Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2

A powerhouse of modern broadcast media, the Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 stands as a high-performance 3-in-1 camera system suited to broadcast productions, live studio work, and digital cinema. This upgraded model features generation 5 colour science, whilst further supporting UHD 4K and 6K in Blackmagic RAW format. You are also provided with a B4 lens mount, plus an active EF mount adapter.

Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 Key Features:

• High-powered 6K CMOS sensor, dual native ISO
• Supports 6K Blackmagic RAW video recording
• Capacity to record to ProRes, H.265/264
• Stunning ProRes recording up to 1080p120
• 4K production, 4K studio, or 6K digital film camera
• Actively supports all broadcast frame rates
• Colour-accuracy promised through 13 stops of dynamic range
• Access to 12G-SDI input and output
• 2 separate UHS-II SD and 2 CFast 2.0 slots
• Integrated fold-out LCD with touch control
• Capture audio via 2 XLR inputs, plus 3.5mm audio output
• In-built 2/4/6-stop ND filters
• Lens mount compatible with ⅔” B4 lenses
• Equipped with an active EF mount adapter
• Strong, durable, and lightweight aluminium construction

Expanded Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 Key Features:

3-in-1 Pro Camera System

The URSA Broadcast G2 is a versatile, high-performance broadcast camera that is still within the budget of smaller production companies and freelance creatives. The most impressive feature is its ability as a 3-in-1 system, which sees it excel as a broadcast production camera, a live studio camera, and a digital cinema camera. First, the Broadcast G2 consists of a range of external ENG camera controls that can be located just by feel, as well as a low-light sensor for incredible results in natural light. This is especially well-suited to broadcast news and programming.

On the other hand, the Broadcast G2 performs incredibly well as a live studio camera as it includes a highly advanced YRBG colour corrector and a full remote camera control system. You can also implement B4 ENG or larger studio box lenses, as well as having the option to switch out the lens mount to extend the lens compatibility. As a digital cinema camera, the Broadcast G2 further excels as it utilises an advanced 6K digital film sensor, plus the ability to use a PL mount for digital film lenses. To produce a truly “Hollywood” aesthetic, the Broadcast G2 features a high dynamic range, great low-light performance, and Blackmagic RAW.

Broadcast-Quality Performance

The central 6K sensor features a stunning 6144 x 3456 resolution to support professional broadcast and digital film workflows. When implementing B4 lenses, you are provided with a 4K window of the sensor for Ultra HD broadcasting. However, when this is exchanged with a PL or EF mount, you can utilise the full 6K resolution, whilst the 13 stops of dynamic range produce darker blacks and brighter whites; ideal for colour correction. In addition, the Broadcast G2 is capable of performing to an incredibly high-standard in low-light environments, which includes natural fading light, ambient light, and even moonlight. It features gain from -12dB (100 ISO) up to +36dB (25,600 ISO), which actively reduces grain and noise from the frame. To set the gain, this is done via a camera switch, the LCD menu, or remotely using an SDI remote camera control protocol.

To further support pro-level video performance, this camera features quality ND filters that allow you to reduce the amount of light entering the camera with ease. The 1/4, 1/16th and 1/64th stop filters are custom-built to match the image sensor and colour science of the Broadcast G2. This actively encourages varying combinations of aperture and shutter angles in a wider range of shooting situations. The filter status can also be displayed via the LCD screen as either a fraction, number, or stop reduction.

Media Inputs and Outputs

Compatible with standard file formats used by the majority of broadcast systems and editing software, the Broadcast G2 has the capacity to record in ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 into QuickTime files. It can even record in H.265 for small files at 60:1 to 285:1 compression ratios, in 10-bit broadcast quality. You can even record direct to Blackmagic RAW files, which has been specifically designed to capture and preserve the quality of the in-camera sensor data. This extensive range of compatible file formats is massively beneficial for varying production workflows, with the dual CFast 2.0 recorders and dual SD/UHS-II card recorders further supporting non-stop recording at the highest quality. In simpler terms, this is when one card is full, recording will automatically carry over to the second card.

Another recording format option available is to record directly to external disks via a high-speed USB Type-C expansion port. You can simply plug in a large and low-cost external USB flash disk and then record ProRes, H.265, or even high-quality 12-bit Blackmagic RAW files to then edit and colour-correct in post-production. This essentially cuts out the middleman and lets you move the disk straight to your computer, whilst the USB port powers the disk that is plugged in.

Exterior Construction and Display

With a strong, durable, and lightweight magnesium alloy body specifically designed with the user in-mind, the Broadcast G2 features tactile and familiar external switches and controls to provide direct access to priority camera settings. With a clear, user-centric control layout, you can adjust settings without having to take your eye away from the action. Other external ports include standard 12G-SDI connections, XLR audio inputs, USB Type-C, and an industry-standard 4-pin XLR broadcast 12 VDC connection.

With the inclusion of an in-built folding LCD screen, you can monitor visuals and control the camera via touchscreen controls and on-screen status updates, which sometimes are easier to access over the vast array of function buttons. This displays record, locked, and reference timecodes, plus current shooting frame rate, shutter angle, aperture, white balance, gain, and iris. Behind the LCD, you will find additional buttons and a knob for audio levels, whilst the full array of function buttons can be assigned to access zebra, false color, focus peaking, LUTs, and more.

Accessories

There is a range of accessories tailor-made to the URSA Broadcast G2. Included with the camera is a shoulder mount kit, V-mount battery plate, and top handle, as well as a spare EF lens mount if you do not own a B4 lens and prefer to begin shooting with a photo-centric lens. Separately available to this is the Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder and URSA Studio VIewfinder, which is specific to live productions. Another key accessory is the optional fiber converter that provides power to the camera from 1.2 miles away via a single SMPTE fiber cable. And finally, the URSA Mini Recorder supports recording straight to external SSDs.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Blackmagic Design URSA Broadcast G2 Camera
• 1 x B4 Turret Dust Cap
• 1 x EF Mount
• 1 x EF Mount Dust Cap
• 8 x EF Mount Screw
• 1 x 12V/100W Power Supply
• 1 x URSA Mini Shoulder Pad
• 1 x URSA Mini Top Handle
• 1 x V-Mount Battery Plate
• 4 x V-Mount Plate Spare Screw
• 1 x Viewfinder Mounting Plate
• 2 x 1/4"-20 Baseplate Screw
• 2 x Long 1/4"-20 Top Handle Screw
• 2 x Short 1/4"-20 Top Handle Screw
• 1 x DaVinci Resolve Studio Download (QR Code)
• 1 x Camera Software Download (QR Code)
• Limited 1-Year Warranty

Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 Product Video:

FAQs:

How does this compare to the Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2?

The updated URSA Broadcast G2 actively supports higher resolution imagery, has more recording codecs, improved focus and zoom manipulation, future streaming capabilities, and a wider variety of compatible accessories. As well as this, the URSA Broadcast G2 is much more affordable when compared to the URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2.

Does the URSA Broadcast G2 feature an interchangeable lens mount?

This pro-level production camera does feature an interchangeable lens mount. You can easily exchange the included B4 lens mount with an EF, PL, or F mount. This is great for freelance creatives and first-time users looking to implement low-cost photographic lenses, with the ability to step up to the PL mount as the most popular lens mount for cinema lenses.

What is required to power this camera system?

You are supplied with the 12V/100W Power Supply, with the 4-pin XLR port in-built that connects directly to the camera. However, this does not include a standard IEC power cable that is required to plug into the power supply (sold separately).

What is not included with this camera, but is vital to its performance?

The Broadcast G2 requires a separate power cable (as mentioned above), recording media, and a lens to function to its full capacity. These can all be found separately available on the Wex site.

Is Davinci Resolve Studio included in the purchase of this Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2?

A full version of DaVinci Resolve Studio is included in the purchase of this camera, which is the same software that is used by professional filmmakers for creating high-end feature films, TV series, documentaries, adverts, and more. This specific version utilises a range of new features to aid you in locating the footage you want, edit it together, and output it at speed.

Does the Broadcast G2 support a wide range of battery plates as is true with other URSA camera systems?

The full range of URSA cameras do support a diverse range of battery plates from manufacturers to include IDX, Blueshape, Anton Bauer, and more. Again, all Blackmagic battery plates are designed to mount directly to the camera, which allows you to connect a separate Blackmagic URSA Gold Battery Plate to replace the pre-installed V-mount battery plate.

Are you able to switch the displayed language in-camera?

Blackmagic Design cameras are designed to be used all around the world, which is why they have been built to support a number of key languages to include: English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. This can be accessed via the main menu and will affect the on-screen overlays, the heads-up display, and setup menus.