Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2

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