Blackmagic Design URSA Broadcast G2
URSA Broadcast G2: lenses, recording and SDI output
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Camera and configuration
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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.
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.
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 that lens procedure; 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.
Three technical questions
A B4 lens produces dark edges. Should I change resolution?
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.
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.
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
Accessed October 22, 2026. Lens instructions were checked against relevant sections of the reproduced manual text; current formats use the official technical specifications.