Blackmagic Design URSA Broadcast G2
URSA Broadcast G2: lenses, recording and SDI output
Prepare an operated camera with URSA Broadcast G2: lens, support, signal and recording. Ask GLMedia about rental or purchase and technical scope.
Camera and configuration
To film an event or feed a camera to production, first define the shots and footage you need to retain. We can help evaluate the camera, lens, power and support, together with the format and camera operation and recording work.
URSA Broadcast G2 is a camera for live production and recording. Interchangeable mounts allow different workflows with B4 broadcast lenses and compatible cinema or stills lenses. The G2 name does not make it an URSA Mini Pro G2.
The physical sensor has 6144×3456 pixels, but the B4 mount uses a 4K window to match its optical coverage. Full-sensor use requires a suitable mount and lens; a file format does not correct insufficient coverage.
Main connections
- Video
- Separate main 12G-SDI output, SDI return input and HD monitoring output. Do not mistake the monitoring connector for the main UHD output.
- Lens and control
- A 12-pin broadcast connector serves compatible lenses, with electronic control through the EF mount where applicable. A B4 lens without a focus servo does not gain a motor when a remote control is connected.
- Audio and media
- Two XLR inputs with mic, line or AES settings; recording to CFast 2.0, SD UHS-II or external USB-C media. The update USB port differs from the recording data port.
Show use and alternatives
To record a concert or create material for later production, we can evaluate URSA Broadcast G2 with optics and support suited to the shot. First define whether you need the isolated camera recording, a production feed or both within the system. For program with camera cuts and graphics, we also evaluate switching and program recording; for a fixed remote shot, we can compare a PTZ solution.
Tell us the duration and what editing material you want delivered, even if the format is undecided. We can evaluate optics, media, offload, and copies while distinguishing isolated camera files from program. The proposal can include preparation, an operator, and delivery verification for the agreed coverage.
System requirements
Define mount, lens model and controls; compatible power, support rated for the complete assembly, monitoring and suitable SDI cabling. Identify viewfinder, battery, media and fiber converters separately in the actual package.
Choose codec, resolution, frame rate and sensor area before choosing media. A recognized card or drive does not guarantee sustained writing in every mode. Consult the current manufacturer list and test the complete mode before an important recording.
Agree on recording duration, required continuity, audio tracks and delivery format before sizing media and power. Also define how footage will be copied and verified afterward. If intercom, return or a fiber route is requested, identify accessories and compatibility to evaluate; do not infer them from the camera body name.
Basic preparation
- Record camera, firmware, mount, lens and media details; preserve existing settings. Check attachment, power and connections against their manuals before powering up.
- Select codec, resolution, project frame rate and sensor area. With B4, verify the appropriate UHD window and framing; do not assume full-sensor coverage.
- Check exposure, white balance, ND and focus using a reference. If focus shifts while zooming, check back focus using the procedure for that lens; Fuji LA16x8 BRM uses an electronic adjustment rather than a conventional ring.
- Configure the output actually feeding the switcher or recorder and compare format, frame rate and image processing. Check return, tally and control separately when included.
- Record and play back a test clip with picture and audio. Check dropped-frame warnings and remaining time. Back up footage before preparing or formatting media.
Use and troubleshooting questions
- A B4 lens produces dark edges. What should we check before adjusting the camera?
- Does 6K recording mean 6K SDI output?
- Why does remote control move zoom or iris but not focus?
- How do we choose a recording format for editing and the full show duration?
- Is renting or buying the body enough for a show-ready camera?
A B4 lens produces dark edges. What should we check before adjusting the camera?
First verify mount, lens and sensor area. The manual specifies UHD for Blackmagic RAW with B4 and a 4K sensor area for ProRes or H.264/H.265. That mount does not cover every sensor window.
If the mode is correct and the issue persists, document lens, focal length, aperture and firmware. Do not add mount shims based on forum advice: adjustment requires the exact assembly procedure and measurements.
In a pre-show test, record whether the edge changes with zoom, aperture or sensor area and preserve a reference clip. We can use that information to evaluate the optical combination before proposing another mount or service adjustment.
Does 6K recording mean 6K SDI output?
No. Internal recording and output standard are separate settings. The technical specifications list 6144×3456 Blackmagic RAW up to 50 fps with suitable optics, mode and media; published SDI standards reach UHD 2160p60.
Connect the destination to the main output and choose a format supported throughout the path. HD monitoring is not the UHD output and may use different viewing processing.
Why does remote control move zoom or iris but not focus?
Identify the lens electronic functions and each manual/servo setting. Focus control requires a compatible focus-servo lens and the corresponding connection.
Also check the controller, wiring and system setup. Do not blame firmware based on an isolated report; record versions and reproduce the test before planning changes.
How do we choose a recording format for editing and the full show duration?
Choose the editing workflow before the camera mode: ProRes and Blackmagic RAW involve different processing and delivery decisions. Constant-quality storage rates are indicative and vary with the scene; they cannot promise a universal recording duration.
We can evaluate codec, optics, media and copies against duration and delivery needs and test a clip in the editing system. If a review-ready copy or program recording is needed, we define that path and additional equipment in the proposal.
Is renting or buying the body enough for a show-ready camera?
The body does not define a complete operating kit. Agree on lens and mount, power, viewfinder or monitor, support, media, and audio. The manufacturer separates included items from optional accessories; the actual rental or purchase offer must identify its own package.
We can compare standalone recording with a camera integrated into live production. For live production, we also review the switcher feed, return, communication, control, and operator for the chosen path. Start with use, duration, and expected delivery so we can prepare alternatives before an accessory list is available.
Checks by symptom
| Symptom | Check | What it distinguishes |
|---|---|---|
| Dark edges | Lens, mount and sensor window. | Optical coverage versus file format. |
| Focus shifts when zooming out | Lens-specific back-focus test. | Optical adjustment versus an unresponsive control. |
| No SDI picture at the destination | Selected output, standard and complete cabling. | Main signal versus monitoring or return. |
| Dropped-frame warning | Mode, media and connection; inspect the clip. | Detected media versus validated sustained writing. |
Limits and precautions
The camera requires compatible DC power; the specified supply is rated 12 V and 100 W. This is supply capacity, not measured camera consumption or a runtime promise. Published operating temperature: 0–40 °C.
Do not enable phantom power without checking the connected device. Confirm audio levels and monitoring before recording.
The text manual consulted is dated June 2023 and may differ from later features. Compare every option with actual firmware; do not begin troubleshooting with updates, resets or formatting.
Sources and documentation
- Official page: mounts and sensor window
- Official model specifications
- Current manufacturer manual
- Manufacturer manual, June 2023: text reproduction
Lens instructions were checked against relevant sections of the reproduced manual text; current formats use the official technical specifications.
Long show recorded for editing
Show scenario
A prolonged take with usable audio is required, beyond the switched program alone.
A solution we can quote
We can prepare camera recording: lens, power, format, storage, audio, and offload. Agree which material is delivered and who verifies copies.
Another option to compare
Compare another supported recording mode for the edit workflow or compatible external recording after checking the system; neither alternative is assumed included.
Proposed acceptance check
Test the target duration and agreed margin using the intended mode and storage; check audio and file playback at the beginning, middle, and end after offload.
To prepare a proposal
Provide approximate duration, intended use, and available audio; format, capacity, power, and copies follow.
Does nominal card capacity guarantee the entire duration?
No. Mode and scene matter; constant-quality rates are indicative. Scope with margin and testing.
Does camera recording include editing and a finished piece?
Only if agreed. Recording, file organization, copies, and editing are separate deliverables to specify.
Manufacturer documentation
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