a more homogeneous look, due to imperceptible edge fading.

Its sensor provides 14 steps of dynamic range, a value Native ISO 800 and an equal amount of red, green and blue pixels, in addition to having been optimized for images at different resolutions. In this way, it is possible to film in 12K resolution at 60 f/s or use the integrated resizing function to record images in 8K or 4K RAW format, at a maximum of 110 f/s, without the need to cut or modify the field view. On the other hand, thanks to its interchangeable mount, it offers the opportunity to choose from the widest range of classic and modern lenses, in order to capture each and every one of the features and details with your favorite lenses.

The Ursa Mini Pro 12K sensor and the Blackmagic RAW codec have been designed together to facilitate workflows in 12-bit RAW format with 12K resolution. This next-generation format is incredibly efficient, providing the opportunity to film in HD and edit the material on a portable computer, a feature not offered by any other codec. Additionally, the sensor's high resolution makes it possible to reframe shots during post-production for 8K and 4K images. It's like doing a multi-camera production with a single unit.

This model is also ideal for film vertically or in 1×1 format. The advanced sensor design and Blackmagic RAW format enable post-production at any resolution instantly, without the need to render the material, and fully maintaining the color accuracy of the sensor.

Grabar en Blackmagic RAW

Blackmagic RAW makes 12-bit, 80-megapixel, up to 60 f/s cinematic images a reality. The options Q0 and Q5, along with the new Q1 and Q3, they maintain the level of quality, allowing the degree of compression to be adapted to match the details of the scene. For their part, the Blackmagic RAW 3:1, 5:1, 8:1 and 12:1 versions use a constant transfer speed, in order to maintain consistency in file size and achieve the best possible quality.

Furthermore, it is possible gBurn in RAW format on two CFast or UHS-II cards simultaneously, for example, in 12K or 8K, even at high frame rates. Additionally, Blackmagic RAW saves camera and lens metadata, as well as white balance, digital clapperboard information, and custom conversion tables, to ensure image consistency during on-set shooting and in post-production.

When recording in RAW format with 12K resolution, the maximum control over details, exposure and color during post-production. The upsampling process allows for extremely sharp 8K images with well-defined edges. Furthermore, Blackmagic RAW has been designed to streamline 12K post-production, while also making it easier to work with traditional HD or UHD files. This codec has been optimized for multi-core CPU units that run multiple processes simultaneously, powering them through the GPU to support platforms such as Metal, CUDA, and OpenCL. This offers the opportunity to process camera RAW files without the need to create lower resolution files. Blackmagic RAW 12K images feature unprecedented resolution and quality for overlays, compositing, resizing, stabilization and tracking in both 4K and 8K.

The fifth generation colorimetry Blackmagic includes a cinematic curve designed to utilize maximum color data information from the Ursa Mini Pro 12K sensor. This offers improved color response for more attractive skin tones and optimized rendering of colors with high saturation, such as in neon signs and car taillights in high-contrast scenes.

In addition, complex processing is carried out on the images in Blackmagic RAW format, preserving the metadata relating to color and dynamic range information captured by the sensor, in order to use them in the post-production stage. On the other hand, this new technology is compatible with Blackmagic RAW files shot previously, so it is possible to take advantage of the new cinematic curve in previous work.

Multiple cameras in one

The Ursa Mini Pro 12K model is like several cameras in one, allowing you to film at common resolutions and frame rates in 4K, 8K and even 12K with a unique level of detail. This unit offers 80 megapixels per frame at 60 f/s in RAW format, meaning it is possible Take perfect photos and record ideal clips simultaneously, as well as shooting at up to 60 f/s in 12K (17:9, 12,288 x 6480). For higher frame rates, you can use a resolution of 8192 x 4320 at a maximum of 110 f/s or 8192 x 3408 at 140 f/s, or even reduce the sensor area to Super 16 format, to capture images in DCI 4K format (4096 x 2160) at 220 f/s.

The frame rate and resolution options of this model provide unparalleled flexibility to deliver better material rendering, with sharper edges in 8K and 4K, even at lower frame rates.

The new camera offers a high bandwidth y three 12K recording options, a resolution almost ten times greater than UHD definition. The camera includes two slots for CFast and SD UHS-II cards, as well as a USB-C SuperSpeed ​​expansion port, for recording directly to SATA and NVMe drives. Additionally, by activating the recording option on two cards, the camera will save the images simultaneously on of CFast units at a maximum speed of 900 MB/s, or on two UHS-II SD cards at 500 MB/s. On the other hand, the SuperSpeed ​​USB-C expansion port On the back it allows recording to flash memory drives at a speed of up to 900 MB/s, thus offering a third storage option. This way, you can choose your favorite to capture images in 12K at 60 f/s or in 8K at 110 f/s.

Different projects require different types of goals. For this reason, the Ursa Mini Pro line of cameras has an interchangeable mount that facilitates the use of F, EF or PL lenses in the Ursa Mini Pro 12K version, and also B4 in the Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 model. Consequently, the user has the opportunity to use lenses used in the field of photography, cinematography or live broadcasts. This feature makes the camera compatible with a wide variety of professional lenses.

The Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro models have a innovative high-speed USB-C expansion port. On the one hand, the 4.6K G2 version includes a USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 port with a transfer speed of up to 5 Gb/s, while the new 12K model features a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 connection that allows transmission at 10 Gb/s. These ports make it easy to use external drives and SSDs, and in the 12K version, it is possible to connect a Ursa Mini Recorder device to end of write to fast NVMe drives for extended periods. These are ideal for capturing images in 12K resolution with Q0 constant quality mode activated in 12-bit Blackmagic RAW format or at a high frame rate. At the end of filming, simply connect the unit to a computer to start editing and grading the material without having to copy the files first.

Ursa Mini Pro models include a full version of the program DaVinci Resolve Studio, the most advanced solution on the market that combines professional editing, grading, audio post-production and visual effects tools. DaVinci Resolve is used in more Hollywood feature films than any other application, so it is possible to edit any content with cutting-edge features without losing quality. Whether producing feature films, television series, music videos, commercials, or YouTube videos, DaVinci Resolve Studio provides a workflow that allows you to create the best-looking content possible.

The new Blackmagic URSA Mini Recorder allows you to record 12-bit Blackmagic RAW files on fast 2.5-inch SSDs, including newer NVMe U.2 Enterprise versions that offer unprecedented speed and data transfer speeds of up to 900 MB/s. This provides the ability to film for longer periods in 4K, 8K, or 12K resolution with the highest quality codec (Q0). The recorder sits directly on the back of the camera, between the frame and the battery, and is controlled via the USB-C port, so there is no need to do it manually.

Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, highlighted that the "new Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K model includes the latest advances in digital imaging technology, thus opening up innovative possibilities during filming. In addition to the 12K sensor, the camera features other advances, such as fifth generation colorimetry, the integrated resizing function, a new symmetrical color pattern, exceptional quality and unprecedented resolution. It will be interesting to see what cinematographers are able to achieve with these technological innovations.

Main features

• Sensor Super 35 12K (12 288 x 6480).
• Ideal for feature films, special effects and high-quality television series.
• 14-stop dynamic range and native ISO value of 800.
• New Blackmagic RAW format to edit in 12K resolution instantly.
• Blackmagic RAW format optimized for Metal, CUDA and OpenCL.
• Fifth generation colorimetry with new cinematographic curve.
• Recording at 60 f/s in 12K, 110 f/s in 8K and up to 220 f/s in 4K.
• Simultaneous recording on two CFast cards at a maximum of 900 MB/s.
• PL mount included. Compatible with EF and F models.
• USB-C SuperSpeed ​​port for recording to external drives.
• Includes DaVinci Resolve Studio.
• Compatible with the new Blackmagic URSA Mini Recorder.