Seemingly out of nowhere, Blackmagic Design has just given us the URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 Cinema Camera. This second-gen release goes beyond a minor tweak, because it features completely redesigned electronics, including a new sensor. These changes will give users vastly improved image processing speeds. Also, the G2 natively supports Blackmagic RAW and has a USB Type-C port for recording directly to external drives.
We mentioned faster processing, but what exactly does that mean? Well, the new Super 35mm 4.6K HDR image sensor will provide shooters with 4608 x 2592 pixels and 15 stops of latitude when shooting at sensitivities up to ISO 3200. Along with that, you can now record full sensor 4.6K images at up to 120 fps, capture windowed DCI 4K at 150 fps and, for serious slow motion, there is an option for Full HD 1080p at 300 fps. These features provide shooters with added versatility.
For those unfamiliar with Blackmagic RAW, this format captures essentially the raw data from the sensor but is much easier to use when editing on optimized systems with DaVinci Resolve. It supports metadata and has compression levels up to 12:1 so you can choose the best settings for your project, whether that is a feature-length film or a run-and-gun documentary. Blackmagic RAW images are saved using a non-linear 12-bit color space for maximum flexibility in post. You can even record to CFast or SD cards or to external drives via the USB Type-C port. This camera also uses Blackmagic Design Generation 4 Color Science for more lifelike colors and more accurate skin tones.
These are some significant upgrades for a solid cinema camera from Blackmagic Design. It will also support all the URSA Mini accessories, such as the optional lens mounts to convert it from the native Canon EF to ARRI PL, B2, or Nikon F.
Another item announced today is the DeckLink Quad HDMI Recorder. This is a PCIe capture card that offers four independent HDMI 2.0b inputs. It can handle various formats up to UHD and DCI 4K as well as consumer computer options in any combination. Tack on its 8-lane Generation 3 PCIe interface and it'll handle data at up to 32Gb/s. This means you can capture four different streams at up to 60 fps at the same time, and you can do exactly what you need with each since every input will act as a separate capture card in your operating system. Technically speaking, these inputs can record 8 or 10-bit YUV and 10 or 12-bit RGB at up to DCI 4K30 or 8-bit RGB with DCI 4K60. Ideal uses are you streaming, gaming, and any other application that requires multiple streams to be recorded.
Finally, while not entirely new, the DeckLink Duo 2 will soon be available at B&H. This card is similar to the Quad HDMI Recorder, as it offers four independent SDI connections. These function as their own capture cards or playback outputs—they are completely bi-directional—and can support footage up to Full HD 1080p60.
Are a new sensor and frame rates enough to make you upgrade? How about switch from your current cinema camera setup? Let us know in the Comments section!
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