Blackmagic Camera 8.5 Public Beta Released – URSA Broadcast G2 Proxy Recording, Direct Cloud Upload

Blackmagic Design have released a new public beta software update for their cameras, Blackmagic Camera 8.5, focusing mainly on the Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 and the Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder. Let’s see what’s new!

Two years ago, Blackmagic Design released the Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2. When we looked at its specs, we concluded that “the camera feels like a Pocket 6K Pro in a URSA body with additional broadcast features” and is targeted at broadcast productions. Now, the company has added new features to the camera with this public beta software update.

New features in a beta flavor

The Blackmagic Camera 8.5 focuses on the Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2, adding interesting features that fit the camera’s purpose in a broadcast environment. For example, the update allows uploading clips to Blackmagic Cloud and DaVinci Resolve projects. It also adds proxy recording for Blackmagic RAW and ProRes. As broadcast usually deals with longer content, having the option to record in proxy mode is helpful when dealing with big files, and we need speed in postproduction. 

Below is the list of changes from the Blackmagic site:

• Improved SDI output latency.
• Adds media pool file browser.
• Adds Blackmagic Cloud clip uploads.
• Adds direct uploads to DaVinci Resolve projects.
• Adds proxy recording for Blackmagic RAW and ProRes.
• Adds Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) streaming protocol.
• Adds the ability to update and manage the camera via ethernet.
• Adds REST control API for remote control.
• Adds login and secure certificate support.
• Adds network time protocol support.
• Adds web media manager support.
• Adds file transfer protocol support.
• Adds selective tally color setting.
• Adds SMB file-sharing support.
• Improved lens compatibility.

Blackmagic reminds users this is still a beta update, so be aware of its proxy and streaming limitations and issues. For example, time-lapse recordings don’t generate proxy files, so we must create them in DaVinci Resolve. Furthermore, Cloud uploads will pause during streaming. Another issue is AV sync will be out on SDI outputs when selecting H.264 or H.265 as a recording format. For a complete list of problems and limitations, check Blackmagic’s site here.

A minor update for the Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder also improves the ISO tally color from orange to yellow. 

Where to download

The Blackmagic Camera 8.5 update can be installed for free via the Blackmagic Camera Setup software here.

Please remember that it is safe practice to export your presets and LUTs before updating them since they will be deleted during the process. 

What do you think of this update? Do you consider these improvements beneficial for your workflow? Let us know in the comments below!