Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1127068
www.postmagazine.com 33 POST MAY/JUNE 2019 SPECIAL REPORT: CAMERAS BLACKMAGIC DESIGN URSA MINI PRO G2 CAMERA Blackmagic Design (www.blackmagicdesign.com) recently announced its Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2, a sec- ond-generation Ursa Mini Pro camera that features fully redesigned electronics and a new Super 35mm 4.6K image sensor with 15 stops of dynamic range that combine to support high frame rate shooting at up to 300 frames per second. In addition, Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 supports Blackmagic RAW and features a new USB-C expansion port for direct recording to external disks. Blackmagic reports that its new Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 is a dramatic advancement over the original model as it now features entirely new elec- tronics for higher speed processing. Also includ- ed is a new Super 35mm 4.6K image sensor that captures up to 4608 x 2592 pixels with 15 stops of latitude at up to 3200 ISO. This allows users to record full sensor 4.6K images at up to 120 frames per second, windowed 4K DCI at up to 150 frames per second and windowed 1080 HD at 300 frames per second. This positions the Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 well for capturing stylized, fast-action documentary work, nature photography, sports and more. In addition, Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 can capture Blackmagic RAW images in both film and extended video modes, which would allow the camera to be used for high-end feature films, television shows, commercials and indie films, as well as broadcast news, studio and even live, multi-camera production. The Blackmagic RAW codec gives customers visually lossless images, extensive metadata support and highly optimized GPU and CPU accelerated processing. It combines the quality and workflow advantages of traditional RAW formats with the speed and ease of use of standard video codecs. With Blackmagic RAW, customers can choose com- pression levels up to 12:1 and still get images that can be used for feature film, documentaries and broadcast programming. "The original Ursa Mini Pro has been an ex- tremely successful and very popular camera," says Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. "Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 is exciting because it gives customers second-generation electronics and an even higher performance image sensor so they can shoot at extremely high frame rates for crystal-clear slow-motion images." Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 also uses Blackmagic Design Generation 4 Color Science, which produces superior imaging that results in extremely accurate skin tones and lifelike colors. Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 is available now from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide for $5,995. SONY HD CAMCORDERS; VENICE FIRMWARE UPDATE Sony (pro.sony) recently announced the latest addition to its line-up of cost-effective, handheld camcorders. The HXR-MC88 caters to the demands of diverse shooting requirements. The palm-sized and lightweight HD camcorder is equipped with an advanced BIONZ X image processing engine that enables the production of life-like images. The camcorder's 14.2 megapixel 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor delivers background bokeh defocus effects and the sensitivity needed for capturing high-quality images with minimal noise in both dark and bright conditions. Users can capture clear and steady images even in dark scenes with illumination at just 1.7lux (1/30 seconds). The HXR-MC88 features the Fast Hybrid Auto Focus (AF) System, ensuring that fast-moving subjects are captured with a high level of sharp- ness. The camcorder comes with a 12x optical zoom, which can be doubled to 24x with Sony's Clear Image Zoom technology, while maintain- ing full resolution using Sony's object-based Super Resolution Technology. In addition, the 14.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and Sony's Digital Extender can double the focal range to 48x, meeting the demand for wide-angle to telephoto shooting with the same lens. The XLR audio input terminal and microphone holder enable improved sound quality with a reliable connection. With built-in, four-step ND filters, the HXR-MC88 can adjust quickly to capture quality content in a range of environments. The camcorder captures in AVCHD. Users can also remotely control the camcorder using the RM- 30BP remote commander and stream live events through a simple and affordable production ecosys- tem, when paired with the MCX-500 multi-camera live production switcher. Sony says the HXR-MC88 camcorder will be available in July. Sony's Venice digital motion picture camera, which is designed exclusively for high-end cinema- tography, recently had V.4 firmware announced. Now the camera features High Frame Rate (HFR) shooting of 4K/120fps and 6K/60fps with an op- tional license. Version 4.0 firmware is planned for release this month. The camera is currently being used to shoot principal photography for Sony Pictures' Bad Boys for Life and Peter Rabbit 2, releasing in 2020. CANON XA55, XA50, XA45, XA40 & VIXIA HF G60 Canon USA Inc. (www.usa.canon.com) recently add- ed four models to its XA Series of professional cam- corders. The XA55, XA50, XA45 and XA40 are the first in the series to feature 4K 30p recording. They also include a detachable XLR handle, while the XA55 and XA45 each feature an HD-SDI terminal. In addition, the company has introduced the VIXIA HF G60 4K UHD camcorder — a budget-friendly, compact-and-lightweight camcorder. All of the camcorders feature Canon's five-ax- is Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization system, providing users with powerful image stabilization via a dynamic mode. The ergonomically-designed DSMC2 cameras. In addition to the Primo HDR viewfinder, DXL menu system and LiColor2, the DXL-M now offers 2x2 SDI outputs, delivering two independent monitoring paths across 4x HD-SDI outputs. Along with added accessories, battery el- evator and control upgrades, these advancements add to the camera system's efficiency and flexibili- ty. As a result, the fully-equipped DXL-M is adapt- able to any shooting scenario, including drone, remote-head shots and situations where space is at a premium.