Australia – Blackmagic Design has released Blackmagic Camera 10.3, a major software update that brings SMPTE-2110 video support to the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF. According to the company, the update turns the camera into a powerful solution for live production, combining cinematic image quality with real-time networked video.
By selecting SMPTE-2110 Live from the camera’s menu, the URSA Cine 12K LF can operate as a live studio camera, delivering real-time SMPTE-2110 video through its 10G Ethernet connection at resolutions of up to 2160p60. The system maintains the camera’s cinematic image characteristics, including 16 stops of dynamic range, while adding capabilities designed specifically for live workflows.
Blackmagic Camera 10.3 also introduces a new generation 6 color science for the URSA Cine sensor. The update brings a range of imaging improvements, including highly accurate color reproduction and natural-looking skin tones. It also adds dual LUT functionality, with two 3D LUT processors available for different outputs, as well as an additional 3D LUT dedicated to the SMPTE-2110 output. When working in 2110 mode, LUTs are applied after the color corrector, allowing corrections to be made on top of DaVinci Wide Gamut.
Another significant addition is a built-in color corrector for live production, based on the primary color corrector found in DaVinci Resolve. This allows operators to perform live color correction directly within the production workflow. Traditional controls for iris, black level and RGB color tint are available through the ATEM Camera Control Panel, while DaVinci Resolve control panels equipped with trackballs provide more advanced control of lift, gamma and gain across the Y, R, G and B channels.
Combined with the 16 stops of dynamic range provided by the URSA Cine sensor, the new color correction capabilities allow production teams to create highly cinematic images while working in a live environment, offering creative control beyond that typically associated with traditional broadcast cameras.
The update also adds compatibility with the new Blackmagic URSA Cine Mount B4 and Blackmagic URSA Cine B4 Adapter Cable. B4 lenses are particularly suited to live production because of their electronic control and fast response. Blackmagic Camera 10.3 additionally supports the new Blackmagic URSA Cine Studio Viewfinder, featuring a large and bright 7-inch touchscreen designed specifically for live production environments.
Pre-record functionality has also been added to the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF. The feature allows users to capture up to 10 minutes of footage before pressing the record button, helping ensure that important moments are not missed. This capability is particularly useful in unpredictable or rapidly changing environments such as documentaries, news and live events.
Additional improvements for the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF include a Blackmagic RAW 4.6K crop format, four-channel audio recording and SDI Camera Control input on SDI B. The update also brings improved battery compatibility, REST API support and lens control.
Blackmagic Camera 10.3 is available now as a free download.
