Control Panels: Forward Control Panel, Ergonomic Control Panel,
Internal Control Panel
Touchscreen Controls: Upper Toolbar, Lower Toolbar with Looping
playback

Settings: Dashboard Record Settings, File Naming Convention,
Monitor Settings, Audio Settings, Setup Settings, Presets,
LUTS
Metadata: Entering Metadata, Gyro Stabilization

Streaming Video: Smartphone Setup Settings, ATEM Camera ID, XML
File Handling
Accessories: URSA Mini Shoulder Kit, Blackmagic URSA
Viewfinder, Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder, Blackmagic Zoom and
Focus Demands, Blackmagic Fiber Converters

Product Usage Instructions:

Getting Started:

To get started with your Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2
camera:

Attach a lens to the camera.

Power on the camera.
Set up and adjust servo zoom lenses if used.

Set the back focus on B4 lenses.

Storage Media:

The Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 camera supports various storage
media options:

CFast Cards: Insert a compatible CFast card for recording.
SD Cards: Use SD cards for recording.

USB-C Flash Disks and SSDs: Record to USB-C flash disks or SSDs
connected to the camera.

Before recording, ensure the media is properly prepared on the
camera, Mac, or Windows.

Recording:

To record clips with the Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2
camera:

Select the desired codec, resolution, and sensor area.

Choose Blackmagic RAW format for recording.
Select appropriate frame rates.

Trigger record on external equipment if necessary.
Refer to the record duration table for recording time
limits.

Playback:

To playback recorded clips:

Connect the camera outputs to compatible devices.

Use the touchscreen controls to navigate and control
playback.

URSA Broadcast G2 Connectors and Features:

The Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 camera has various connectors
and features:

Camera Front, Left Side, Right Side, Rear Panel, Top Panel, and
Underside connectors for different purposes.
Control panels include Forward Control Panel, Ergonomic Control
Panel, and Internal Control Panel.
Touchscreen controls with upper and lower toolbar options,
including looping playback.

Settings:

Configure the camera settings using the dashboard:

Record Settings
File Naming Convention
Monitor Settings
Audio Settings
Setup Settings
Presets
LUTS

Entering Metadata:

Add metadata to your recordings for better organization and
identification. Enable gyro stabilization for smoother footage.

Streaming Video:

Setup the camera for streaming video:

Configure smartphone settings.
Set the ATEM Camera ID.
Create, export, and load XML files for streaming.

Accessories:

Additional accessories for the Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2
camera:

URSA Mini Shoulder Kit
Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder
Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder

Blackmagic Zoom and Focus Demands
Blackmagic Fiber Converters

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: What storage media does the Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2
support?

A: The camera supports CFast Cards, SD Cards, USB-C flash disks,
and SSDs.

Q: Can I record in Blackmagic RAW format?

A: Yes, the camera allows recording in Blackmagic RAW
format.

Q: How do I connect the camera outputs for monitoring and
playback?

A: Connect the camera outputs to compatible devices using the
provided connectors.

Q: What are the different control panels available on the
camera?

A: The camera has Forward Control Panel, Ergonomic Control
Panel, and Internal Control Panel.

Q: How can I stream video using the Blackmagic URSA Broadcast
G2 camera?

A: Configure smartphone settings, set the ATEM Camera ID, and
handle XML files for streaming.

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June 2023
Installation and Operation Manual
Blackmagic
URSA Broadcast G2
Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2

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English
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2! Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 is an incredibly powerful camera designed for both traditional and online broadcasters. The camera’s versatile design allows it to work as a 4K production camera, a 4K studio camera or a 6K digital film camera! Built from strong, lightweight magnesium alloy, your Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 is perfectly balanced and comfortable to use all day with physical controls at your fingertips. This means you can change ND filters, shutter speed, white balance, ISO and more without looking away from the viewfinder. Your URSA Broadcast G2 is compatible with B4 broadcast lenses and records to common file types such as Blackmagic RAW and Apple ProRes, plus highly efficient 10-bit broadcast quality H.264 and H.265. Dual native gain provides fantastic low light performance and is optimized to reduce grain and noise at higher ISOs while maintaining the full dynamic range of the sensor! We hope you use your URSA Broadcast G2 to produce some of the world’s most exciting television programming, documentaries and live studio content. We are extremely excited to see what creative work you produce and would love your feedback on new features you would like to see us add to URSA!
Grant Petty CEO Blackmagic Design

Contents

Getting Started

Attaching a Lens

Powering your Camera

Using Servo Zoom Lenses

Setting the Back Focus on B4 Lenses 15

Storage Media

CFast Cards

SD Cards Recording to USB-C flash disks SSDs

20 22 23

Preparing Media for Recording

Preparing Media on Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2
Preparing Media on Mac
Preparing Media on Windows

25 27 28

Recording
Recording Clips
Choosing the Codec, Resolution and Sensor Area

29 29
30

Blackmagic RAW

Recording to Blackmagic RAW

Choosing Frame Rates

Triggering Record on External Equipment37

Record Duration Table

Playback

URSA Broadcast G2 Connectors and Features

Camera Front Left Side Left Side Controls

40 41 41

Right Side

Rear Panel Top Panel Underside

44 46 46

URSA Broadcast G2 Controls Forward Control Panel Ergonomic Control Panel

47 47 50

Internal Control Panel

Camera Video Outputs HD Monitoring Output

57 57

12G-SDI Output

Touchscreen Controls Upper Toolbar

59 59

Lower Toolbar Looping playback

76 82

Settings Dashboard Record Settings File Naming Convention Monitor Settings Audio Settings Setup Settings Presets LUTS

83 83 83 90 90 97 99 116 119

Entering Metadata Gyro Stabilization

122 127

Streaming Video

129

Smartphone Setup Settings Setting the ATEM Camera ID Creating the XML File Exporting the XML File Loading the XML File

130 130 131 131 131 132

URSA Mini Shoulder Kit

133

Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder Mounting and Connecting to Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 Adjusting the Eyepiece Button Features Menu Settings

136
136 137 137 138

Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder
Mounting and Connecting to Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2
Adjusting the Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder
Button Features
Menu Settings

142
143
145 148 150

Blackmagic Zoom and Focus Demands 155

Connecting and Attaching to your Camera

155

Using Blackmagic Focus Demand

157

Using Blackmagic Zoom Demand

158

Mounting Batteries
Mounting V-mount or Gold Mount Batteries
Using your own Battery Plate

159
159 161

Blackmagic Fiber Converters

163

Getting Started with Blackmagic Fiber Converters
About SMPTE Fiber
Connecting SMPTE Fiber

164 164 166

Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2

Why Connections on the Front?

170

Plugging in Camera SDI Plugging in Return SDI Outputs

171 171

Mounting Blackmagic Camera Fiber Converter

171

Attaching the URSA Studio Viewfinder 174

Plugging in a Talkback Headset

174

Operating the Camera Fiber Converter 175

Selecting a Return Feed

175

Using the Call Button

176

Using Talkback

176

Using Tally

177

Status Indicators

177

Audio Inputs IP Video

178 179

Power Specifications

179

Additional Camera Controls

180

Operating the Studio Fiber Converter 181

Using the Menu

182

Rack Mounting the Studio Unit

185

Camera Unit Connections

189

Camera Power Connection

189

PTZ Interface

189

Talkback Connection

190

Tracker Interface

191

DC Connection

191

D-Tap Output

192

Reference Output and Operation

192

Studio Unit Connections

193

12G-SDI Output

193

Return SDI Inputs

193

Reference Input and Output

194

Talkback Interface

194

PTZ Interface

195

Audio Outputs

196

Updating Internal Software

197

Updating Blackmagic Camera Fiber Converter

197

Updating Blackmagic Studio Fiber Converter

197

Interchangeable Lens Mount

198

Removing the B4 Mount

199

Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro EF Mount 199

Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro F Mount 201

Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro PL Mount 205

Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 B4 Mount

208

Shimming Lens Mounts

209

Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro Shim Kit Shimming mounts

209 210

URSA Mini Recorder
Mounting and connecting URSA Mini Recorder
Using URSA Mini Recorder
Updating URSA Mini Recorder’s internal software

211
212 214
215

Understanding Studio Camera Control 216

Using Camera Control

217

DaVinci Resolve Primary Color Corrector

222

Using DaVinci Resolve Project Manager Editing with the Cut Page Adding Clips to the Timeline Trimming Clips on the Timeline Audio Trim View Adding Titles Working with Blackmagic RAW Files Color Correcting your Clips with the Color Page Adding a Power Window Using Plugins Mixing Your Audio Adding VFX and Compositing on the Fusion Page Mastering Your Edit Quick Export The Deliver Page

226 226 227 230 231 231 232 233
237 240 242 243
248 257 257 258

Blackmagic Camera Setup Utility

259

Working with Third Party Software Working with Files from CFast 2.0 and SD cards Working with Files from SSDs Using Final Cut Pro X

260
261 261 262

Using Avid Media Composer 2018

263

Using Adobe Premiere Pro CC

263

Developer Information

265

Blackmagic Bluetooth Camera Control 265

Blackmagic SDI and Bluetooth Camera Control Protocol
Example Protocol Packets
Blackmagic Tally Control Protocol

267 275 276

Help

278

Regulatory Notices

279

Safety Information

280

Warranty

281

Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2

Getting Started
Getting started with your Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 is as simple as mounting a lens and powering your camera.
Attaching a Lens
Your URSA Broadcast G2 comes fitted with a B4 lens mount for HD and Ultra HD broadcast lenses. An additional EF mount is included so you can also use stills lenses, other compactzoom or EF cine lenses. For instructions on switching lens mount types, refer to the `Interchangeable lens mount’ section later in this manual.
URSA Broadcast G2’s B4 mount features optics specifically designed to work with your camera’s sensor to produce the same field of view and depth of field as traditional broadcast cameras with 2/3″ sensors. This means that if you already have a broadcast background, you can be comfortable mounting your existing B4 lenses to URSA Broadcast G2 and shoot confidently.
To remove the protective dust cap from the camera, rotate the outer locking ring counterclockwise and pull the dust cap away from the mount.
To attach a B4 mount lens:

Rotate the locking ring clockwise to secure the lens to the camera
1 Turn the B4 lens locking ring counterclockwise to reveal the alignment slot inside the top of the mount. Align the B4 lens to your URSA Broadcast G2’s B4 mount so the alignment pin on the lens matches the position of the alignment slot.
2 Hold the lens against the B4 mount so the mount plates are against each other and make sure the alignment pin is secured inside the alignment slot.
3 Turn the locking ring clockwise to tighten the lens against the mount and lock it into position.
4 To power the lens and provide lens control, simply plug the lens cable into the connector marked `Lens’ on the front of your URSA Broadcast G2’s turret. Most B4 lenses will have the 12 pin lens connector and cable built in. This will provide power and control signals from your URSA Broadcast G2 to the lens.

Getting Started

For information on the types of B4 lenses and how to use them with your camera, refer to the `Using Servo Zoom Lenses’ section in this manual.
NOTEWhen no lens is attached to the camera, the optical element of URSA Broadcast G2’s B4 mount is exposed to dust and other debris. Ensure that you keep the dust cap on whenever possible.
Many B4 lenses can be quite long due to their extreme zoom range. When using URSA Broadcast G2 with B4 lenses, your camera’s center of gravity will move forward. The URSA Mini shoulder pad included with your camera can be adjusted accordingly.

Center of gravity
When mounting URSA Broadcast G2 on the URSA Mini shoulder pad, it’s a good idea to mount the camera towards the rear of the shoulder pad base when using longer zoom lenses. This moves your camera rig’s center of gravity back over the middle of the pad, making it easier to balance on your shoulder and rest steadily when sitting on a desk or flat surface. Refer to the `URSA Mini Shoulder Kit’ section later in this manual for more information on fitting the shoulder pad.
Powering your Camera
Now that you’ve attached a lens, you will need to supply power. The quickest way to power your camera is to connect external power using the supplied AC to 12V DC adapter.
To plug in external power:
1 Connect the AC to 12V DC adapter plug to your mains power socket.
2 Connect the AC to 12V DC adapter’s 4 pin XLR connector to the 12-18V DC power connector on the camera.
If you have both external and battery power connected, only external power will be used. If you remove external power while a charged battery is connected, your camera will switch to battery power without interruption.

Getting Started

Use the supplied AC to 12V DC adapter to power your Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2
Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 comes fitted with an URSA VLock Battery Plate. This lets you use industry standard V mount batteries with your camera. Refer to the `mounting batteries’ section for more information about mounting different types of battery plates to support different batteries.
To turn on URSA Broadcast G2:
1 Move the power switch, located above the fold out LCD, to the `on’ position. 2 To turn the camera off, move the switch to the `off’ position. You are now ready to insert your media and start recording!

Move the power switch to `on’ to power your camera
URSA Broadcast G2 also features a redundant power switch, which allows the camera to be turned on and off by holding down the `rec’ and `forward skip’ buttons on the inside control panel. While you wouldn’t normally power your camera using this method, it is provided as a helpful alternative if the power switch along the top edge is obscured, for example when mounted on a custom rig.

Getting Started

If you need to, you can also hold down the record and forward skip buttons on the control panel behind the LCD to power your camera on or off
TIPIf your URSA Broadcast G2 is turned off when the power switch is set to `on’, your camera may have been powered down via Bluetooth® control or by holding down the record and forward skip control panel buttons. Simply toggle the power switch `off’ and `on,’ or hold down the relevant control panel buttons to power the camera on.
Using Servo Zoom Lenses
Your URSA Broadcast G2 natively supports servo driven B4 broadcast lenses. For information on fitting a B4 lens to your camera, refer to the `attaching a lens’ section at the start of this manual.
TIPWith the optional URSA Mini Pro PL mount fitted, your URSA Broadcast G2 is also compatible with servo driven PL cine lenses.
B4 broadcast lenses offer several features that aren’t typically present in still photography and cinema lenses. In addition to the ability to hold focus through a large zoom range, these lenses are distinguished by handgrip controls and servo driven iris and zoom functions. Some lenses also feature servo driven focus. With the lens connector fitted, iris and zoom can be controlled from the handgrip, from your camera or by using an optional Blackmagic Zoom Demand. You can even control your lens remotely via an ATEM switcher. Lenses which have a focus servo can accept auto focus commands from the camera, continuously track focus using an optional Blackmagic Focus Demand or receive focus commands from an ATEM switcher.

Using Servo Zoom Lenses

B4 Lenses with iris and zoom control include: Fujinon B4 lens models with HA, ZA, XA, UA and LA prefixes in their model name and RM in their suffix. For example, Fujinon XA20sxBRM. Canon B4 lens models with HJ, KJ and CJ prefixes and RSE or RSD in their suffix. For example Canon KJ20x8.2B IRSD.
B4 Lenses with full servo control for focus, iris and zoom include: Fujinon B4 lens models with HA, ZA and UA prefixes in their name and the letters RD or ZD in the suffix. For example, Fujinon HA22x7.8 BERD. Fujinon box lenses with XA and UA prefix in their name. Canon B4 lens models with HJ, KJ..ex and CJ prefixes in their name and the letters ASE or ASD in the suffix. For example, Canon HJ24ex7.5B IASE. Canon box lenses with XJ and UJ prefix in their name.
TIPBox lens models mentioned above support both zoom and focus servos. Please check with your lens supplier to confirm the servo motors are installed.
Your Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 is shipped ready to record to Blackmagic RAW Ultra HD. To confirm your record settings simply press the menu button to open the menu settings on the LCD. The first menu item is the `record’ tab and you can check your codec and resolution settings here. More information on how to use the menu settings is provided later in the manual.

Using Servo Zoom Lenses

The default Blackmagic RAW settings in the `record’ tab
Ultra HD is also the default resolution for both ProRes and H.265 codecs. If you’d like to shoot in HD that is also available in ProRes or H.264.
The record tab in the menu settings
TIPIf you notice any vignetting in your images when using a B4 lens check that your resolution is set to Ultra HD when set to Blackmagic RAW. If you are recording ProRes or H.264/5, adjusting your camera’s `sensor area’ to 4K will suit the optical area that the B4 mount covers. For more information, refer to the `record settings’ section later in the manual.

Using Servo Zoom Lenses

B4 lens controls
Iris
On the top of most B4 handgrips, you’ll find an `auto/manual’ or `A/M’ switch, and a `push auto’ or `iris’ switch. These control your lenses’ aperture ring.
Auto Set this switch to `auto’ or `a’ to adjust your lens aperture via your URSA Broadcast G2, Blackmagic Zoom Demand or an ATEM switcher. You can adjust lens aperture from URSA Broadcast G2 using the iris wheel, internal control panel buttons, touchscreen controls, or iris based auto exposure modes. See the `URSA Broadcast G2 controls’ and `touchscreen controls’ sections in this manual for more details. While in `auto’ mode, the aperture ring on your B4 lens cannot be moved manually.
Manual Set this switch to `manual’ or `m’ to adjust your lens aperture by turning the iris ring on the lens barrel. In this mode, your lens will not accept aperture commands from your URSA Broadcast G2 or ATEM switcher.

Push Auto/Iris Use this button to momentarily activate `auto’ aperture control while in `manual’ mode. This can be combined with iris controls on your camera or ATEM switcher to great effect.
For example, with your camera set to an iris based auto exposure mode and your lens aperture set to `manual,’ you can freely adjust your lens iris by using the aperture ring on the lens barrel, however tapping the `push auto’/`iris’ button will momentarily activate auto exposure, adjusting your iris for the current lighting conditions.
Alternatively, you can set an iris value using the controls on your URSA Broadcast G2’s LCD touchscreen. While in `manual’ mode, you are free to adjust lens aperture using the aperture ring on the lens barrel, but tapping the `push auto’/`iris’ button will return the lens to the preset value on your touchscreen.

Using Servo Zoom Lenses

Zoom
On the underside of most B4 handgrips, you’ll find a `zoom’ switch that can be set to `servo’ or `manual.’ This controls zoom behavior.
Servo Set this switch to `servo’ or `s’ to enable servo zoom control. In this mode, the rocker switch on your handset can be used to zoom your lens in and out, as well as any other zoom related controls, such as zoom speed and quickzoom. Your lens will also accept zoom commands from URSA Broadcast G2, Blackmagic Zoom Demand and ATEM switchers, so long as it is connected to the camera via the lens connector. In this mode, you typically can’t adjust your lens’s manual zoom ring.
TIPHandgrip zoom rockers are typically linked to zoom speed. Push the rocker down gently to zoom slowly, push down harder to zoom more rapidly.
Manual Set this switch to `manual’ or `m’ to disable servo control and adjust zoom using the zoom ring on your lens barrel. In this mode, your lens will not accept zoom commands from the handgrip, URSA Broadcast G2, or ATEM switchers.

Using Servo Zoom Lenses

Focus
Some B4 lenses also have focus servo controls. If this control is present on your lens, you’ll see a `focus’ switch on the underside of the handgrip with two settings, `servo’ and `manual.’
Servo Set this switch to `servo’ or `s’ to enable servo focus control. In this mode, your lens can accept focus commands from URSA Broadcast G2, Blackmagic Focus Demand or an ATEM switcher via the lens connector.
Manual Set this switch to `manual’ to use the focus ring on the lens barrel to control focus. B4 lenses tend to autofocus quite slowly, so using manual control is more common.
NOTEAnalog B4 lenses with servos are also supported although the camera will only power the zoom servo and support electronic iris control. Many of them are standard definition and may not have the standard 12 pin broadcast connector. If you are going to use an analog B4 lens, it’s important to make sure it is compatible with your camera first as some have limited feature sets. It is also worth testing them for their image circle coverage as some of them may reveal resolution and light fall off towards the edge of the frame.

Using Servo Zoom Lenses

Ret and VTR
On a B4 lens, the `vtr’ button toggles recording and the `ret’ button is for `program return’. For information on how you can configure the `vtr’ and `ret’ button as function buttons, see the `set function button’ section in `setup settings’ later in this manual.

The `ret’ and `vtr’ buttons on a B4 lens
Setting the Back Focus on B4 Lenses
One of the huge advantages of B4 lenses is that they are designed to be `parfocal’ which means they hold focus all the way through the zoom range. This means you can zoom in, get focus on an object and then when you zoom out it will remain in focus.

The back focus ring is typically located at the rear of the lens, close to the mount
Back focus is critical in ensuring that your HD or 4K B4 lenses retain focus right through the zoom range. When you first mount a B4 lens on your camera you should check that the back focus is correct. Back focus should also be checked when you swap lenses, and it’s a good idea to periodically check back focus at the start of major projects.

Using Servo Zoom Lenses

To check the back focus of a B4 lens:
1 Place a focus test chart, or a flat white item with good high contrast detail, approximately seventy feet, or as far away as possible, from the camera.
2 Set the iris on the lens wide open and compensate for exposure by using the built in NDs if you need to. You’ll want a shallow depth of field so you can exaggerate any focus issues.
3 Zoom into the chart and set focus.
4 Now zoom out. If you reach maximum wide and the focus remains sharp, then your back focus is correct and you don’t need to make any adjustments.
However, if you zoomed out and the chart drifted out of focus, the back focus is incorrect. Zoom all the way out and adjust the back focus ring on the rear of the lens close to the mount. The back focus ring typically has a twist knob used to loosen and tighten. Simply loosen the twist knob and rotate the ring until your chart is in focus.
5 Now zoom in and out slowly and check if your chart remains in focus all the way through the zoom.
6 Repeat steps 4 and 5, zooming in and out and making adjustments to the back focus ring. If your lens holds focus all the way through the zoom range your back focus is now set correctly.
Setting back focus on Fuji LA16x8 BRM lenses The process of setting back focus on a Fuji LA16x8 BRM lens is slightly different. Instead of an external back focus ring this lens sets back focus electronically using a button underneath the hand grip.
To set back focus on a Fuji LA16x8 BRM lens:
1 Place a focus test chart, or a flat white item with good high contrast detail, approximately seventy feet, or as far away as possible, from the camera.
2 Set the zoom switch underneath the lens handgrip to `servo’.
3 Locate the `F.f.’ button next to the zoom switch. Press and hold the `F.f.’ button for 5 seconds. The indicator LED on top of the zoom rocker will flash red.
4 The lens will automatically zoom in. Set focus using the focus ring. It’s important to note that if you have Blackmagic Focus Demand attached you will need to unplug it from your camera to adjust the physical focus ring or adjust the focus using the focus demand for this step and step 5.
5 Press the `F.f.’ button again and the lens will automatically zoom out. Set focus using the focus ring.
6 Press the `F.f.’ button to confirm the settings. The top indicator LED will flash red. The electronic back focus on your Fuji LA16x8 BRM lens is now set.
7 Now zoom in and out slowly and check if your chart remains in focus all the way through the zoom.
8 If your lens holds focus all the way through the zoom range your back focus is now set correctly. If you need to make further adjustments, repeat steps 3 to 6.
TIPAs temperature changes and wear over time can have subtle effects on the back focus, it’s worth regularly checking the back focus on B4 lenses to ensure it stays accurate.

Using Servo Zoom Lenses

Using Box Lenses
Large studio box lenses like Fujinon’s UA27x6.5 and UA125x8 and Canon’s UHD Digisuper series lenses can also be used with URSA Broadcast G2’s B4 mount. These types of box lenses allow horizontal and vertical image stabilization on studio style 27x lenses, as well as extreme zoom ranges with 80x and even 125x magnification which are incredible for broadcasting sports and outdoor events.
The large size of box lenses means that you will need to setup your camera correctly on a heavy duty tripod or pedestal, with adequate spacing. This is possible with URSA Mini Shoulder Kit, a VCT-14 plate and a box lens adapter.
Box lenses have a high power draw, and need to be powered separately. You can add additional power to the lens by using an URSA 12 volt power supply, or if you are using Blackmagic Camera Fiber Converter, you can run additional power from the 12 volt D-tap output on the side of the unit. Plug the lens connector from the lens support bracket into URSA Broadcast G2.

Add additional power to your box lens by plugging in a 4 pin XLR cable
Once additional power is connected, you can power up your camera and control the lens with your URSA Broadcast G2.

Using Servo Zoom Lenses

PL Servo Zoom Lenses
PL zoom lenses used for motion pictures can also be used with your URSA Broadcast G2. When using servo driven PL or EF lenses, the full 6K sensor area of URSA Broadcast G2 can be used to get the most out of these lenses. For more information on setting the sensor area on your URSA Broadcast G2, refer to the `record settings’ section later in this manual.
Super 35mm PL lenses with full servo control of focus, iris and zoom include:

Brand Fujinon Fujinon Fujinon Fujinon Fujinon Canon Canon Canon

Series Cabrio Cabrio Cabrio Cabrio Cabrio Cine-servo Cine-servo Cine-servo

Model ZK2.5×14-SAF ZK4.7×19-SAFB ZK12x25 with ESM-15A-SA ZK3.5×85-SAF XK6x20 CN7x17KAS S CN10x25 IAS S/P1 CN20x50

Range 14-35mm 19-90mm 25-300mm 85-300mm 20-120mm 17-120mm 25-250mm 50-1000mm

Max. Aperture T2.9 T2.9 T3.5-3.85 T2.9-T4 T3.5 T2.9-3.9 T2.95-3.95 T5-8.9

Focus and zoom controls can also be used to drive focus and zoom from the pan handles in a studio environment on all of the servo zoom lenses listed above.

Hybrid Compact Servo Zoom Lenses
Recently, a new category of lenses known as `compact-servo’ zoom lenses have been introduced. These have some of the functionality of B4 and PL servo zoom lenses but use an EF mount. The zoom rocker for these lenses can be powered through the lens mount from URSA Broadcast G2 and information such as lens name, iris, focus and zoom position values are all able to be read and recorded by URSA Broadcast G2’s lens metadata system.
Electronic control of the focus, iris and zoom is available with these lenses. When connected to a switcher, these can also be controlled remotely via ATEM Software Control. If you are operating in a live broadcast or studio environment, use of these lenses with Blackmagic Zoom and Focus Demands is possible provided the iris switch on the barrel of the lens is set to `A’, the focus switch is set to `AF’, and the zoom servo switch is set to `servo’.
Lenses in this range include: Canon CN-E 18-80mm T4.4 Compact-servo
Canon CN-E 70-200mm T4.4 Compact-servo

Using Servo Zoom Lenses

Storage Media
Your Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 uses standard SD cards, faster UHS-II SD cards or CFast 2.0 cards to record video. Using the rear USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×1 port, you can connect high speed flash disks or high capacity solid state drives. You can also record to SSDs using the optional Blackmagic URSA Mini Recorder. For more information on connecting URSA Mini Recorder to your camera, refer to the `URSA Mini Recorder’ section later in this manual.
Important Notes About Media Speeds
Write and read speeds published by recording media manufacturers are often based on peak speeds for small files such as still images, and may not accurately reflect write speeds for a continuous stream of high speed video. For reliable recording with your chosen frame rates, use only the cards recommended by Blackmagic Design.
CFast Cards
CFast 2.0 cards are capable of supporting very high data rates, so are perfect for recording HD and 4K video at high frame rates. Refer to the record duration table in the `recording’ section for details on the maximum frame rates that can be recorded in each format. It’s important to note that while CFast 2.0 cards are generally high speed cards, some cards have slower write speeds compared to read speeds, and maximum data rates can differ between models. For reliable recording with your chosen frame rates, use only the cards recommended by Blackmagic Design.
Inserting a CFast Card
To record using CFast cards you need to set your camera accordingly. To do this, set the storage media switch above the media slots to the `CFAST’ position.
To insert a CFast card. 1 Open the fold out monitor to access the CFast slots. 2 With the label of the CFast card facing towards the touchscreen, insert the card into the
CFast card slot until you feel it lock in place. The card should insert easily without the need for excessive force. Push the CFast card ejector button underneath the CFast card slot to eject the card. The storage information at the bottom of the LCD touchscreen will show the name and record time remaining of the detected CFast cards.

Storage Media

Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 has two CFast slots for continuous recording
TIPIf you have CFast cards inserted but can not access them on the camera, check you have CFast selected on the storage media selection switch located above the media slots.
Choosing a CFast 2.0 Card
When working with high data rate video it’s important to carefully check the CFast card you would like to use. This is because CFast 2.0 cards have different read and write speeds. For the most up to date information on supported CFast cards on Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2, please refer to the Blackmagic Design support center at https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/support/faq/59037.
SD Cards
In addition to CFast 2.0 cards, Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 can record on high speed UHS-I and UHS-II type SD cards. Using high end SDXC UHS-II cards, you can record ProRes HQ footage in Ultra HD or even 6K in Blackmagic RAW! With SD cards, you can use more affordable storage media when shooting compressed video formats in HD. SDXC and SDHC are a very common media storage format for consumer still and video cameras. If you’ve ever shot video using a DSLR, or use a Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera, Pocket Cinema Camera or Blackmagic Video Assist, you probably already have compatible SD cards to use. For projects that don’t require the highest resolution Blackmagic RAW files, or for when long recording durations are needed, using SD cards can be very economical. Lower capacity and lower speed SD cards can also be used for storing and loading LUTs and Presets.
Inserting an SD Card
To insert an SD Card. 1 Open the fold out monitor to access the SD card slots. These are the smaller slots located
between the CFast slots. 2 Set the storage media toggle switch above the slots to `SD’. 3 With the label on the SD card facing away from the touchscreen, insert the card until you
feel it lock into place. To remove an SD card, push the SD card in to eject it.

Storage Media

4 The storage indicator at the bottom of the LCD touchscreen will show the name and record time remaining of detected cards.

When recording to SD cards on URSA Broadcast G2 make sure the storage media selection switch is set to `SD’
Choosing a fast SD Card
If you are recording Ultra HD, then we recommend using the fastest high speed UHS-II type SD cards available. It’s important to use high speed UHS-II SD cards for Ultra HD and HD recording, or UHS-1 cards for HD recording. These cards are rated for fast data speeds and support larger storage sizes. Generally the faster the cards, the better.
Before using your cards, you will need to format them to either HFS+ or exFAT formats. You can format your media with the storage manager or your computer. For more information, see the `preparing media for recording’ section.
If you want to, you can format your cards using a Mac or Windows computer. When using your media on Mac, you can use HFS+ which is the Mac disk format. If you are using Windows then you should use exFAT format, which is the Windows disk format that Mac computers can also read.
For the most up to date information on supported SD cards on Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2, please refer to the Blackmagic Design support center at https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/support/faq/59037.
NOTEWhen filming high frame rate or Ultra HD footage on your URSA Broadcast G2, we recommend CFast 2.0 or SD UHS-II recording media, which are typically faster and available in higher storage capacities than SD UHS-I media.
Locking and Unlocking SD Cards
SD cards can be write protected, or `locked’, to prevent data from being overwritten.
When inserting an SD card, make sure the card is not write protected. Write protection is disabled by moving the plastic switch on the left side of the card to the position closest to the connectors. After recording, you can then write protect the card by sliding the switch back down to the bottom position.

Storage Media

Move the lock tab up or down to lock or unlock an SD card
Your URSA Broadcast G2 will let you know if you’ve inserted a locked SD card by displaying a `locked’ icon on the LCD touchscreen and storage menu. If the card is locked, you won’t be able to record video, capture stills, or export LUTs and presets until it is unlocked.

Your URSA Broadcast G2 will indicate when locked SD storage media is inserted
Recording to USB-C flash disks
Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 features two USB-C ports. The USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 port on the side near the CFast card slots is for software updates. The port on the rear panel near the SDI connectors is for recording to high speed SSDs and USB-C flash disks via USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×1. These fast, high capacity drives allow you to record video for longer periods, which can be important when filming events with long durations.
When a USB-C flash disk is connected to your camera, it occupies the third media slot in your camera’s operating system. Tapping the drive name in the storage menu sets it as the active drive. This means that recording, playback and storage management is exactly the same for USB-C flash disks as it is for CFast, SD cards and SSDs.
Once you have finished recording you can connect the same drive directly to your computer for editing and post production without having to copy media across.
To connect a USB-C flash disk: 1 Connect one end of a USB type-C cable to your USB-C flash disk.
2 On your URSA Broadcast G2, plug the USB-C cable into the USB-C port on the back panel below the SDI ports.
3 The USB-C flash disk will occupy the third media slot on your camera’s LCD touchscreen.

Storage Media

4 To switch recording to the USB-C flash disk, press and hold the drive name in the lower toolbar of your camera’s LCD display. The media bar will turn blue to indicate that the camera will now be recording to the USB-C flash disk. When recording the media bar will turn red.
Choosing a fast USB-C flash disk
USB-C flash disks are designed to offer fast, affordable storage for a wide range of devices and are readily available from a variety of consumer electronics outlets. It’s important to note that film making is only one part of the USB-C flash disk market, so choosing the best drive is vital to making sure you have enough speed to record Blackmagic RAW and Ultra HD footage. Many USB-C flash disks are designed for home computing and aren’t fast enough to record Ultra HD. For the most up to date list of recommended USB-C flash disks please go to https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/support/faq/59037. Use Blackmagic Disk Speed Test to accurately measure whether your USB-C flash disk will be able to handle high data rate video capture and playback. Blackmagic Disk Speed Test uses data to simulate the storage of video so you get results similar to what you’ll see when capturing video to a disk. During Blackmagic testing, we have found newer, larger models of USB-C flash disk and larger capacity USB-C flash disks are generally faster. Blackmagic Disk Speed Test is available from the Mac app store. Windows and Mac versions are also included in Blackmagic Desktop Video, which you can download from the `capture and playback’ section of the Blackmagic Design support center at www.blackmagicdesign.com/support.
SSDs
With the optional Blackmagic URSA Mini Recorder, URSA Broadcast G2 can record video directly to solid state drives, or `SSDs’. These fast, high capacity drives are readily available from a variety of consumer electronics outlets. URSA Mini Recorder features a USB-C port enabling high speeds to work with standard 2.5″ SATA SSDs as well as 7mm U.2 SSDs. M.2 solid state drives will work when using an M.2 to U.2 adapter. To reach the proper speeds available, a certified USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable is required. The supplied USB-C cable features locking connectors at each end to maintain a secure connection during use.
NOTESee the section `Blackmagic URSA Mini Recorder’ in this manual for information on installing Blackmagic URSA Mini Recorder.
Inserting an SSD
To insert an SSD: 1 Hold your SSD with the connection pins facing towards the front of your camera. 2 Open the spring loaded cover on Blackmagic URSA Mini Recorder and gently insert the
SSD into the slot.
TIPBlackmagic URSA Mini Recorder has a pressure plate to keep different sized SSDs in place, so there’s no need to use spacers to fit your drive.

Storage Media

3 Once your SSD is all the way into the slot gently push it home until you feel it register, then lower URSA Mini Recorder’s cover.
4 The SSD will occupy the third media slot on your camera.
5 To switch recording to the SSD, press and hold the drive name in the lower toolbar of your camera’s LCD display. The media bar will turn blue to indicate that the camera will now be recording to the SSD. When recording the media bar will turn red.
To remove an SSD: Open URSA Mini Recorder’s cover and gently grasp the drive between your thumb and forefinger. There’s a small recess in the top of the bay to let you get a grip on the drive. Simply pull the drive out and close the cover.
Choosing a fast SSD for URSA Mini Recorder
SSDs are designed to offer fast, affordable storage for a wide range of devices. It’s important to note that film making is only one part of the SSD market, so choosing the right drive is vital to ensuring that you have enough bandwidth to record Blackmagic RAW or Ultra HD footage. Many SSDs are designed for home computing and aren’t fast enough to record Ultra HD video.
We highly recommend using only the SSDs from our recommended list, which have been tested with Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 to ensure support for continuous filming at the specified resolutions. For the most up to date list of recommended SSDs please go to https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/support/faq/59031.
Important Notes About SSD Speed
Some models of SSD can’t save video data at the speed the manufacturer claims. This is due to the disk using hidden data compression to attain higher write speeds. This data compression can only save data at the manufacturer’s claimed speed when storing data such as blank data or simple files. Video data includes video noise and pixels which are more random so compression will not help, therefore revealing the true speed of the disk.
Some SSDs can have up to 50% lower write speed than the manufacturer’s claimed speed. Even though the disk specifications claim an SSD has speeds fast enough to handle video, in reality the disk isn’t fast enough when used to store video data for real time capture.
Use Blackmagic Disk Speed Test to accurately measure whether your SSD will be able to handle high data rate video capture and playback. Blackmagic Disk Speed Test uses data to simulate the storage of video so you get results similar to what you’ll see when capturing video to a disk. During Blackmagic’s rigorous testing, we have found newer, larger models of SSD and larger capacity SSDs are generally faster.

Storage Media

Preparing Media for Recording
You can format your recording media using Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2’s storage manager, or via a Mac or Windows computer. We recommend formatting storage media using URSA Broadcast G2 for best performance. HFS+ is also known as OS X Extended and is the recommended format as it supports `journaling’. Data on journaled media is more likely to be recovered in the rare event that your media becomes corrupted. HFS+ is natively supported by Mac OS. ExFAT is supported natively by Mac and Windows without needing to purchase any additional software. However, exFAT does not support journaling.
NOTEBefore formatting your media, it’s important to make sure the media storage switch has been set correctly to either SD card or CFast card. Always check the settings carefully before formatting.
Preparing Media on Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2
1 Tap any storage indicator at the bottom of the LCD touchscreen to enter the storage manager.
2 Tap a format button at the bottom of the touchscreen to format the card in slot 1 or 2, respectively. If you have a USB-C flash disk or SSD connected to the rear USB-C port of your URSA Broadcast G2, tap the `Drive List’ button. Then select the drive you want to format and tap `Format Drive’.

Use your URSA Broadcast G2’s storage manager to format your camera’s storage media
3 If you want to change the reel number, tap on the pencil icon to open the keyboard. Type the new reel number and tap `update’.
4 Choose OS X Extended or exFAT format and tap the `format’ button.

Storage Media

Tap the pencil icon to manually edit the reel number
5 You will be asked to confirm your selection. Tap the format button again to continue or `cancel’ to cancel the format.

Check that you have selected the correct card before formatting
6 You will be prompted to press and hold the `format’ button for 3 seconds. The camera will notify you once formatting is complete.

When formatting is complete your card is ready to use
7 Tap `ok’ to return to the storage manager. 8 Tap `exit’ to leave the storage manager.

Storage Media

When formatting recording media using the storage manager, your URSA Broadcast G2 will use the Camera ID from the slate and reel number to name the card. Your camera automatically increments reel numbers each time you format. If you need to manually enter a specific reel number, tap the `pencil icon’ and enter the number you want to format the card as.
When you start a new project, reel numbering will reset to 1 when you tap on `reset data’ in the `project’ tab of the slate.
It’s worth mentioning that if your camera’s media storage switch is set to SD or CFast, only the selected card type will be formatted when you tap `format card’. For information on switching between CFast and SD storage see the `SD Cards’ section earlier in this manual.

The storage manager on your URSA Broadcast G2 will indicate whether you are currently managing CFast, SD, USB or SSD media
TIPIf your URSA Broadcast G2 is set to record to SD cards and you have inserted a locked card, you will be unable to format that card. A padlock icon will appear next to the card’s name in the storage manager. Simply unlock the card to format and record. For more information on locking SD cards, see the `SD cards’ section of this manual.
Preparing Media on Mac
The Disk Utility application included with Mac can format your CFast card, SD card, or SSD in the HFS+ or exFAT formats. Make sure you back up anything important from your media as all data will be lost when it is formatted. 1 Connect the storage media to your computer using a card reader, dock or adapter,
and dismiss any message offering to use your media for Time Machine backups. 2 Go to applications/utilities and launch Disk Utility. 3 Click on the disk icon for your camera’s storage media and then click the `erase’ tab. 4 Set the `format’ to `Mac OS extended (journaled)’ or `exFAT’. 5 Type a `name’ for the new volume and then click `erase’. Your camera’s storage media
will quickly be formatted and made ready for use.

Storage Media

Use Disk Utility on Mac OS to erase your CFast card in the Mac OS extended (journaled) or exFAT format
Preparing Media on Windows
The `format’ dialog box can format a drive in the exFAT format on a Windows PC. Remember to back up anything important from your media as all data will be lost when it is formatted. 1 Connect your camera’s storage media to your computer using an external reader/writer
or SSD dock or adapter. 2 Open the `start’ menu or `start’ screen and choose `computer’. Right click on your
camera’s storage media. 3 From the contextual menu, choose `format’. 4 Set the file system to `exFAT’ and the allocation unit size to 128 kilobytes. 5 Type a volume label, select `quick format’ and click `start’. 6 Your storage media will quickly be formatted and made ready for use.

Use the `format’ dialog box feature in Windows to format your CFast, SD card or SSD in the exFAT format

Storage Media

NOTEIf your recordings are dropping frames, check that your card is on our list of recommended media for the codec and frame size you are using. For lower data rates try lowering your frame rate, resolution, or try a compressed codec such as ProRes. Check the Blackmagic Design website for the latest information at www.blackmagicdesign.com
Recording
Recording Clips
B4 broadcast lenses typically have a record button positioned on the lens handle where your thumb would be when shooting from the shoulder. Simply press the record button on the handle to start recording. Press again to stop recording.
Your camera has record buttons built into the camera itself. A record button is located on the inside control panel, and on the forward control panel for convenient access when shooting from the shoulder.
Triggering Record from External Sources
Using the `Blackmagic Camera Control’ app you can trigger recording remotely and adjust various camera settings via Bluetooth from your iPad. For more information on setting up and using the `Blackmagic Camera Control’ app refer to the `Bluetooth’ section later in this manual. If you are using an iPhone or Android smart phone there are also third party apps available that let you trigger recording on your URSA Broadcast G2 via Bluetooth.
If you are using an optional Blackmagic Zoom Demand with your URSA Broadcast G2, you can trigger record using the function button. The function button on Blackmagic Zoom Demand sits under your thumb like the VTR button on a B4 lens. For more information on Blackmagic Zoom Demand, refer to the `using Blackmagic Zoom Demand’ section later in this manual.
When your Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 is connected to an ATEM Mini Pro or Extreme model switcher via a Blackmagic Micro Converter BiDirectional SDI/HDMI 3G, you can trigger recording from the ATEM switcher.
For example, the `record stream’ palette in ATEM Software Control has a checkbox labeled `record in all cameras’. When this checkbox is enabled and you click or press record, all connected cameras will start recording as well. This means you only have to click or press one button to start recording on all cameras simultaneously. Refer to the ATEM Mini manual for more information.
Another option for starting and stopping record is to attach an external LANC controller to your URSA Broadcast G2’s LANC input and trigger the record externally. For example, you may want to attach a LANC controller to your tripod so you can trigger the recording without taking your hands off the focus ring and tripod handle.
You can also trigger record on one or more URSA Broadcast G2 cameras using a Blackmagic 3G-SDI Shield for Arduino and the Blackmagic SDI Camera Control protocol. For more information, see the `Developer Information’ section of this manual or visit www.blackmagicdesign.com/developer and download the manual for Blackmagic 3G-SDI Shield for Arduino.

Recording

You can create your own hardware controller and plug it into your Blackmagic 3G-SDI Shield for Arduino for more interactive and refined control.
NOTEIf you toggle the `storage media selection’ switch mid-recording, the camera will complete the current recording before switching to the other type of media. This ensures that you can not damage your recording if the switch is adjusted during a take.
Choosing the Codec, Resolution and Sensor Area
Your Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 can record using Blackmagic RAW with either a constant quality or constant bitrate setting. You can also use Apple ProRes, H.264 or H.265 compressed video codecs for recording in Ultra HD and HD resolutions. Sensor frame rate options will vary depending on the codec and resolution you choose.
Blackmagic RAW lets you use either a constant quality or constant bitrate compression. Blackmagic RAW 8:1, 12:1, Q3 or Q5 compression is recommended for ENG style shooting as its high compression offers long recording times with minimal visual reduction of image quality. For shots that contain a large amount of fine detail you can choose Blackmagic RAW 3:1 or Q0 for the highest level of image quality.
It’s worth noting that clips recorded using Blackmagic RAW are compatible with DaVinci Resolve, Blackmagic RAW Player and other applications that support Blackmagic RAW SDK. Blackmagic RAW has already been adopted by many post production platforms. It may not be supported natively in all editing software but most work with the plugins provided in our Camera Update and Blackmagic RAW installer. For more information, see the `Working with Third Party Software’ section.

Recording

Blackmagic RAW
Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 supports the new Blackmagic RAW file format. This format offers superior image quality, wide dynamic range and a broad selection of compression ratios. Blackmagic RAW features all the user benefits of RAW recording, but the files are very fast because most of the processing is performed in the camera where it can be hardware accelerated by the camera itself.
Blackmagic RAW also includes powerful metadata support so the software reading the files knows your camera settings. If you like shooting in video gamma because you need to turn around edits quickly and you don’t have time for color correction, then this metadata feature means you can select video gamma, shoot in video gamma, and the file will display with video gamma applied when you open it in software. However underneath, the file is actually film gamma and the metadata in the file is what’s telling the software to apply the video gamma.
So what all this means is if you want to color grade your images at some point, then you have all that film dynamic range preserved in the file. You don’t have your images hard clipped in the whites or the blacks, so you retain detail and you can color grade to make all your images look cinematic. However, if you don’t have time for color grading, that’s fine because your images will have the video gamma applied and look like normal video camera images. You are not locked in on the shoot and you can change your mind later during post production.
Blackmagic RAW files are extremely fast and the codec is optimized for your computer’s CPU and GPU. This means it has fast smooth playback and eliminates the need for hardware decoder boards, which is important for laptop use. Software that reads Blackmagic RAW also gets the advantage of processing via Apple Metal, Nvidia CUDA and OpenCL.
This means that Blackmagic RAW plays back at normal speed like a video file on most computers, without needing to cache it first or lower the resolution.
It’s also worth mentioning that lens information is recorded in the metadata on a frame by frame basis. For example, when using compatible lenses, any zoom or focus changes performed over the length of a clip will be saved, frame by frame, to the metadata in the Blackmagic RAW file.
Recording to Blackmagic RAW
Blackmagic RAW works in two different ways. You have a choice to use either the constant bitrate codec, or the constant quality codec.
The constant bitrate codec works in a similar way to most codecs. It tries to keep the data rate at a consistent level and won’t let the data rate go too high. This means even if you are shooting a complex image that might need a bit more data to store the image, a constant bitrate codec will just compress the image harder to make sure the images fit within the space allocated.
This can be fine for video codecs, however when shooting RAW you really want to ensure the quality is predictable. What would happen if the images you were shooting needed more data, but the codec just compresses harder to make a specified data rate? It’s possible you could lose quality, but not be sure it’s happening until you return from a shoot.
To solve this problem, Blackmagic RAW also has an alternative codec choice called constant quality. This codec is technically called a variable bitrate codec, but what it’s really doing is allowing the size of the file to grow if your images need extra data. There is no upper limit on the file size if you need to encode an image but maintain quality.
So Blackmagic RAW set to the constant quality setting will just let the file grow as big as it needs to be to encode your images. It also means the files could be larger or smaller depending on what you are shooting. I guess if you leave your lens cap on the lens, you won’t waste space on your media!

Recording

It is also worth noting that the quality settings for Blackmagic RAW are not obscure names, but are more meaningful as they are derived from what’s happening technically. So for example when you have selected the constant bitrate codec, you will see quality settings of 3:1, 5:1, 8:1 and 12:1. These are the ratios of the uncompressed RAW file size vs the file sizes you should expect when shooting in Blackmagic RAW. 3:1 is better quality as the file is larger, while 12:1 is the smallest file size with the lowest quality. Many users of Blackmagic RAW find that 12:1 has been perfectly ok and they have not seen any quality limitations. However it’s best to experiment and try various settings for yourself.
When using Blackmagic RAW in constant quality you will see the settings are Q0, Q1, Q3 and Q5. These are the compression parameters passed to the codec and they are setting how much compression is applied in a more technical way. This setting is different because the codec operates differently between constant bitrate vs constant quality. In this constant quality setting, you really cannot tell what the file size ratio will become as it varies a lot based on what you are shooting. So in this case the setting is different and the file will become the size needed to store your media.
Constant Bitrate Settings
The names for 3:1, 5:1, 8:1 and 12:1 represent the compression ratio. For example, 12:1 compression produces a file size roughly 12 times smaller than uncompressed RAW.
Constant Quality Settings
Q0, Q1, Q3 and Q5 refer to different levels of quantization. Q5 has a greater level of quantization but offers a greatly improved data rate. As mentioned above, the constant quality setting can result in files that grow and shrink quite a lot, depending on what you are shooting. This also means it’s possible to shoot something and see the file size increase to beyond what your media card can keep up with. It could result in dropped frames. However the benefit is that you can instantly see if this happens on a shoot and then investigate your settings vs quality.
Blackmagic RAW Player
The Blackmagic RAW player included in your Blackmagic camera’s software installer is a streamlined application for reviewing clips. Simply double click on a Blackmagic RAW file to open it, and you can quickly play and scroll through the file with its full resolution and bit depth.
When decoding frames, the CPU acceleration in the SDK library supports all main architectures, and also supports GPU acceleration via Apple Metal, Nvidia CUDA and OpenCL. It also works with the Blackmagic eGPU for extra performance. Blackmagic RAW player is available for Mac, Windows and Linux.
Sidecar Files
Blackmagic RAW sidecar files let you override metadata in a file without overwriting embedded metadata in the original file. This metadata includes the RAW settings as well as information on iris, focus, focal length, while balance, tint, color space, project name, take number and more. Metadata is encoded frame by frame over the duration of the clip, which is important for lens data if the lens is adjusted during a shot. You can add or edit metadata in sidecar files with DaVinci Resolve or even a text editor because it’s a human readable format.
Sidecar files can be used to automatically add new RAW settings to a playback simply by moving the sidecar file into the same folder as the corresponding RAW file. If you move the sidecar file out of the folder and reopen the Blackmagic RAW file, the RAW settings are not applied and you see the file as it was originally shot. Any software that uses the Blackmagic RAW SDK can access these settings. Changes made are saved in the sidecar file and can then be seen by Blackmagic RAW Player or any other software capable of reading Blackmagic RAW files.

Recording

When shooting video gamma, the file stays in film gamma, and the metadata tells the Blackmagic RAW processing to display using video gamma. Video gamma is great when you don’t want to grade the image and want to deliver content quickly, however if you want to pull up the black parts of the image, or pull down the white areas, all the detail is retained. You never clip the video and all the detail is still there if you want to access it at any time.
Blackmagic RAW in DaVinci Resolve
Settings can be adjusted for each Blackmagic RAW file, and then saved as a new sidecar file from the RAW tab in DaVinci Resolve for creative effect or optimized viewing. This also means you can copy your media for another DaVinci Resolve artist and they will have access to your modified gamma settings automatically on import. In addition to the other metadata your camera files contain, DaVinci Resolve can read your selected dynamic range, so your clips will automatically display in DaVinci Resolve with `film’, `extended video’ or `video’ dynamic range.
You can then customize these settings by adjusting the saturation, contrast and midpoint, as well as the highlight and shadow rolloff. Any adjustments can then be saved as a sidecar file, so the changes can be seen by anyone else working with the files in post. You can always return to the original camera metadata at any time.
You can also export a single Blackmagic RAW frame from the RAW tab in DaVinci Resolve, which contains all adjustments, metadata, full resolution and color information so it is easy to share a single frame grab or reference file with others.
For more information on how to use Blackmagic RAW in DaVinci Resolve, see the `Using DaVinci Resolve’ chapter in this manual.
Blackmagic RAW Software Development Kit
The Blackmagic RAW Software Development Kit is an API developed by Blackmagic Design. You can use the Blackmagic RAW SDK to write your own applications to use the Blackmagic RAW format. This SDK library can be used by any developer to add support for reading, editing, and saving Blackmagic RAW files. The Blackmagic RAW SDK includes all the generation 4 and generation 5 color science so you can achieve organic cinematic images across any app that supports it. The Blackmagic RAW SDK supports Mac, Windows and Linux, and is available as a free download from the developer page of the Blackmagic website at www.blackmagicdesign.com/developer
The following diagram illustrates the components of the Blackmagic RAW API:

Recording

Choosing Frame Rates
Your camera is able to shoot video using many different frame rates and you may be wondering which is the best one to use. Your camera’s sensor frame rate can also have a big impact on the `look’ of footage. Generally, when selecting a sensor frame rate, there are some common items to consider. For many years, there have been presentation standards for film and television. These have set frame rates that differ between countries, but all share the same purpose; to display an efficient number of frames every second that portrays pleasing and convincing motion.
Cinema, for example, uses a standard 24 frames per second and while there have been recent experiments with faster frame rates, 24 frames per second remains widely accepted for international audiences. Television frame rates have generally conformed to technical broadcast standards for each country. For example, if you were making television content you would typically record using 29.97 frames per second for North American distribution, and 25 frames per second for Europe.
However, as technology has improved, today we have more choices and broadcast standards are changing. It is now common for sporting events to be recorded and broadcasted at higher frame rates. For example, some sporting events are recorded and broadcasted at up to 59.94 frames per second in North America, and 50 frames per second in Europe. This provides smoother motion on fast action and appears more lifelike. Alternatively, streaming and online broadcasters normally use frame rates similar to television, however there is more freedom to experiment due to user selectable viewing formats, and being limited only to what the audience’s screens are capable of displaying.
Generally, when choosing a frame rate for a project, let your delivery format guide your choice. This means your clips will play back at the same speed the event happened in real life. To achieve this, you will need to turn off the `off speed’ option on your camera.
If you are looking to create an interesting effect, for example slow motion, then you can set the sensor frame rate to a higher setting. The higher the sensor frame rate compared to the project frame rate, the slower the playback speed.
For more information on using off speed sensor frame rates to achieve creative effects, refer to the `touchscreen controls’ section.
Shooting at High Frame Rates
When shooting at high frame rates, your camera captures an increased number of frames per second when compared with the traditional sync speed frame rates of 24, 25 and 30 frames per second. This means that the image sensor has less time to collect light for each frame it captures and the resulting image from your camera will be darker.
So for example, if you switch from 25 to 50 frames per second, the amount of light reaching the sensor will be halved. To maintain your exposure you need to compensate for this change by opening up your lens an extra stop, by opening up your shutter angle from 180º to 360º or by adding some extra lighting to the scene that you are shooting.
When shooting at 60 frames per second you have 2.5 times less light than 24 frames per second so you may need to adjust multiple things such as lens aperture, shutter angle and lighting to achieve the same level of exposure.
Another thing to be mindful of when shooting at higher frame rates, is the fact that electronic light sources can add flicker to your recorded image. Artificial light sources such as tungsten, fluorescent and LED may introduce some flicker to your images. You may not see these flicker issues when previewing the scene on your LCD and SDI feed or while recording, so it’s important to perform a test shoot with the lights you plan to use and to play the clip back to check for flicker.

Recording

Your shutter setting can also affect the visibility of flicker when shooting under lights, so your URSA Broadcast G2 can automatically calculate and display flicker free shutter options for your current frame rate. Note that the characteristics of individual light sources may still cause flicker even when using flicker free values. For more information, refer to the `touchscreen controls’ section.
If you have opened up your shutter to the slowest shutter speed or widest shutter angle possible and are still seeing flicker in recorded footage, you may need to consider using different light sources for your scene or look into using a faster lens.
Maximum Sensor Frame Rates and Data Rates
The table below contains available codecs and resolutions with their maximum sensor frame rates and data rates. It should be noted that the references to Blackmagic RAW, ProRes 444 and ProRes 422 are references to all of the supported variants within each particular codec.
Because of the data rates required for recording high resolutions in slow motion you will need to choose a fast CFast card, USB-C flash disk or SSD. Refer to the `storage media’ section for more information.

TIPYou can test the speed your card can sustain by switching on the `stop recording’ option from the `if card drops frame’ settings menu and recording a test clip. This will allow you to test how long you can shoot at a particular frame rate in any given resolution. If the card stops recording too quickly, moving to the next available compression setting or resolution will lower the data rate and make it easier for the card to maintain.

Maximum Frame Rates for URSA Broadcast G2

Ultra HD

Resolution 3840×2160 3840×2160 3840×2160 3840×2160 3840×2160 3840×2160 3840×2160 3840×2160 3840×2160 3840×2160 3840×2160 3840×2160 3840×2160 3840×2160

Codec Blackmagic RAW 3:1 Blackmagic RAW 5:1 Blackmagic RAW 8:1 Blackmagic RAW 12:1 Blackmagic RAW Q0 Blackmagic RAW Q1 Blackmagic RAW Q3 Blackmagic RAW Q5 ProRes HQ ProRes 422 H.265 SDI H.265 High H.265 Medium H.265 Low

Max Frame Rate 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60

Max Data Rate 254 MB/s 152 MB/s 96 MB/s 64 MB/s 48.7 – 96.8 MB/s 32.6 – 77.6 MB/s 21.9 – 55.6 MB/s 13.4 – 32.6 MB/s 220 MB/s 148 MB/s 24.6 MB/s 21.6 MB/s 15.6 MB/s 6.4 MB/s

Recording

Resolution 1920×1080 1920×1080 1920×1080 1920×1080 1920×1080 1920×1080 1920×1080 HD 1920×1080 1920×1080 1920×1080 1920×1080 1920×1080 1920×1080 1920×1080

Max Frame Rate 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 120 120 60 60 60 60

Max Data Rate 161.4 MB/s 97.2 MB/s 61.1 MB/s 41 MB/s 121.2 – 241.6 MB/s 81.8 – 193.4 MB/s 54.4 – 138.4 MB/s 33 – 81.1 MB/s 110 MB/s 74 MB/s 14 MB/s 11.2 MB/s 6.4 MB/s 3.6 MB/s

It’s important to note that Blackmagic RAW Q0, Q1, Q3 and Q5 use variable bit rate compression to achieve constant quality. Q0, Q1, Q3 and Q5 data rates depend on the complexity of the image subject matter and can vary considerably throughout a clip. To select your desired codec and resolution: 1 Press the `menu’ button on the control panel. 2 Navigate to the first page of the `record’ tab. 3 Tap your desired combination of codec, quality, and resolution. 4 Press `menu’ to exit.
Recording Formats and Project Frame Rates
After setting your codec and resolution, you should set your `project’ and `sensor’ frame rates. Refer to the `recording’ section in this manual for more information about frame rates. The project frame rates available are: 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, and 60 frames per second. When using Blackmagic RAW and ProRes codecs up to ProRes 422 HQ, the maximum project frame rate is 60 frames per second at all resolutions.

Recording

Triggering Record on External Equipment
Your URSA Broadcast G2 automatically sends a signal via the SDI outputs that will trigger recording when connected to equipment that supports the SDI trigger record feature, such as Blackmagic Video Assist. This means when you press record on your camera, your external SDI equipment will also start recording, and will stop recording when you press record again.
You will also need to set your equipment to enable SDI trigger recording to make sure it responds to the trigger signal from your URSA Broadcast G2. If your SDI equipment supports SDI trigger recording, it can usually be enabled using your SDI equipment’s settings menu.

You can trigger recording on other SDI video equipment, for example Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR, using the trigger record feature on your camera
Record Duration Table
Tables are provided showing approximate record duration in minutes and seconds compared to format, project frame rate and media size. The maximum recording duration for your storage media depends on its capacity, the recording format and the frame rate. For example, the storage rate for Apple ProRes 422 HQ at 3840 x 2160 is approximately 880 Mbps. At 24 frames per second, you can record approximately 47 minutes of video on a 256GB CFast 2.0 or SD card. At the same settings you can record approximately 23 minutes of video on a 128GB CFast 2.0 or SD card, which is approximately half the record duration of the 256GB card.
It should be noted that record duration on CFast 2.0 and SD cards can also vary slightly between cards from different manufacturers. It can also vary depending on whether the storage media is formatted as ExFat or Mac OS Extended.
Simple scenes containing less detail tend to require less data than more dense compositions. The values in these tables assume shots with a high complexity, which means you may get slightly longer record times depending on the nature of your shoot.

Recording

CFast Card
256GB

Frame Rate
23.98 24 25 30 50 60

ProRes 422 HQ Duration 189 mins 189 mins 182 mins 152 mins 91 mins 76 mins

ProRes 422 Duration 283 mins 283 mins 271 mins 227 mins 137 mins 114 mins

H.264 SDI Duration 635 mins 635 mins 602 mins 496 mins 371 mins 331 mins

H.264 High Duration 782 mins 782 mins 748 mins 612 mins 462 mins 411 mins

H.264 Medium Duration 1395 mins 1395 mins 1339 mins 1118 mins 841 mins 716 mins

H.264 Low Duration 2456 mins 2456 mins 2321 mins 2079 mins 1852 mins 1520 mins

CFast Card
256GB

Frame Rate
23.98 24 25 30 50 60

ULTRA HD

Blackmagic Blackmagic Blackmagic Blackmagic

RAW 3:1

RAW 5:1

RAW 8:1

RAW 12:1

Duration

41 mins

68 mins

110 mins

164 mins

41 mins

68 mins

109 mins

164 mins

39 mins

66 mins

105 mins

157 mins

33 mins

55 mins

88 mins

131 mins

19 mins

33 mins

52 mins

79 mins

16 mins

27 mins

44 mins

66 mins

CFast Card
256GB

Frame Rate
23.98 24 25 30 50 60

ProRes 422 HQ Duration 47 mins 47 mins 45 mins 38 mins 22 mins 18 mins

ULTRA HD

ProRes 422 Duration 71 mins 71 mins 68 mins 57 mins 34 mins 28 mins

H.265 SDI Duration 353 mins 353 mins 339 mins 286 mins 242 mins 241 mins

H.265 High Duration 404 mins 404 mins 389 mins 325 mins 280 mins 277 mins

H.265 Medium Duration 571 mins 571 mins 550 mins 461 mins 389 mins 325 mins

H.265 Low Duration 1499 mins 1499 mins 1442 mins 1223 mins 960 mins 809 mins

Recording Motion Sensor Data
Your Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 Camera automatically records gyro data from the internal motion sensor. DaVinci Resolve can then use this data to stabilize clips. For more information refer to the `gyro stabilization’ section in this manual.

Recording

Playback
Playing Back Clips
Once you have recorded your video, you can use the transport control buttons to play back your clips. Press the `play’ button once for instant playback and you’ll see your recorded video on URSA Broadcast G2’s LCD touchscreen. Your clips can also be viewed on any display connected to your URSA Broadcast G2’s SDI outputs.

URSA Broadcast G2
TIPBlackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 has playback and transport controls buttons on both the internal and ergonomic control panels.
NOTEBlackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 will play back clips sharing the same codec family, frame rate and resolution. For example, if you want to play back HD clips recorded using ProRes 422 HQ at 29.97 fps, make sure your camera is set to the same frame rate and resolution, and a ProRes codec.
The controls of your camera work just like a CD player, so pressing the `forward skip’ button will skip to the start of the next clip. Press the `reverse skip’ button once to go to the start of the current clip or press twice to skip back to the start of the previous clip. Hold the `forward’ or `reverse skip’ button to play or reverse at 2x speed. Once shuttling forward or backwards, press the `fast forward’ or `reverse skip’ buttons twice for 4x, three times for x8 and four times for x16. You can also use the forward and reverse skip buttons to open or close the iris on compatible lenses while recording clips. When recording a clip using a sensor frame rate that differs from your project frame rate, your clip’s playback speed will also differ. For example, imagine you have set your camera’s project frame rate to match your post production timeline of 24 frames per second. If you record a clip with your sensor frame rate set to 60 frames per second, your clips will play back in slow motion on both the camera and on your post production timeline.
TIPRefer to the `recording’ section of this manual for more information about frame rate.

Playback

URSA Broadcast G2 Connectors and Features
Industry standard BNC connectors are located on the right and rear panel of your URSA Broadcast G2 for SDI connections. There is also a LANC input on the right panel for the optional Blackmagic URSA Handgrip.
XLR inputs are on the top panel behind the mounting points for professional balanced analog audio and AES digital audio. A 4 pin XLR connector is provided on the rear panel for external power input, and an output is available on the right side for powering accessories such as Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder.
The USB port above the storage media slots is for connecting to a computer when updating your camera’s internal software.
NOTEYour camera has additional ergonomic controls that make it easy to quickly access the camera’s essential settings and functions without opening the foldout touchscreen.

Camera Front

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4 5

URSA Broadcast G2 with B4 mount
1 Stereo Microphone Built in high quality stereo microphone. Refer to the `settings’ section for information on microphone audio settings.
2 Lens Mount URSA Broadcast G2 is supplied fitted with a B4 mount. However, it’s interchangeable with the included EF mount and compatible with URSA Mini Pro PL and F mounts. Refer to the `Interchangeable lens mount’ section for more information.
3 Broadcast Lens Connector This 12 pin connector provides power and control to compatible broadcast servo zoom lenses. Refer to the `using servo zoom lenses’ section in this manual for details on functionality available with these B4 and PL lenses.

URSA Broadcast G2 Connectors and Features

4 ND Filters Use this wheel to cycle through three built in neutral density filters, as well as a clear setting. See the section `URSA Broadcast G2 Controls’ for more information.
5 Auto White Balance The auto white balance button is marked `Auto W/B’ and is used when you want to set the white balance based on what is currently in the center of the screen. For example, setting auto white balance on a gray card placed in front of the lens. See the section `URSA Broadcast G2 Controls’ for more information.
Left Side
URSA Broadcast G2’s left side panel lets you insert CFast 2.0 cards, SDXC or SDHC cards, access the control panel and change settings. The USB-C port is located just above the CFast slots so you can easily plug into a computer when updating your URSA Broadcast G2’s internal software.
Left Side Controls
The left side panel features additional controls for easy access to all of your camera’s essential functions. These controls are split between the forward control panel, the ergonomic control panel located on the outside of the foldout touchscreen monitor, and a control panel on the inside of the foldout monitor.
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URSA Broadcast G2 with touchscreen closed
6 Power Switch Power switch for turning on the camera. There is also a backup power switch inside the fold out monitor that allows the camera to be powered on by pressing both the record and forward skip buttons at the same time.
7 ND Filters Your URSA Broadcast G2 has three internal neutral density filters to adjust the amount of light reaching the sensor. Four settings are available, ranging from clear to six stops of light reduction. Simply turn this wheel to move through the available settings. The filter will click into place for each setting. For more information see the section `URSA Broadcast G2 Controls’ in this manual.

URSA Broadcast G2 Connectors and Features

8 Forward Control Panel The forward control panel provides quick access to all of your URSA Broadcast G2’s essential functions. These controls are located for easy access when shooting on a tripod or on the shoulder, and you can use them to adjust settings such as ISO, shutter speed, iris, white balance, frame rate, and more. See the section `URSA Broadcast G2 Controls’ for more information.
9 Ergonomic Control Panel On the outside of your URSA Broadcast G2’s foldout touchscreen monitor, you’ll find an LCD status monitor and a variety of controls for fast, powerful monitoring control. Here you can see all of your camera’s status information at a glance, as well as controlling a variety of powerful monitoring functions. See the section `URSA Broadcast G2 Controls’ for more information.
10 Storage Media Selection Switch Use this switch to choose between CFast and SD storage media.
11 USB Port USB-C port for updating internal software. See the section `Blackmagic Camera Setup Utility’ for more information.
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URSA Broadcast G2 with touchscreen open
12 Internal Control Panel When your URSA Broadcast G2’s foldout monitor is open, you have access to the internal control panel. Use the controls here to set your audio inputs as well as phantom power settings. You can also access iris, focus, menu and playback controls and more. See the section `URSA Broadcast G2 Controls’ for more information.
13 Memory Card Slots Insert CFast 2.0 cards, SDXC or SDHC cards for record and playback. Please note that you should check the list of certified cards on our website. See the section `storage media’ for more information.

URSA Broadcast G2 Connectors and Features

Right Side
URSA Broadcast G2’s right side panel gives you access to all the video, audio and power connectors plus the side handle rosette mount. 14 Side Rosette Mount
Standard rosette mount for the side handle. Refer to the `Getting Started’ and `Blackmagic URSA Mini Shoulder Kit’ sections.
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16
17
18
URSA Broadcast G2 has a rosette mount built into the right side if you need to attach an optional URSA Mini side handle
15 HD Monitoring Output 3G-SDI connector for down converted 1080HD output. Use with Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder or external monitors. Refer to the `camera video output’ and `Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder’ sections for more information.
16 +12V Power Output 4 pin XLR connector for powering Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder, Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder or external monitors and accessories. Refer to the `Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder’ and `Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder’ sections for more information. This output combined with the Broadcast Lens Connector supplies 12 Volts at up to 2 Amps in total.
17 LANC Input Dedicated 2.5mm TRS LANC connector for Blackmagic URSA Handgrip.
18 Broadcast Lens Control Connector Provides power and control to compatible PL and B4 mount lenses with 12 pin connections. This output combined with the +12V Power Output supplies 12 Volts at up to 2 Amps in total.

URSA Broadcast G2 Connectors and Features

Rear Panel
19 Battery Mount Plate Your Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 comes fitted with Blackmagic URSA VLock Battery Plate for attaching VLock batteries to your camera. URSA VLock Battery Plate features a D-Tap port for powering accessories. The D-tap port can output a regulated 12 Volts at up to 1.5 Amps.
URSA VLock Battery Plate can be replaced with an optional Blackmagic URSA Gold Battery Plate or a third party battery plate. The battery plate can be removed to access a recessed Molex connector and to attach optional accessories such as Blackmagic Camera Fiber Converter or Blackmagic URSA Mini Recorder onto the back of the camera. If your connected accessory has a D-tap power output then the Molex connector will supply a pass through output of 12 Volts at up to 1.5 Amps. For more information, refer to the chapter for `Mounting Batteries’, `Getting Started with Blackmagic Fiber Converters’ and `URSA Mini Recorder’.

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20 Headphone/Headset The 3.5mm jack output is used for headphone monitoring and talkback. You can plug in iPhone and Android compatible headsets that have a built in microphone for quick and easy talkback. Talkback audio is embedded in channels 15 and 16 of the SDI output.
TIPWhen using URSA Broadcast G2’s 3.5mm jack for talkback, a very affordable option is using an iPhone or Android compatible headset. These typically feature an inline button that can be used to mute and unmute their microphone. If you would like to use a broadcast headset without this inline switch you can configure your URSA Broadcast G2’s function buttons to offer the same functionality. See the `setup settings’ section of this manual for more information.
21 12G-SDI Out Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2’s 12G-SDI output is used to send HD and Ultra HD video to SDI equipment such as routers, monitors, SDI capture devices, and broadcast switchers. You can also connect the 12G-SDI output to an external recorder such as the Blackmagic Video Assist for backup recording.

URSA Broadcast G2 Connectors and Features

22 12G-SDI In The 12G-SDI input is used for connecting to a switcher or external recorder. This means if you’re using URSA Broadcast G2 in a live broadcast, you can plug in the switcher’s program output and monitor it during the shoot, or check playback from an external recorder. Press and hold the program button to see your program feed.
For more information, refer to the `Ergonomic Control Panel’ section in this manual.
You can also use an ATEM switcher’s `camera control’ feature to remotely adjust many URSA Broadcast G2 functions. See the section `Understanding Studio Camera Control’ for more information. Blackmagic 3G-SDI Shield for Arduino can also be used to provide custom control of the camera over SDI.
To receive tally and talkback via the SDI input, make sure you have set your ATEM Camera ID in the camera’s setup menu. If you want to use the SDI input to receive an external reference signal, you will need to select `program’ as your reference source in the setup settings. `REF’ will appear next to the timecode display on your camera’s LCD screen when the external reference is locked. Refer to the `setup settings’ in the manual for more information.
On URSA Broadcast G2 the SDI Input can be used for feeding external timecode to the camera as well. This will lock to the incoming timecode automatically if the frame rate of the incoming SDI signal matches and has valid timecode. The `EXT’ logo will appear on URSA Broadcast G2’s LCD when external timecode is locked. If you unplug the cable timecode will remain jammed and the logo will switch to `INT’ to let you know it is now running from URSA Broadcast G2’s internal timecode clock.
23 Reference and Timecode In This input automatically recognizes and switches between timecode and reference input signals. Synchronize Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 to a common reference signal, such as tri-level sync, by connecting to the `reference’ BNC input marked `REF In’. It’s worth noting that to use a reference signal through this input, you must set your reference source to `external’ in your URSA Broadcast G2’s setup menu.
Alternatively you can use this connector to match an external timecode source to sync up multiple cameras, or audio and picture when shooting dual-system. This ensures audio and picture, or video from multiple cameras, can be easily synchronized during post production. When external timecode with a matching frame rate is plugged into this connector the camera will lock to the incoming timecode automatically. The `EXT’ logo will appear on URSA Broadcast G2’s LCD when external timecode is locked. If you unplug the cable, timecode will remain jammed and the logo will switch to `INT’ to let you know it is now running from URSA Broadcast G2’s internal timecode clock.
You can also set your camera to use the reference signal from an ATEM switcher via the Program SDI Input. This is helpful when working with ATEM switchers because all cameras can receive program return, camera control and be referenced together using a single SDI signal. See the `setup settings’ section in this manual for more information.
24 12V+ Power Input Use the 4 pin 12-18 Volt DC XLR connector to plug in power from external sources such as the supplied power adapter, or portable batteries.
25 USB Port USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×1 port for recording to an external flash disk or to an SSD using Blackmagic URSA Mini Recorder. Also used for connecting Blackmagic Zoom and Focus Demand to your camera for focus and zoom control with compatible lenses.
The threaded connector under the USB-C port works with the locking USB cable supplied with URSA Mini Recorder to maintain a secure connection during use. For more information refer to the `URSA Mini Recorder’ section in this manual.

URSA Broadcast G2 Connectors and Features

Top Panel

External analog audio can be plugged into the balanced XLR connectors on the top panel
26 1/4 Inch Mounting Points Your camera’s top panel contains 4 strong mounting points for attaching the top handle and accessories.
27 XLR Audio In Use the balanced XLR inputs to plug in external analog audio from professional equipment such as audio mixers, PA systems or external microphones. The XLR connectors supply 48V phantom power so you can use microphones that aren’t self powered. Refer to the `URSA Broadcast G2 controls/internal control panel’ section for more information on phantom power.
Underside
28 1/4 Inch Mounting Points The 5 mounting points on the underside are used for attaching tripod heads, the URSA Mini Shoulder Kit and other accessories.

URSA Broadcast G2 Connectors and Features

URSA Broadcast G2 Controls
Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 has control panels on the chassis, outside and inside of the foldout touchscreen monitor to give you quick, easy access to all of its essential functions as well as powerful monitoring tools. These panels are designed to be close to hand whether shooting from a tripod, handheld or with the URSA Mini Shoulder Kit.
Forward Control Panel
Your camera’s forward control panel groups together all of the controls you might need to adjust when setting up a shot and recording. These are all designed for easy access while shooting with the foldout monitor closed, such as when using the shoulder kit.
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URSA Broadcast G2 forward control panel
1 Power Switch Power your URSA Broadcast G2 by moving this switch to the `on’ position. Power off by moving the switch to the `off’ position.
TIPYou can also power your URSA Broadcast G2 on or off via a combination of control panel switches. Holding the `rec’ and `forward skip’ buttons will power up the camera if it is turned off, or power it off if it is turned on. If your camera’s power switch is set to `on’ but your camera is powered down, it may have been powered down via the control panel. Toggle the power switch to return it to normal operation.
2 ND Filters Your URSA Broadcast G2 has three internal neutral density filters. Together with a clear filter, the available settings are 1/4, 1/16th and 1/64th. These filters allow you to reduce the amount of light reaching your URSA Broadcast G2’s sensor by a preset fraction.

URSA Broadcast G2 Controls

By reducing the exposure, you can continue shooting at wide apertures in bright conditions such as outdoors on sunny days.
To adjust your neutral density setting, rotate the wheel upwards or downwards. The `clear’ setting means there is no ND filter being used. From settings 1/4 to 1/64th, the ND filters gradually increase in density so you can decrease light if you need to.
Because different people prefer to use different terms for each ND filter, the measurement of your ND settings can be customized in the LCD menu. You can identify the ND filter number, amount of stops in light reduction, or the fraction representing the amount of light reduced for the filters to suit your preference.
Neutral Density Filter Settings

Wheel position 1 2 3 4

ND number clear 0.6 1.2 1.8

Stops 0 2 4 6

Fraction 1 1/4
1/16 1/64

3 Settings Wheel Set this wheel’s function by adjusting the adjacent three position switch next to the wheel. The options are `headphone,’ `monitor’ and `iris’.
Headphone When set to `headphone’, the settings wheel will adjust headphone audio levels. Rotate the wheel upwards to increase volume, and downwards to decrease.
Monitor When set to `monitor’, the settings wheel adjusts audio levels on your camera’s built in monitor speaker. The speaker is located on the outside of the LCD monitor door and can be used to monitor audio without headphones. Rotate the wheel upwards to increase volume, and downwards to decrease. This function is disabled while recording from the camera’s internal microphone to prevent unwanted feedback.
Iris When set to `iris’, the settings wheel is used to adjust the aperture of compatible lenses mounted to your URSA Broadcast G2. Rotating the wheel downwards opens the iris, and turning the wheel upwards closes the iris. These directions mimic the operation of aperture on adjustable still and cinema lenses.

TIPTo change aperture settings via the settings wheel, URSA Broadcast G2 must be fitted with a lens that supports changing aperture via the camera. If you are using a B4 or PL lens connected via the broadcast 12 pin connector, make sure that the lens iris switch on the handgrip is set to `A’ or `auto’.
4 Menu Wheel and Back Button When `status text’ is turned on for your camera’s front SDI output, you can use the menu wheel to navigate many of the head up display features usually accessed via the LCD touchscreen.

URSA Broadcast G2 Controls

Simply press the menu wheel as you would a button to access your URSA Broadcast G2’s head up display on an external monitor such as Blackmagic SmartView, Video Assist or URSA Viewfinder. While the menu wheel is active, turn the wheel to select features such as LCD monitor options, frame rate, ISO, white balance and tint. Press the wheel to confirm selections and make additional changes, and use the `back’ button next to the wheel to cancel. You can also use the back button to move up a menu level, or exit the menu completely if you’re at the top level. The menu will automatically close after one minute of inactivity.
For more information on setting status text and the controls available, see the `touchscreen controls’ and `monitor settings’ sections of this manual.
5 Lock Toggle this switch to lock all of the controls on the forward control panel to prevent them from being accidentally adjusted while shooting. Move this switch to the lower position to lock, and the upper position to unlock.
TIPWhen shooting in busy or uncontrolled environments, you can lock your URSA Broadcast G2’s forward control panel when you leave your camera unattended. This ensures that your settings are not changed unintentionally by others.
6 ISO, Shutter and White Balance Switches These small switches are used to adjust your ISO/Gain, white balance, and shutter settings. They are helpful when you want to make fast adjustments without taking your eyes off the shot. Gently push the switches up or down to make setting adjustments. The switches are spring loaded so they always return to a neutral position.
ISO/Gain Push this switch up or down to adjust your camera’s gain setting. Pushing up will increase the setting by 1/3 stop, and pushing down will decrease by 1/3 stop. The available settings range from -12 to 36dB.
Shutter Use this switch to adjust the camera’s shutter speed. Pushing up will increase the shutter speed to the next available preset, and pushing down will decrease to the next available preset. Holding the switch up or down will move more quickly through available values. There are twelve shutter speed presets between 1/24 and 1/2000.
TIPYour URSA Broadcast G2 can also suggest flicker free shutter speeds based on the power frequency in your region. These must be selected through the LCD touchscreen menu. For more information see the `touchscreen controls’ section in this manual.
White Balance This switch is used to adjust the camera’s white balance. Pushing up will increase the color temperature by 50K, and pushing down will decrease it by 50K. Holding the switch up or down will move more quickly through available values.
7 Auto White Balance Pressing this button will reveal a white `auto white balance’ box in the center of the LCD for five seconds. This box will also appear on any SDI output that has `status text’ enabled in the menu settings. The white box indicates the specific area of your image where the white

URSA Broadcast G2 Controls

balance will be calculated from, so your gray card should be positioned within this box. Pressing and holding the `Auto W/B’ button for three seconds will perform an `auto white balance’, and the square will change from white to green to confirm that this has been performed successfully.
For more information on enabling status text for your URSA Broadcast G2’s front or main SDI outputs, see the `monitor settings’ section in this manual.
8 F1 and F2 The F1 and F2 keys are `function’ keys that can be programmed to a variety of commonly used functions using your URSA Broadcast G2’s `setup’ menu. By default, F1 is set to toggle `focus zoom’ on the LCD and front SDI output, while F2 is set to toggle `false color’ on the LCD.
For more information, see the `touchscreen controls’ section of this manual.
HFR Use the HFR or high frame rate button to toggle off speed frame rates. To use this button, simply set the off speed frame rate you’d like to use in your URSA Broadcast G2’s `frame rate’ menu. Pressing this button will toggle between your chosen off speed frame rate and project frame rate. It’s worth mentioning that this setting can only be adjusted when the recording is stopped. The HFR button can also operate as a function button that you can program to a variety of commonly used functions, or can be disabled.
For more information on project and off speed frame rates, see the `touchscreen controls’ section in this manual.
9 Record The `record’ button is marked REC on your Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2’s left side. Press the record button to start and stop recording. Refer to the `recording’ section for more information.

Ergonomic Control Panel
On the outside of your URSA Broadcast G2’s touchscreen monitor, you’ll find an LCD status monitor and a variety of monitoring controls. This panel lets you see all of your camera’s status information at a glance, as well as monitoring and adjusting audio levels. Automatic focus can be set using compatible lenses and the transport controls let you playback clips.

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URSA Broadcast G2 ergonomic control panel

URSA Broadcast G2 Controls

10 Monitor Speaker The small speaker built into the outside control panel lets you monitor audio when in playback. It is located where your ear would normally be when shooting with the camera on your shoulder.
To adjust the volume of the speaker, simply rotate the settings wheel as described in the `URSA Broadcast G2 Controls’ section.
11 Monitor Channel Select Your URSA Broadcast G2 supports two channels of audio.
12 Lock Use this switch to lock all of the settings on your URSA Broadcast G2’s ergonomic control panel. The only controls that will remain active while the lock switch is `on’ are the monitor channel select switches.
13 Status LCD This display shows you your URSA Broadcast G2’s essential settings at a glance, without needing to open the internal touchscreen. This screen is designed to be visible even in bright daylight. The following information is available:

Timecodes

Battery indicator

FPS, Shutter Angle, White Balance

Record Low record indicator time remaining

Dropped frame indicator

ISO/Gain

Iris

Card indicator Audio meters

Timecodes
Your URSA Broadcast G2 displays three timecodes. If you have an external timecode connected, this will be shown under the `ext’ indicator in the top left of the status LCD. Your camera’s internally generated timecode is shown next to this under the `gen’ indicator. Both the external and generated timecodes are shown in hours, minutes, seconds and frames.

The larger, main timecode indicator displays your current timecode as either clip duration or timecode. You can switch between these two display modes by pressing the `timecode’ button underneath the status LCD.

Battery indicator If your URSA Broadcast G2 is running on battery power, this indicator displays remaining battery life in 25% increments. Each of the battery indicator’s four bars corresponds to 25%

URSA Broadcast G2 Controls

battery life remaining. When your battery drops below 20% charge, the color of the status LED, near the record button begins to flash. It will alternate slowly between red and orange during recording and alternate between white and orange during standby mode.
If the mains power connector is plugged into your camera, the battery indicator shows as full.
FPS, Shutter Angle, White Balance The `FPS,’ `SA,’ and `WB’ indicators display your camera’s current frame rate, shutter angle and white balance. The `fps’ indicator shows the current sensor frame rate.
For more information on sensor and project frame rates, see the `touchscreen controls’ section in this manual.
ISO/Gain Displays your camera’s currently set gain.
Iris Displays your current lens aperture. Depending on your lens type, this will be displayed as an `f’ or `T’ stop.
Card Information The `card 1′ and `card 2′ indicators will appear on your URSA Broadcast G2’s status LCD when these slots are occupied.
The `SD’ indicator appears if you are recording on SD cards, and disappears if you are recording on CFast cards.
Record Indicator While recording, a circular indicator will appear under the card or cards being currently written to.
Low Time Remaining A `low’ indicator will appear under the relevant card when you have approximately 5 minutes of record time remaining.
Audio Meters The peak audio meters display audio levels when using the internal microphone, or via external audio when connected. The display is calibrated to dBFS units and features peak hold indicators which stay visible for a short time so you can clearly see the maximum levels reached.
To achieve optimum audio quality, ensure your audio levels do not reach 0 dBFS. This is the maximum level that your camera can record, meaning that any audio that exceeds this level will be clipped, resulting in distortion.
Dropped Frame Indicator This indicator will flash when your camera detects dropped frames. Once you stop recording, the indicator will remain on the screen to let you know that the previous clip detected dropped frames. This warning disappears the next time you start recording, or if you power cycle the camera. For more information on avoiding dropped frames, see the `storage media’ section in this manual.
NOTEYou can set your URSA Broadcast G2 to stop recording if dropped frames are detected. See the `record settings’ section in this manual for more information. This feature is user selectable as you may be able to get away with brief periods of `burst’ recording at higher frame rates or resolutions when shooting to slower media.

URSA Broadcast G2 Controls

14 Status LCD Controls

URSA Broadcast G2 status LCD controls
Still Press this button to capture a still image as a single uncompressed DNG frame. Image files will be saved to the `stills’ folder in the root directory of the media you are currently recording to. These will follow the file naming convention for video clips but the filename will have an `S001′ representing the `still number’ as the last four digits of the filename. To confirm you have successfully saved a still, an image of a camera will show in the top right corner of the URSA Broadcast G2 touchscreen, and the record indicator on the status LCD will flash three times.
Hold Use this button to temporarily hold the main status LCD timecode when the timecode is in free running time of day code. The timecode will continue to run in the background and return to its actual position when you release the `hold’ button. While holding you can take note of the timecode for a particular event. This can be useful in electronic news gathering or documentary situations for noting key timecode points.
Reset The reset button allows you to reset the timecode to 00:00:00:00 when you are setting your preset timecode.
Timecode Press the `timecode’ button to toggle the main timecode display’s format between clip duration and timecode. By default the timecode will be free running time of day code as this is the most frequently used. If you press and hold the `timecode’ button for five seconds it will switch the camera into record run timecode and the timecode generator will flash as well as the first two digits of the large timecode display. This indicates that you are now editing your preset timecode and allows you to set a specific timecode number for your preset timecode.
Pressing `reset’ at this stage will zero the timecode and then you can turn and press the menu wheel to set the desired value starting with hours, minutes, seconds and then frames. When you are happy with the timecode, press and hold the `timecode’ button again for three seconds to set this as your preset timecode point. You will notice that the timecode generator now shows this value and will only increment when the camera is recording giving you continuous ascending timecode values. To switch your timecode back to free running time of day code, press the `timecode’ and `hold’ buttons simultaneously for three seconds.
Bright Press the `bright’ button to cycle through four brightness settings for your URSA Broadcast G2’s LCD status display. The settings are `off,’ `low,’ `medium’ and `high.’

URSA Broadcast G2 Controls

15 Control and Playback Buttons

URSA Broadcast G2 control and playback buttons
Iris The `iris’ button activates the automatic aperture setting on compatible lenses. When using video dynamic range settings, a single press of the iris button will set an average exposure based on the highlights or shadows in your shot. When using film dynamic range settings, pressing the iris button sets your exposure to the brightest highlight in your shot. This button works with compatible EF lenses and PL lenses connected with a compatible broadcast lens controller.
To set your aperture manually, press the forward and reverse skip transport buttons.
Focus When using a B4 or EF lens that supports electronic focus adjustments, press the `focus’ button to activate auto focus. A white focus square will appear on any viewfinder or monitor connected to your URSA Broadcast G2. Anything within the square will be correctly focused. When the lens is focused, the square will disappear.
NOTETo use the `focus’ button, your B4 lens must have servo focus control, with the servo activated. See the `getting started’ section for more information. Some EF lenses have both manual and auto focus modes. If using the optional EF lens mount, in order for URSA Broadcast G2 to be able to auto focus with your lens, you need to ensure that your lens is set to auto focus mode.
Program The program button is marked PGM and lets you switch the LCD and front SDI output between the camera view and any signal plugged into the 12G-SDI input on the rear panel. This means if you’re using the camera in a live broadcast, you can plug in the switcher’s program output and monitor it during the shoot. Press and hold the program button to see your program feed. The program feed will continue to display whilst the program button is being held.
If you want to lock the LCD and front SDI output to display the program input feed, then double press the program button to lock to the program feed. Pressing the program button again will exit the program feed and return to the camera view.
Playback Control Buttons The playback buttons let you start and stop playback, plus skip to the next or previous clip. When using an EF lens, the forward and reverse skip buttons can also be used to open or close the iris when using compatible lenses. Refer to the `playback’ section for more information on how to use the playback buttons.

URSA Broadcast G2 Controls

16 Audio Level Adjustment Knobs

URSA Broadcast G2 audio adjustment knobs
Use the built in adjustment knobs to set the recording levels for audio channels 1 and 2. Turn each knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the recording level for each channel of audio. Monitor the corresponding on screen audio meters as you adjust each knob so you can see the best level to set it to.
Internal Control Panel
With your URSA Broadcast G2’s foldout monitor open, you can access the internal control panel. Use the controls here to set your audio inputs as well as phantom power settings, iris, focus, menu and playback controls and more.
17
18

URSA Broadcast G2 internal control panel
17 XLR1/XLR2 Use these switches to set how your URSA Broadcast G2’s XLR inputs behave when selected as an input source. The options available are mic audio, line level audio and AES digital audio.
18 Phantom Power The camera’s XLR inputs can provide 48V phantom power so you can use microphones that aren’t self powered. Move this switch to `48V’ to enable phantom power for any microphone connected to the XLR above, or `off’ to disable phantom power.
It is standard practice to plug in your XLR cable before switching phantom power on. It is also important to switch phantom power to `off’ when you no longer have a phantom powered microphone connected. Connecting devices that don’t have phantom power protection built into their AES XLR outputs whilst still sending phantom power from the camera’s XLR audio inputs may damage your equipment. Always ensure that the +48V switch is turned `off’ when you disconnect your microphone.

URSA Broadcast G2 Controls

19 Control and Playback Buttons Focus When using a B4 or EF lens that supports electronic focus adjustments, press the `focus’ button to activate auto focus. A white focus square will appear on the fold out monitor. Anything within the square will be correctly focused. When the lens is focused, the square will disappear.
To use the `focus’ button, your B4 lens must have servo focus control, with the servo activated. See the `getting started’ section for more information. Some EF lenses also have both manual and auto focus modes. In order for URSA Broadcast G2 to be able to auto focus with your lens, you need to ensure that your lens is set to auto focus mode.
Peak Press the `Peak’ button to activate focus peaking. Your camera has two focus peaking modes, traditional focus peaking, which artificially sharpens areas of the image that are in focus, and `colored lines’ with overlays the sharp areas of your image with black, white, red, green or blue colored lines. See the `monitor settings’ section of this manual for more information.
TIPIf you are recording your video output to a Blackmagic Video Assist or HyperDeck Studio HD Mini, you may want to ensure that you don’t have peaking switched on for that output. This can be done by using our `clean feed’ feature on your front SDI or main SDI.
For more information on outputting a `clean feed’ see the `monitor settings’ section in this manual.
Program The program button is marked PGM and lets you switch the LCD and front SDI output between the camera view and any signal plugged into the camera’s 12G-SDI input on the rear panel. This means if you’re using your camera in a live broadcast, you can plug in the switcher’s program output and monitor it during the shoot. Press and hold the program button to see your program feed. Double press the button to lock the program feed on. Press again to turn the program feed off.
To display a switcher’s program output, your camera and switcher must be set to the same resolution and frame rate.
Menu Press the `menu’ button to open the dashboard. Refer to the `settings’ section for more information about the dashboard feature and how to adjust settings.
Record Press any of the record buttons marked REC to start and stop recording. Refer to the `recording’ section for more information.
Playback Control Buttons The playback buttons let you start and stop playback, plus skip to the next or previous clip. When using the EF mount, the forward and reverse skip buttons can also be used to open or close the iris when using compatible lenses. Refer to the `playback’ section for more information on how to use the playback buttons.

URSA Broadcast G2 Controls

NOTEYou can power your URSA Broadcast G2 on or off via a combination of internal control panel buttons. Holding the `rec’ and `forward skip’ buttons will power up the camera if it is turned off, or power it off if it is turned on. If your camera’s power switch is set to `on’ but your camera is powered down, it may have been powered down via the control panel. Toggle the power switch to return it to normal operation.
Camera Video Outputs
HD Monitoring Output
Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2’s down converted 3G-SDI out connector always outputs 1080 HD video so you can easily connect to routers, monitors, SDI capture devices, broadcast switchers and other SDI devices. This output is labeled `front SDI’ in the touchscreen settings menu.
12G-SDI Output
The 12G-SDI out connector on the rear panel supports HD and Ultra HD video including high frame rate progressive formats such as 2160p50, 59.94 and 60 on a single SDI cable. Interlaced HD formats are also supported including 1080i50, 59.94 and 60. You can use the 12G-SDI output to connect to any SDI monitor as well as Ultra HD switchers such as ATEM Production Studio 4K. This output can be switched between HD and Ultra HD by selecting 1080p or 2160p in the `SDI output’ setting for the `main SDI’ on the `monitor’ tab on the touchscreen. For more information please refer to the `monitor settings’ section later in this manual. Connecting to Video Switchers The SDI outputs allow you to use your camera for live television production. You can connect the rear panel SDI output directly to production switchers for live production work, or to ATEM Camera Converters to convert your signal to optical so you can send it hundreds of meters to a broadcast truck on location. When connected to a switcher, you can easily view the switcher’s program output on your Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2. To do this, first connect the switcher to your camera’s rear 12G-SDI input. Now press the `program’ button marked PGM on your camera’s fold out monitor. To switch back to the camera image, simply press the PGM button again.

Camera Video Outputs

You can connect the 12G-SDI output to any 1080 HD or Ultra HD live production switcher or monitor. The HD monitoring output can be plugged into an external viewfinder, such as the Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder, or plugged into an external monitor when mounted to production equipment. For example a jib arm or crane
Connecting to Monitors SDI monitoring can be really helpful when accessing the fold out monitor is impractical, such as when secured high on a jib arm, on a crane, or mounted on a vehicle.
Monitoring information is displayed via your HD-SDI monitoring out connector by adjusting the settings for the `front SDI’ on the `monitor’ tab on the touchscreen. These settings enable frame guides and information such as recording details and camera settings. If you simply want to monitor your shots, you can always turn overlays off for a clean SDI output.
Connect the camera’s SDI output to SDI monitors or to a Blackmagic SmartScope Duo 4K for live waveform monitoring.

NOTEThe rear SDI output and 3G-SDI monitoring output automatically flag HDR video with ancillary metadata when you are working in `Film’ dynamic range and use the Gen 5 Film to Rec 2020 Hybrid Log Gamma or Gen 5 Film to Rec 2020 PQ Gamma LUT on the SDI output. This means you can display stunning HDR images on HDR enabled screens from either SDI output.

SDI Output Formats Rear SDI Output
3G-SDI Monitoring Output

2160p23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60. 1080p23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60. 1080i50, 59.94, 60.
1080p23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60. 1080i50, 59.94, 60.

Camera Video Outputs

TIPTo make a live recording with two codecs at once or a simultaneous backup, you can feed the rear SDI out from URSA Broadcast G2 to a Blackmagic Video Assist or HyperDeck.
Touchscreen Controls
Touchscreen
Your Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2’s fold out LCD touchscreen pivots for shooting high and low angles. Buttons on the outside of the LCD panel let you control your URSA Broadcast G2 when mounted on your shoulder using the URSA Viewfinder and the LCD closed.
Touchscreen Features
The LCD touchscreen features a touch and gesture based interface that is specifically designed for fast and intuitive user operation. By touching and swiping on different areas of URSA Broadcast G2’s LCD touchscreen, you can quickly access the camera’s functions while shooting. The touchscreen display features upper and lower toolbars. The upper toolbar provides access to commonly used settings such as shutter speed, iris and gain controls. The lower toolbar includes storage indicators, audio meters, transport controls and a histogram.

Your URSA Broadcast G2’s LCD touchscreen has a comprehensive head up display and gives you easy access to your camera’s most used settings
Upper Toolbar
LCD Monitor Options
Tap the `monitor’ icon at the top left of your URSA Broadcast G2’s LCD touchscreen to access the LCD monitor settings. These settings let you toggle and adjust the appearance of your URSA Broadcast G2’s monitoring features, including zebra, focus assist, frame guide, and grids. When accessing LCD monitor options, the controls for these features appear in a tabbed menu along the bottom edge of the LCD touchscreen.

Touchscreen Controls

Tap the icon at the top left of your URSA Broadcast G2’s LCD touchscreen to access LCD monitor options
Zebra The `zebra’ setting toggles the appearance of zebra on the LCD touchscreen, as well as setting the zebra level for all URSA Broadcast G2’s outputs.
Zebra displays diagonal lines over areas of your image that exceed a set exposure level. For example, setting zebra to 100% shows which areas are completely overexposed. This is useful for achieving optimum exposure in fixed lighting conditions.

Tap the `zebra’ icon while accessing `LCD monitor options’ to access your URSA Broadcast G2’s zebra settings
To toggle zebra for the LCD touchscreen, tap the switch icon in the bottom left of the screen while in the `zebra’ tab. Set the exposure level that zebra appears at by dragging the slider left and right, or tapping the arrow buttons next to the zebra level indicator. There are eight zebra presets available including middle gray and middle gray plus one stop, then in five percent increments from 75 to 100 percent exposure. For information on enabling zebra on your camera’s front and main SDI outputs, see the `monitor settings’ section in this manual.
TIPIf you’re shooting in variable light such as outdoors on a partly overcast day, setting your zebra level lower than 100 can warn you of potential overexposure.
Focus Assist The `focus assist’ setting toggles the appearance of focus assist on the LCD touchscreen, as well as setting the level of focus assistance for all outputs on your URSA Broadcast G2.

Tap the `focus assist’ icon while accessing `LCD monitor options’ to access your URSA Broadcast G2’s focus assist settings
To toggle focus assistance for the LCD touchscreen, tap the switch icon in the bottom left of the screen while in the `focus assist’ tab.
To set the level of focus assistance for all outputs on your URSA Broadcast G2, drag the slider left and right along the bottom of your touchscreen, or tap the arrow buttons next to the focus assist level.

Touchscreen Controls

The optimum level of focus assistance varies shot by shot. When focusing on actors, for example, a higher level of focus assistance can help resolve edge detail in faces. A shot of foliage or brickwork, on the other hand, may show distracting amounts of focus information at higher settings. For information on enabling focus assist on your camera’s front and main SDI outputs, see the `monitor settings’ section in this manual.
TIPYour URSA Broadcast G2 has two focus assist modes. You can switch between `peaking’ and `colored lines’ focus assistance in the `monitor’ settings menu. For more information, see the `monitor settings’ section and the `focus assist’ section.
Frame Guides The `frame guide’ setting toggles the appearance of frame guides on the LCD touchscreen. You can also choose from frame guide options for all outputs on your URSA Broadcast G2. Frame guides include aspect ratios for various cinema, television and online standards.
Tap the `frame guides’ icon while accessing `LCD monitor options’ to access your URSA Broadcast G2’s frame guide settings
To toggle the appearance of frame guides on your URSA Broadcast G2’s LCD touchscreen, tap the switch icon in the bottom left of the screen. Choose the frame guide you want to use by dragging the slider left and right, or tapping the arrow buttons on either side of the currently selected aspect ratio. The available guides are:
2.35:1, 2.39:1 and 2.4:1 Displays the broad widescreen aspect ratio compatible with anamorphic or flat widescreen cinema presentation. The three widescreen settings differ slightly based on the changing cinema standards over time. 2.39:1 is one of the most prominent cinema widescreen standards in use today.
2:1 Displays a ratio slightly wider than 16:9 but not as wide as 2.35:1.
1.85:1 Displays another common flat widescreen cinema aspect ratio. This ratio is slightly wider than HDTV 1.78:1 but not as wide as 2.39:1.
16:9 Displays a 1.78:1 aspect ratio compatible with 16:9 HD television and computer screens. This ratio is most commonly used for HD broadcasting and online videos. The same aspect ratio has also been adopted for Ultra HD broadcasting.

Touchscreen Controls

14:9
Displays a 14:9 aspect ratio used by some television broadcasters as a compromise between 16:9 and 4:3 television sets. Ideally, both 16:9 and 4:3 footage remains legible when center cropped to fit 14:9. You can use this as a compositional guide if you know your project may be broadcast by a television station that uses 14:9 cropping.

URSA Broadcast G2 LCD touchscreen with 14:9 frame guides enabled
4:3 Displays the 4:3 aspect ratio compatible with SD television screens, or to help with framing when using 2x anamorphic adapters.
1:1 Displays a 1:1 ratio slightly narrower than 4:3. This square ratio is growing in popularity on social media.
4:5 Displays a 4:5 aspect ratio. This vertical aspect ratio is ideal for portraits and viewing on smartphones.
Custom Frame Guide Ratio To create your own frame guide ratio for a unique appearance, tap on the ratio displayed between the arrow buttons. On the `custom frameguide’ screen tap the backspace button to delete the current ratio, then use the numeric keypad to specify a new ratio. Tap `update’ to apply your custom frame guide ratio and return to shooting.

Use the numeric keypad on the `custom frame guide’ screen to enter a new frame guide ratio

Touchscreen Controls

TIPYou can change the opacity of frame guide overlays. For more information see the `monitor settings’ section of this manual.
NOTEFor information on enabling frame guides on your camera’s front and main SDI outputs, see the `monitor settings’ section in this manual.
Grids The `grids’ setting toggles the appearance of a rule of thirds grid, crosshair or center dot on the LCD touchscreen, as well as setting the overlay that will be visible on all URSA Broadcast G2’s outputs.
Tap the `grids’ icon while accessing `LCD monitor options’ to access your URSA Broadcast G2’s grid settings
Grids and crosshairs are overlays that can help with image composition. When `grids’ are enabled, your URSA Broadcast G2 can show a rule of thirds grid, crosshairs, or center dot. To toggle the appearance of grids on your URSA Broadcast G2 touchscreen, tap the switch icon in the bottom left of the screen while in the `frame guides’ tab. When your URSA Broadcast G2 is set up and connected to an ATEM switcher as the current program source, and `grids’ are set to `on’, the red `program’ tally outline will automatically illuminate on the LCD.

When connected to an ATEM switcher sending a tally signal, a red border will appear around your camera’s image preview when grids are set to `on’
To set which overlay you want to display on all URSA Broadcast G2 outputs, tap the `thirds,’ `crosshairs,’ or `center dot’ options.

Touchscreen Controls

The rule of thirds grid automatically scales to any on screen frame guides

Thirds
The `thirds’ setting displays a grid with two vertical and horizontal lines placed in each third of the image. Thirds are an extremely powerful tool to help compose your shots. For example, the human eye typically looks for action near the points where the lines intersect, so it’s helpful to frame key points of interest in these zones. An actor’s eyeline is commonly framed along the top third of the screen, so you can use the top horizontal third to guide your framing. Thirds are also useful to maintain framing consistency between shots.

Horizon
The `horizon’ meter indicates when your camera is rolled left or right and tilted up or down. This can help you keep the horizon level during handheld shots and balance the camera tilt on a gimbal.
The gray vertical and horizontal indicators move away from the center as the camera is rolled and tilted. The distance the lines move away from the central crosshair is proportional to the amount of roll or tilt. After you calibrate the camera’s motion sensor, the motion indicators will illuminate blue when the camera’s roll and tilt become level.
Note that if the camera is tilted straight down for an overhead shot or straight up, the horizon meter takes this into account. If you roll the camera to shoot in portrait orientation, the horizon meter rotates its axes 90 degrees.
This table shows examples of the horizon meter indicating tilt and roll of the camera.

Horizon meter

Description

Straight and level

Tilted down and level

Straight and rolled left

Tilted up and rolled right
For normal use, calibrate the horizon meter for straight and level operation. If you want to use the horizon meter to help maintain a consistent `dutch angle’ or a consistent tilt for a low or high shot, you can calibrate the horizon meter at an incline. For information on how to calibrate the horizon meter, see the `motion sensor calibration’ section.

Touchscreen Controls

Crosshairs The `crosshair’ setting places a crosshair in the center of the frame. Like thirds, the crosshair is a very useful compositional tool, making it easy to frame the subject of a shot in the very center of a frame. This is sometimes used when filming scenes that will be assembled using very fast cuts. Keeping viewers’ eyes focused on the center of a frame can make rapid editing easier to follow.
Center Dot The `center dot’ setting places a dot in the center of the frame. This works in exactly the same way as the `crosshair’ setting, albeit with a smaller overlay that you may find less intrusive. You can enable a combination of `thirds’ and `crosshairs’ or `thirds’ and `center dot’ by tapping both options in the `grids’ menu. `Crosshairs’ and `center dot’ cannot be selected together.
TIPFor information on enabling grids on your URSA Broadcast G2’s front and main SDI outputs, see the `monitor settings’ section in this manual.
Safe Area Guides The `safe area guides’ setting toggles the safe area guides on or off the LCD touchscreen, as well as setting the size of safe area guides for all outputs on your URSA Broadcast G2.
Safe areas can be used in broadcast production to ensure that the most important parts of a shot can be seen by viewers. By keeping the most important parts of your shot within a central `safe area,’ you can avoid cropping on some televisions, as well as leaving space for a broadcaster to add bugs, news tickers and other overlays along the edges of the screen. Many broadcasters require footage to be submitted within a 90% safe area.
Safe area guides can also be used to assist with framing your shot where you know that the shot will be stabilized in post production, which can crop the edges of the image. They can also be used to indicate a specific crop. For example by setting it to 50% whilst recording at Ultra HD 3840×2160 you can see what a 1920×1080 crop of the frame would look like. The safe area guides also scale to your frame guides, so they will adjust to indicate the chosen percentage of your target frame.

The `safe area’ indicator set to 50%
To toggle safe area guides for the LCD touchscreen, tap the switch icon in the bottom left of the screen while in the `safe area guides’ tab. To set the level of safe area guides for all outputs on your URSA Broadcast G2, tap the left or right arrows on either side of the current numerical value at the bottom of your touchscreen. Alternatively, you can drag the slider left or right.

Touchscreen Controls

False Color The `false color’ setting toggles the appearance of false color exposure assistance on the LCD touchscreen.
False color overlays different colors onto your image that represent exposure values for different elements in your image. For example, pink represents optimum exposure for lighter skin tones, while green is a good match to darker skin tones. By monitoring the pink or green false color when recording people, you can maintain consistent exposure for their skin tones.
Similarly, when elements in your image change from yellow to red, that means they are now over exposed.
The IRE false color chart on the left side of your camera’s display shows you how to interpret the different false colors.

False Color 95%WC 80%WC MG+1 18%MG NBDL BDL

Meaning White clipping Near white clipping One stop over middle gray Middle gray Near black detail loss Black detail loss

In a well exposed image, skin tones are represented by green and pink false colors
To toggle false color for the LCD touchscreen, tap the switch icon in the bottom left of the screen while in the `false color’ tab.
The `false color’ exposure assistance tab

Touchscreen Controls

Screen Brightness Tap the `screen brightness’ icon and drag the slider to the left or right to adjust the brightness of your URSA Broadcast G2’s touchscreen.
The `screen brightness’ setting set to 50%.
ND Filter indicator
Your URSA Broadcast G2 has an ND filter indicator in the top left of the LCD touchscreen and any SDI outputs set to show status text. The indicator uses the format you’ve selected in the `setup’ menu.
ND filter setting indicator on your URSA Broadcast G2
NOTEYou can adjust the terminology used by the ND filter indicator to reflect the conventions you’re used to. The options are ND number, stops and fractions. You can set your preferred format in your URSA Broadcast G2’s `setup’ menu.
LUT indicator
A white icon will be visible on the LCD, front SDI or main SDI when `status text’ is switched on and you have a LUT applied to that output. If you are recording to Blackmagic RAW and have `Apply LUT in File’ switched on in the `Record’ settings the LUT icon will be blue.
The LUT icon lets you know that you have a LUT applied to the image
Frames Per Second
The `FPS’ indicator displays your currently selected frames per second.
URSA Broadcast G2’s frames per second indicator. Tap this to access frame rate settings
Tapping the `FPS’ indicator lets you change your camera’s sensor and project frame rates via a menu at the bottom of your LCD touchscreen.

Touchscreen Controls

Project frame rate The project frame rate is URSA Broadcast G2’s recording format frame rate and provides a selection of common frame rates used in the film and television industry. This frame rate is normally set to match your playback speed used in your post production workflow. Your Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 has 8 project frame rate settings including 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94 and 60 frames per second. To adjust your URSA Broadcast G2’s project frame rate while in the `FPS’ menu, tap the left or right arrows next to the current frame rate at the bottom left of your touchscreen. Alternatively, you can drag the slider left or right.
Tap the arrows on either side of the project frame rate or move the slider to make adjustments
TIPYour URSA Broadcast G2’s project frame rate also sets the frame rate of the front and main SDI outputs.
Sensor frame rate The sensor frame rate sets how many actual frames from the sensor are recorded every second. This frame rate will affect how fast or slow your video will play back at your set project frame rate.

With `off speed frame rate’ enabled, tap a preset or the arrows on either side of the sensor frame rate or move the slider to make adjustments
By default, your URSA Broadcast G2’s project and sensor frame rates are matched for a natural playback speed. However, by tapping the `off speed frame rate’ switch icon in the bottom right hand side of your URSA Broadcast G2’s `FPS’ menu, you can independently set your sensor frame rate. It’s worth mentioning that the `off speed frame rate’ option is only available when recording to Blackmagic RAW or ProRes codecs.
To change your sensor frame rate, tap the arrows next to the sensor frame rate indicator in the lower left of your touchscreen. You can also drag the slider left or right to increase or decrease the frame rate. Once you release the slider, the sensor frame rate will be selected. Above the slider, you can tap on a common off speed frame rate. These are based on your current project frame rate.

Touchscreen Controls

You can create dynamic and interesting speed effects in your clips by varying the sensor frame rate. Setting the sensor frame rate higher than your project frame rate will create slow motion during playback. For example, shooting with a 60 FPS sensor frame rate and playing back at a 24 FPS project frame rate creates slow motion at less than half the real speed of action. Alternatively, the lower your sensor frame rate, the faster your clips will appear. The principle is similar to overcranking and undercranking a film camera. Overcranking speeds up the sensor frame rate so you can stretch out moments in time during playback to enhance emotion. Undercranking slows down the sensor frame rate so you can increase the action in fast moving scenes. The creative possibilities are endless and entirely up to you!
For information on the maximum frame rates available for each recording format and codec, refer to the table in the `recording’ section of this manual.
NOTEWhen `off speed frame rate’ is selected your URSA Broadcast G2’s audio and video are no longer synced. This is true even if you set the same project and sensor frame rate. For this reason, `off speed frame rate’ should never be selected if you want to guarantee audio syncing.
Shutter
The `Shutter’ indicator displays your shu

Documents / Resources

Blackmagicdesign URSA Broadcast G2 Camera [pdf] Instruction Manual
URSA Broadcast G2 Camera, URSA, Broadcast G2 Camera, G2 Camera, Camera

References

User Manual

URSA Broadcast G2 Camera

Product Information: Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2

Specifications:

Product Usage Instructions:

Getting Started:

Storage Media:

Recording:

Playback:

URSA Broadcast G2 Connectors and Features:

Settings:

Entering Metadata:

Streaming Video:

Accessories:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: What storage media does the Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2
support?

Q: Can I record in Blackmagic RAW format?

Q: How do I connect the camera outputs for monitoring and
playback?

Q: What are the different control panels available on the
camera?

Q: How can I stream video using the Blackmagic URSA Broadcast
G2 camera?

Documents / Resources

References

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