Forget the Oscars, the most prestigious list in show business today isn’t acting awards, it’s what cameras get the esteemed privilege of being included on the Netflix-approved camera list. Only the best and brightest of the digital video cameras in the film and television industry get to be included on this exclusive list, so it’s kind of a big deal when a new one gets tapped to join.
All kidding aside, this was only just a matter of time. The Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF has already proven to be a very capable and popular cinema camera from Blackmagic Design. It more than meets all of the standards that Netflix required to be included on the list and will join the likes of several other Blackmagic cameras already on the list.
Still, in celebration of this joyous distinction, let’s look at the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF and what this might mean for its useability and legacy in the industry.
The Netflix-Approved Camera List
So, the Netflix-approved camera list is actually called the “Cameras and Image Capture: Requirements and Best Practices” list by Netflix and its goal is to “help creatives produce their best work and create compelling visual experiences for our audience.”
Netflix requires 90% of a program’s final total runtime to be captured on approved cameras using the following capture requirements. (For nonfiction content, Netflix may be more flexible for this threshold.) To their credit, Netflix does collaborate with camera manufacturers and the creative community to approve cameras that support reliable and flexible production workflows.
So all approved cameras have been carefully evaluated by Netflix technologists to ensure they meet image capture benchmarks for dynamic range, color accuracy, detail rendition, signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and key workflow requirements. These evaluations are aimed to ultimately help Netflix’s partners know they’re using the best and most appropriate capture technology when telling their stories.
Blackmagic Cameras on the Netflix-Approved Camera List
As mentioned above, this is not the first (nor most likely the last) Blackmagic Design camera to be added to the Netflix-approved list. The current Blackmagic cameras on the Netflix-approved camera list now include:
- Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4.6K
- Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K
- Blackmagic Design URSA Mini PRO 4.6K G2
- Blackmagic Design URSA Mini PRO 12K OLPF
- Blackmagic Design URSA Cine 12K LF
And as you can see in the graphic, Netflix also notes the effective pixels, and preferred recording formats, and even includes guides for the cameras.
The Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF
Originally announced back at NAB last year, the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF was designed to be the flagship cinema camera in Blackmagic Design’s fleet. It features a cinematic 12K full-frame 36 x 24mm sensor with 16 stops of dynamic range and Blackmagic RAW capture up to 12K 3:2 open gate.
It’s also quite versatile for modern productions and features Wi-Fi and SRT live streaming, built-in ND filters, LEMO and Fischer standard control/power connections, and high-speed networking for cloud storage and M.2 SSD media, and it comes default with an industry-standard PL mount.
If for whatever reason you’ve been on the fence about checking out the URSA Cine 12K LF and have been waiting for Netflix to approve your curiosities, well then here are the specs and purchase options for the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF.
- Large Format Full-Frame 12K Sensor
- 16 Stops of Dynamic Range
- Blackmagic RAW up to 12K 3:2 Open Gate
- Stream via RTMP/SRT via Wi-Fi/RJ45/USB-C
- Built-In Clear, 2/4/6-Stop IRND Filters
- Built-In Folding 5″ 1500 cd/m² Monitor
- 12G-SDI Output, USB-C Expansion Ports
- Timecode/REF, LEMO/Fischer Control Ports
- 2 x Balanced 3-Pin XLR Audio Inputs
- Optional EVF
Blackmagic Design URSA Cine 12K Camera (PL Mount)
Capture the heart of your story with a true cinematic look and feel using the redesigned URSA Cine 12K Camera from Blackmagic Design. The new URSA Cine 12K sports a gorgeous new cinematic 12K full-frame 36 x 24mm sensor with an advertised 12 stops of dynamic range and Blackmagic raw capture up to 12K 3:2 open gate.
Author: Jourdan Aldredge
This article comes from No Film School and can be read on the original site.
