In this COVID-19 reality, livestream presentations of products launches are the new norm. Last week during one such release, Blackmagic unveiled the 80MP URSA Mini Pro 12K, a megapixel-monster that can shoot 12K RAW video at up to 60fps on a Super 35mm image sensor. Also just announced, the Leica M10-R. Almost doubling the resolution of the 24-megapixel Leica M10, the “R” version is build around a new 40-megapixel sensor. Here are the details on both new cameras.

Blackmagic Design goes to 12K with the URSA Mini Pro

Now in its third generation, the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K, for just under $10,000, is built around a new 12,288 x 6,480 12K Super 35 image sensor. Blackmagic promises 14 stops of dynamic range and the ability to shoot up to 60 frames per second in 12K at 80 megapixels per frame. The 12K sensor provides equal amounts of red, green and blue pixels.

In-sensor scaling allows users to create 8K or 4K RAW video at up to 110 fps without cropping. And, Blackmagic RAW is so efficient that 12K video can be captured and edited on a laptop.

The URSA Mini Pro 12K is equipped with an interchangeable PL mount (EF and F mounts are also available). Users also have access to built-in ND filters and dual CFast and UHS-II SD card recorders as well as a SuperSpeed USB-C expansion port to connect and power external flash drives and SSDs.

“With Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K we have advanced imaging technology into a new generation where new styles of shooting will be possible,” said CEO Grant Petty. “It’s not just the 12K sensor, but there [are] so many other innovations in this camera, from the Generation 5 Color Science, the in sensor scaling, new symmetrical color pattern, full RGB quality and of course the 12K resolution, it’s going to be exciting to see what DOPs do creatively with this technology!”

Also check out the new Blackmagic Video Assist 3G ($495) and UltraStudio Recorder 3G ($115).

The new Video Assist 3G monitor/recorder comes with different screen sizes: a smaller 5-inch model and a larger 7-inch model. The idea behind them is to bring a more affordable alternative to Blackmagic’s Video Assist 12G models.

The UltraStudio 3G Recorder from enables you to capture or stream video from your camera or other SDI or HDMI source using your computer’s Thunderbolt connection. The recorder supports both YUV and RGB video resolutions up to 1080p60 via 3G-SDI or HDMI.

The Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K is available now for $9,995 and includes a copy of DaVinci Resolve Studio.

A video of the launch, along with a product demo, can be viewed here (fast-forward past the title screen).

blackmagicdesign.com

The Leica M10-R with 40-Megapixel Sensor

The latest addition to Leica’s rangefinder family is the M10-R. Almost doubling the resolution of the 24-megapixel Leica M10, the “R” version is build around a new 40-megapixel sensor. While the M10-R gains resolution it retains a relatively small footprint at about 3.2 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches and an easy-to-carry weight of approximately 1.5 pounds.

Other than the 40-megapixel sensor, one of the main differences between the M10 and  M10-R is the latter’s expanded maximum exposure time of 16 minutes (from four minutes), enhancing the camera’s capabilities for nighttime shooting. The base ISO is the same as its M10 sibling and ranges from 100 to ISO 50,000. Utilizing the same shutter mechanism as the M10-P, Leica promises quiet and minimal vibration shutter action. And, like the M10-P, the M10-R features a touch-sensitive LCD.

Even with its large file sizes, the M10-R can capture about 4.5 frames per second and is said to deliver lower noise levels and broader dynamic range.

The M10-R, which is available in black or black/silver chrome, can be purchased for $8,295.

us.leica-camera.com