Blackmagic URSA 4K modular camera announced at NAB Show 2014

Blackmagic Design has officially announced the URSA, a 4K modular camera which will become the company’s most expensive shooter ever this summer.

The National Association of Broadcasters Show 2014 continues with announcements of the next-generation products for cinematographers. The stage belongs now to Blackmagic Design, the company which has released a tiny yet powerful Pocket Cinema Camera at the 2013 edition of the event.

This year, the manufacturer is back with another device that packs lots of interesting features. It is called Blackmagic URSA and is the most expensive camera in the company’s history.

Blackmagic Design unveils URSA, a 4K modular camera, at NAB Show 2014

Blackmagic URSA is a modular camera capable of recording 4K videos. It features three screens and will be released this summer.

URSA features a Super 35mm image sensor capable of recording 4K videos. At first, customers will be able to choose from two types of lens mounts: Canon EF and ARRI PL. However, this is a modular camera and they will be able to change the mount as well as the sensor in the future.

Its turret is replaceable and, since it contains the image sensor, and the lens mount / controls, you can upgrade or modify your camera as you please. You can change from EF to PL, while the end of the year is bringing B4 broadcast and no-sensor HDMI mounts.

The latter is really interesting as it allows users to connect another camera to the URSA and take advantage of its whole list of features.

Blackmagic URSA features three displays, one of them being a 10-inch full HD screen

Blackmagic Design says that the URSA can be used in all types of productions, such as feature films, documentaries, commercials, music videos, and news gathering.

There are three displays around the camera, the icing on the cake being a 10-inch articulated full HD screen. This one is used for composing the shots and it will definitely help users with focusing thanks to its size and high resolution.

The other two screens measure 5 inches. One of them shows the timecode, focus re-check, and the histogram among others, while the other one reveals that settings and status.

There is an audio station on the Blackmagic URSA, in order to provide access to controls, connections, and meters.

More specs and availability details

URSA’s specs list includes a pro-level global shutter, 12-stop dynamic range, two CFcard 2.0 slots, 12-bit RAW Cinema DNG, dual XLR, 6G SDI output and input, and a headphone port.

This 4K camera features an aluminum body and a liquid cooling system that allows the camera to provide faster frame rates.

Blackmagic will release the new device sometime in late June or early July for a price of $5,995 for the Canon EF version. The ARRI PL model will follow shortly for around $6,500, while the other two versions will become available towards the end of 2014.