Blackmagic Design updated the software for its Ursa line-up, enabling the camera’s Bluetooth module, and released Blackmagic Camera Control, a free iPad app for remote control of the Ursa Mini Pro.
Based on an open protocol for the Ursa Mini Pro that Blackmagic showed at NAB 2017, Blackmagic Camera Control allows app users to control camera and lens settings, including power toggle, record trigger, metadata features and the camera’s built-in DaVinci Resolve color-correction. Communication can take place over distances of up to 30 feet, Blackmagic said.
Blackmagic Camera Control for iOS
Blackmagic Camera Control is unlikely to be the only remote control system available — the company is releasing the API and sample code for interacting with the new protocol later this summer. That will allow users and third-party providers to program their own camera-control software. “Customers are going to have the tools they need to build completely custom remote control solutions of their own design using the new Bluetooth support,” said Blackmagic Design CEO Grant Petty in a prepared statement.
Here’s the full list of features in Blackmagic’s Camera 4.4 update, as provided by the company.
New features for Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 4.6K
Enabled Bluetooth LE module in URSA Mini Pro.
Added pairing security passcode in URSA Mini Pro.
Added ability to control camera settings via Bluetooth.
Added ability to update metadata features via Bluetooth.
Added ability to control URSA Mini Pro’s DaVinci color corrector via Bluetooth.
Added ability to control camera’s lens via Bluetooth.
Added Bluetooth page in camera setup menu.
Added Preset record run timecode functionality.
Added automatic f-stop and T-stop detection for PL and B4 lenses.
Added iris, focus and zoom control for Canon 18-80mm T4.4 lens via EF mount.
Added record start/stop for Canon 18-80mm T4.4 with ZSG-C10 hand grip.
Added support for Canon 18-80mm T4.4 lens image stabilizer.
Improved lens functionality for EF, PL and B4 lenses.
Improved status LED functionality.
Improved slate functionality.
Fixed bug where focus peaking button did not function in playback.
Fixed bug where ProRes 422 color was misinterpreted in some applications.
Fixed bug where taking ‘Stills’ did not update used space in media status page.
Fixed bug where heads up display disappeared after turning off Color Bars.
Fixed bug where scaling on 4” display caused monitoring image artifacts.
Fixed user interface bug in media status page.
Fixed bug where XLR Phantom Power pad was displayed incorrectly.
Fixed bug where UI reported wrong power source when powering up unit.
Fixed bug where SD card icon did not appear on external status display.
Updated screen grabs and servo zoom lens information in URSA Mini Manual.
New features for URSA Mini 4.6K and 4K
Added safe area guides and false color options to heads up monitoring options.
Added automatic f-stop and T-stop detection for PL and B4 lenses.
Added iris control for Canon 18-80mm T4.4 lens via EF mount.
Added record start/stop for Canon 18-80mm T4.4 with ZSG-C10 hand grip.
Added support for Canon 18-80mm T4.4 lens image stabilizer.
Improved Zebras for URSA Mini 4K in low ISO’s when using Video dyanmic range.
Improved lens support for EF, PL and B4 lenses.
Improved slate functionality.
Improved Door LED functionality.
Fixed bug where ProRes 422 color was misinterpreted in some applications.
Updated screen grabs and servo zoom lens information in URSA Mini Manual.
New features for URSA Studio Viewfinder
Fixed bug in where URSA Studio Viewfinder attempted update to invalid software version in Blackmagic Camera Setup utility. Current software for URSA Studio Viewfinder is Camera 4.1.
