The Blackmagic URSA PL is a professional-grade digital cinema camera built for productions of every scale — from solo operators to full film crews. Powered by a Super 35 Global Shutter CMOS sensor delivering 3840 x 2160p UltraHD 4K resolution and 12 stops of dynamic range, this camera eliminates rolling-shutter artifacts while capturing stunning cinematic imagery with exceptional latitude for color grading in post.
Designed with a true department-based workflow in mind, the URSA PL records internally in 12-bit CinemaDNG RAW and Apple ProRes to dual CFast 2.0 card slots, outputs via 12G-SDI at 10-bit 4:2:2, and supports up to 120 fps in RAW and ProRes 444 — all housed in a machined aluminum body with an active cooling system built to handle the demands of professional production.
Key features
- Global Shutter Super 35 CMOS Sensor: Shoots 3840 x 2160p UltraHD 4K with zero rolling-shutter distortion or flash banding, ideal for fast-moving subjects and high-speed production environments.
- 12 Stops of Dynamic Range: Retains critical shadow and highlight detail in challenging lighting conditions, giving colorists maximum flexibility in DaVinci Resolve and other grading tools.
- Up to 120 fps in RAW and ProRes 444: Capture high-frame-rate slow-motion footage in the highest quality formats without sacrificing resolution or bit depth.
- Flexible On-Set Monitoring: A 10.1-inch 1080p flip-out LCD eliminates the need for an external monitor, while dual 5-inch capacitive touchscreens provide dedicated access to menus, timecode, and audio waveforms for camera assistants and operators alike.
- Professional Audio Integration: Dual XLR inputs with phantom power support high-quality microphones and professional audio equipment directly on-camera, removing the need for a separate audio recorder on smaller shoots.
- Dual CFast 2.0 Slots with Hot Swap: Swap cards seamlessly between the two slots for uninterrupted, continuous recording on long takes — never miss a moment on set.
Specifications
| Sensor | Super 35 Global Shutter CMOS |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160p (UltraHD 4K) |
| Dynamic Range | 12 Stops |
| Frame Rate | Up to 120 fps in RAW and ProRes 444 |
| Recording Formats | 12-bit CinemaDNG RAW, Apple ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 444 |
| Output | 12G-SDI, 10-bit 4:2:2 4K |
| Mount | Active PL Mount |
| Media | Dual CFast 2.0 Card Slots |
| Screen | 10.1-inch 1080p Flip-Out LCD + Dual 5-inch Capacitive Touchscreens |
| Audio | 2x XLR Inputs with Phantom Power |
Frequently asked questions
What recording formats does the Blackmagic URSA PL support?
The URSA PL records internally in 12-bit CinemaDNG RAW (losslessly compressed) and Apple ProRes 422 HQ, with support for ProRes 444 at up to 120 fps. Footage is written to dual CFast 2.0 card slots for continuous recording.
Does the Blackmagic URSA PL suffer from rolling shutter?
No. The URSA PL uses a Super 35 Global Shutter CMOS sensor, which completely eliminates the motion artifacts and flash banding associated with rolling shutter sensors — making it ideal for action, sports, and high-speed cinematography.
What lens mount does the Blackmagic URSA PL use, and what lenses are compatible?
The URSA PL features an active PL (Positive Lock) mount, the industry-standard mount for professional cinema lenses. The Super 35 sensor size is slightly larger than APS-C, so it accommodates most lenses designed to cover an APS-C or larger image circle, including high-end cinema primes and zooms.