Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K: Get Ready for All the Pixels!

Unveiled as a significant advancement at NAB 2024 and subsequently making its way to market, the Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65mm represents Blackmagic Design's most ambitious foray into ultra-high-resolution, large-format digital cinematography. This camera is a testament to Blackmagic's relentless pursuit of pushing technical boundaries, offering an unparalleled level of detail and a truly expansive cinematic canvas. It's a specialized tool designed for the most demanding productions, positioning itself as a compelling alternative in the realm of premium large-format cameras.

The 17K 65mm RGBW Sensor: Capturing Unprecedented Detail

At the heart of the URSA Cine 17K 65mm is a revolutionary 17,520 x 8,040 (17K) RGBW sensor measuring a massive 50.81 mm x 23.32 mm. This "65mm format" sensor is significantly larger than full-frame, rivaling the sensor area of top-tier large-format competitors, and offers several distinct advantages:

• Unparalleled Resolution: The approximately 140-megapixel sensor delivers an extraordinary amount of detail, allowing for extreme reframing, extensive digital pan and scan, and precise VFX compositing. This capability future-proofs content for evolving display technologies and provides unprecedented flexibility in post-production.

  
  

• Unique RGBW Architecture: Building on Blackmagic's established RGBW sensor technology, the 17K sensor features an optimized pixel array that includes dedicated white photosites. This design contributes to the camera's exceptional 16 stops of dynamic range, ensuring superb detail retention in both extreme highlights and deep shadows. It also enhances color fidelity and low-light performance by efficiently capturing luminance information.

  
  

• In-Sensor Scaling for Flexible Workflows: Despite its massive resolution, the URSA Cine 17K 65mm is incredibly versatile. Thanks to its sensor design, it can record in various resolutions—including 12K, 8K, and 4K—using the full sensor width, preserving the field of view of your lenses without cropping. This intelligent downsampling within the sensor results in cleaner, sharper images at lower resolutions compared to simply scaling down in post, providing flexibility for different delivery requirements while maintaining the large format aesthetic.

  
  

• High Frame Rate Capability: The camera supports impressive frame rates even at extreme resolutions, capable of up to 60 fps at full 17K open gate, 90 fps at 12K 2.4:1, 100 fps at 8K 2.2:1 open gate, and up to 170 fps at 8K 2.4:1. This makes it suitable for captivating slow-motion sequences in ultra-high definition.

  
  

Blackmagic RAW and the Integrated Ecosystem

Blackmagic's proprietary Blackmagic RAW (BRAW) codec is essential for managing the enormous data from the 17K sensor. It allows for:

• Efficient Raw Capture: BRAW provides the benefits of raw recording (non-destructive adjustments of ISO, white balance, etc., in post) in highly compressed, manageable file sizes. This makes the daunting task of handling 17K footage practical for typical production and post-production pipelines.

  
  

• Seamless DaVinci Resolve Integration: The camera is deeply integrated with Blackmagic's DaVinci Resolve, the industry-leading color grading, editing, VFX, and audio post-production software, which is included free with the camera. This provides a highly optimized and efficient workflow from capture to final delivery.

  
  

• Integrated High-Capacity Storage and Cloud Workflow: The URSA Cine 17K 65mm includes a custom-designed, removable 8TB Blackmagic Media Module (with a 16TB option planned), capable of sustaining 17K raw recording for extended periods. Furthermore, its built-in 10Gb Ethernet port enables direct media syncing to Blackmagic Cloud, allowing for collaborative, cloud-based workflows and instant proxy file uploads for remote editing, significantly streamlining post-production for large-scale projects.

Competitive Differentiators: Where URSA Cine 17K 65mm Stands Out

The URSA Cine 17K 65mm stands out in the high-end large-format cinema camera market against competitors like the ARRI ALEXA 65 (a rental-only option) or Sony VENICE 2 with 8K sensor:

• Resolution and Sensor Size: The 17K resolution on a 65mm-sized sensor is currently unparalleled in a commercially available cinema camera. While ARRI's ALEXA 65 is also a "65mm format" camera, its resolution is approximately 6.5K. The URSA Cine 17K offers significantly more pixels, providing maximum flexibility for VFX, reframing, and future-proofing.

  
  

• RGBW vs. Bayer Pattern: Blackmagic's RGBW sensor differs from the traditional Bayer pattern found in ARRI and Sony cameras. This unique design aims to deliver superior color fidelity, dynamic range, and cleaner images, especially in low light, potentially offering a distinct and highly desirable "look."

  
  

• Integrated Features and Ergonomics: The URSA Cine 17K 65mm is designed as a complete production tool, minimizing the need for external accessories:

  
  

  • Dual High-Resolution Monitors: It boasts both a large 5-inch HDR fold-out touchscreen for the operator and a dedicated 5-inch HDR assist station with full camera controls for the 1st AC/DIT.

    
    

  • Built-in Storage & Network: The integrated 8TB media module and 10Gb Ethernet port for direct network access and cloud workflow are industry-first features that streamline data management and collaboration on set.

    
    

  • Robust & Modular Build: Constructed from magnesium alloy and carbon fiber, it's remarkably robust yet lighter than many comparable large-format systems, designed for versatile rigging with multiple mounting points and industry-standard Lemo and Fischer connectors for power and control.

    
    

• Accessibility (for its class): While still a high-end cinema camera, the URSA Cine 17K 65mm is positioned at a price point significantly lower than other digital 65mm-class systems, making this ultra-large format capture technology more attainable for a wider range of high-budget productions.

  
  

• Native Lens Mounts: It supports interchangeable PL, LPL, EF, and Hasselblad mounts, offering broad compatibility with a vast array of high-quality cinema and medium-format still lenses suitable for its large sensor. It notably omits built-in ND filters due to the sensor size, a trade-off for its immense sensor.

  
  

Target Audience and Industry Impact

The Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65mm is specifically engineered for the pinnacle of cinematic production:

• High-End Feature Films & Blockbusters: Especially those with extensive visual effects, requiring a maximal amount of detail for CGI integration, digital sets, and large-format theatrical releases (including potential IMAX use, given its 65mm sensor).

  
  

• Premium Episodic Television: Productions demanding the absolute highest image quality and post-production flexibility.

  
  

• Virtual Production: The immense resolution and high image fidelity are ideal for LED volume stages and other virtual production environments.

  
  

• Large Format Content Creators: Directors and cinematographers specifically seeking the unique aesthetic of 65mm cinematography—with its shallow depth of field, wide field of view, and distinct dimensionality.

  
  

The Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65mm signifies a bold leap forward for Blackmagic Design and the industry. By delivering a 17K 65mm RGBW sensor in a highly integrated, network-enabled body, it redefines the possibilities of digital large-format acquisition. Its inclusion on the Netflix Approved Camera List further solidifies its status as a serious contender for top-tier productions, demonstrating Blackmagic's commitment to pushing the boundaries of cinematic image quality and workflow efficiency for the next generation of storytelling.