We are evaluating an URSA Broadcast camera to replace our current Panasonic HPX-3100 cameras we use to produce a daily local TV show in Seattle Wash. We are shooting 24/7 with our 3100's so they get quite a workout and banged around a bit more than a normal production camera.
Over-all the Ursa Broadcast appears to be built well and produces a very clear and sharp image when you have adequate light. Our tests have shown the camera will produce usable images at 50 lux at 0db. Any more gain than that will introduce noise into the picture. 6db is acceptable but 12db is very grainy and noisy. The camera was apparently not designed for low light which makes it difficult to use in an ENG environment since we are dealing with all sorts on lighting situations that camera is not designed for.
Another problem is the viewfinder with its automatic shutoff. Our photogs will look at the image in the VF without putting their eye to it. This apparently isn't enough to trigger the auto on function and the VF remains off.
There are no adjustments in the camera to match other cameras. Such as GAMMA, KNEE, White Clip etc. These are essential adjustments and are the difference between a consumer camera and a true broadcast camera. Without them. You essentially have a point and shoot camera. Which isn't horrible but makes it difficult to use it in a multi camera environment.
You can't record color bars? Are you kidding me? This is absolutely essential when shooting any video. You lay down bars before you start recording so that the edit staff can adjust the colors.
Your ad says buy this camera for what you would pay for a DSLR. Apparently you made this camera to much like a DSLR. Now it's time to build it into a an incredible broadcast camera.
WISH LIST for the URSA Broadcast
1. Thumbnails to preview clips in the camera. Even the Go-Pro has thumbnail previews. Now you have sequence one after another and if you 200 clips recorded. It could take some time.
2. Disable switch for the VF auto-shut off. This feature is a head scratcher. There is no reason to have this except maybe to help conserve battery power?
3. The ability to record color bars to the SD or C-Fast cards. Make this a priority please.
4. Improve the low light capability or remove the noise when you gain up. This maybe nothing more than an adjustment. Except. There's nothing to adjust.
5. Add the ability to adjust the picture (Gamma, White Clip, Pedestal, Color etc.)
6. 4 channels of audio. CH. 1 and 2 for external inputs and CH. 3 and 4 for internal mic.
Over-all the Ursa Broadcast appears to be built well and produces a very clear and sharp image when you have adequate light. Our tests have shown the camera will produce usable images at 50 lux at 0db. Any more gain than that will introduce noise into the picture. 6db is acceptable but 12db is very grainy and noisy. The camera was apparently not designed for low light which makes it difficult to use in an ENG environment since we are dealing with all sorts on lighting situations that camera is not designed for.
Another problem is the viewfinder with its automatic shutoff. Our photogs will look at the image in the VF without putting their eye to it. This apparently isn't enough to trigger the auto on function and the VF remains off.
There are no adjustments in the camera to match other cameras. Such as GAMMA, KNEE, White Clip etc. These are essential adjustments and are the difference between a consumer camera and a true broadcast camera. Without them. You essentially have a point and shoot camera. Which isn't horrible but makes it difficult to use it in a multi camera environment.
You can't record color bars? Are you kidding me? This is absolutely essential when shooting any video. You lay down bars before you start recording so that the edit staff can adjust the colors.
Your ad says buy this camera for what you would pay for a DSLR. Apparently you made this camera to much like a DSLR. Now it's time to build it into a an incredible broadcast camera.
WISH LIST for the URSA Broadcast
1. Thumbnails to preview clips in the camera. Even the Go-Pro has thumbnail previews. Now you have sequence one after another and if you 200 clips recorded. It could take some time.
2. Disable switch for the VF auto-shut off. This feature is a head scratcher. There is no reason to have this except maybe to help conserve battery power?
3. The ability to record color bars to the SD or C-Fast cards. Make this a priority please.
4. Improve the low light capability or remove the noise when you gain up. This maybe nothing more than an adjustment. Except. There's nothing to adjust.
5. Add the ability to adjust the picture (Gamma, White Clip, Pedestal, Color etc.)
6. 4 channels of audio. CH. 1 and 2 for external inputs and CH. 3 and 4 for internal mic.