We’ve all heard of work “flex time” and now we can thank Blackmagic Design for introducing a “flex cam”—the URSA Broadcast G2. Announced overnight via an unheralded introduction, this new 6K camera looks to be a truly versatile solution for users who are looking to create broadcast-style and digital cinema productions.
The URSA Broadcast G2’s three-in-one platform lets you use it as broadcast unit, as a studio-style camera, and as a digital cine-style solution. ENG-style features include physical camera controls that can be touch-located by an operator and enhanced low-light capture. Live studio work is supported by a compatibility with an array of broadcast lenses and optional pedestal-style focus and zoom controls. And with a 6K sensor, high dynamic range, interchangeable lens mount, and Blackmagic raw recording, the URSA Broadcast G2 is all set for “digital film” productions.
Larger Sensor
In an upgrade from the original URSA Broadcast’s 4K sensor, the URSA Broadcast G2’s 6K sensor improves low-light capture and lets you match the BMPCC 6K/6K Pro’s cine-quality resolution. There’s also a windowed UHD 4K option that’s perfect when you don’t need the higher resolution and when you’re using B4 lenses. Compatibility with Blackmagic’s Gen 5 color science and a wide 13-stop dynamic range enable you to tweak your color correction to your heart’s content in post-production.
Dual Native ISO
With the URSA Broadcast G2, you can choose between a base 400 ISO for studio use or switch to the second 3200 ISO base for lower-light capture, even under moonlit conditions. The full ISO range of 100-25600 and reduced gain make the Broadcast G2 ideal when shooting in dimmer news-gathering environments.
Interchangeable Lens Mount
Stick with the URSA Broadcast G2’s B4 lens mount for ENG-style projects or swap out the interchangeable mount to use the included Canon EF mount or optional ARRI PL mount to use cine-style lenses when you want a digital cinema look. Focus, iris, zoom, gain, shutter, and other broadcast-style controls are available right on the camera for B4 lens users.
More Efficient Media and Codecs
In keeping with its multi-use design, the URSA Broadcast G2 lets you adjust your recording formats to best suit the needs of each of your projects. Choose the highly efficient H.265 codec for broadcast use, Blackmagic raw for high-resolution cine-style recording, or ProRes 422/422 HQ in QuickTime for compatibility with most NLE editing systems.
Use the USB Type-C port to output ProRes, H.265, or 12-bit Blackmagic raw footage to an external drive for an easily portable post-production workflow. Onboard recording has been upgraded from the original URSA Broadcast’s SD card capture to both dual CFast 2.0 and dual SD card capture options with the usual dual-card continuous recording.
SDI Camera Control
Especially handy during live events, the URSA Broadcast G2 lets your camera operator concentrate on framing by splitting paint box-type functions off to an engineer when using an ATEM switcher, thanks to the URSA Broadcast G2’s SDI-based camera control.
Familiar Form
User-friendly features like a folding touchscreen interface, a shoulder mount, built-in optical ND filters, and XLR audio inputs are just some of the attributes the URSA Broadcast G2 carries over from its predecessor.
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