Grant Petty knocked it out of the park. Blackmagic dropped a bombshell at NAB 2024, announcing not one, but two(!) high-end super-specs full-frame cinema cameras. Meet the URSA Cine 12K Camera and the PYXIS 6K Cinema Box Camera. 

URSA Cine 12K Camera

Blackmagic URSA Cine is a revolutionary digital film camera that introduces new advanced digital film technology combined with total integration into the post-production workflow. That means it’s the first digital film camera with fast capability storage built in, plus high-speed networking for on-set media sync. Blackmagic URSA Cine also introduces a new large format RGBW 36 x 24mm image sensor with larger photo sites for incredible dynamic range. You can also swap between PL, LPL, EF, and Hasselblad lens mounts. There’s even WiFi with SRT streaming for remote client viewing. Plus the industry standard Lemo and Fischer connections make it perfect for high-end cinema production.

Key features

• Large Format Full-Frame 12K Sensor
• 16 Stops of Dynamic Range
• Blackmagic Raw up to 12K 3:2 Open Gate
• Stream via RTMP/SRT via Wi-Fi/RJ45/USB-C
• Built-In Clear, 2/4/6-Stop IRND Filters
• Built-In Folding 5″ 1500 cd/m² Monitor
• 12G-SDI Output, USB-C Expansion Ports
• Timecode/REF, LEMO/Fischer Control Ports
• 2 x Balanced 3-Pin XLR Audio Inputs
• Optional EVF Top Handle
• Price: $14,995

“Cinematic Large Format Sensor”

URSA Cine features a revolutionary new sensor designed for incredible quality images at all resolutions from 4K to a massive 12K. The larger sensor builds on the technology of URSA Mini Pro 12K with larger photo-sites leading to an astounding 16 stops of dynamic range. The unique RGBW architecture provides equal amounts of red, green, and blue pixels. This means it is optimized to deliver rich colors at all resolutions and provide the ultimate image quality and flexibility. Plus, sensor scaling means you can record at all resolutions without cropping. 

Made for high-end productions

URSA Cine is designed to meet the demands of any high-end production. The evenly weighted camera body is built with a robust magnesium alloy chassis and lightweight carbon fiber polycarbonate composite skin to help you move quickly on set. Soft touch backlit buttons make controls easy to see in all conditions. There’s a 5″ fold touchscreen for reviewing shots and accessing camera settings, plus a dedicated assist station on the other side of the camera, with 5″ LCD and full camera controls! Standard Lemo and Fischer connectors let you control the camera remotely while providing power for lens motors and other accessories. You also get 12G‑SDI out, 10G Ethernet, USB-C, XLR audio and more. 

Large Format Flexibility

The large format sensor in URSA Cine provides the ultimate flexibility for aspect ratios, lenses, and delivery formats! The full sensor area gives you a stunning 3:2 open gate image which lets you reframe your shots in post-production. Or you can use the large sensor area to shoot anamorphic and deliver in a range of aspect ratios with 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.66, 1.8, and 2x de-squeeze factors. Plus, you can shoot in 4K, 8K, or 12K using the entire sensor without cropping, retaining the full field of view of your lenses. There are even 9K Super 35 4-perf, 3-perf, and 2-perf modes for full compatibility with classic cinema lenses. All this lets you create distinctive content in the highest quality. 

Interchangeable Lens Mounts

Different projects require different lenses which is why URSA Cine features an interchangeable lens mount. You can quickly switch between PL, LPL, EF, and Hasselblad mounts. That means you can work with PL or LPL cinema lenses, EF, or large format Hasselblad photographic lenses, making URSA Cine compatible with the widest possible range of professional lenses. Imagine using modern high-speed lenses for sharp, precise images on one shoot and then shooting a period drama with vintage photographic lenses next! Plus, each mount has contact pins to read lens metadata for monitoring and use in post-production. With URSA Cine, you have the freedom to choose the lens you need for any kind of work. 

PYXIS 6K Cinema Box Camera

Blackmagic PYXIS 6K is a high-end digital film camera that produces precise skin tones and rich organic colors. It features an extremely versatile design that lets you build the perfect camera rig for your production. You get a full-frame 36 x 24mm 6K sensor with a wide dynamic range with a built-in optical low pass filter that’s been designed to perfectly match the sensor. Plus there are 3 models available in either EF, PL, or L-Mount. You also get 2 x CFexpress media recorders and Ethernet for sharing media to Blackmagic Cloud! It even records both 12-bit Blackmagic RAW and extremely small H.264 proxy files at the same time. 

Key features

• Full Frame 6K Sensor
• Up to 6K36 fps Open Gate / 6K Anamorphic
• 13-Stop Dynamic Range, Dual-Native ISO
• ARRI PL Lens Mount
• 4″ HDR LCD Touchscreen
• Records Blackmagic RAW and H.264 Proxies
• Built-in streaming via Ethernet or 4G/5G
• Switchable Side Plates, Mounting Threads
• Two CFexpress Card Slots, USB-C Port
• Ethernet and 12G-SDI Ports
• Price: $3,195

Designed for Maximum Customizability

With multiple mounting points and accessory side plates, it’s easy to configure Blackmagic PYXIS into the camera you need it to be. PYXIS’ compact body is made from precision CNC machined aerospace aluminum, which means it is lightweight yet very strong. You can easily mount it on a range of camera rigs such as cranes, gimbals, or drones. In addition to the multiple 1/4″ and 3/8″ thread mounts on the top and bottom of the body, Blackmagic PYXIS has a range of side plates that further extend your ability to mount accessories such as handles, microphones or even SSDs. All this means you can build the perfect camera for any production that’s both rugged and reliable. 

Full-frame 6K sensor

Blackmagic PYXIS features a full-frame sensor with a native resolution of 6048 x 4032. That’s almost three times larger than a Super 35 sensor and allows you to shoot with a shallow depth of field or to use anamorphic lenses uncropped for a truly cinematic look. Whether you’re shooting in bright sunlight or almost no light at all, the 13 stops of dynamic range with dual native ISO up to 25,600 provide stunning low-noise images in all lighting conditions. Plus you can shoot up to 36 fps at full sensor resolution or 120 fps windowed. This amazing sensor combined with Blackmagic color science means you get the same imaging technology as expensive digital cinema cameras.

3 models

With 3 models, you can choose between L-Mount, EF, or PL lenses, making Blackmagic PYXIS compatible with the largest range of cinema and photographic lenses in the world. The L-Mount model works with the latest full-frame lenses from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma but can also accommodate lens adapters, allowing you to use a wide variety of new and vintage lenses. The EF model lets you use high-quality photographic lenses you already own from DSLRs or even Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras. Or the PL model lets you work with professional cinema lenses from Zeiss, ARRI, Cooke, and more without needing an adapter. With Blackmagic PYXIS, you get a choice of lens mounts for unlimited creative choice. 

Initial thoughts

Blackmagic did it again. They have listened to the crowd, developing a boxy cinema camera, and with a full-frame sensor. Also straightening the 12K with a powerful full-frame sensor and high DR. And all of this goodness is packed with an affordable price that breaks the market, instead of breaking your bank. Impressive!

Product List

Here are the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers. 

• Blackmagic Design URSA Cine 12K Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA
• Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K Cinema Box Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA