Blackmagic URSA

I think the most interesting thing is the upgradable sensors. If, say next NAB, they release a full frame sensor, you don't have to buy a whole camera- just unplug what you have and plug in the next big thing.


Lol- they already have the studio camera on B&H (preorder). Which means they knew it was coming. I wonder what else they know.

I do have genuine concerns about the battery and memory in the Ursa. What kind of battery life will you get from a standard V-Mount or Anton Bauer? Then these memory cards seem like a step backwards from SSD.

Here's a 128GB card for $365. But Apacer? Have never heard of them. How big can these CFast cards get? You'll be swapping these things out every 10 minutes.
http://www.amazon.com/128GB-Apacer-CFas ... cfast+card

Just because it's a CFast card, doesn't mean it meets the performance requirements. That card only has 85MB/s Sustained Write. That is NOT going to cut it.

As for the battery, that would depend on the draw. Since the existing BM4K pulls 20W I would say the extra 2 monitors, plus phantom power, plus the extra attachments, it wouldn't be too far fetched to assume a 40-50w draw. So about half the time of your current setup.

I do have genuine concerns about the battery and memory in the Ursa. What kind of battery life will you get from a standard V-Mount or Anton Bauer? Then these memory cards seem like a step backwards from SSD.

Here's a 128GB card for $365. But Apacer? Have never heard of them. How big can these CFast cards get? You'll be swapping these things out every 10 minutes.
http://www.amazon.com/128GB-Apacer-CFas ... cfast+card

Just because it's a CFast card, doesn't mean it meets the performance requirements. That card only has 85MB/s Sustained Write. That is NOT going to cut it.

As for the battery, that would depend on the draw. Since the existing BM4K pulls 20W I would say the extra 2 monitors, plus phantom power, plus the extra attachments, it wouldn't be too far fetched to assume a 40-50w draw. So about half the time of your current setup.

Yeah, I would only use camera manufacturer-approved cards. It just seems like an unfortunate decision to go from SSD's to CFast cards unless it was a size constraint or heat issue. The GB per dollar ratio was a lot more desirable.

I do have genuine concerns about the battery and memory in the Ursa. What kind of battery life will you get from a standard V-Mount or Anton Bauer? Then these memory cards seem like a step backwards from SSD.

Here's a 128GB card for $365. But Apacer? Have never heard of them. How big can these CFast cards get? You'll be swapping these things out every 10 minutes.
http://www.amazon.com/128GB-Apacer-CFas ... cfast+card

Just because it's a CFast card, doesn't mean it meets the performance requirements. That card only has 85MB/s Sustained Write. That is NOT going to cut it.

As for the battery, that would depend on the draw. Since the existing BM4K pulls 20W I would say the extra 2 monitors, plus phantom power, plus the extra attachments, it wouldn't be too far fetched to assume a 40-50w draw. So about half the time of your current setup.

Sean, I created this page; viewtopic.php?f=2&t=20955

I think it's worth reading because they only deliver based on what we ask. If we don't show how important it is to us, they'll never act on it.

Proper audio, proper monitoring via 2x 5 inch screens, a great 10 inch screen, more connections and a bigger, heavier (and cool) housing. Is this worth 3.000 $ more?

Maybe the possibility to "change" the sensor for a better one in the future and keep all the rest...

It's sounds like a cool camera, don't get me wrong, but if those are the only selling points over the BM4PC then it's not really worth $3000 more imo.

Thats what I meant. At first, looks like an Alexa in a BMCC manner, but when you look better... its not that much innovation.


And one thing everyone is not seeing. With that much screens, connections and other, that camera might need a lot more power to keep it on then we need for the actual cameras. So, another big concern to add to the cost, weight and more.

While Arri tried to make a smaller Alexa, BMD tried to make a bigger and heavier BMPC4K

Oh, sorry, my misstake.

Looks fabulous. I hope:

1. The monitor really is actually viewable in bright sunlight. Or even just outdoors.
2. There's an EVF mounting point.
3. Someone corrects the spelling of "Directoe of Photography" in the "1st Zone" diagram.
4. Deleting clips and formatting cards is possible on the camera.
5. Firmware upgrade with fix for FPN and 4K RAW comes soon for existing camera.
6. Shipping in July? Ooo-kay.

The Arri Amira also employs CFAST cards.

Sean, I created this page; viewtopic.php?f=2&t=20955

I think it's worth reading because they only deliver based on what we ask. If we don't show how important it is to us, they'll never act on it.

I don't normally like stuff rallying picket lines to boycott products. I must say though, that you'd be absolutely nuts to buy or preorder a new product from Blackmagic's camera range at this moment in time. Stark raving bonkers.

I take it many of you have no idea what bm has done the last 3 years. I have to ask, does all someone have to do is throw out a spec sheet and you'll buy it??

What makes anyone on the face of the earth believe they can deliver this??? I mean an actual working camera??? Without niggles that are pinnacles of disappointment, just enough to make all the tech specs and pretty images just not worth all the headaches in the end.

Wake up. It's a shell game that they just fatally hamstrung themselves with today by utterly failing to support their existing camera userbase.

If you guys are interested, Safe Harbor (sharbor dot com) is already taking pre-orders for the new Blackmagic Cameras. Call them or check their site. I'd order from them instead of the "big guys" because everyone is ordering from places like B&H.

Hope this helps!

The URSA is intended to take CFast 2 cards with sustained write speeds of 350 MB/s. Are we in for a new round of people buying cards that are not intended for the camera and ignoring BMD's recommendations?


Rick Lang
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I do have genuine concerns about the battery and memory in the Ursa. What kind of battery life will you get from a standard V-Mount or Anton Bauer? Then these memory cards seem like a step backwards from SSD.

That should be the least of your worries. That is what will provide great battery life

Only update old cameras and everyone happy. Nine cameras to choose.

[CaptainHook]

Finally, the audio meters?? Who needs them to be this large? To me it feels like a bit of a '**** you' to all of us with previous gen cameras who don't have any...but that may be my cynicism.

That was my first reaction too. But then instantly i thought, "if i were a soundie standing a few meters a way from this camera, i could quickly glance over and double check levels - cool".

Now it will be exciting to see the accessory manufacturers come out with sweet rigs for the URSA,

Finally, the audio meters?? Who needs them to be this large? To me it feels like a bit of a '**** you' to all of us with previous gen cameras who don't have any...but that may be my cynicism.

That was my first reaction too. But then instantly i thought, "if i were a soundie standing a few meters a way from this camera, i could quickly glance over and double check levels - cool".

And it appears the lights relate to specific levels, +3, 0, -3, -6, -10, and so on. It is perplexing when BMD finally responds to the demand for audio levels on camera by exceeding most peoples' expectations providing both detailed levels and an audio scope for the URSA, they are still harshly critiqued for their efforts.

Some of the Kool-Aid people are drinking just seems poisonous. Try the punch! Maybe the happy hour on Wednesday evening? Not intended at all to detract from the existing shortcomings, but can't we cheer when an improvement appears?

Rick Lang
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