Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive Camera Now Available for Pre-Order
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Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive Camera for Apple Vision Pro Content Now Available for Pre-Order, Shipping to Customers Expected Early 2025. Here's what it can do and who it's for.
Originally announced in June 2024, the device was hailed as an end-to-end workflow for Apple's Immersive Video format, used by the Apple Vision Pro headset. Apple Immersive Video combines 8K 3D video with a 180-degree field of view and Spatial Audio support.
Announced during WWDC 2023, the Apple Vision Pro is Apple's first attempt at a virtual reality headset, with CEO Tim Cook calling it an “early adopter product.” The $3,500 headset is powered by Apple's M2 chip and runs the company's unique visionOS operating system.
The headset delivers a unique and immersive 3D video experience, allowing users to relive their favorite moments using formats like Spatial Video. Apple has also released exclusive content in a special format called immersive video. Now other companies are jumping in and offering their own immersive video cameras, and Blackmagic is bringing some impressive specs to market.
The Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive Camera — technical specifications
The Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera will allow users to record Apple Immersive video and edit it with DaVinci Resolve Studio, which will receive support for the aforementioned video format in 2025. The new Blackmagic camera will be able to record stereoscopic 3D video at a resolution of 8160 by 7200 at 90 frames per second. Pixel-level synchronization and 16 stops of dynamic range will also be available.
The camera body is made of a magnesium alloy chassis with a carbon fiber and polycarbonate composite shell for added strength and even weight distribution. It features a 5-inch fold-out HDR touchscreen on one side and an external color LCD status display on the other. There’s even a second 5-inch touchscreen, minimizing the need for external displays.
In terms of connectivity, users will have access to 12GSDI out, 10G Ethernet, USB-C, XLR audio, and more. The back of the unit features an 8-pin Lemo power connector that supports both 12V and 24V power sources. The unit also comes with a 250W power supply.
Will we see more exclusive content for the Apple Vision Pro because of this new camera?
The $29,995 price tag is a clear indicator of the commercial nature of the camera, as CEO Grant Petty has said the company is “looking forward to working closely with filmmakers” on Apple Immersive Video.
The exclusive content for the Apple Vision Pro comes mostly from Apple itself.
“With this innovative system, filmmakers can capture remarkable moments like action-packed scenes, unique angles, stunning landscapes, intimate performances, and more, all with incredible accuracy, offering audiences an unrivaled sense of realism and immersion,” the CEO said.
While there is already some exclusive content available for the Apple Vision Pro, so far it has mostly come from Apple itself. The rollout of immersive content for the Apple Vision Pro has undoubtedly been slow as a result, with little third-party input.
How the Blackmagic Camera Compares to the Competition
While the Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive Camera is certainly a welcome addition, its uncompetitive price is unlikely to lead to more third-party content for the Apple Vision Pro. Similar products like the V-RAPTOR 8K VV, RED's high-end camera, can be purchased for around $24,000 to $30,000. The new URSA Cine Immersive camera is twice as expensive as the standard URSA Cine, at $15,000.
There are also cheaper options for immersive video-compatible cameras, though they're aimed at the average consumer or enthusiast rather than commercial use. The arrival of the Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera ultimately means more options for professionals, though it's unlikely to lead to more Apple Vision Pro-exclusive content.
Various immersive videos for Apple Vision Pro were available in February 2024, when the headset became available to the public. In October 2024, Apple released “Submerged,” a 16-minute short film about a World War II submarine crew fighting for survival during an attack. A month later, in November 2024, the company debuted a new series, Concert for One, with The Weeknd.
While new content for Apple Vision Pro is constantly in the works, Apple hasn’t announced or teased anything new. New releases and episodes of existing shows tend to arrive without advance announcement, with the latest being the third episode of “Wild,” featuring sharks.
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