Along with the new Pyxis 6K full-frame cinema camera, Blackmagic Design introduced the Blackmagic Ursa Cine 12K camera. Like the Pyxis, the Ursa has a full-frame image sensor, but it boasts a larger dynamic range, higher resolution, improved performance, and more features appropriate for high-end production.

Blackmagic Design promises that Ursa Cine will fulfill the demands of any high-end production. The camera is constructed with a magnesium alloy chassis and carbon fiber polycarbonate, making it lightweight despite its big footprint. It also includes conventional Lemo and Fischer connectors, which allow for remote camera power, operation, and motor support. It also has 12G-SDI output, 10G Ethernet, USB-C, XLR audio, and 8TB of internal high-speed storage.

“We wanted to build our dream high-end camera that had everything we ever wanted,” says Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design. Blackmagic URSA Cine is the realization of that dream with a completely new generation of image sensors, a body with industry-standard features and connections, and seamless integration into high-end workflows.” No expense was spared in building this camera, and we believe it will truly change all stages of production, from capture to post.”

The Ursa Cine 12K features a brand-new full-frame picture sensor. While Blackmagic experimented with full-frame cine cameras last year with the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K, which uses the same sensor as the new Pyxis 6K, the Ursa Cine 12K is the company’s highest-resolution full-frame offering to date. The 12K sensor offers 16 stops of dynamic range and contains a high-performance optical-low pass filter designed specifically for the sensor to boost color response and resolution.

The sensor can capture 12K open gate footage (12,288 x 8,040 pixels) by employing the whole image sensor. It also supports 12K footage in 16:9, 17:9, and 2.4:1 aspect ratios and 9K, 8K, and 4K video. In ordinary modes, frame rates range from 23.98 to 60p, although the camera can capture full-resolution 12K 3:2 footage at up to 80 fps in high-speed mode. Additional high framerate choices include up to 224 fps at 4K/8K resolution.