Blackmagic’s new cinema camera for immersive content costs $29,995

Blackmagic Design has just introduced the URSA Cine Immersive, the world’s first commercial camera system designed for Apple Vision Pro. Available for pre-order now at $29,995, it marks Blackmagic’s entry into immersive storytelling.

Deliveries are set for late Q1 2025, with a wider release expected later in the year. But if you’re thinking of adding this to your kit, there’s a catch: it’s not for everyone.

A Camera Built for Apple Vision Pro

The URSA Cine Immersive is purpose-built for Apple Immersive Video. It uses dual 8K sensors to capture 3D, 90fps video for each eye. The result is high-resolution imagery with 16 stops of dynamic range. It’s an impressive technical leap, especially for those creating content for Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

The system features a custom, fixed lens. It’s pre-installed and factory-calibrated to perfection. Lens positional data is embedded directly into the Blackmagic RAW files for seamless post-production.

It was first teased in June this year with very little info. It gave us just enough to get us all interested without making any solid commitments. We managed to get a more information about URSA Cine Immersive from Blackmagic at September’s IBC.

DaVinci Resolve Studio Gets an Upgrade

To make this workflow truly end-to-end, Blackmagic is updating DaVinci Resolve Studio in early 2025. This upgrade introduces tools specifically designed for immersive video workflows. These include:

• A new immersive viewer. It lets you pan, tilt, and roll footage on your monitor. Or, you can view it directly in Apple Vision Pro.
• Metadata tools that bypass Vision Pro transitions. This gives you clean, polished master files.
• Optimised export presets for quick delivery straight to Apple Vision Pro.

In short, Blackmagic is trying to make the editing as smooth as the capture.

Blackmagic is taking things slow to get it right, though. The first wave of cameras will go to select filmmakers and production houses. These lucky few will help refine the workflow. This tight collaboration means the wider release, expected later in 2025, should arrive with fewer headaches for users.

Cutting-Edge Comes at a Price

At $29,995, the URSA Cine Immersive isn’t exactly affordable. But it’s not meant to be. It’s is aimed squarely at studios and filmmakers ready to go down this new creative path. And while immersive content is still quite niche, Blackmagic’s investment in this space says they’re betting on its future.

Immersive video is still in its infancy. But tools like the URSA Cine Immersive are laying the foundation for what comes next. For now, this camera offers a chance to experiment with Apple Vision Pro’s possibilities – at great cost. But in the future, it’ll trickle down for us mere mortals to have a play with.

If you want one, though, head on over to the Blackmagic website and submit your pre-order. They’re also available to pre-order for $29,995 at B&H, but whether they’ll already have stock when Blackmagic opens up shipping is unknown.

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