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Blackmagic Design has been very very busy. On the heels of releasing significant software updates for its ATEM switcher line, BMD has also been refreshing almost its entire product line. With all the new product coming from Blackmagic every year at NAB, there is no wonder they appear to be the siren of south hall.
Let’s start with the cameras.
Ursa Minor
Litte bear to big bear, the URSA Mini is less than half the weight of the original Blackmagic Design URSA 4K cinema camera. The URSA Mini also has an upgraded sensor, which is able to capture up to 4.5K. The version announced at NAB Show 2015 has an EF mount with other mount options to follow.
One of the features that really caught my eye was the integrated pan handle sockets on the quick release plate.
A banner already hung at the Las Vegas Convention Center shows the new URSA will have a super 25 4.6K sensor, 15 stops of dynamic range and 12G-SDI connectivity, which allows it to transmit UltraHD up to 2160p60.
And oh yes, did I mention it has a global shutter? Fifteen stops of dynamic range coupled with a global shutter will be a game changer for some. What impact this will have on other recently released or announced 4K cameras will be interesting.
But here’s the biggest surprise – the price. At a rumored $2,995 these may just literally fly off the shelves. Fun rumor but totally bunk. Add a couple of grand to that price tag and we have something closer to reality.
Ursa Major
The original URSA also has an update that works on both form factors – an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). This ENG-style EVF was designed from the ground up by BMD to allow for a close in evaluation of acquired content and features a bright organic LED (OLED) display.
Micro Studio Camera
This is the 4K version of two new micro 4/3 cameras from Blackmagic Design. It’s tiny form factor is designed to cut into GoPro’s done market. Like its larger sibling, the Micro Studio Camera has no on-board recording capability. There is an HDMI port, SDI ports, and what looks like a VGA connector (HD-15) but it labeled “expansion”.
Micro Cinema Camera
The HD version, however records to SD Card. It’s essentially the micro cinema camera in a smaller form factor. This camera lacks the SDI ports of the studio version.
Recorder
Taking a shot at Atomos, Sound Devices, and others with similar gear, BMD has come out with a monitor/recorder with a beautiful screen and will retail for only $495 USD. The screen has many mounting options and can be used in conjunction with any of BMD’s cameras. Like the first version of the Atomos Samurai, my chief complaint with this recorder is that it uses DIN 1.0/2.3 connectors. From original Hyperdeck recorders, I never really fell in love with them. Another adapter cable to have is another adapter cable to lose.
Teranex Mini
Blackmagic Design has been doing some pretty awesome things with the Teranex line of conversion and processing devices ever since it bought the technology. The offerings at NABShow2015 are no less innovative. The 1/3 rack modular design of the new Teranex Minis are very well designed and convenient for anyone wanting to tidy up their converters by putting them in a rack. The devices come standard with dip switches or can use an interchangeable faceplate that allows monitoring and controls for changing settings on the fly.
ATEM
There’s a new 2/ME Broadcast Studio 4K being released by BMD. This offering has no HDMI ports whatsoever but does now host fiber ports and has expanded memory for DVEs. As with most of the devices announced today, the new ATEM boasts 12G-SDI for up to 2160p performance. The new ATEM will retail for just shy of $6000.
There were other new announcements such as enhanced DaVinci Resolve, a new audio monitor, a new 4K ultrastudio input device and a new 8 camera talk-back device.
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