URSA Mini Pro 4.6K Can Now Load Custom LUTs in Blackmagic RAW

Blackmagic Design has released the Camera 6.9.3 update for the URSA Mini Pro 4.6K camera. The update improves the flexibility of RAW recordings, adds 11 languages, and provides new customizable frame guides.

The firmware update affects the URSA Mini Pro 4.6K, G2, and URSA Broadcast cameras and adds support for Panasonic EVA1 Blackmagic RAW and Canon EOS C300 Mark II Blackmagic RAW clips captured by Blackmagic Video Assist, and improves upon the Blackmagic RAW Adobe Premiere Pro Plugin.

The update also gives the ability to embed custom 3D LUTs in Blackmagic RAW clips. The LUTs can be directly embedded as metadata in the BRAW file. The custom look will be displayed on the camera monitor and any external monitors, creating a streamlined workflow from production to post.

Embedded audio over SDI has been improved. The same for timecode sync over SDI. Jam sync timecode is maintained between power cycles. Shooters can also now choose between -18 or -20 dB audio alignment levels. Line level input signals can now be adjusted and Blackmagic Design says audio meters have improved ballistics.

The HFR button can now be disabled, which, when bumped accidentally, would change the frame rate between shots. The VRT and return buttons on Cine‑servo PL and B4 lenses can be remapped as well, being able to disable the HFR button to prevent accidentally changing the frame rate between shots.

The update adds 1/3 stop ISO increments to the ISO slider and adds new 2:1, 1:1, and 5:4 frame guides, as well as a custom frame guide option. The operating languages included English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean.

Blackmagic Camera 6.9.3

Add language localization support
Add slider and 1/3rd stop increments when adjusting ISO
Add common off-speed frame rate options above slider
Add ability to embed custom LUTs in Blackmagic RAW clips
Add sidetone level adjustment
Add improved ballistics and scaling of audio meters
Add choice of -18 or -20dB reference levels for audio meters
Add ability to remap the HFR button
Add ability to disable function and HFR buttons
Add ability to remap VTR and Ret buttons on B4 lenses
Add quick media switching from the heads up display
Add support for HDR metadata in SDI output
Add 'LUT' icon to status text overlays
Add 'PRE' icon to status text overlays for preset timecode
Add 2:1, 1:1 and 4:5 monitoring frame guides
Add customizable frame guides
Add ability to lock timecode to SDI Input
Retain jam synced timecode after power cycle
Improved jam sync timecode accuracy after playback
Improved stability when using external or program reference
Improved compatibility for embedded audio on SDI outputs
Improved accuracy of status text on SDI outputs
Improved ND filter status text
Improved auto exposure speed and performance
Improved media formatting user interface
Added support for Panasonic EVA1 Blackmagic RAW clips captured by Blackmagic Video Assist
Added support for Canon EOS C300 Mark II Blackmagic RAW clips captured by Blackmagic Video Assist
Blackmagic RAW Adobe Premiere Pro plugin general performance and stability improvements

Blackmagic Camera 6.9.3 update is available now as a free download from the support page.

Source: Blackmagic Design

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Understanding Film Gauge: From 8mm to 70mm

The No Film School guide to different film gauges—how, when, and why to use them.

In the modern age of digital cameras, it's easy to forget the beautiful edge shooting on film stock can add to your visuals. Many successful movies proudly shot on film were released this year, from indie darlings like Strange Darling to bigger budget fairs like Sean Baker's Anora, Luca Guadagnino's Challengers, and Jeff Nichol's The Bikeriders.

If you're a filmmaker, you already know shooting on film is cool—it's just a heck of a ton more expensive (in most cases) than the much less labor-intensive production styles that come with shooting on digital. No need to buy extra film stock or worry if you make a tiny mistake, you could compromise that stock. That being said, if you have the skill and budget to pull off a successful film shoot, the quality of your picture will more than certainly be worth the stress and money.

On top of shooting on film, there's also the question of projecting on film. Quentin Tarantino famously loves screening projects on film, owning two theaters in Los Angeles, The New Beverly and The Vista, that project films exclusively on film—The New Bev focuses on older restorations, while The Vista does double time with a film currently in theaters and fun midnight screenings and matinees.

It can be extremely daunting if you're interested in film in any capacity—shooting with little experience or even just curious to know more. What do all the different millimeters mean? It can be quite intimidating, so we're here to help. Below, you will find a quick brief of film gauges, as well as a breakdown of the most common formats—8mm, 16mm, 35mm, and 65mm.