Blackmagic Design Launches the URSA Cine 12K LF as Camera Body Only

Blackmagic Design has set the cinema world abuzz with the announcement of the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF Body. It’s a more affordable version of its flagship model without the loaded accessories or hefty price tag. It’s priced at $6,995—less than half the $14,995 cost of the URSA Cine 12K. This new unit may look pared down, but it offers the same cutting-edge performance and quality. Designed for seasoned cinematographers and rental houses, this body-only model has been removed of shoulder mounts, handles, select lens mounts, battery plates, power supply, lenses, and its high-capacity 8TB media module, the idea being that users will be able to build the perfect tailored rig with their own existing gear. With this new release comes proof that you don’t always need to pay extra for manufacturer-bundled accessories when you don’t really need them.

Stripped Down Body, Same Standout Features

The good news is, the URSA Cine 12K LF Body is still a powerhouse of a cinema camera. Yes, it still comes with the same impressive specs as the 12K LF. Along with a massive 36 x 24mm RGBW sensor and insane 12,288 x 8,040 resolution, it also has 16 stops of dynamic range. That means it delivers every bit of detail in both highlights and shadows. Additionally, it has a standard EF lens mount (with optional mounts available if you need more flexibility). And even has an upgraded CFexpress media module for high-speed recording (more on that later). It also supports Blackmagic RAW, has built-in ND filters, and offers exceptional frame rates. It can go up to 80 FPS in 12K, 140 FPS in 8K, and 240 FPS in 4K. And let’s not forget the network storage with 10G Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Blackmagic Cloud global sync.

Key Features of the Blackmagic Design URSA Cine 12K LF Camera Body

When choosing such a high-performance body, it’s essential to consider features that enhance image quality, flexibility, and workflow efficiency. Here’s an overview of the URSA Cine 12K LF Body:

• Cinematic large-format, full-frame 12K sensor with a massive 16 stops of dynamic range.
• Lightweight, robust camera body with industry standard connections.
• Locking EF mount included with optional LPL or PL mount available separately.
• Blackmagic RAW for real time 12K, 9K, 8K and 4K editing.
• Generation 5 Color Science with new film curve.
• High performance OLPF for reduced moiré and aliasing.
• Built-in ND filters for shooting in varying conditions.
• Shoots up to 80 fps in 12K, 144 fps at 8K and 240 fps at 4K.
• Includes CFexpress media module with dual CFexpress card slots.
• Recording media modules are compatible with the Blackmagic Media Dock.
• High-speed Wi-Fi, 10G Ethernet or mobile data for network connections.
• Built-in RTMP and SR-T live streaming
• Optional Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF can be purchased separately.
• Accessories and EVF that match the URSA Cine design can be purchased separately.
• Includes a full DaVinci Resolve Studio license for postproduction.

If you want to grab the full cine kit or the kit that comes with the EVF mount, see below.

(Read the full rundown of the Blackmagic Design URSA Cine 12K LF Camera Body’s tech specs here.)

The Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF Body — What’s New, Different or the Same

Same Full Frame, 12K Sensor Powerhouse

Beyond the many highlights and features mentioned above, the star of this show is the full frame 12K sensor that is a signature of the flagship, and in this version, you’re getting it at half the price! Blackmagic designed the sensor with a multi-scale architecture and symmetrical color filters that enable in-sensor scaling—meaning you get top-tier image quality at whatever resolution you choose. It’s built on years of experience with DaVinci Resolve, fine-tuned for high-performance filmmaking and seamless integration with Blackmagic Cloud workflows.

With this sensor, cinematographers have access to serious flexibility. Shoot in 12K for visual effects dominant work, drop to 8K or 4K for documentaries or lower data rates, or crop in for a deeper depth of field—all while using the full sensor. And if frame rates matter to you, they’ve got that covered too. You can hit 224 fps in 8K 2.4:1, 144 fps in 8K 3:2 open gate, or push up to 120 fps in 12K 2.4:1. Even at full 12K 3:2 open gate, you’re still getting a solid 80 fps.

Customizable Modular Design

As previously mentioned, the body-only version excludes the shoulder mount, top handle, battery plate, power supply, 8TB media module, and multiple lens mounts that come with the full kit. This allows users to customize their setup according to their existing equipment. Of course, if buyers don’t already have these cinema accessories, there is the option to buy them through Blackmagic, but keep in mind, the more you add on, the closer you get to the price of the full camera unit!

Storage Options

Instead of the 8TB media module on the 12K LF full kit, the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF Body is equipped with a more standard solution—a dual CFexpress media module, allowing users to record directly onto industry-standard CFexpress cards—so you can, let’s say, still shoot with the same cards you use for the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K or Pyxis 6K. These high-speed cards can deliver the same reliability and performance needed to capture uncompressed 12K footage, keeping professional productions running smoothly. And even with CFexpress cards, footage syncs seamlessly to Blackmagic Cloud for easy remote collaboration and secure backups. Additionally, the camera features a high-speed 10G Ethernet connector on the back, allowing direct access to stored footage over a network—which allows for fast file transfers without the need to remove media cards.

Lens Mount Options, Standard Connections

The Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF Body model comes with an installed EF lens mount. Other interchangeable mounts, such as PL and LPL versions, can be purchased separately as needed.

This model also includes industry standard Lemo and Fischer connections used for power, audio and control signals, and ensure compatibility with professional film accessories like external recorders, battery plates, lens control systems, and timecode sync devices.

Who Should Buy the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF Body and Why?

This model is ideal for filmmakers and DPs who want to upgrade to the URSA Cine platform because they need 12K resolution but don’t want to overspend, especially when many of them already own a lot of the accessories that come bundled into the full kit. And this body-only version also supports live streaming, has a built-in low-pass optical filter for improved imaged fidelity, and integrates well with the DaVinci Resolve video editing program for a streamlined postproduction workflow. Indie filmmakers, documentary creators, or any production team or rental house looking to achieve cinematic quality without the high cost will appreciate this unit. It’s suitable for a variety of genres, from narrative films to music videos and corporate projects. It’s also perfect for cinematographers and content creators who need versatility and high resolution.

Other Blackmagic Cameras to Consider

It’s been confirmed—the URSA Cine 12K LF Body is a standout at an insane price. It packs all the power and range of the flagship Cine 12K, but without all the unwanted extra accessories. That said, depending on need and budget, Blackmagic has another cinema camera you might want to explore. The URSA Mini Pro 12K offers more built-in features and costs about $6,385 (depending on where you buy it from). It has a Super 35mm 12K sensor, a Dynamic Range of 14 stops, Frame Rates of 12K at 60 fps; 8K at 120 fps; 4K at 240 fps, and an interchangeable lens mount (a PL mount comes standard; EF and B4 mounts are available to buy).

In terms of usage, the URSA Mini Pro 12K is great for high-resolution projects, such as feature films or large-format scenarios where detailed imagery and flexibility in post-production are priorities.

Don’t need all that resolution that comes at 12K? The PYXIS 6K Cinema Box Camera and the Blackmagic Cinema 6K are worth a look, both released within the last two years. Again, your choice largely depends on your resolution needs as well as the need for extra features, budget limitations (or lack thereof) and usage considerations.

Final Thoughts

Even without the bundled accessories of its flagship, the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF Body is still a powerhouse of a cinema camera—no corners cut, no compromises—making it ideal for high-end film production. It has a massive 36 x 24mm RGBW sensor with an insane 12,288 x 8,040 resolution; 16 stops of dynamic range deliver every bit of detail in both the highlights and the shadows; it ships with a standard EF lens mount, but optional PL and LPL mounts are available; and an upgraded CFexpress media module for high-speed recording is compatible with many customers existing workflows. It’s an exciting release for filmmakers, signaling that you don’t always need a bloated Hollywood budget to create something powerful. What more could you ask for at half the price?!