At NAB 2014 in Las Vegas, both AJA and Blackmagic announced shoulder-mounted 4K cameras for attractive prices. AJA’s Cion camera uses an APS-C 4K/UHD sensor, while Blackmagic’s URSA offers 4 different sensor options which are user upgradable. The 4K/UHD sensor is Super 35mm. Some details are ahead, in alphabetical order…

AJA’s Cion 4K/UHD camera

During their NAB press conference, AJA stated the Cion has been under development for several years under tight security against leaks. CION has a 4K APS-C sized CMOS sensor with an electronic global shutter and 12 stops of dynamic range. It can record 4K (4096×2160) progressive 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60/119.88/120, Ultra HD (3840×2160) progressive 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60/119.88/120, 2K (2048×1080) progressive 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60, 1080 (1920×1080) progressive 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60, or even interlaced 1080i if anybody wants to do so. PL mount lenses designed for Super 35mm cover the sensor imaging area and the global shutter eliminates the undesirable qualities associated with rolling shutter-based sensors. Cion can record ProRes or RAW internally on AJA modules. Cion will cost US$8,995. I will publish more about the Cion in upcoming articles.

Blackmagic’s URSA: user-upgradable sensors/mounts

URSA has a built in, a 10.inch fold out on monitor, a user upgradeable image sensor, 12G-SDI and internal dual RAW and ProRes recorders on cFast cards, inboard scopes, and a full license of DaVinci Resolve. Here are the different versions so far:

Blackmagic URSA EF

With an EF lens mount (for Canon or Zeiss lenses) and Ultra HD (3840×2160) progressive Super 35 sensor with global shutter for US$5,995. It can record Ultra HD (3840×2160) progressive at 23.976/24/25/29.97/60, 1080 progressive at 23.976/24/25/29.97/60 and interlaced 1080i if anybody wants to do so.

Blackmagic URSA PL

PL lens mount and 4K Super 35 sensor with global shutter for US$6,495. The formats are the same as the EF version

Blackmagic URSA Broadcast

An Ultra HD sensor optimized for broadcast video, combined with a broadcast B4 lens mount and broadcast lens control connection, and built in ND filter wheel. Price TBA. The formats are the same as the EF version.

Blackmagic URSA HDMI

Camera body without sensor, with an HDMI 4K input and mounting plate to connect any HDMI camera for URSA recording, monitoring, audio and timecode. Price TBA. The formats are the same as the EF version, but obviously depend upon the capability’s of the connected camera.

See upcoming articles

See the upcoming articles:

• Blackmagic announces studio cameras
• Have AJA/Blackmagic forgotten about ABC/Disney/ESPN/FOX?

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