URSA Broadcast

This is why TV cameras are still huge and ridiculously expensive

Dec 6, 2019 by John Aldred 1 Comment

Over the past couple of decades, very high-quality video-capable cameras have down a lot in both price and size. So, why then, are the camera setups used for shooting broadcast TV content still so huge? and why are they so expensive?

In this video, Zebra Zone breaks down exactly what’s involved in these types of setups, exactly why they’re needed and why they cost as much as a house. He also busts a big myth that it’s the camera that’s huge. Much of the bulk and cost are the extras bolted onto it.

Blackmagic’s new 4K UHD URSA Broadcast video camera costs less than a high end DSLR

Feb 2, 2018 by John Aldred 3 Comments

The advancement in camera technology is pretty astounding. I remember only a decade ago shooting with great big standard definition Sony DSR500 broadcast cameras that were £7,000 a piece for the body alone. Now, here we are with 4K UHD monsters that have so much higher quality, detail, colour and tone, it’ll make your head spin. And they’re here at less than half the price.

Blackmagic have today announced their new URSA Broadcast camera for TV and the web. Retailing for a mere $3,495, it’s a very attractive looking piece of kit. It offers B4, PL, EF and F mount lens options, and four memory card slots. It will output to 12Bit DNx145, DNx220X, ProRes and even RAW video for many broadcast and editing workflows.

Dave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

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