First, these are just predictions. But, there’s a good chance that Blackmagic Design (BMD) will introduce some cool and exciting stuff during the upcoming NAB. How do we get into that? Here’s the (very logical) explanation made by John Owens from Frame Voyager.
Historical data of BMD camera releases
We got an email from John Owens who runs a very cool YouTube channel called Frame Voyager. As stated by John: “Me and a friend have gone through all the historical data of BMD camera releases in the past 8 years or so to see when they historically release cameras. We think we have figured out a general timeline for when they will release it this year even though they haven’t announced it yet. We’ve also got some feedback from people about people who are alpha testers being asked to come into the Blackmagic facility in Germany for something here recently. These reports are a bit iffy but I’ve heard a lot of rumblings from a lot of people. All this to say, I’ve made this into a video explaining the timeline and the research we conducted and we feel confident enough about our assessment that we started a live stream that will run until they release a new camera” Check out his explanation below:
Previous releases of BMD cameras and Resolve
John’s video aims at the main Blackmagic Design forum contributor, Tim Buttner. According to Tim, the traditional BMD announcements have been beginning of March for the UMP (Ursa Mini Pro) cameras. DaVinci Resolve is traditionally in April at NAB, as described:
- Ursa Mini 4K and 6K: April 2015
- Ursa Mini Pro G1: March 2017
- Ursa Mini Pro G2: March 2019
- Ursa Mini Pro 12K: July 2020
- DaVinci Resolve 12: April 2015
- DaVinci Resolve 14: April 2017
- DaVinci Resolve 15: April 2018
- DaVinci Resolve 16: April 2019
- DaVinci Resolve 17: November 2020 (due to COVID – no NAB)
As you can see, the main announcements were in April at NAB. Hence, after two years of no-NAB, it’s very logical to expect dramatic announcements from BMD at the forthcoming NAB Show.
Discussion
First, thank you John Owens from Frame Voyager for letting us know about this intriguing analysis. We do think that BMD is getting closer to a new camera introduction. We don’t think that it will be announced in the upcoming NAB though. BTW, we expect BMD to release a full-frame camera, maybe a full-frame 6K URSA. That’s our prediction regarding the camera. However, we do think that there’s a good chance that a whole new version of Resolve will be introduced in NAB, which is Resolve 18. Our assumption is that Resolve 18 will incorporate improved NLE capabilities, and will be focused on speed. But again, these are just predictions. Let’s us know your predictions. Will BMD release a new full-frame camera? Or maybe Resolve 18?… Or both?
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve 17 Studio with Speed Editor
- Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 12K Camera
There is NO Blackmagic Design facility in Germany, so there can’t be any alpha testers going into that place for something…
Yep! You’re right. That’s actually on me. It was the Netherlands in Amsterdam that I was told that had happened not in Germany. My bad.
Well, there is a new BMD sales office now in the Netherlands, in the city of Amsterdam. Seems like they opened up that one because of Brexit. Before everything EU went through the UK. Interesting.
Yeah, who knows what that even means but ?♂️ always fun trying to predict it
I just corresponded with a BM dev who said he was working on an unreleased version. Could just be a point release but I have hope. As long as it addresses bugs rather than just aid the sales people, life will be good.
Where I think each brand can improve
Sony – fx3 imposible to find. Would like internal raw like c70
Canon – c70 autofocus could be better, no DGO FF sensors, ibis wobble issues, FF overheating.
Panasonic – no decent autofocus.
Blackmagic – needs AF ike Sony or canon
Would like an E-Mount Blackmagic camera. A lot of people have E-Mount lens these days. I’d buy a Blackmagic 6K or Ursa Pro if it had an E-Mount, to go along with my FX3/A7IV. If DJI can do it with their Ronin 4D, Blackmagic can too.