Netflix has announced the inclusion of the Blackmagic URSA Cinema Camera on its Approved Camera List.
This list sets standards and requirements for filmmakers, ensuring that at least 90% of a project is filmed with approved equipment to gain acceptance from the streaming giant.
With this addition, Blackmagic’s flagship large-format cinema camera is now recognized for producing official streaming content for Netflix.
Image Credit – Blackmagic Design
The Blackmagic URSA 17K Cinema Camera establishes a bold new benchmark for digital filmmaking, delivering an astonishing 17,520 x 8,040 resolution on a true 65mm large-format sensor.
This high resolution rivals 65mm film in both scale and image fidelity.
When paired with Blackmagic’s Gen 5 color science, it empowers cinematographers to create rich, immersive frames previously achievable only with IMAX and 70mm formats.
With 16 stops of dynamic range, the URSA Cine 17K 65 captures stunning detail, vibrant colors, and beautifully nuanced highlights and shadows, whether shooting sun-drenched vistas or dimly lit interiors.
Image Credit – Blackmagic Design
Beyond its impressive specifications, the URSA 17K is built for demanding production workflows.
The large sensor size enables cinematic depth of field and extensive lens coverage, making it ideal for narrative features, high-end streaming content, and VFX-heavy productions.
It supports both Blackmagic RAW and ProRes formats, giving filmmakers unmatched flexibility in compression efficiency and post-production options.
Furthermore, with support for high frame rates and global shutter technology, it excels in everything from smooth slow-motion shots to fast-paced action scenes.
Whether filming on location, in a virtual production environment, or using a large LED wall, the URSA 17K handles it all effortlessly.
Image Credit – Netflix
Getting on the Netflix Approved Camera List can be a challenging process.
Each camera undergoes rigorous real-world testing that includes resolution stress tests, dynamic range evaluations, color science analyses, and compression breakdown assessments to evaluate how the footage holds up under heavy grading and VFX.
If a camera doesn’t meet these strict standards, filmmakers can only use it for up to 10% of the overall principal photography.
Image Credit – Netflix
Consider a few important points: first, the URSA 17K must operate on CameraOS 9.5.3 or higher.
Additionally, Netflix advises that the camera defaults to reviewing proxy files unless specified in DaVinci Resolve 19.1.4.
Lastly, users must run version 1.6.1 of Blackmagic Cloud Store for the Blackmagic Media Dock.
Image Credit – Netflix
This development is highly significant. With the URSA 17K now Netflix-approved, both indie and studio filmmakers gain access to impressive power, delivering massive resolution, cinematic depth, and post-production flexibility that can compete with the best available cameras.
For Blackmagic, this milestone represents a noteworthy achievement; for creators, it opens the door to producing high-end stories for Netflix without needing a $100K rig.
[source: Netflix]
Order Links:
- Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65 Cinema Camera (B&H)
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