Blackmagic partners with Apple to launch groundbreaking camera

Blackmagic Design has announced a partnership with Apple to develop the world’s first commercial camera system and editing software specifically for Apple Immersive Video on the Apple Vision Pro. This collaboration aims to provide filmmakers with the necessary tools to produce content in this innovative format, which incorporates 8K stereoscopic 3D video and Spatial Audio, creating a deeply immersive viewer experience.

The newly introduced Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera is at the heart of this development. It is the first commercial camera system engineered to capture Apple Immersive Video. The camera boasts a fixed custom stereoscopic 3D lens system with dual 8K image sensors, delivering 8160 x 7200 resolution per eye and 16 stops of dynamic range. This setup allows cinematographers to record highly detailed 3D video at 90 frames per second (fps) in a single file, positioning viewers right at the centre of the action.

Accompanying the camera system is an updated version of Blackmagic Design’s well-established DaVinci Resolve software. This update introduces new features specifically catered to Apple Immersive Video. Filmmakers will be able to edit footage captured on the URSA Cine Immersive camera, utilising an immersive video viewer that allows panning, tilting, and rolling of clips. The software also supports monitoring on the Apple Vision Pro and includes export presets for quick output, ensuring streamlined workflows from capture to post-production.

Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the first-ever commercial camera system and post-production software that supports Apple Immersive Video, giving professional filmmakers the tools to create remarkable stories with this powerful new format pioneered by Apple.”

Designed with high-end production demands in mind, the URSA Cine Immersive camera features a robust magnesium alloy chassis and a lightweight carbon fibre polycarbonate composite skin, making it easy for filmmakers to manoeuvre on set. The camera also includes 12G-SDI output, 10G Ethernet, USB-C, XLR audio connections, and more. The fold-out monitor boasts a large HDR touchscreen on one side and an external colour status LCD on the other. A dedicated assist station with a second 5-inch HDR touchscreen facilitates efficient crew collaboration without the need for external monitors.

In terms of power, the URSA Cine Immersive is equipped with an 8-pin Lemo connector compatible with 24V and 12V power supplies. It comes with a 250W power supply and a B-mount battery plate, offering flexibility in using various high-voltage batteries from manufacturers like IDX and Core SWX. Additionally, it includes antennas for high-speed Wi-Fi, a top handle, and accessories to ensure comprehensive utility on set.

The camera provides an integrated 8TB high-performance network storage system, capturing over two hours of Blackmagic RAW in 8K stereoscopic 3D. This capability allows editors to start working on footage in real-time from remote locations, as captured media can be synced to Blackmagic Cloud and DaVinci Resolve media bins instantaneously. The camera also supports creating small H.264 proxy files for faster cloud uploads, facilitating smooth collaborative workflows.

Blackmagic RAW Immersive files are designed to integrate seamlessly into the entire post-production process. They store vital metadata, lens data, white balance, digital slate information, and custom LUTs, ensuring consistency from on-set capture through final post-production. This new file format further illustrates Blackmagic Design’s commitment to enhancing filmmakers' creative capabilities with cutting-edge technology.

The updated DaVinci Resolve software will allow editors to monitor and edit immersive video on the Apple Vision Pro, featuring an immersive video viewer and options to bypass certain transitions rendered by the Apple Vision Pro. The software also supports exporting and delivering native files for direct viewing on the Apple Vision Pro.

The Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive and the latest version of DaVinci Resolve will be made available later this year through Blackmagic Design’s network of resellers worldwide.