Blackmagic URSA CINE 12K LF Body

A newer low cost Ursa Cine 12K LF Body.

Today we introduced the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF Body which is a new version of the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF camera that has all the quality and features of the URSA Cine 12K but excludes many of the accessories. This body only model is perfect for experienced cinematographers and rental houses who already have the accessories they need to rig their cameras. This also makes it more affordable as the new Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF Body will retail for US$6,995 excluding local duties and taxes.

The camera itself is a fully featured model without any limitations in quality or performance, but it excludes accessories such as shoulder mounts, handles, some lens mounts, battery plates, power supply, lenses and the high capacity 8TB media module. You can purchase these items separately as needed to complete the total camera rig in the exact configuration you prefer.

For media, while the 8TB media module is not in this model, there is a new CFexpress media module included that has dual CFexpress card slots. The Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF Body model has an EF lens mount installed as standard. Other lens mounts can be purchased independently as required.

The Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K Body is available now from US$6,995 from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide.

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Maybe I’m dumb but I don’t see how the left out accessories add up to $10k in value when purchased separately? I’m glad BM made this move, makes the camera a whole lot more accessible!

Are you sure about that as B&H does no yet have it?

I think it’s because they surprised everyone.

JB

Awesome! I’m assuming there is no battery plate?

the B-mount battery plate is $99

I thought they would strip down the side monitor haha, but man, that’s a CRAZY deal.
For just a V Mount battery plate I can be up and running!

I’d probably spend around $1000 for extras, but holy moly

This camera is a substantial leap forward from the 12k OLPF. You’re really notice the difference Adam.

JB

Does it support recording to both CFexpress slots simultaneously akin to the Ursa Mini 12K?

When using V-mount or G-mount batteries, less than 24V, does the camera operate? What features are missing in this scenario?

And the BMPCC4K is still available but now for $995! That’s still a fine camera that I use every shoot.

When using V-mount or G-mount batteries, less than 24V, does the camera operate? What features are missing in this scenario?

The Tech Specs may not have been updated yet with this bombshell pre NAB2025. But certainly we know from previous information that use of a 14VDC battery will reduce some of the maximum frame rates.

The webpage says:

“Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF Body

Body only model when you have existing cinema accessories. Excludes top handle, baseplate, power supply, battery plate and PL lens mount. Includes CFexpress media module and EF lens mount.”

It’s not really clear to me but it appears the 8TB media storage unit is excluded. Need to confirm that.

Under $7,000 USD plus the cost of a 24VDC battery and adding a plate is a steal. I would still want the PL Mount but that will cost extra rather than be the default mount.

When using V-mount or G-mount batteries, less than 24V, does the camera operate? What features are missing in this scenario?

It technically could but you really don’t want to.

The amount of power that can be provided to accessory power for example. If you have a focus motor plugged in and a stiff lens then you might exceed what power can be drawn, probably causing a shutdown.

So yes, but it’s far from ideal.

JB

When using V-mount or G-mount batteries, less than 24V, does the camera operate? What features are missing in this scenario?

NVM, I found that they limit framerates to 60fps

The camera is capable of doing so much, extremely flexible, with the 24VDC battery. I’d never want to cripple it that way; “penny wise and pound foolish.”

Its not about that.

Its about using it while you get the other stuff. I am now more inclined on the 12K LF than on the Red Komodo X I was gonna get when one if one of my cams broke.

This is so unnecessarily tempting at this time. Still recovering from Hurricane damages, and then looking at the age of my car that should be replaced with a new (used) car. Oh, the pain. I want so much...

the PL-mount is $395.00

Thanks, Jeffery. Then add that cost to the new top handle that is no longer included and either EVF or Pyxis monitor.

This new price and configuration option likely will eat some URSA Mini Pro 12K sales and some Pyxis sales. But it will probably be a net win for indies that were hesitating on the $14,995 USD price of the fully equipped Cine 12K LF. And a net win for BMD as the lower cost makes the Cine 12K even more competitive.

no matter how you slice it... it's a good deal

I see that the body by itself is a great stepping stone for long-term use of the UC12k.
For starters, I can run my current monitor and use all my V Mounts I still have from the UMP12k. I already have CF Express cards. I have so many top handles to choose from.

When I'm looking to upgrade, I can just get B Mount 24V batteries and the 8TB module for higher frame rates and I'm not an EVF user, so yeah.

This may be viable now. I bought a Pyxis to ride as A Cam for my 6k FF, but now, I'm like... what do I do? haha

My rounded math says:
Camera: $7K
PL Mount: $400
Top Handle: $200
Battery Plate: $100
4X Angelbird 1TB CFExpress B Cards: $800
4X CoreSWX 275Wh B-Mount Batteries & Quad Charger: $3.5K

Ultimately, $12,200 for a kit that will get you working. If using the shoulder mount from the UMP bodies then you save money if you have it already. Then UCine Shoulder Mount is gonna cost extra. If you go UCine Shoulder Mount 15mm Rod Baseplate that's an extra $475. So max $12,700 for a basic kit.

Tim, you might want to add the 250 watt power supply as well since that’s excluded so the true cost mounts if you’re only considering one Cine 12K LF Body camera.

The maximum savings may be for shoots that would benefit using the basic Body as an inexpensive replacement if the full Cine 12K LF should develop a problem during a shoot. Buying both the full version and the stripped down Body is still less cost than buying one of the camera’s competitors.

Is there actually any way to buy the Ursa Cine Hand Grip separately yet?

Yep
new 12K body.... 6995. (now available as preorder at B&H)
PL mount........... 395.
B-mount plate..... 99.
Power Supply...... 209.

sub total............ 7702.

a pair of Core batteries and charger... 1259.
shoot, might as well get the 8TB....... 1695. (can't beat the price for this, but could go with a pair of smaller capacity CF-Express and their reader as option which I do not have)

total............................................ 10656.

savings of $4339... and this includes batteries and I got the rest. Will be nice to have both the high density and the full frame 12Ks... and all my lenses fit. Only thing left is to find out when preorder becomes in-stock.

Is the UMP battery plate, top handle, shoulder mount and side hand grip compatable with Cine 12k LF?

Very tempting indeed, even though my 12K and 6KFF continue to be workhorses. Exciting times, and it seems BMD doesn't stop, gauging from Hook's post on Instagram featuring Kholi and the 17K 65 out in the wild, just yesterday.

Can you post a link to that, Fabián?

Can you post a link to that, Fabián?

Hi Rick, the images were posted as an Instagram story, so they will disappear soon. Here is a link which will be visible for a few more hours, and a screenshot for posterity. Hope it's okay to attach here.

Hook's IG story: https://www.instagram.com/stories/getupto88/

Looks like John Brawley ACS may have also been in the room. Thats a good room.

Thank you! I added Hook, but just a minute on Instagram reminds me of how I detest social media. Looks like they might be trying to emulate TikTok which I don’t use.

I think it’s because they surprised everyone. JB

Yep. I was just telling a friend the other day within 5 years if Arri and other manufacturers don't start making their cameras more affordable Blackmagic would eat their lunch. 2 days ago Arri dropped the price of the 35 without the licenses. That's just the start. Then today Bam! Blackmagic makes the cine LF more accessible. After the strikes a lot of production companies made cutbacks. They want to pay less for more. I believe that also affects high end camera manufactures. Kudos Blackmagic for constantly disrupting the industry.

You know I kind of want them to release one more model after what Rick just said. CFExpress Rig or some name like that.

It's basically the Body, but with PL Mount, and has the UCine 15mm Baseplate, with UCine Top Handle, the Power Supply, and CFExpress Type B Media Module installed.

No case, no extra mounts, no battery mount, etc. Similar to what they just did, but PL over EF and basic accessories. This could cost just under $8.5K. My math currently has it at $8,273...

URSA Cine 12K Body: 6,995
URSA Cine PL Mount: 395
24V 250W Power Supply for URSA Cine Camera: $209
URSA Cine Top Handle: $199
15mm Baseplate for URSA Cine 12K: $475

But if we subtract the $249 cost of the EF Mount then we could make this package a cool $8K! So this could even be a true URSA Cine Starter Package. You have the body only option still. And, you supply your own case and buy the Battery Mount separate.

Just a thought. But either way it would be nice for the PL users to have the option to not have an EF that should just be tossed in trash if we never intend to use EF again.

Still when you get to what you need to buy from BMD for a package this is the most appealing price I've calculated. Very doable as good competition for a sub-$10K camera.

You know I kind of want them to release one more model after what Rick just said. CFExpress Rig or some name like that.

It's basically the Body, but with PL Mount, and has the UCine 15mm Baseplate, with UCine Top Handle, the Power Supply, and CFExpress Type B Media Module installed.

No case, no extra mounts, no battery mount, etc. Similar to what they just did, but PL over EF and basic accessories. This could cost just under $8.5K. My math currently has it at $8,273...

URSA Cine 12K Body: 6,995
URSA Cine PL Mount: 395
24V 250W Power Supply for URSA Cine Camera: $209
URSA Cine Top Handle: $199
15mm Baseplate for URSA Cine 12K: $475

But if we subtract the $249 cost of the EF Mount then we could make this package a cool $8K! So this could even be a true URSA Cine Starter Package. You have the body only option still. And, you supply your own case and buy the Battery Mount separate.

Just a thought. But either way it would be nice for the PL users to have the option to not have an EF that should just be tossed in trash if we never intend to use EF again.

Still when you get to what you need to buy from BMD for a package this is the most appealing price I've calculated. Very doable as good competition for a sub-$10K camera.

I like this idea Tim. A starter kit for $8000. Add the B mount plate to the kit, that's only $100 on b&h

I'm all for competitive/accessible pricing, but as an early adopter this is a real kick in the guts. Have had the camera for 3-4 months after being on pre-order since May. Have had to get my first body replaced due to a sensor issue and now finding out that the exact same product I can get for $7.5k AUD cheaper if I buy the body and accessories separately... I honestly love the product (closest thing I've used to a perfect camera) and still think it represents excellent value for money even at the full price, but the timing of this so soon after shipping and the fact that the current kit pricing doesn't add up anywhere near the accessories value is all pretty frustrating.

@timbuut2 @Donnell

Yes, I was surprised to see such a high-end capable camera feature EF over PL. It’s one thing to be seeking more indies, but I believe supporting EF is the wrong message. If I bought the camera, I’d need a PL mount. And I’d expect it to be an active mount even though my current PL lenses are passive as my next lens could be active.

Or offer a user choice of either mount of course is the no-brainer option. Sure that would make the PL camera option a little more expensive.

On a set shooting the full Cine 12K LF, it’s likely going to be PL for those operators so the idea of an EF backup camera won’t fly. Please don’t miss that opportunity to sell two cameras instead of one as previously discussed.

Is there a trade-in program?

Blackmagic is like a one man band videographer that is good, damn good, but always gives discounts. As a result, clients see him as a bargain shop. He’s literally better than all the shooters at the local media company that makes all the money, but his mindset keeps him stagnant. He charges a low price but people want an even lower price, when he gets bored he says ok to the even lower price.

One day he watches his reel and realizes, hey, I’m damn good. Raises his prices and markets himself. Gets some interest, but not enough to push him out of the cycle. He becomes stagnant after a few jobs at the new price then an old client who sees some of the new work comes around and wants to do business, but at the old price of course. He’s bored so…

But this sole operator has one undeniable trait that may ultimately save the day: he listens to his friends that gather around him and appreciate his talent and ultimately encourage him to reach beyond his grasp.

There’s so much evidence he’s on the right path doing it his way.

Stagnant? Bored?

I’m not sure you can can really say that about Blackmagic design.

They are one of the few companies that are actually doing Ok business wise. Most others right now are struggling to keep the doors open.

Maybe you’re projecting a bit of yourself here?

JB

Why don't BMD drop Resolve and save us a few hundred? I got so many licenses I don't need another one.

The size/weight, power solution, etc, its a crew camera, not so much a one man band camera. Its in my price bracket but does not look like a camera I would readily pick up to use in what I do as a lone shooter.
I need AF more than 12k.

Including the license doesn’t cost them anything (or barely anything) since the revenue on Resolve is in the hardware. So leaving that out wouldn’t give them the opportunity to lower the price by the equivalent cost of Resolve. Just sell the license and recoup the difference that way.

Including the license doesn’t cost them anything (or barely anything) since the revenue on Resolve is in the hardware. So leaving that out wouldn’t give them the opportunity to lower the price by the equivalent cost of Resolve. Just sell the license and recoup the difference that way.

Are you saying a top handle cost more than a Resolve license?

Definitely. The top handle needs to be manufactured and doesn't give them any follow-up (hardware) revenue.

Is there any understanding about the CFExpress Module? Did they create an adapter type of module that fits their existing proprietary 8tB sled module, so that if I wanted to buy the$1695 module I can? Or did they change in I/O to only read CFexpress cards?

...Or offer a user choice of either mount of course is the no-brainer option. Sure that would make the PL camera option a little more expensive...

Better than that would be to include no mount and let that be purchased separately.

For me I have all PL lenses except two that require the EF mount, a Zeiss Otus and a Canon super-telephoto zoom. And in future I may get LPL-mount with adapters for both.

By the way, is the included EF-mount the locking one?

Stagnant? Bored?

I’m not sure you can can really say that about Blackmagic design.

They are one of the few companies that are actually doing Ok business wise. Most others right now are struggling to keep the doors open.

Maybe you’re projecting a bit of yourself here?

JB

Self projecting? Sure. Still doesn’t change the fact that BM has one of the best cameras on the market, if not the best, and chooses to sell it for less than the price of lenses that are used on there competitors. Perhaps they need a Rokinon/Xeen or Toyota/Lexus model. My point is that they are selling themselves short. People are just starting to talk about the camera. All the reviews are great. I just don’t get it. An over 50% price drop is like a fire sale! It immediately undermines the value of the camera to those that paid full price and perpetuates the perception of “discount”. You know exactly what I’m saying John. I know you’re closely involved and have more of a horse in the race, but myself and everyone else who’s been in this forum for the past 10+ years want to see BM have some mainstream success and get the respect it deserves too.

So as long as I don't negatively impact saving for a new apartment and car, I may pull the trigger on the UC12K this year. I've determined I'll sell my Steadicam, and then after getting the camera sell the UMPG2. Then, I may sell the Pictor Zooms. Those together for 5K, 2K, and 3.5K could get me camera, batteries, and charger. Then it's accessories on credit, and pay off that with job income.

But it all depends on not negatively effecting the priority of a new place not in a flood zone so I don't have hurricane worries of storm surge. Then also getting a used vehicle with far less miles than my current. Its life is numbered. So those can't be impacted. And, replacement furniture for my damaged furniture. So long as I don't negatively affect those necessary purchases I can do it.

Just need to keep earning each month. Save.

Really glad Blackmagic released this body only version. However, I may send them the EF Mount and ask for 250 back to illustrate how frustrating it is that that's the only option for the body only. EF is useless to me. It's obsolete and needs to go away. So, if by the time that I am ready to make this purchase I hope that they do a PL version of the body only option.

...Or offer a user choice of either mount of course is the no-brainer option. Sure that would make the PL camera option a little more expensive...

Better than that would be to include no mount and let that be purchased separately.

For me I have all PL lenses except two that require the EF mount, a Zeiss Otus and a Canon super-telephoto zoom. And in future I may get LPL-mount with adapters for both.

By the way, is the included EF-mount the locking one?

It looks like it's the EF locking. Still as I said above, I'd send back the EF Mount and ask for the 250 back for that mount. Tell them to burn that mount. That's how much I hate EF now. Haha.

I'm also glad they include a mount. Just wish that they gave more options. Even if it cost an extra 300 like with the UMP12K over the UMPG2.

... It’s in my price bracket but does not look like a camera I would readily pick up to use in what I do as a lone shooter.
I need AF more than 12k.

I think with the lower price of the Cine 12K LF Body, one might consider adding the DJI Focus Pro for its auto focus capability that acts like a camera assistant. Did you read the Aaron Green post in the URSA Cine 12K LF thread to see how he effectively added ‘auto focus’ to his Pyxis with the Cine Top Handle and Pyxis Monitor EVF Kit? I’ve been debating which option of the Pyxis Monitor to add, but Aaron’s post has me wanting to replicate his approach.

Also remember the 12K photosites are best used when you’re recording 8K from the full sensor, or possibly record 4K in camera (better downscaled to 4K from 8K in post).

Better than that would be to include no mount and let that be purchased separately…

By the way, is the included EF-mount the locking one?

You’re right; my suggestion was from the perspective of them including a native mount rather than a universal mount approach.

I believe the EF-mount is a locking mount according to the specifications. It’s just I only have PL lenses so the EF-mount is a waste of money and forces an additional cost to buy a suitable adapter.