While they've done a great job updating their other cameras, the Blackmagic URSA just got a huge firmware update that should make the camera that much more usable. Camera Update 1.9.9 includes a higher-compression shooting mode, which will mean much more recording time while still retaining quality, very similar to the way RED compresses their RAW (it's lossy, but at a low enough compression like 3:1, you're retaining most of the information you started with). You've also got a new variable frame rate mode, which means you have much more flexibility with fast and slow motion directly in the camera, even in RAW. 

Some of the other cameras got better stability with in-camera formatting, but otherwise this was a mostly URSA update:

  • Adds new compressed RAW 3:1 support: Recording time with RAW: 7 minutes on 128 GB CFast card, 14 minutes with RAW 3:1
  • Enable 80 fps support in 4K for ProRes and RAW 3:1
  • Enable variable frame rate feature so off-speed clips now playback in project frame rate
  • Enabled phantom power support
  • Added more frame guide options for the 10" display: 2.40:1, 2.39:1, 2:35:1, 1.85:1, 1.78:1, 4:3, Thirds
  • Enabled in-camera formatting for CFast 2.0 media
  • Scrollable Menus

I was told back in April that we would be getting higher frame rates in the URSA, and Blackmagic has come through on that. While 80fps isn't significantly higher, I would imagine they are going to try to squeeze everything they possibly can out of this current sensor. 

You can find links to the firmware update below.

Blackmagic Camera Utility 1.9.9 — Mac

Blackmagic Camera Utility 1.9.9 — Windows

Source: Blackmagic Support

ursaBlackmagic URSAfirmwarefirmwareupdate
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